Frank, Corrosion from battery acid (sulfuric acid) is what is causing the problem. The fix is to remove the battery, and clean the area by neutralizing the affected areas with baking soda or a water and ammonia cleaner. Wet the tray and sprinkle the baking soda on and it will fizzle as it reacts with the acid. Once the fizzling stops, clean the area well. I like to pressure wash it, and let it dry. What I normally do then, is apply a rust stabilizer like Permatex RT-8A Rust Treatment. It dries to a durable black finish which you can then topcoat if desired. There are products similar to the Permatex product available in both brush-on and spray, just check with your local hardware store in the paint dept. Also available are neutralizing mats that are placed below the battery to neutralize any new acid that collects. I'm told they work well, but have never used one. Better do it soon to your MGA, I did it to my MGB and it worked well and lasted until I sold the car. Our 300s are less susceptible because the battery is easily seen when you look under the hood. On my MGB, the battery was under the rear compartment area...I suspect your MGA's is too. You got to love the British! Bob J -----Original Message----- From: Frank Bakanau [mailto:FBAKANAU@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] Sent: Monday, December 20, 2004 5:00 PM To: chrysler Subject: [Chrysler300] Creeping Crud What is the crud that forms around battery boxes on old cars?? Moby, my C-300 isn't suffering, but my 56 MGA got it bad. On an English car this can take out the whole frame! How do you stop it?? Frank in foggy Newberg OR To send a message to this group, send an email to: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx For list server instructions, go to http://www.chrysler300club.com/yahoolist/inst.htm Yahoo! Groups Links ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Yahoo! Autos. Everything you need to know about buying or selling a car. FREE Quotes, 360° Tours, Research, Blue Book, Compare Vehicles, Buy Used http://us.click.yahoo.com/kEZsdA/bwnGAA/YiGOAA/8LmulB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> To send a message to this group, send an email to: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx For list server instructions, go to http://www.chrysler300club.com/yahoolist/inst.htm Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chrysler300/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: Chrysler300-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/