Fixing the battery comp box?
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 26,563
Likes: 29
From: Northridge California
St. Jude Donor '14
Re: Fixing the battery comp box? (sdixon21)
i read your other post, bummer....wouldn't it almost be worth it to buy a new storage compartment unit?
'74 l-48 4 speed coupe
'74 l-48 4 speed coupe
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 2
From: Des Moines Iowa
Re: Fixing the battery comp box? (sdixon21)
I recall another forum member having almost the same thing happening to him/his vette maybe a year ago. Seem to recall that he posted his fix along with pictures, and believe he used fiber-glass matting and mixture.
You might find something by checking archives.
When members complete such a project, wish they'd also post in the 'Tech Tips' section, then it'd stay there.
You might find something by checking archives.
When members complete such a project, wish they'd also post in the 'Tech Tips' section, then it'd stay there.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Re: Fixing the battery comp box? (sdixon21)
I'll be doing this job, too. Figured I'd just slap some glas puddy there and smooth it out, maybe with a little matting. Not high on my list, but any other suggestions will help.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,173
Likes: 3,982
From: Connecticut, USA
Re: Fixing the battery comp box? (sdixon21)
I replaced a complete bottom battery box a couple of months ago. Mine was completely gone so I called Gary Gruhala and had him send me a complete box out of a wrecked car. I cut it to fit then ground both side with a 60 grit wheel and used fiberglass mat and resin. I started on the inside and once it was hardened I ground into the repair area and applied mat to the outside. Then grind smooth and build up as needed. For the exterior I used Evercoat #27 body filler to top coat it then ground smooth and painted it with POR15 semi gloss. Came out pretty good and is still holding the battery up.
It looks like you have just a corner to fill and a crack to repair? Use a hack saw or saber saw and cut up the crack, then grind both sides and use the glass mat not the cloth. For the hole use some cardboard and wax paper to make up a form to back up the hole then start layering the glass.
Once you get the hang of mixing the resin it's not bad,it should dry in about 15 minutes,also get a roller to roll out the air bubbles and blend in the glass mat. McMaster Carr sells them for about $15 just be sure to have acetone on hand to clean up afterwards.
Gary
It looks like you have just a corner to fill and a crack to repair? Use a hack saw or saber saw and cut up the crack, then grind both sides and use the glass mat not the cloth. For the hole use some cardboard and wax paper to make up a form to back up the hole then start layering the glass.
Once you get the hang of mixing the resin it's not bad,it should dry in about 15 minutes,also get a roller to roll out the air bubbles and blend in the glass mat. McMaster Carr sells them for about $15 just be sure to have acetone on hand to clean up afterwards.
Gary
