Rust under the dash - wtf?
 

Is this normal?

The first 4 pictures are the metal support under the dash and the last picture is the steering column.

Excuse the quality, they're from my iPhone (forgot my regular camera).

1 more of the steering column and 2 of the support post-fix.

You would think that these surfaces would be painted, Even the 3rd gens have the same problem.

So this is normal?

And yeah, I would think something would be done. However, I fixed (hopefully) the support with Rustoleum Rust Remover and subsequent Rustoleum coat. It should be good for quite a few years.

Now if I could only do the steering column...

I've had a few cars that rusted exactly like that, but the majority of them i've got are still the bare metal and look fine. I'm not sure what the deciding factor between them were, but yeah there sure is a lot under there that should be painted.

It is normal for any unpainted metal surface exposed to moisture to rust.

Well... yeah. I meant rusted to this extent. As in, does it look like it sat without a windshield for a while or something.

Nah, that's normal. There isnt a whole lotta air to move around under the dash, so all the moisture collects on the metal parts, and since they are untreated, shit starts to rust.

Your car however is nowhere as bad as some, my vert, it looks like the roof has been left down when it rained more than once.

verts are rust magnets by design though