Please see attached photo. I initially thought it was poor body work but then saw it on another 40 series. Can anyone explain what it is.
40 series rear right quarter panel - Defect?
- Thread starter afsiddiqui
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It's definitely not factory. I've never seen it before that.
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- #3
Hmm, the blue cruiser was in USA and I saw this red one in the South Asia this week and same anomaly.
The 2 pictures look different in the shape. Have you seen either of them in person? Could it just be an illusion from the flash or reflection of something?
I would almost say a rust bubble but based on the condition of the 40s that is doubtful.
I would almost say a rust bubble but based on the condition of the 40s that is doubtful.
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- #5
I saw the red FJ40 in person and physically checked the 'bubble'. It is solid
Factory reinforcement on late model trucks(( not us spec) saudi, australia, south american markets
Just the one side?
Both
Wack.
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- #10
Proof!
I highly doubt these are factory. All the above photos show evidence of body work that deviates from factory construction. Alignment is poor. The 4 wheel drive emblem is riveted. All the paint is too deep and shiny to be original. The curve in the lower door panel which started in 1/79 is not easy to fabricate correctly. I would guess this is an attempt to fab and reinforce that area when the body work was done. Also, the original joint between the rear sill and the quarter panel does not usually have external weld on it. This is typically a dead giveaway that the rear sill and quarter panels have been reworked or replaced at some point.
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- #12
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- #13
Are both the red and the blue vehicles showing poor body work or were these spots originally factory reinforcement?
Definitely repair work, face it, these rigs are having corrosion issues over forty years time. Hence the 3/4 circle reinforcements and other enhancements, plus that paint is way too new to be 'original'
What are the expectations? Barn find unicorns in pristine shape are a myth.
What are the expectations? Barn find unicorns in pristine shape are a myth.
Thats amazing that all the late model trucks have the same bodywork? Do some research before you voice your opinion!
To the OP, here's a picture of an original, well-preserved, never been re-welded or re-painted late model rear quarter and door. Note the lack of weld at the rear sill joint, and good alignment of the curved door corner. If there was some other market that received this "reinforcement" that looks like a bubble, I have never seen it in all my travels throughout the world. But, I haven't been everywhere... 
Does anyone know if those “bubbles” are formed in the metal or are they an added sheet metal piece with faired-in edges via filler? Or maybe even filler/bondo completely? 
If factory, I’d guess formed metal; if repair work who knows. The different shapes is puzzling for factory, and honestly, if formed in the metal directly they’re lousy from a structural strength point - they actually will create a weak spot wrt lateral instability for loads coming down directly from the roof and the door hinge line. Wonder if anything is different with the rear sill for these?
on edit: rust patches?
If factory, I’d guess formed metal; if repair work who knows. The different shapes is puzzling for factory, and honestly, if formed in the metal directly they’re lousy from a structural strength point - they actually will create a weak spot wrt lateral instability for loads coming down directly from the roof and the door hinge line. Wonder if anything is different with the rear sill for these?
on edit: rust patches?
The gap between the tub and door is not even, especially right the corner. Seriously doubt it left the factory that way.
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- #19
I was curious about the bubbles as I saw them on different vehicles in America and Asia. I know both vehicles are not in original paint, but the discussion is about the bubbles, not the paint or body work.
