Pretty sure they are as I have one of each.
The Gen 1 is a heavier material than the Gen 2 and also the gen 1 is shaped differently at the wiper shaft hole area. But other than that I think they will mount up to each other.
A further weight savings for my Gen 1?!
The bubbling paint usually occurs in ther rivet areas. My question is...what is the rivet "riveted" to? Is it holding the insulation material?
(other thread perhaps)