Well let me tell you, I had a 69 buick skylark and the flywheel on the front where the accessory belt was, was all rusted. It ran like hell and never gave me a problem all the years I owned her. If it bothers you that much, use some steel wool on it then a Rust-Oleum coat on it and just cover it so that rust doesn't form. Thats my $0.02 cents worth today!