Battery compartment showing its age -- still safe?

[Keith M.]

Re: Battery compartment showing its age -- still safe?

What does the underneath side look like? I'm wondering if the original surface is intact and fiberglass was just added to the topside.

I wish. I will try to get and add an underside pic later today...but headline is...a good amount of the front section of the battery compartment was totally gone and the "patch" was "spliced" in. So no underbody brace for the front battery bracket nor holes to secure said bracket. Thank you for your interest and advise.

[Mark E.]

Re: Battery compartment showing its age -- still safe?

I wish. I will try to get and add an underside pic later today...but headline is...a good amount of the front section of the battery compartment was totally gone and the "patch" was "spliced" in. So no underbody brace for the front battery bracket nor holes to secure said bracket. Thank you for your interest and advise.

In this case, the best option depends on your priority-

- If you just want a secure battery compartment and evidence of repair is acceptable, then check for structural integrity to hold the battery and add the hold-down hardware. More glass can be added if the past repair looks weak. Even with this option you can grind/sand/shape the underneath repair for improved cosmetics. It won't be perfect but will be functional, safe and look better than now.

- If you want a repair that cosmetically looks original, then a splice using a donor battery box is the way to go. Done correctly this will look nearly perfect, but of course this option is more work and money (mostly more work if you do it yourself).

[Keith M.]

Re: Battery compartment showing its age -- still safe?

In this case, the best option depends on your priority-

- If you just want a secure battery compartment and evidence of repair is acceptable, then check for structural integrity to hold the battery and add the hold-down hardware. More glass can be added if the past repair looks weak. Even with this option you can grind/sand/shape the underneath repair for improved cosmetics. It won't be perfect but will be functional, safe and look better than now.

- If you want a repair that cosmetically looks original, then a splice using a donor battery box is the way to go. Done correctly this will look nearly perfect, but of course this option is more work and money (mostly more work if you do it yourself).

Have attached a few pics of the underside which should tell the story. You have framed this situation up very well. Basically my overall restoration goal/target is toward "correctness" and originality both functional and cosmetic. My benchmark is NCRS judging but am not convinced I will ever have it judged...probably will though...a few years off. Within that I do want to preserve any and all parts that are on it unless clearly not correct/original. So as far as this patch goes...I presume I would take a judging hit for cosmetics as is...so may want to address for that alone...at some point...but have MANY more fish to fry at the moment. I have not yet done a thorough stress test but gut feeling it is fine at least for the short term absent any future compromise. I think WAY down the road when I want to play with glass I might try purtying up the underside which should also give it a bit more strength. I suppose when I go to install the missing bracket that will give me a good sense of integrity of the patch. Thank you.

[Mark E.]

Re: Battery compartment showing its age -- still safe?

Understood Keith. The photos show some major cracks which need to be repaired. You don't want to find the battery dragging on the street from its cables.

[Keith M.]

Re: Battery compartment showing its age -- still safe?

Understood Keith. The photos show some major cracks which need to be repaired. You don't want to find the battery dragging on the street from its cables.

mark,
you are clearly experienced in this area. the cracks appearing underneath do not worry me too much structurally....for now as they have new glass across the top of them inside creating a layer that reaches across to solid ground on all sides. As is...Not sure how something like this is "judged" or points lost but that is a long way away for me if ever. Do you (or anyone) know of a good book or other reference material for a noobie to fiberglass work??
Thanks.

[Mark E.]

Re: Battery compartment showing its age -- still safe?

Search "Corvette fiberglass repair" on YouTube. You'll find a bunch of videos teaching basic repair. Some are well done and will get you started.

Here's one: https://youtu.be/tFpxjAaxGSM

Instead of learning on your car, get a scrap panel to practice on to build your skills. A Corvette shop should be happy to donate this to you.

[Keith M.]

Re: Battery compartment showing its age -- still safe?

Have heard of an out of print Eckler book on it. Familiar? Any good?

[Mark E.]

Re: Battery compartment showing its age -- still safe?

Have heard of an out of print Eckler book on it. Familiar? Any good?

Sorry, not familiar with that book.

IMO fiberglass repair is easier to teach and learn by watching the process.

[Steven B.]

Re: Battery compartment showing its age -- still safe?

I used to have the book and possibly stored away now after a move. Ralph did a good job with the book. There are good more recent and available sources.

[Joe L.]

Re: Battery compartment showing its age -- still safe?

I used to have the book and possibly stored away now after a move. Ralph did a good job with the book. There are good more recent and available sources.

Steven------


Ralph did a wonderful article in Vette Magazine many years ago on repairing the rivet corrosion-induced "bumps" on the nose of 1968-72 models.