I understand that at least on the 68-72 A body convertibles it is a common problem to have the paint crack on both sides of the car at the seam where the quarters meet the panel that goes between the top and the trunk lid (whatever it's called). I have seen several threads on here that a common fix is to remove the lead and weld that seam solid so there is no more flex in that area. For those that have performed that fix, have you run into any problems with the paint getting damaged anywhere else afterward? I'm just concerned that if the body can no longer flex there, that something's gotta give and it will crack somewhere else.
I always remove the lead and not only weld the seam solid but also make and weld in another piece above it flush with the panel so it takes very little filler to smooth it. Of all the convertibles I’ve done, none of them have ever cracked there again. But, I see it all the time at car shows and wonder why so many bodymen don’t realize that this is a problem area and take the time to fix it. It’s certainly cheaper to do it right the first time rather than do it over later.
I done a 442 years ago on it he wanted the seam to be visible, so I burnt the remaining sealer out then welded it hot and deep, metal worked it smooth, then taped two thin paint sticks down and used a 1/16in cutoff wheel and put the groove back in and sanded it clean every time I primed. Looked like cleaner factory seam. See it at car shows occasionally still looks the same as a when I delivered it
Imagine the poor factory worker that laid in all that molten lead everyday. Probably none left at this point.
Yes I'm reviving my old thread here, curious if anybody has any photos of this repair in process. Specifically anything showing the seam with the lead removed and before any weld is added.
