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Re: Engine Bay Body Rips
Makaser -- That slight bulge you are measuring appears to be on some of the brand new "off the truck" FJs as well (and mine). Some on the lot were more "flat", some (like mine) have one side flat (driver's side) and the other with 1/16" to 1/8" gap like the one you are measuring., others on both sides like yours.
I still believe that this is not the same as the bulging seen by those whose aprons have progessed to cracks or tears, but instead part of variation at assembly. I also believe the small "Tgingle" dimple(s) you are seeing is also caused at assembly. If these were a result of a ding in the die, they would be more consistent on all vehicles. Mine, for example, has the dimple you are describing as well as another small one close to the spot weld about 6 inches forward. I saw some on the lot with 1 dimple, some with 2 like mine, and some without the dimples. My theory is that is you flex the attachement point, for example while they are assembling the outer fender or whatever else is attached, you can create the dimple -- I've seen similar dimples on HVAC ducts under the house.
Issue is, if people start reporting somthing that was there from the start as bulging, it might add noise to an already hard to quantify issue/problem. My 1/16" gap (measuring like you are) hasn't budged for 3,000 miles. If you see yours start to grow, or other dimples/etc. forming, then I think you can confirm progression or "bulging". I don't think what you are looking at right now is necessarily bad, or good. Any one else want to weigh in on this?
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