Although most of the current owners on the list are infactuated with their 57 to 59 fin cars and may find it hard to accept, these cars had a much deserved bad reputation for being rust buckets. I was a teen ager when these cars were new, and even worked one summer at a Dodge dealership as a parts chaser. As others have pointed out, design changes and very sloppy workmanship were contributing factors. Not only did they rust out prematurely, the fit and finish on the cheap interiors was a common complaint, as was the leaks and rattles. The 57's were the worst, and due to so many complaints the factory did improve on the 58's and more on the 59's. And although other cars of that era had inherent rust problems expecially around the head lights, rocker panels and lower quarter panels, none seemed to suffer the consequenses of the "salt & cinders" as much as the Mopars. It was often said by Mopar diehards of the time, " if Chrysler Corp would just build the chassis, suspension and drive train, and send it out and let someone else build the body and put in the interior", it would be the perfect car! Bill B. |