neoney

I have no clue what the highlighted part is called, but I need to clean it. It's covered in (hopefully surface) rust, and even though I currently can't see it, I will when I install the AEM CAI. I assume the only way to replace it involves welding, so I'd rather go the way of some sandpaper and spray paint. That should work, right? Can anyone give me some guidance so I don't mess up anything? Thank you!

Not sure if the picture is loading, here's an iCloud link https://share.icloud.com/photos/072f4TD_Htfkvj8BxHuHQeJrw

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

Not loading.
A wire wheel and/or stick brush on a good cordless drill should work.
Dremels work well for tight spots, but the little brushes don't last very long, depending on how bad it is, you'd need a handful.

For deeper pockets, they make sanding wheels and grinding stones.

Wash it off well, then clean it with acetone.
If you're rattle can painting it, I'd recommend a high heat paint like caliper paint.

I've never done it, but I think with the heat coming off the engine, it might be a good idea.

neoney

Ah, I have no idea what's wrong with the images here. imgur

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

Ok, that looks like you'll need maybe stones or sanding wheels, and a coarse wire wheel
There are coarse and fine.

neoney

Will do, thanks.
Do you have any idea what that part is called?

BigCajun

iTrader: (1)

No.
We have a Parts Number Lookup thread, you might check there.

MincVinyl

That's the crossbar that holds up the battery and air intake trays. They tend to rust out due to the cheap steel used, along with the ground locations on it.

If you clean and paint it, make sure you leave contact areas for ground connections. Otherwise your power steering may get unhappy and you'll spend years trying to fix it for no reason........

You could paint and find conductive grease to cover the grounding points if you are worried it will rust again.

neoney

Thank you!
Had no idea there were grounding points on it where are they?

N0BuenO

I believe a few threaded holes have grounding locations for the power steering wiring harness, and the battery is negative.

neoney

Thanks, I'll make sure to look around to make sure I don't leave myself without it 🫡

spectre6000

Suggestion from the classic car perspective: instead of abrading the rust away, get rid of anything that's loose, and then convert it instead. Less material loss, structural loss, destruction of what paints/coatings are still there. Look into the POR15 system. For a cheaper alternative, Evaporust (soak paper towels, and wrap them on with cellophane and masking tape) and Rustoleum are usually quite good. No idea what the Polish alternatives would be though.