Darren, most of the mid fifties vehicles with kick panel vents will also have a gutter system over the vent to keep water out if driving during the rain. Unfortunately, these gutters also became a trap for leaves and debris, which then turned into a rust generator. Here is a similar repair on a 55 wagon that should shed some light on the issues...


http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31244