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Subject: Battery holder refurbishment Author: davidc (moderator) : member since December, 2003 : 10613 posts Posted on: 2004-06-09 03:04:08

Having repainted much of the rusty metal in the engine compartment of my '86 735i, the battery holder was the latest thing to catch my attention. After disconnecting and removing the battery, you can see why in the photo below.


Nearly all of the paint on the top side of the battery holder had been rusted or dissoved away over time. The sides and bottom were actually in good shape. Thankfully, the rust is only surface deep since the battery hold is welded to the body and would be difficult to replace.


A wire brush was used to clean away the rust and debris, then the surface was lightly sanded and cleaned.


Paper towels were laid out around and under the area being painted to protect the rest of the engine compartment as well as the sides of the battery holder (which are still factory blue) from overspray. This time, I elected to use Krylon semi flat instead of Rustoleum. I like the Rustoleum, but it takes a long time to dry. The Krylon dries in about 15 minutes.


The retaining clip, bracket and screw handle were painted silver, too. The finished results looks pretty good, I think, and should stop the rust problem in its tracks for many more years of service.

David Cecil
'02 X5 3.0, 15k miles
'97 740iL, 120k miles
'86 735i, 94k miles
'77 320i, 140k miles
'92 325is (rear-ended on I285, gone but not forgotten)

www.e38.org has links for everything about your BMW 7-series automobile

• Battery holder refurbishment (pic) - davidc 2004-06-09 03:04:08 (1401 views)
  • Good tip. Mine rusted out and I had have a new one welded in. (nt) - Jeff '84 733i 5-Speed 2004-06-11 10:46:47 (286 views)
  • Now you have been using the Rustoleum for all your> - kff 2004-06-09 09:58:30 (339 views)
    • Yes, I agree about the Rustoleum, but I couldn't go for 24+ hours - davidc 2004-06-09 15:06:49 (371 views)
      • Going for original sheen is admirable, but... - kff 2004-06-09 17:47:05 (445 views)
  • Re: Battery holder refurbishment - mikepee 2004-06-09 06:47:52 (377 views)