Hi everyone,

I am changing the timing belt and all related parts on my 86 Z31 NA.

I removed the battery and found some rust on the battery tray. It doesn't seem too bad but I want to treat it before it becomes a problem.

Attached is a photo.

Any ideas on how to work on this? I was thinking of using baking soda and water to brush off as much as I can, then sand down to bare metal and paint with a Rustoleum rattle can.

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Justin
1986 Z31 NA 2+0

Justin, there are a number of products that will convert that rust for you. I have used POR15 a few times to treat similiar areas on my Z. Seems to be holding out great. I just brushed the loose surface rust off, applied their rust converter and then their primer and top coat.

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Phil
1981 280zxt - Now in the care my son!
2014 370Z Sports Touring Roadster

Naval Jelly kept my 240Z rust free for many years. As soon as I stopped using it, rust began eating the car. It was highly acidic, so I don't even know if they make it anymore. Used to have to wear gloves to use it. Killed surface rust (and paint) right down to the bare metal in minutes.

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1970 240Z

Frank,

How does Naval Jelly work? You just apply over rusted area and wait for it to dissolve the rust, then paint over it with appropriate stuff?

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Justin
1986 Z31 NA 2+0

When I used it back in the '70s, it came in a plastic bottle and looked like pink gelatin. Wearing gloves, I painted it onto any rusty surface with a narrow paintbrush (which I threw away immediately). I let it sit a few minutes, then flushed it off with a hose, which neutraliZed the acidic action.
If I didn't do a good enough job, I dried the whole area and repeated the process. I rarely had to do it twice tho. It was really good stuff.

Once it was rust-free, it was usually down to the bare metal. I then painted over it with something like RustOleum or, if I used it on a metal surface like my antenna, I coated it with clear nail polish.

The stuff worked WONDERS on my magnesium wheels (which is what I bought it for). It even cleaned the insides of the wheels. Just follow the instructions on the label and don't let it set too long. Have the hose ready.

That area you have looks as if it would respond well to a slow wire wheel or brush on a drill, too. The Naval Jelly would get the corners a wire wouldn't reach.

One thing's certain ~ you've got to stop that rust before it takes over. You're lucky you caught it before it got worse.

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1970 240Z

Thanks for the explanation.

My only concern if that if I use something like naval jelly in this particular location, is it possible that some residue will drip down and eat up the paint somewhere I can't reach?

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Justin
1986 Z31 NA 2+0

It's bad news on paint. Put a towel under the tray if you use Naval Jelly, and don't touch the stuff with your bare hands. I mean, it won't eat your fingers off or anything, but it will sure lighten your suntan!

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1970 240Z

Guys, guys, it's 2012!

POR-15 period. Dust off the rusty metal, smooth it a bit and PAINT OVER IT.

Problem solved. This stuff is GREAT.

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John Taddonio
1970 240Z
1977 530Z
1984 300ZXT
zcarnut@hotmail.com
FB: Zccr zcarclubofrochester

Hahahaha, alright.

I ordered the basic starter set for POR-15. If it were in a place that I can remove from the car, I would do it Frank's way.... but the dripping thing is unsettling for me.

In that spot, is there a way to get underneath there to see if there's rust under the battery tray too?

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Justin
1986 Z31 NA 2+0