I realized that my battery tray is totally shot - the plastic is broken and the metal hardware is corroded to the point it isn't usable. Looks like the previous owner had a battery overflow that covered everything in acid and broke the tray putting the new battery in.

I've ordered a new metal holder assembly from DirtBound, but need to take a trip before it will arrive. I am worried a normal ratchet strap will melt in the engine compartment. Thinking of going to Home Depot and using a metal duct strap, but I wanted to check if anyone had successfully created such a contraption before I go to buy parts.

 

My friend has had a bungee holding his for the past 2 years. Fire hazard? Possibly. But if it's short term I wouldn't worry about it, I see keeps all the time with ratchets holding the battery.

 

I highly doubt if a ratchet strap will melt inside the engine compartment when used to hold the battery down. I used a piece of 5/8" garden hose to span the top of the battery from side to side, drilled holes in the ends, and used the existing hold down bolts and 4 flatwashers.
My old battery holder was rusted in two.
There is not much space between the top of the battery and the underside of the hood on these vehicles, so you need to be sure the battery cannot jump up and hit the hood....which could cause a short circuit.....if you hit a hole or bump.

You really need to neutralize the acid that was spilled under the tray.
It will continue to corrode metal. Mix up a couple of tablespoons full of baking soda in a quart jar and use a brush to scrub any place where the acid has attacked the metal.
Rinse with a water hose and repeat this a couple of times until there is no reaction with the baking soda. At that point, wire brush the exposed metal and coat with Red Oxide Primer.
I would use fiberglas to repair any holes under the pan, but you can pretty much use what you have. The repair needs to be strong enough to support the weight of the battery.

 

Primer won't prevent future corrosion. Finish your repair with some good spray paint like Krylon rust preventative.

 

Agreed with the above, on other cars I've actually made real hold downs with a flat bar of aluminum and some generic J-bolts from the parts store. Other times I've used bungee cords, rope, a big zip tie, etc. Really anything to keep it from sliding around.

 

Correct, but Red Oxide will really slow it down until the repairs can be made to the sheet metal.

 

Hell a factory type replacement tray was under $20 at AutoZone for my 99 when I installed a new battery they put it in also.

 

I also opt for oem trays. Cost $5 at the jy's I go to. I usually break mine from impacting the bar up top too tight, and find myself replacing it once a year haha.

 

Thanks guys. I now have a bungee there and so far no smoke from under the hood.

There isn't a ton of corrosion under the battery tray as far as I can tell, but the bolts that hold down the tray are pretty bad. I also haven't checked the battery temperature sensor, but I figure it would throw a code if it wasn't working. It will be "fun" getting the bolts off to put in the new tray.