Cuda Console Restoration

Great work Leanna!
Just curious, do you or anyone else know why does pot metal pit so badly?
I have a console top similar to this one, and it's sad that it is pitted so bad.
It was in a '74 Hang 10 Dart Sport i bought for parts that was very rusty. (floors and everything) It was in a very damp environment for years.
The only thing i can think of is the part being exposed to the elements with lots of moisture etc.
I've seen tail light bezels pitted badly, but i just wrote it off as salt and moisture exposure over time.
That's hardly the environment that a console top is subject to so i am not sure.......
Thanks for your tips and the info in this thread as always!
(After all, you are the ''Mistress of Metal'')
lol!
Tom.