Paint Blending Question

I hope nobody minds if I ask a question here about my Firebird...if so, the mods can delete this thread.

Anyway, my '74 Firebird has a bulge in the upper quarter panel where the seam meets the roof. I'm guessing the lead has failed, and the paint around it's starting to crack. Whatever's happening underneath, I'll eventually have to do something about it because once the paint starts going, it's going to be pretty obvious.

I have enough paint and body experience (and reasonable enough expectations) that I can do the work myself, but my problem is paint blending in this area. Firebirds don't have a ton of break lines in the body. I don't want to paint the whole car; the paint is older, but it shines up pretty well and I'm not anything like a perfectionist.

If anyone has any tips for how to blend some paint in to be the least noticeable, I'd appreciate it. I only have a picture right now of the "good side," so I'll post it to show you where I'm talking about - the area is right between the top of the rear window and the top of the side window. Thanks to anyone who can help.

 

Pretty simple process
1. Do the repair obviously i would use All metal,..Duraglass,...or even a good filler as it will move a little. That's a very high stress area on those cars some subframe connections will help tremendously.

2. Keep work are as small and tight as possible

3. Prime block etc

4.backsand with 1000 at least 24 in both directions from the repair.

5. Keep the pressure low and keep the base tight.

6. Layer your clear out as if you were priming

7. Have another gun handy with some very slow reducer,..after the last coat of clear blow the the reducer over in to the last coat of clear a few inches and over onto the surrounding area several inches.

8. Sand the blend edge with 2000~2500,..then buff her up

 

I have a 78 Formula 400 with much the same issue.
Ethan's suggestion re: subframe connectors will help limit body twist .
Thanks for the input Ethan , always appreciated.....sometimes I feel as though I have spent time in your classroom! Jim

 

Thank you very much, Ethan. I've read some of your posts and I was hoping you'd see this. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

 

One more question: The paint on the car is, for the most part, single-stage of some sort. Is it still OK to clear over that? I have no idea if it's enamel, urethane, or what. There's no checking or anything, so I doubt it's lacquer. Thanks!

 

Yea you can,..can use either or actually same process,..just melt that last coat in with the slow reducer

 

Thanks!