Tom454

Removed the battery & tray to get access to buggered up wiring and found the battery tray has issues. The top inner bolt and sleeve are severely acid corroded (see pic). The sleeve rust expanded so much that it split the battery tray. Maybe you can catch yours before it does this.

Joe C

had the same issue on my 85. I removed the battery tray, and separated the sleeves from the tray. I bead blasted the inner and outer surfaces of the sleeves, and sleeve tray cavities, and used JB weld to repair and fill the cracks, and for reassembly. I coated and sealed the sleeves with a couple coats of POR-15, and replaced the OE fasteners with stainless hex head bolts with stainless washers (as I recall, the originals were steel, flange head bolts). I was able to salvage my original tray.

seems that water drains from the screened windshield washer linkage cavity via a drain tube that is in close proximity the rear of the tray. water collects (and i'm guessing along with acid fumes), and reacts over time with the plain steel hardware. the way the tray is formed, there is a natural cavity that traps water. during final assembly, I re-directed the drain away from the rear of the tray.

yours however looks to be a lot worse than mine. good luck with any repairs -

BTW, the stainless bolts I used were M6-1.0 X 45. if you would like, PM with your mailing info and i'll send you a couple -

Tom454

I tried to knock the sleeves out of the tray but they didn't cooperate. I didn't want to do more damage so brushed them with Rust Oleum damp proof red and left it. I believe I might have the SS fasteners in my shop. Thanks. Does anybody sell a new tray?

Joe C

i'm thinking new OEM trays have been discontinued, and don't think repros are available. I have seen them (used) on fleabay. you could also do a WTB on C4 parts.

VikingTrad3r

thnx tom. im going over my 87 this winter and will look for this

Joe C

VT3 - I would say most C4's have this issue. most likely, issues like this get overlooked.

hcbph

Happened to have the tray out last spring on my 86. Did not see an issue with mine thankfully.