1950s Which bumper end rusts out? 1952 to 1957.

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

Guys,
I've heard that one side rusts out sooner because of the heat riser. What's your experience?
Bob

[Cadman-iac]

  Are you referring to the bumper ends that have the exhaust going through them, or all the bumper ends regardless of an exhaust port?

 Speaking for the 1956 model, I have 3 bumpers, and as far as I know none have rusted out on either side. But they do have the usual rust on the backsides where the chrome wasn't very good to begin with.

 Don't know if this helps or not.

  Rick

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

All the bumper ends regardless of the port.

[V63]

Typically corrosion is accelerated on the curb side which is exposed to more water and road sediments. in the US that would be the right side.

[Cadman-iac]

Typically corrosion is accelerated on the curb side which is exposed to more water and road sediments. in the US that would be the right side.

 That's good to know. I've never had to deal with the salt issues here in Arizona, so that never crossed my mind. But it makes perfect sense.
 Thanks.

 Rick

[James Landi]

The bumperettes rust from trapped road debris caught between the exhaust liner and the interior of the chrome section...very disappointing.   I replaced the entire rear bumper back in the early 70s because of rust through.   The replacement bumper had a diamond ring lodged in the interior of a bumperette..."the prize INSIDE "

[Lexi]

Plus it is an area where much condensation can form because of the exhaust passing through that area. Road debris as James pointed out also traps the moisture causing further damage due to lack of dissipation. Cadillac must have realized this as I recall they put drainage ports in the bottom of at least the '56s, but that would do nothing to alleviate the condensation build up inside the bumper end. The long bumper centers don't seem to be affected. Check out these images of a pair of shot '55 bumper ends. Clay/Lexi

[James Landi]

The integrated exhausts as an attractive design feature also created burn hazards.  While using a bike rack on my 56, the 2 bike tires literally roasted and blew out I also received a painful burn on my leg while wearing shorts.

[Cadman-iac]

The integrated exhausts as an attractive design feature also created burn hazards.  While using a bike rack on my 56, the 2 bike tires literally roasted and blew out I also received a painful burn on my leg while wearing shorts.

 An unfortunate result of the design for sure.
 But I still think it's a great looking design, especially the 56.

  Rick

[Lexi]

Yes, I agree. The '56 ports look like after burners on a jet fighter, with an eye catching shape. Clay/Lexi

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

OK guys, so much for the aesthetics. 
To re-phrase... I've seen cars with  one exhaust port as new & the other side rusted. Lets not compare salt belt junk. Does a stuck heat riser divert the heat to the LH port allowing the RH side to run cold?? Then, which side  gets rusty. Your direct experience???
Bob

[V63]

Rust belt or not the right side is more probable to be exposed to more moisture (pooling water) and also mud or sediments due to the crowning of road surfaces flowing to the curb side which is on our right in the US .

[Lexi]

Makes sense. Attached image shows a pair of matching '56s. Even though no rust out yet, the RH bumper end is indeed the worst for wear. Not sure where these parts came from in the US. Clay/Lexi