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Thanks so much over the years for the technical help. This is really a fantastic forum. Last year I sold my 1973 C3 automatic that was a work in progress. Tired of doing the work and spending $$$$. I immediately purchased a 1972 4-speed that was already completed, matching numbers, low number of owners, very low mileage, great documentation and in spectacular original condition. Looks like a show car and I paid top dollar for it. The car needs nothing, everything works. The previous owner had the car re-painted about six years ago in the original Targa Blue. Overall the paint is fantastic with just a very minor flaw. I noticed when I bought the car there was a very small paint crack just below the hood on the front clip. And also a very tiny one on the front right fender. At most 1/3" in length. So far these are the only cracks and they have not gotten worse. I would never consider getting the car re-painted but have a couple of questions for the paint experts. Picture of the crack and also of the vehicle are attached.
1. What typically causes these types of cracks? Does this sometimes occur after a re-paint?
2. Could a really good paint guy fill these in? Or are these type of cracks un-repairable?
2025 C2 of the Year ('64-'66) Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C7 of the Year Winner -- Modified
2020 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
looks like your typical (very small) stress crack that was missed during the paint prep. You or somebody good with a fine tip paint brush can make it look better but paint will not glue the crack, it will just re-appear
your pics looks like the fender at the corner where the hood opens. pretty common area for c3s to crack. think its just an area of stress with the hood opening.
no good way to fix them other than completely respraying the front end.
Thx for the high res pic of the problem area. IMHO that looks like a scratch, not a crack. Pretty car too, but I’m biased
i agree on all counts..
regardless of scratch or crack..
assuming the repaint used clearcoat? i would by hand slowly compound that area to minimize visual impact of the sharp edges. Or even VERY carefully fill with clear and do the same.
spectacular car... or leave it and let the wow factor take over.. only you would see it .. driving that beauty will no doubt pick up a few more defects ..
Nothing to add that has not already been covered. I had a similar crack (self induced) on a freshly painted 65 and had to get the front end repainted to correct it.
Paint Crack - 72 Corvette
.. driving that beauty will no doubt pick up a few more defects ..
