harry yarnell Posted November 14, 2015 Share Posted November 14, 2015 Now what? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDirk Posted November 14, 2015 Share Posted November 14, 2015 Ouch. Pretty well need to have a wheel well welded in and then install a new battery tray. As a stop gap I guess you could get some heavy metal bar stock, bend it and bolt/rivet it in (if there is anything substantial enough beyond the damaged area to bolt or rivet to) for something to support the weight of the battery. I had the inner rear quarters on my first car [a 1984 Ford Escort] rust out like this and they comprised the upper strut support. Had the damaged sheetmetal cut out and panels from a donor car welded in. The rusted material has to be cut out to halt the spread through. Make sure the raw edges then get treated (primed and painted at least) to keep them from taking on more rust. Finding a donor panel in good shape will be the tough part. I hope the rest of the body and chassis/cradle isn't so rusty, or the car is probably unsafe to drive. Definitely not a good situation.KDirk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonlabree Posted November 14, 2015 Share Posted November 14, 2015 I wonder what the rest of the car looks like? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DadsReatta Posted November 14, 2015 Share Posted November 14, 2015 What 63Viking said!! Before I would do any work on that issue, the rest of the underside needs thoroughly inspected to see if the car is even safe to be on the road. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDirk Posted November 14, 2015 Share Posted November 14, 2015 (edited) It occurs to me, is this damage mostly due to battery leakage left unaddressed over time? Or is it largely from general rusting due to the climate in which the car has been operated? If the latter I'll reiterate from my first post that this car may not be road worthy. Please give it a detailed look underneath paying special attention to the cradle and mounts particularly. This is a matter of your safety and potentially others on the road around you if a sudden structural failure should occur. I hate to sound critical or patronizing but do be very careful here.No car is worth risking injury or death, or the possible litigation arsing from same.KDirk Edited November 14, 2015 by KDirk (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harry yarnell Posted November 14, 2015 Author Share Posted November 14, 2015 Relax guys. This is a nice '90 coupe painted pearl white with a blue interior.Its history is an always outdoor car here in central Maryland.I've serviced this piece from the original owner over the years til she tired of it and moved on. I bought it from here, drove it for awhile, and sold it to my friend. He had issues with the A/C that was becoming a moneypit, so I took it off his hands.The underbelly and suspension are ok. Not horrible, but a daily user in mid atlantic weather.I attribute the rotten battery tray to 'battery issues'. And water. as an update, I've put a 'temporary' tray in, made out of oiled soaked T-111; cut to fit the space til I can make one out of aluminum.Don't laugh...just too many other projects to make permanent repairs at this time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAVES89 Posted November 14, 2015 Share Posted November 14, 2015 I would have just gone to a big box store and got a marine battery box and fitted it in place. Quick easy and permanent... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harry yarnell Posted November 14, 2015 Author Share Posted November 14, 2015 I may just do that... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDirk Posted November 14, 2015 Share Posted November 14, 2015 Good plan so long as there is something to support the weight underneath. Doesn't look like much there to work with presently. KDirk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Machiner 55 Posted November 15, 2015 Share Posted November 15, 2015 Looks like maybe a good time to change out the horn see'n as there's EZ access to it. John F. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tb3 Posted November 15, 2015 Share Posted November 15, 2015 I wonder why buick didn't design the car with the battery located in the rear to help distribute weight better?My lesabre I had and now my Lucerne both have the battery under the rear seat. I got 8 years of life out of the original acdelco battery in the lesabre. I attribute a lot of that to it spending its life inside, out of the elements of the engine compartment.or maybe I just got lucky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDirk Posted November 15, 2015 Share Posted November 15, 2015 Don't think any GM vehicle in the Reatta era had an "inside" battery. That is a relatively recent developemnt (2006 or so?) First car I saw from GM like that was a probably a 2006 Cadillac DTS (Deville). Takes a special battery too - more expensive than standard group 34/78 and little or no aftermarket options available - so has some downsides as well. Special venting provisions was the big difference AFAIK, due to being located within then cabin.KDirk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dship Posted November 15, 2015 Share Posted November 15, 2015 The last (8th, '95-'99) generation of Buick Riviera had the battery under the rear seat. I used to own both a '96 and '97. Absolutely agree that the sheltered area for the battery contributed to their long life, but as Kevin stated one had to be vigilant of battery venting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harry yarnell Posted November 15, 2015 Author Share Posted November 15, 2015 My 2000 Seville has the battery under the rear seat.Vented thru the floorpan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnelle Posted November 15, 2015 Share Posted November 15, 2015 Don't think any GM vehicle in the Reatta era had an "inside" battery. That is a relatively recent developemnt (2006 or so?) First car I saw from GM like that was a probably a 2006 Cadillac DTS (Deville). Takes a special battery too - more expensive than standard group 34/78 and little or no aftermarket options available - so has some downsides as well. Special venting provisions was the big difference AFAIK, due to being located within then cabin.KDirkIf GM had made cars with big engines and little engine compartments like several of my British cars, they would have to have thought about moving the battery years ago. That said at least you don't have to tear the car apart to get to the battery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDirk Posted November 15, 2015 Share Posted November 15, 2015 Ok. I stand corrected. Had no idea the gen 8 Rivi had an underseat battery. I do remember the STS/SLS having them in 2000 (actually probably in 96 or 97 at the body redesign) now that it has been mentioned. While it has it's disadvantages I do prefer the battery under the hood for ease of access. KDirk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted November 15, 2015 Share Posted November 15, 2015 My '12 Jeep has the battery under the passenger seat but it is an AGM, no venting issues. If the frame rail under the ex-battery tray is OK you can cut off the corroded tray and by moving the battery about an inch toward the engine, bolt a piece of plate and a new plastic tray to the rail. Not going to win any shows but will be functional for as long as needed. One of the reasons any battery I buy now will be an AGM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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