I have some rust in the battery area on an '86 Carrera. Also, thoughts on a tray?
 

I pulled my battery out a couple of weeks ago and found a few things I wasn't happy with.

- The previous owner put an Optima Yellowtop in which is nice and all. However, since it didn't work with the factory hold down clips, he used a couple of self tapping screws and drove them right into the body through the battery base.:mad:
- There's also an area of about 3" in diameter that's rusted, though luckily it's not too deep.

For the rust, I'll scrape away the factory rubberized coating as much as needed, buzz off the rust, prime with cold galv compound and then paint with black epoxy. I'll also fill in the holes from the screws.

The next question is, does anyone have any bright ideas on a battery tray? I'm thinking of getting some polyethylene (like a cutting board) and making something out of that but I'll need to anchor it.

The cheap easy way is to find a piece of rubber roofing material Used for flat roofs. You can stightly heat heat it with a propane torch to allow it to stick to the metal. Buy the right size battery so you can use the stock hold down and rods.

Or

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1324413158.jpg

I'd also soak the area with some h2O/Baking soda to neutralize any residual acid.

I fully plan on doing that.

drcoastline, nice idea with the roofing membrane. I already have some of that on hand too, though I think I'll use my electric heat gun.

I'm also in need of a good solution for this as I have a similar problem.

POR15 it not normal paint.

Por15, +1

I'm not worried about fixing the rust. I'm more after battery tray solutions.

Thinking about the roofing membrane idea a bit more, I'm not totally sure I like the idea of gluing something to that. If I don't get all the rust, reoccur and I' wouldn't be able to see it. I think I'd prefer some sort of battery tray that I can remove for inspection. I'm going to keep thinking about this one though.

As for POR15, I'm not a big fan of phosphoric acid type anti rust treatments. I've used a number of them and I've had better luck with the technique I mentioned above. That is, mechanically remove all rust, prime with cold galvanizing compound and then paint. The typical paint I'll use is spray on black epoxy. This technique assumes it doesn't have to be too pretty of course. I've done hitch receivers using this technique and 10 years later, they looked great while the one on the same car with the factory finish had holes rusted in it.

That said, I'll take the POR15 recommendation under advisement.

if you search "optima battery tray" on ebay you will find a number of different solutions...I believe some would allow the use of the factory retaining system. Optima batteries won't leak so I like them..also red top is probably better for our application

I bought an inexpensive tray from another dealer that uses the factory clamping system and almost disappears when installed.

PabloX you don't want to heat the roof material to the point it melts (like it is supposed to) just enough so it is tacky then it will adhere but you can pull it off by hand. The idea is it will put a barrier between the battery and the paint. ( also, when I said sticks to metal I really should have said sticks to the paint). Also as for rust treatment. Mechanically remove the rust as you stated. 962Porsche on the paint and body forum of this site recommends SEM Rustshield. It is chromated and will help prevent further rusting. The SEM is a dead match for the semi gloss finish Porsche uses on the floor pans and various other parts when mixed 1 part SEM to 8 parts hardener.

Is this a rattlecan product or are you mixing and then spraying with a gun? I searched for rattlecan epoxy earlier this fall and came up empty handed...

There is also marine grade battery boxes hold downs.

The black box version can be used with a standard battery. Find the location of your mounting holes and drill a hole through the bottom of the box use a bolt to hold the box in place. Put some silicanoe around the washer to make a seal. Drop the battery in. Of course an optima won't leak but if you use a standard battery now if it does the acid will be contained in the box. You could always cut the box down to about 1/2 it's height for better appearance.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1324437700.jpg

Or one of these marine grade hold downs. But they don't offer any protection from acid leaks.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1324437755.jpg

Just some thoughts.

Do a search on "Optima". You fill find a template you can print along with hole locations that will work with the cutting board method. Very easy and secure hold down.

Not trying to hijack this thread but I have a question about the battery trays for the Optima red tops. Are the ones similar to the one in the link below sufficient for a DE event or do you need something like straps too?

Optima Battery Mounting Tray Kit for 74-89 Porsche 911 | eBay

It should work. It is the same concept as the cutting board method and I have passed 2 DE inspections with no questions asked.

Ok, thanks! I have the cutting board but didn't know if it would pass DE inspection. Just thought I'd ask in case it would influence anyone's decision one way or another.

Sorry for the late reply on this one.

This is what I've used and the black is a good enough match for the black paint in hidden areas. It's certainly not something I'd use if I really wanted it to look pretty.

RustOleum.com

Thanks. I'll look into that.

This is what I would use as well.

Then get a sealed battery and be done with it!