Started to pick items off the false firewall for removal. Further inspection revealed that there's a bit of surface rust. I am now committed to cleanup the entire engine bay. Rust... YUCK. Better to take care of it now than later. BTW, this car was driven ONE winter, I wish that I never done that. What ever. it is what it is. I'll clean it all up and respray it.
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Looks like it was battery acid that lifted the paint.