C3 Paint Crack Repair (Single Stage)

This video is about how I fixed a small crack in the fender of my 71 C3 Corvette. The crack was due to a joint along the upper and lower fender panels where they join together.
I dug out the crack with a Dremel, then I put in some short strand fiberglass reinforced body filler, followed by body filler, primer, and several coats of single stage paint.

[@gizzmo5952]

Remember me mentioning flex additive to your paint?? That is your bond strip line, where the top and sides are joined. The bond strips are where corvettes normally start cracking. I normally apply more bonding adhesive to the inside of the bond strips in the body before I do the exterior body work. Gives it alittle bit of more support. Helps dampen the vibration of the sanders.

[@thedrivewayC3]

What type of bonding adhesive? Like body filler or?

[@kellywilliamson3643]

Nice job on the crack repair. When I have done similar repairs, I try to put some reinforcement on the back side if I can get to it. Just a thought. Keep up the great work!

[@thedrivewayC3]

Good idea on the reinforcement. It’s right where the firewall meets the fender, so I’m not sure what I could do. Also - the crack was on the outside and not all the way through, in this case. I’m hoping it doesn’t return, but who knows with a 52 year old body.

[@danorourke5184]

Looks great! Hoping it doesn’t come back once the car starts twisting, moving, and vibrating. One thing you have going for you living in California is your not subject to extreme temperature changes that might also cause it to expand and contract and crack. Good luck

[@thedrivewayC3]

Thanks. These fender cracks are definitely a concern. I know the proper way to fix them is to re-mount the lower fender with new materials, but I don’t have the knowledge, skills, and equipment for that, so we’ll see what happens. I think the heat is what set this off, likely because of some trapped air. I expect to continue to have these types of issues with such an old car, but it’s Ok - adds charm!

[@loualiberti4781]

Love ❤️ that Color !!

[@DiscoGreen]

Appreciate this. Ty

[@nonsequitur807]

Job well done🎉