In a message dated 1/22/06 1:32:32 PM Eastern Standard Time,
vanagon@ASTOUND.NET writes:

> Could it be baking soda?
> Baking soda sprinkled on the bottom of your battery box after a good clean
> and repaint will help with any acid vapor or condensation that may collect
> on the bottom of the box by imediately neturalizing it.
>
>

well crystallized battery acid looks just like baking soda, so i wouldnt take
a chance..  vacuum it out of there, wipe it down with a dry ray, vacuum it
again, and then wipe it out with a damp rag..  then something to neutralize the
acid.. then clean up any rust , prime, and repaint with some rust inhibiting
primer or POR-15

chris