Battery Tray Restoration? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Bryan Harter · #1 03-03-2004, 02:29 PM

Anyone have tips on the best way to restore this battery tray.
An old battery must have leaked at one time. The car itself is fine but the tray and clamp are pretty messed up. I think the tray is about $60 w/clamp.

I was thinking of sandblasting then using some type of rust preventative paint and possibly a dip in a liquid rubber solution.

Or should I just buy new?

Thanks for any ideas.

ke6dcj · #2 03-03-2004, 03:12 PM

For $60, you get a new one with a 1-year warranty. Seems rational to me, depending on what you think your time is worth, plus materials.

Of course, if you like sand-plasting, and powder-coating (I'd prefer an expoxy paint myself that's acid resistant) and you're not in a hurry, go for it.

:-) neil

dmorrison · #3 03-03-2004, 05:59 PM

POR 15 will take care of this.

http://www.por15.com/

My sons 65 Mustang is covered in this stuff.

Or sandblast it and use a good epoxy primer then paint. Then place one of the battery acid absorbsion mats under the battery.

Dave

Bryan Harter · #4 03-03-2004, 06:01 PM

Neil,
I agree with you, the time involved would not be worth it.
I can't really improve much on the OEM setup.

placo1 · #5 03-03-2004, 06:51 PM

Bryan,

I agree with Neil, the battery tray isn't expensive and is exactly the same as your original in appearance. I changed mine out some time last year I think.

Try to reuse your original nuts which have the gold cadmium plating and red paint, the new ones have a blueish zinc coating and no red paint. Of course this only matters if you want to get the car 100% original, otherwise there's no difference. The new clamp is identical to the original so no problems with that. make sure to neutralize your battery with some baking soda and wipe it clean before reinstalling otherwise moisture can cause more problem in the future.

Bryan Harter · #6 03-08-2004, 08:33 PM

Afshin,

Once again the MB replacement parts aren't quite the same as the parts they replace.....my tray did not come with a rubber strip that was on the bottom of the old one. No part # for it on any diagrams....
Not sure if I should try and make one or salvage the one I've got...
I still want to either epoxy paint it or rubber coat it. (Eastwood Co.) The finish is scratched in a few places, but very minor. I don't think the paint is anything more than a enamel, so it would be good to get some other coating on it.

Did you have the same issue with yours?

Thanks,

placo1 · #7 03-08-2004, 08:46 PM

Very odd, my tray matched my old one exactly. I changed mine over a year ago so it's possible they changed it within the last year. Can you post a picture of what is missing? Man this is getting depressing.

Bryan Harter · #8 03-09-2004, 08:21 AM

The part is the identical stamping, the only difference is the lack of a rubber strip on the bottom....I will post a picture, gotta recharge the camera first.
I think I can make my own using urethane but I am a bit frustrated by it.

Bryan Harter · #9 03-09-2004, 08:37 AM

Or sandblast it and use a good epoxy primer then paint. Then place one of the battery acid absorbsion mats under the battery.

Where might one find such a thing? Also, any recommendations on brands or sources for good epoxy paints?

Thanks,

placo1 · #10 03-09-2004, 10:55 AM

Griots (www.griotsgarage.com) sells the battery mats you're looking for. I know there are other sources but this is the first that comes to mind.

As far as expoxy paint, how about black brake caliper paint? If it's designed for the nasty brake environment I'd imagine it would hold up well on a battery tray.