Leaking Battery Cleanup
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 545
Likes: 4
From: Calgary Alberta
Leaking Battery Cleanup
Just bought a used 03/Z06 and found that it had suffered from the infamous leaky battery syndrom. I've removed the tray and cleaned all residue from the battery that failed. Two things will need to be done though, first I need to replace the speed nuts that secure the battery tray to the tray riser. Secondly the finish on the frame member below the tray where the tray riser is attached/welded has come off. I'd like to recoat this area but I'm not certian what the factory uses. Is it some sort of undercoating? It appears to be too thick to be just paint. Does anyone know what it is and what have others used to refinish this area?
Last edited by PEERPSI; Sep 7, 2010 at 07:06 AM. Reason: spelling
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 159
Likes: 9
From: Greenville NC
Just bought a used 03/Z06 and found that it had suffered from the infamous leaky battery syndrom. I've removed the tray and cleaned all residue from the battery that failed. Two things will need to be done though, first I need to replace the speed nuts that secure the battery tray to the tray riser. Secondly the finish on the frame member below the tray where the tray riser is attached/welded has come off. I'd like to recoat this area but I'm not certian what the factory uses. Is it some sort of undercoating? It appears to be too thick to be just paint. Does anyone know what it is and what have others used to refinish this area?
Ss far as the paint / undercoating, I'm not sure, but I do know that por15 is nothing short of amazing when it comes to covering bare metal whether it is corroded or not. That would handle the issue of future corrosion best, then you can put whatever you like over that whether it be undercoating or just more paint that best matches the factory. hope this is helpful
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 628
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From: Columbia SC
As I'm sure you know, the area beneath the battery has some very important electrical components and wiring. Make sure the acid didn''t make it that far or you may experience truly nightmarish problems.
Parts stores sell various brands/types of "undercoating in a can" that may reproduce what has been damaged on your frame. Good luck.
Parts stores sell various brands/types of "undercoating in a can" that may reproduce what has been damaged on your frame. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 545
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From: Calgary Alberta
Thanks for the replies. Baking soda and flooding have been done. The condensor or evaporator, not sure which, appears un harmed as do the wiring. There was very little residue and it appeard to have already been hit with baking soda. The finish appears to thick and pliable to be paint so I may go with the undercoat in a can idea. What I will likely do is spray into a can and then apply with a brush. I don't want to get it on the AC unit.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,123
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From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
Thanks for the replies. Baking soda and flooding have been done. The condensor or evaporator, not sure which, appears un harmed as do the wiring. There was very little residue and it appeard to have already been hit with baking soda. The finish appears to thick and pliable to be paint so I may go with the undercoat in a can idea. What I will likely do is spray into a can and then apply with a brush. I don't want to get it on the AC unit.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 157
Likes: 2
From: Santa Ana California
I second the POR-15. I had the same problem 3 years ago. It sounds like you already have everything apart but it will be easier if you can also get the car up, either on jack stands or ramps. The frame will be stripped underneath as well. The POR-15 is a two step process that created a super hard coating on the frame. It's not too hard, just a little time consuming.
Mine also had damage to the plastic vacuum lines that control the HVAC. I had to replace 3 or 4 sections of it.
Good Luck!
Mine also had damage to the plastic vacuum lines that control the HVAC. I had to replace 3 or 4 sections of it.
Good Luck!
