Rust in the engine compartment?

[racer_d]

Just curious about

1) Age of car
2) Geographic location over the years

Both of these could contribute to surface rusting.. As you mentioned, while there is no known history of flooding, it is a possibilty as well (although slim, imho)

Doh.. just saw the part about the Vermont history.. Could be a result of winter driving on heavily salted roads. Especially WET salted roads.. spray can get almost everywhere. if not rinsed/washed in a timely maner, rust can set in.