Cut pinch weld

Found a cut hidden pinch weld (windshield). This is a certified preowned vehicle, should this have been noticed during the certification process and what is the purpose of this hidden pinch weld?

 

Supply a photo

 

I don't see anything in that picture that not a factory weld.

 

Cut weld or not, you’re gonna be lucky if they even check the tire pressures. Don’t hold a lot of stock in “Certified Pre-Owned”.

 

@Sin4R

 

@Slopemaster - No kidding there! The unethical practices and deceptiveness from dealerships today are unbelievable! They implied that they were going to fix it, had my vehicle for 11 days! I was told that they would take care of the issue, and they actually think they did me a favor by replacing the windshield at no charge. Never disclosed exactly what they did to "fix" it until I questioned them and the back peddling explanation combined with the stuttering was answer enough. I had someone check it when I got it back and confirmed that it was not repaired, before confronting them. I have full glass coverage; there would have been no charge anyway! Turns out, all they did was prime the pinch weld to prevent further rusting. So kind of them, right?

 

^If the metal flange was cut away, how did you expect them to fix it aside from priming the edges?

 

@3JOH22A - replace it?

 

^That's an invasive repair to replace the cowl structure, high likelihood of doing more harm than good. Are you seeing any symptoms from the flange being cut?

 

@3JOH22A - no not seeing any symptoms, however, I have researched and it seems that it is a structural component on its own as well as in combination with the windshield. Also with this part being damaged, it can compromise the integrity of the vehicle. Any suggestions on where I can get this verified?

 

^Nah, several inches of missing pinch weld flange on the bottom of the windshield frame isn't going to do anything for "integrity". If you aren't getting water leaks, then the least harmful way forward is to leave it as-is.

 

Why would someone cut into this pinch weld?

 

This has to be a joke.

 

5th gen's upright windshield is magnet for rocks (same deal with Wranglers and Broncos). Maybe the flange was nicked during previous windshield replacement, where the glass technician usually cuts through the adhesive with a sawzall. I doubt someone cut out a whole section of the flange.

 

@Slopemaster - I assume it was accidental by whoever replaced the windshield before I got the vehicle.

 

@Dillusion - Are you really being the resident A$$h0le as your profile states? I am looking for insight as to the safety of this vehicle that I drive daily with my child in the car!

 

@3JOH22A - I appreciate your input! Thank you.

 

No one just finds a pinch weld under the cowling for their own personal "safety" inspection.

Enlighten us on the whole story.

 

If the 4Runner were a unibody vehicle, you might have a valid argument there... but it is body on frame, the cab is not a high-stressed structural member of the chassis, more of a shell for the passengers.

I didn't quite understand the backstory that led to this discovery, removal of the cowl, etc., but I wouldn't be terribly concerned. But if you need something to seethe over because of piss-poor dealership experiences, have at it.

 

@Dillusion - How do you think this would be found? Had a crack in the windshield, went to have it replaced and that is how it was found! Never said it was during my own personal "safety" inspection. Just asked what the purpose of it was. Wtf is your problem?

 

The photos are so close in, I can't quite put my finger on where this is. I took a trip outside to compare my 2019 to the photos, but it seems there's a lot that has to come off to even see this spot, so I gave up. Maybe someone else who has had a windshield replaced and took photos can provide some comparison shots...

 

Well first post said found. Not glass peoplez, not during a repair, not anything else. Maybe you should learn to post all details in the first post.

You are worrying about a lot of nothing. Better take all the trim off over the whole 4R and look for more pinch welds if you are that paranoid.

 

post #3 shows the bottom windshield flange in font of the driver. You can see where it was cut by the glass technician.

Technically it’s not a pinch weld, as there is no seam, but a rolled edge of the windshield flange Shitty work for sure; which unfortunately, is par for service nowadays.

 

@Dillusion You really are an A$$H0LE! Yeah, I was sitting on my couch and decided to go inspect my 4runner for that specific pinch weld. Get a life fuckin moron. Go back to your mom's basement and play video games.

 

@White TuRD - thanks for your input, I appreciate your answer!

 

dylan, calm down. You're gonna get the drizzles...

 

@Dillusion oh boy lol

 

Stop crying is all I gotta say.

Calling me a moron yet you really though a dealership would pop the cowling a look at all the welds? HAHAHAHA

Read up butter cup. Helps to gain some knowledge about what you are bitching about before bitching.
https://www.toyotacertified.com/inspection

Its ok some people just gotta cry about useless shit. I don't got thin skin unlike paper over here.

 

You're crying? Sorry if I hurt your feelings! Hope this makes you feel better.