After the big work of removing the dashboard and replacing the evaporator, it’s time to take a break and pay attention to some minor issues. The 1st item is the broken ashtray
All of sudden, the ashtray did not open by pushing. In order to assess the cigarette lighter socket, I needed to pull it open with fingers. The broken pivot and column locking the spring in place have gone and caused the issue.
Ashtray with the pivot and spring locking column
Since 90s, the engine bay of Alfa Romeo’s cars is always a nice place to look at just like their appearance. Hence the faded colour of the timing belt cover always annoyed me.
The metal battery tray is easy to get rusty because of the emitted gas from the lead acid battery. I want to remove the battery tray rust with a lasting solution.
To prevent the battery tray rust from deteriorate further, a few things to be done:
The challenge is that the rust often comes back quickly if I repaint it with ordinary paints only. More advanced products are something called rust convertors. I learnt a product from a Mercedes KOL in the US. It seems to be a proven product.
I used it on two of my cars and it seems to work well and last long after a few years of applying it.
There are 2 types of the Miracle Paint, one is thicker and one is thinner. I used both and the effectiveness seems no difference in the long run. The thin one is easy to apply but personally I prefer the thick one
On top of the new layer of paint, I also added a layer of battery tray mat got from the US. I think it is worth spending a few dollars to eliminate all the trouble of removing the rust, painting, etc
It is not easy to keep the mat clean but it is fine as long as it serves the designed purpose.
In addition to the two methods, there are two more options:
I’ve done the 2nd option and should share the details soon
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