Has anyone ever replaced their battery tray in their fbody? Im surprised my battery was even still in the car considering the rust hole under neath it.

Any tips on how to do a fix? Does GM or anyone else sell a replacement piece. I think I heard somewhere that the tray is removable and you just need to weld in a new piece. Any help????

 

The original is spot welded in. I don't know if anyone offers a new replacement, but you might want to check with Year One or Classic Industries. If no luck there, call Bruce Hawkins at Hawk's Third Gen (864-855-2694); he could probably cut one out of a wreck for you. They should be fairly easy to drill out and reweld.

 

Thanks for the tip. How hard will it be to remove the original...I would guess just chizeling it out?

I'll check into Year One. Thanks.

 

I'd reccomend using a spot weld cutter, available from the Eastwood Company and most tool suppliers. That way you'll do less damage to the car taking it out.

 

never heard of one but I'll look into it. I just got a new house and Im trying to get my garage in order. Sounds like a tool Im going to need.

Thanks again man. Your a big help. I hope I can fix this problem.

Later,
bill

 

Just remenber that the original battery tray is part of the front fender support. So I would be carefull how I take it out and put the replacement in.

 

i would patch the hole and then put some heavy duty rust sealant on it and then spray paint it black..

i would trust myself to cut my car at least that is what i would do!!

 

I removed both of my battery trays for weight reduction, looks, and a cold air intake when I painted the engine bay last summer. (My battery is in the back) I simply drilled out the spot welds, chiseled out the rusty trays, ground the edges smooth ruberized coated the inner bumper and fender, and reprimed and painted it all. The same methods can be applied to removing your existing battery trays for replacement. They are supposed to be removable/replaceable. You should be able to aquire them through classic industries or your chevy dealor. Just tack weld a new one back into place.

 

Mines starting to rust so i was gonna poke out all the rust grind it back down to bare metal and weld a piece of galvenized steel over it and prime paint ect then put a battery tray over the new peice so it'll last longer (hopefully)

 

thanks for all the tips. I could just do a quick fix but I since I no longer daily drive my firebird I am garaging it to do a full (or to my best ability) resto of the car. I would like to make it respectable enough to show. at least thats my intention.

I will try and get a correct replacement and remove the old and put in the new.

Thanks again.

 

Poor baking soda on it. It will fizz up and neutralize the battery acid.

 

Use bondo, It's the only way to go! j/k