Battery Tray on BE - Pop Riveted in place

[Jim_Gruber]

So I took a close look and Bugsy II's Battery Tray is pop riveted in place. Typical Battery Tray all rusty on top, no penetration or holes, but a whole lot of pop rivets all along the bottom where things are out of sight holding it in place. Thoughts are EvapoRust soaked paper towels to clean up rust but debating whether to weld tray in place and grind off all rivets or simply pop $150 with shipping for a new battery tray.

I do think the battery tray is an important structural member tying both halves of the front of the car together and definitely will get welded. Debate is weld what's already positioned and in there or replace. Thoughts gents? I need to get started and already a year behind schedule on this one.

 

[drooartz]

First off, you have a schedule? I've given up on them myself. :grin:

I'd probably go ahead and get the new tray and weld that in -- you're doing the work, might as well make it as good as possible. This is budget-allowing of course. Make it sold and rust-free, that's what ultimately matters.

 

[BlueMax]

Battery trays are a major structural component for these cars. Riveting a piece of metal on top as a cover only exacerbates the underling issues.

 

[nomad]

I believe I have a new one in my parts stash and I believe if you buy one you will get more than you really need. I have repaired one before and made the top part myself out of heavier stock. I would suggest doing the same if just the top battery area is all you need.

Kurt.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Thanks Kurt. It's just ugly and dirty and I need to see how things cleanup. Something for the next week to do.
Drew, hey at least you have someone doing the work for you. Did they get the fender beading installed?

 

[Rut]

Schedule? What's a schedule? Jim, drill out those rivets and find out what secrets are under there!
Rut

 

[Jim_Gruber]

I can see lots of pop rivets on the bottom below the shelf. I agree that this tray serves as an important structural member. At this point need to find time in schedule to start cleanup and see what lies underneath. Might be easier to weld with rivets holding everything in place but there are a S.L. Of rivets visible from behind the dash area. Pics to come in the next few days.thanks all

 

[drooartz]

Drew, hey at least you have someone doing the work for you. Did they get the fender beading installed?

Not the last time I popped my head in (a week or so ago). Things progress as they progress. I'm still waiting on one repair panel to be back in stock. Do hope to see some progress in the next few weeks.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Here is what battery tray looks like from behind the dash. Structurally is ok I believe and could just be welded in polace as is. Thoughts>

 

[paulsherman]

After I cleaned up and repainted (POR15) my battery tray, I found a piece of torch down rubber roofing to fit below the battery and the heater. Not my idea and probably got it from this site or Sprite Spot.

 

[nomad]

I see now by what you mean when you said 'pop riveted' in place! Could probably leave some rivet's till weld reinforcing is done but the vent doors appear to be a major issue to me. You will definitely want them to work.

Kurt.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Hmmm a good idea or a marine battery box bottom works as well

 

[nomad]

Hmmm a good idea or a marine battery box bottom works as well

Yes, I'm using cheap marine battery box'es in my spridget's as well.

Kurt.