00Max00

I'm a newbie here try to seek some help.
The acid from the bettery spill over the battery compartment and the surrounding area of my 2k Max, cause the paint of the stained surface peel off and rusted the sheet metal under. What the consequent will be If I don't have the rusted area repainted? Is it nessary to have it repaired? How much the repir cost will be? Thanks in advance.

SEmy2K2go

iTrader: (10)

I'd be more concerned with the battery itself. I'd check that out first and worry about the tray once you figure out whats going on with the battery.

MrGone

iTrader: (30)

Once you do get it repaired, a few times a year (abit excessive, but I tend to go overboard on maintence type of stuff) just clean the area around the battery (i normally do a 2-3'x3' area) with a baking soda/water mix. It neutralizes the acids and prevents oxidation/rust.

00Max00

Yes, I have replaced the battery. But the sheet metal there is already rusted. I cleaned the damaged paint and rust from the surface that I was able to reach. I know there was other damaged paint out there I cannot see but the acid fluid could reach. I have no idea if the sheet metal around battery compartment would finally be rusted through and endanger the drivability if I fail to take care of it. Do you guys know what the cost will be to repaint all the damaged area? I appreciate your reply!

† ErV †

get 80 and 200 grit sand paper and sand it down to bare metal. then prime it and paint before the whole thing eats itself next winter.

Larrio

iTrader: (10)

i had the same problem


i went to nissan, bought a new OEM battery tray. Then I did what evilroads said, sand it down, wash it with baking soda/water mix, and then primered with rust proof primer and paint with engine enamel

00Max00

Wow! The picture shows exact the same problem as if it was taken from my car! How did you remove the battery tray from the chassis? I tried to remove it but with no success. How hard to do the job? I don't want to break something. I would appreciate it if you don't mind to tell me the process in detail! Thanks for your help!

Larrio

iTrader: (10)

its actually quite easy. The red arrows are the bolts holding the battery tray down. Mine were severely rusted, but i managed to get it out.

the battery itself is held down by a tie, which you can figure out for yourself but also the positive cable (green) is held in place by a clip



btw, when u reply to my post... don't link the picture. It takes up too much bandwidth by repeating the same pic over and over

00Max00

Nice diagram! BTW, you spay the paint on or using a brush?

00Max00

Other question I have is how to remove the clip holding the positive cable, just pull it out? Thanks!

Larrio

iTrader: (10)

the clip is held on by a tab, you'll understand when you take a look at it. I ended up breaking mine, but its not big deal.

as for the paint, I masked down the entire engine bay really well after sanding it down and sprayed primer then paint. I still had some over spray though, so be very careful

00Max00

Thank you very much for your help.

Larrio

iTrader: (10)

no prob. the org at its best

ZIPPIN

iTrader: (32)

oh my gawd...i just

00Max00

I repainted the whole thing today, but still had some uncovered rusted area that I couldn't reach. Now only hope it won't be too bad sevral years after.

Larrio

iTrader: (10)

try to let the paint rest/cure for a day or two before putting everything back in.... thats the best method

00Max00

Thanks for your advices. Unfortunately, I was such an inexperienced painter tried to put the battery tray back in 4 hours after. You can imagine what the result will be. I then repainted the damaged area again. What a mess! Now I learnt enough to be a better painter. I still a little worry about the unpainted rust area I can't reach. Did you paint all the damaged area?

Larrio

iTrader: (10)

i painted most of it.... but then i found out that the rust is coming from the bottom too. the battery acid most likely did the same in your car... traveling down due to gravity.

take a look from underneath your car

00Max00

Yes I know, this is what I am worry about, because there's no way for me to fix everything and eventually the sheet metal will be rusted through from inside out. This is why I want to know if any body shop can thoroughly fix the problem at a reasonable price, but with no answer. The Nissan dealer refused the repair said that would cost a lot and had no warranty. Have you painted the bottom?

Larrio

iTrader: (10)

i haven't got to the bottom, i've been too busy. I plan to do one weekend to take off the bumper, headlight, and accessories to get good access to everything.

bodyshop would charge alot of labor to take things out of your engine compartment