My '69 convertible has a flawless paint job except for two cracks on each side of the trunk between the trunk and where the top attaches. In looking at other convertibles, it seems they all exhibit this problem. Unlike hardtops, there is no natural seam built in. I have two questions:
1) What is an easy way to get wax out of these cracks so that it does not look so noticeable on the black paint?
2) Is there a way to seal these cracks somehow to prevent rust from developing?

Any other tips are appreciated.

Most auto supply places will carry a "Detailing" spray that get's rid of wax buildup after detailing around emblems and trim.. I bet that would work.. if you have a pristine paintjob why don't you take it too have those areas fixed? and see what is causing the cracks (undoubtedly the flex from all the raw horsepower http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif ) if it's not "Perfect" why not try clear nailpolish too fill it in and lightly sand an buff them too fill in the cracks? Good Luck!

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X-Ray View of my Chevelle :D (http://www.normieschevelle.com/sideview.jpg)
Getting Closer (http://www.normieschevelle.com/passfull.jpg)

I am not sure that anything can be done about the problem. I think the problem is due to the fact that the convertible has less strength naturally and it seems as if the two places where there are cracks are natural stress points.

Has anyone else seen this problem? Does anyone know if there is a way to fix it? The two other convertibles I have seen also had these stress cracks.

On the convets. we have done, we have taken the lead out and welded up the quarters a lot better than the factory. They flex a little too much with the factory welds and that is what cracks the paint.

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Micky Hale Restorations
69 L-89 Chevelle
68 Biscayne 427/425
34 Plymouth Drag Car
ACES #134
www.mickyhale.com (http://www.mickyhale.com)

Sounds a little cheesy but the black wax that the parts stores carry works good to fill in little cracks like that. There's just no real good way to hide them.

Kevin, can you post a pic. I also have a 69 (paint is not flawless http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif ), and would like to see exaclty what you're talking about. I don't see anything on mine.


Thanks,

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JR
TC #1098
My 69 Convertible (http://www.erols.com/ruther/69conv)

My 2001 Z28 (http://www.erols.com/ruther/z28_5.jpg)

Kevin,
I know EXACTLY what you are talking about. My '71 convertible had these cracks when I bought it. I took the for sale red bad paint job off and returned it to the original blue. Shortly after that the cracks reappeared. Not knowing the cars history I just assumed somebody did something to the car to cause them. Two weeks ago I was at a friend's barn where he stores numerous cars for the winter. There sat another '71 convertible. He said the guy bought the car new and it is bone stock. It also has the "cracks".

My '65 also has "the cracks".

I'm glad to see i'm not the only one. My quarters are kind of wavy, like someone popped some dints out at some point, so I figured they were the result of an accident or two.

If you are really intent on fixxing them, you might try to paint the area with some paint with a flex additive. This is the stuff they put in paint for plastic bumpers to keep the paint from cracking when they flex.

I'm no paint expert and this is just a guess.


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Charles Perrell
cperrell@yahoo.com
65 malibu SS Convertible
283 2v powerglide

Maybe a 67 is different, but it has a seam like a hardtop. When I did it 12 years ago I cleaned out the groove, and put seam sealer in it. No cracks yet http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif
I also have a 70 model, and it looks like someone has put body filler on the seam to try and smooth it out. That one has some cracks. I guess I'll find out what's under the paint on that one when I strip it.

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ACES Member#603
Team Chevelle Gold Member #285
67 Malibu Convertible
67 El Camino
67 Malibu Wagon (project)
67 C10 Pickup
70 Malibu Convertible
Peach State Chevelles (http://peachstatechevelles.com)
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