plastic

[shannon.davis@mac.co]

I have noticed that the plastic on the door interior as well as the back of the rear seats is easily scratched. Scratched to the point there is a white rub that I can't get rid of. What gives? This thing is not going to be a garage queen, but I haven't had this thing 3 weeks and already it looks worn.

S

[mapleton cruiser]

i have noticed the same thing i use my fj pretty hard off road and camping , hunting etc. i have noticed the scratching big time on all my plastic in the rear cargo area. it bugged me right when i got it but now it doesent seem so new any more im used to it . but you are right it scratches very easily.

[SunFuCru]

If it is too hard, plastic seems chinsy. If it is too soft, it looks and feels nice but scratches easily. Hard to win. I think carpeting makes sense on areas where you expect to kick your foot or drag payload. My parents' old station wagon in the 70s-80s had carpeting on the floor and up the sides of the cargo area as well as the kick panels on the doors. I think a nice retrofit kit of carpet material to put in these places on the FJ would be a nice product.

Would you buy it? Maybe I will have some made.

[FJMouse]

No carpet is what first attracted me to the FJ. I have a Jeep Wrangler and I am currently putting Rhino Lining in it. I have 4 big dogs and carpet is just NOT an option.

[FirstToy]

shannon.davis,
All Toyotas are similar now w/ these interior plastics. My 4Runner was the same. It has to do with Toyota's commitment to the enviroment and the use of plastics that are more "friendly". It is the same with their body paints, all done w/ less pollution at the production level.

Hey, even the Mona Lisa is falling apart

[shannon.davis@mac.co]

Is this seriously the reason? Looks like value engineering to me. Still love the vehicle, just wish it wouldn't scar like it does. There has to be a compromise.

S

[okie]

Originally Posted by shannon.davis@mac.co

I have noticed that the plastic on the door interior as well as the back of the rear seats is easily scratched. Scratched to the point there is a white rub that I can't get rid of. What gives? This thing is not going to be a garage queen, but I haven't had this thing 3 weeks and already it looks worn.

S

thats exactly what my mom's mazda has. it has some plastic parts painted dark silver and they scratch so easily. thats a newer car for ya. if it really bothers you you can shoot it with a tougher plastic paint but it would be worth it.

[Cruiserdrew]

This is a funny thread. Having 3 Land Cruisers spanning 30 years, you can clearly see where we are headed. The FJ40 has no plastic. Even the dash is metal. It's all business The FJ60 has some plastic in the dash, but the structure is metal. Still very solid. The 80 series has plastic structure with a metal frame. Still OK but hmmmm. THe FJC has plastic everywhere-even on the wear surfaces outside. The 100 has plastic skid plates!!!

We are headed to a place where I won't be happy, but the field is wide open. Rip that plastic out and replace with custom steel, and post some pics.