1982 300CD Rust Battery Tray Repair
 

Hello,

I recently acquired an 82 300CD that I am trying my best to bring back on the road. Am dealing currently with some rust and holes under the battery tray. Have attached some pictures.

What would be the best way to fix these holes? I understand that welding here is difficult and on top of that I don’t have a good welder or the skills (could pay someone but car is not running).

Some people have said fiberglass patches?

Any help would be appreciated. Am located in the Hamilton, Ontario area if someone has the skills and is local to do it. Would pay the necessary rate.

Pictures

That area should be welded for structural strength. Second best would be to get a cut from a donor car and glue it in with adhesive used to attach quarter panels. I would NOT do anything other than weld in the area where the sway bar mounts. Make sure the battery is properly vented to prevent a repeat.

Will be on the search for patch panels from a donor car, although my feeling is that this will be tough to find as this is a common rust spot.

Have also seen fabricated patch panels placed with rivets and glue, any merit to this or is it a hack job?

Rivets in a structural area isn't for me. If the sway bar mount is rusted welding a patch panel fabricated or from a donor is the solution. For a floor I'd consider quarter panel adhesive for small patches. Floors are also structural.

Good luck!!!