Battery area cleanup

[fritzgator]

Any suggestions for a cleaning solution to clean up battery region? it's an 83 SC w/ very little surface rust on washer pump mount, battery hold down and around cond. blower. Other than that just a little oxidation here and there.

Thanks
Fritzgator

[boxster03]

I think a solution of baking soda and water neutralizes the battery acid.

[rs6er]

You can also buy foam in a spray can at auto parts stores for this.

[3.2 CAB]

Just a little warning about using baking soda, you need to make sure that you flush or rinse the areas where you use it, because if any of the baking soda residue is left there, being it is a "Base - high PH" it can cause corrosion/oxidation, just as well as an "acid - low PH" can. So it does need to be flushed very, very well. It will neutralize spilled battery acid, and remove the battery acid corrosion. Just remember to flush out well. Good luck!!

[silverc4s]

Some years back, I had the dreaded battery acid damage / corrosion problem in a longhood car. 1969 targa to be exact. I decided to go to an Optima battery after the cleanup.

This is what I did, that held up well for years..
1. Remove everything that can be easily removed; like the spare, batteries, washer tank, etc.
2. make sure the drain holes are open, a sunny day is good as well. The hotter the better.
3. Get the car in an area where an alkalai drain water will not do any damage. Heading to a storm drain will be fine.
4. I used the following chemicals:
*Baking Soda, about 3 boxes and a nice medium size scrub brush.
**Muriatic Acid diluted (a pool chemical that will CLEAN metal of all oils, etc.) USE RUBBER GLOVES & SAFETY GLASSES
***Cold Galvanize in a spray can, two cans will do the entire nose of the trunk.
****Black Paint in a rattle can, or whatever finish you have/desire to have there.

5. Clean the area, first with the scrub brush & baking soda/water solution. Get in every nook & cranny. WEAR SAFETY GLASSES. If you have an air compressor, you can use it to blow out the corners, etc..

6. RUBBER GLOVES & SAFETY GLASSES ON! When the area is clean & dry brush on the M Acid in all the bare areas. Flush with lots of water when done.Towel dry using rags you don't care about...This will create a very open surface for the Cold Galvy. It will rust overnight after this treatment, so you should go to the next step asap.

7. As soon as the surface is clean & dry, AND you have masked off any areas that you do not want to be painted; apply the cold galvanize in a couple of light to medium coats. Let this dry really well prior to painting.

8. When the Zinc stuff is completely dry, spray over with your finish paint, black, or body color, or whatever you are using.

I did this as described, and it held up for at least 5 years that I know of.