Rear upper shock mounts

[Bruce Krobusek <BruceKro@domain.elided>]

Staggers:

I recently looked at the upper rear shock mounts on my wife's
Stag (behind the rear seats) and noticed that both mounts had
2-3 cracks in the body metal radiating out from the center bolts.
None of the cracks looked too severe, although there is signs
of rust starting and some possible dampness getting through
from outside.

Questions: First, how common is this? Second, I plan on
having the area around the cracks ground down and welded.
Should some sort of stiffening or bracing be added as well?

Comments and suggestions appreciated. Thanks!

     Bruce

      Bruce A. Krobusek
        '83 BMW R80RT
      '72 TR6  CC75665LO
     '73 Stag LE23546UBW