There's a crack (in the body filler)above the left wheelhump in the bed of my El Camino. I dug out the old filler and put in some new and it cracked again. Since there's no bottoms on the quarter panels (rust), I took a look inside and there's a weld in there behind the place where it would crack, and I also knew that the panel on that side wasn't original either, so I'm guessing collision damage. Another hint to that is a messed up tailgate gap. Anyway, what would be done to correct the crack from reforming, for example when the car is restored? I've heard of this happening on pillar posts and other seams too. Thanks for the help!

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1970 Chevy El Camino (Custom) Non-SS (http://www.dreamelectric.com/images/pb040001a.jpg)
Will be Green Mist & Silver w/Green Vinyl Top (now black)
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Sounds to me like the weld is the Source of the problem. Grind out all of that old stuff and re-weld or investigate the root cause. Sounds like you already know what to do.

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Triple Black 69 SS 396

Any other ideas before this topic dies out?

I agree it is a weld problem. We always have this problem on 70-73 Camaros and Firebirds at the roof line and have to take out all the old lead and weld up the seams and refill to keep from cracking. I would look into that, it probably just needs tacked up in a few places, but if the filler keeps cracking on you it is definatly a flexing problem is what it sounds like.

Thanks, I'm glad it's fixable.
About the tailgate gap, it's wider at the top (1/4") and very narrow at the bottom, to the point where the metal contacts. This could be fixed too right?

Im sure it can, sounds like you will need to do some minor pulling maybe if it was hit on that side, or if your cutting it apart it wont be that big of a deal.

I had the same problem in my left rear panel just aft of the wheel. Filled, painted and cracked twice. Theres lots of vibration back there. The last repair I used a cleaned the surface real well and used a fiberglas bondo (which has fiberglas strands in it) Over a year..so far..so good

Chuck

Thanks Chuck, something flexible sounds like what I'd need.