Paint cracking along molding

[Sarastro]

My Bugeye Sprite has a common problem: paint cracking along the molding strips that go lengthwise along the fenders. Simple question: precisely, how would you fix this? I don't need to do a concours repair; the existing paint really isn't that good, anyway. I just want something that looks decent. There is an automotive paint store nearby, so I assume I can get some matching paint in a spray can. (And, anyway, how hard is fire-engine red to match?)

I certainly can sand it out, mask it, prime and paint. The greater dilemma is, how do you make it look at least reasonably seamless?

 

[tony barnhill]

Not really a common problem for cars unless the body work was done incorrectly....that's what you have.......That problem is too much bondo applied incorrectly....when you start popping the bondo loose (which is the only correct way to resolve the issue), you're probably gonna find a larger problem that just at the seam line.....it's gonna run in both directions & when you have all the bondo gone, you're probably gonna find a huge dent.

 

[Sarastro]

I'm pretty sure there is no bondo under it--for various reasons, not the least of which is that I attempted to fix one area along the molding that not only cracked, but had bubbled. When I took off the loose paint, it was metal underneath; the problem was simply poor paint adhesion. Not sure why it all showed up in that area along the molding--poor prep is the obvious assumption. In any case, I haven't seen bubbling anywhere else, so I assume it is solid. Hope so, anyway.

One thing I noticed--the paint is really thick. I think the guy who painted it put a lot of layers of clear coat on it.

Anyway, I can sand it out and repaint it--but how do I get it to look reasonably seamless? That's the puzzle, for me at least. Probably easy for a lot of you guys.

 

[DrEntropy]

Looks like oxidation from here, dissimilar materials. Tony is right, IMO. You're gonna "chase" that along the seam and come out with a LOT more happening under there than is showing up on the outside. It's likely every seam on the car will eventually show the same 'symptoms'.

As for matching color, go ask a paint & body supply shop guy how many "reds" there are!

You're about to embark on a great adventure, Steve.

...or settle for a relative "quick fix" for purely cosmetic reasons, IMO.

 

[tony barnhill]

Well, you've gotta pop all that cracking paint off anyway so you can get to metal to get a good primer adherence....will be interested to see what you find.

 

[Britishautobody]

You have a small problem that can turn into a big job to make it look like a seamless repair since . The area needs to be taken down to the point where the finish or material feathers out properly<meaning it is adhering properly> You will still need to base coat color in the repair area and clear the entire front bonnet for the finish to look seamless. From my thoughts your fender may be flexing ,these are heavy bonnets,check over the bracing and how the bottom of the front fender acts when it hits the fender to body guide when lowering it down.

vern