Fiats of that era were NOT built for North American conditions for the most part. This was especially evident in northern climates, where the heater was very inadequate, and never had the durability to withstand harsh winters. It must be noted, Fiat was not the only European car manufacturer with this issue at the time, though.
Yes. Many others suffered - to with Chevy Vega - till better coatings and protections emerged.
Listen to what ChatGPT says when I ask it ....Why did the Fiats of the late 60’s and seventies rust more quickly than other cars?
"The Fiats of the late 1960s and 1970s were known to rust more quickly than other cars for a few reasons.
First, the steel used in the construction of these cars was of a lower quality than that used in other vehicles. This made them more susceptible to rust and corrosion.
Second, many of the models of Fiats from this time period were not treated or coated with rust inhibitors or other protective coatings. This lack of protection made the cars more vulnerable to rust and corrosion.
Third, the manufacturing process and assembly techniques used for these cars were not as advanced as those used by other car manufacturers, which led to gaps and imperfections in the body that could trap moisture and allow rust to form.
Lastly, the cars were not originally designed to be used in the harsh winter conditions that are common in many parts of the world, so they were not as well equipped to resist the rusting caused by the salt and snow.
thanks.
Overall, the combination of lower-quality steel, lack of rust inhibitors and protective coatings, poor manufacturing and assembly techniques, and lack of design for harsh weather conditions all contributed to the tendency of Fiats from the late 1960s and 1970s to rust more quickly than other cars."
Thank you John, really great story! Really life changing! I have my own wonderful story on my Dad's yellow 1972 Fiat 124 Coupe. If you would like to read it just send me an e mail to john@bensonfiat.com
Fiats of that era were NOT built for North American conditions for the most part. This was especially evident in northern climates, where the heater was very inadequate, and never had the durability to withstand harsh winters. It must be noted, Fiat was not the only European car manufacturer with this issue at the time, though.
Yes. Many others suffered - to with Chevy Vega - till better coatings and protections emerged.
Listen to what ChatGPT says when I ask it ....Why did the Fiats of the late 60’s and seventies rust more quickly than other cars?
"The Fiats of the late 1960s and 1970s were known to rust more quickly than other cars for a few reasons.
First, the steel used in the construction of these cars was of a lower quality than that used in other vehicles. This made them more susceptible to rust and corrosion.
Second, many of the models of Fiats from this time period were not treated or coated with rust inhibitors or other protective coatings. This lack of protection made the cars more vulnerable to rust and corrosion.
Third, the manufacturing process and assembly techniques used for these cars were not as advanced as those used by other car manufacturers, which led to gaps and imperfections in the body that could trap moisture and allow rust to form.
Lastly, the cars were not originally designed to be used in the harsh winter conditions that are common in many parts of the world, so they were not as well equipped to resist the rusting caused by the salt and snow.
thanks.
Overall, the combination of lower-quality steel, lack of rust inhibitors and protective coatings, poor manufacturing and assembly techniques, and lack of design for harsh weather conditions all contributed to the tendency of Fiats from the late 1960s and 1970s to rust more quickly than other cars."
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Thank you John, really great story! Really life changing! I have my own wonderful story on my Dad's yellow 1972 Fiat 124 Coupe. If you would like to read it just send me an e mail to john@bensonfiat.com
Would love to read it. Sending email now. Thanks