MF I have never seen one rust out in the front like that and the only reason I can think it has done that is because the front deflector plate is missing and it has been missing for a very long time allowing the clippings to get caked up in there. A deflector guard fitted in the rear left corner under the handlebar bolt would have protected millions of these pressed metal bases from rusting out but that might have cost Victa an extra 50 cents to supply/fit at time of manufacture so it was never going to happen. The plate could have then been replaceable if it rusted out, but this is not in the interests of any manufacturer
