Well I took out the battery in my newly acquired 70 Cutlass S. I found the metal battery tray rusted to the point where it is has almost disappeared.

After I order a new battery tray from Fusicks (or if there is a better place let me know). What paint should I use to cover the rusted metal under where the battery tray goes? The metal isn't rusted through, just surface rust that I will clean off and prep for paint.

The engine compartment is relatively clean for being 40 years old and the original black paint is basically faded. Is there something I can use to match that or am I stuck using a black epoxy (like zerorust or POR15) and have to live with it until I am able to paint the whole engine compartment?

I figured I can't be the first person that has had to deal with this, looking for options.

 

I had the same problem with my blue 67 half the tray was gone.I didn't have the money or time to order one so I got one cheap from the junk yard.I made my own holders so the battery wouldn't slide around.Here is the kicker though the tray is from a 60's chrysler so it needed some minor mods.The metal under the tray was bad and rotted as well so I did two things.I cleaned then painted with por 15.That por 15 is nasty if you get it on ya.I also bought a piece of stainless steel an placed that between the old metal and the new tray for added support.I cleaned primed and rattle caned my engine compartment.I must have gone through at least a gallon or so of that por 15 befor painting any of the car.The problem is you have to paint over the por 15 (even says it on the can) were the sun hits it or it will fail.

 

Are you looking for a paint over rust paint or something to match the old stuff? Eastwood Underhood Black is pretty close in color and gloss.
Removing all the rust then an epoxy primer is the best way to do rust, get rid of it then seal the steel from the air and moisture and it will never come back. Nothing touches that 2K epoxy primer, don't ever let it dry in your spraygun.

That area of the core support goes from the battery acid and fumes and overfilling spillage, water just sits in there on both sides too.
The fender and hood lip can even get the paint messed up from the fumes venting out there just above it, under the hood gets the funk.

http://www.eastwood.com/?srccode=ya2...ne_vqx6fiq18Bc

They have free shipping sometimes if you look for it online.
In fact I have a couple of free codes, I just got some of that paint and they sent them with it.

PKGSHIP

SHIP4ME

 

That is a good idea. I think I will look into doing something similar.

I am looking to prime the metal with some sort of rust preventer. And then top coat it with a color similar to the underhood paint. Trying to get it match as best as I can.

The Eastwood link was very helpful. Lots of options. And thank you very much for the shipping codes. The paint is not cheap, but rust is way more expensive. So, I need to nip this in bud for it gets too out of control.

I'll post back after I figure out what I am going to do. Maybe some before and after pictures for newbies like me.

 

I replaced the battery tray in my '72, and just wire brushed the support underneath real good and then sprayed it with a rust converter which turned black after it cured. Since the battery and tray will be covering this area, why be too concerned with it being the "right" color? Chumley