HATS OFF to Ronnie !!! Your recollection of past blogs and info is 2nd to none. The above link on the fender crack subject was spot on, and it would have been a pity if it had got lost in the archives of time..........
I've heard of this happening before, but not being a body man I have nothing to add about repairing it. If it were me I would contact Jim Finn for a new fender instead of trying to repair it. If you get a red one there is a chance it might match without having to paint it.