[Y-Blockhead]

The main reason the rust out is because the ends are open by the frame and the center of the x-member is lower than the ends. Water becomes trapped. If Ford had just put more than one hole in the center to allow any water that accumulates to drain then maybe then it wouldn't be such a problem (Mine has drain holes now).

But then of course over the years debris would clog the drain holes and it would rust anyway if the holes were not cleaned occasionally. How many of us routinely clean the drain holes in the doors and bodies of our cars??

Shoot the only major rust on my '55 Ranchwagon (See my avatar) is the right rear quarter panel and that was because someone in the last 55+ years stuffed newspaper in there??? not allowing the water to flow out.