been looking at 2002 to 2004 4 door tacomas. on all i have seen, the paint on the lower doors has ripples and rough surfaces. really noticable on the silver tints. i have seen this on car lots and persons that haven't wrecked their trucks. visible on both sides. after you see so many, you wonder if this is by design. anyone else seen this or know about it?

I have seen it on other vehicles for several years. I'm not a painter but I believe it's a rust treating process used to prevent the vehicles from rusting out in a few years.

Clifton

I believe that that process is used on the lower body portions to minimize the damage from rock chips and debris flying up from the road surface.