Hi John

Battery acid kills all paint, be sure to wash the case out really good
before ...... but you already thought of that, I�m sure

If the battery�s cracked, get rid of it, it�ll continue to leak
If not, check your alternator output !
If the alternator overloads, the battery will start boiling much like when
you use the batt. charger and apart from the acid problem you�ll also get
explosive fumes comming out of there :-P

I use a piece of an old rubber floor mat on top of my battery to prevent
shortcircuit against the lid and a plastic tray about an inch high under it
in case of a minor leak.
The tray�s made from an old acidproof offshore batterybox with a cutout for
the fastener

Calle
-88 Volgon
Mullhyttan, Sweden