fairhurst

So my wife calls... and says I went to start "Ruby"... that's our 2000 OB... and she hears a loud explosion. She goes on to say she looks under the hood and the battery is smoking.So I went to Sears and bought a Die-Hard. When I got home I opened Ruby"s hood and OH MY... did it Explode! It's been really hot today 96.. And the battery is 5 years old. So I ask..Please... any Advice? I removed the dead battery... Should I vacuum out the old dried acid...Should I worry about all the wires and belts and hoses in trouble from the acid bath?Thanks in advance.