Finish cracking and chipping on 1977 sunburst MM SR Bass

Back in 1977 I bought a new MMSRBass. A few years after I noticed that the sunburst finish was starting to get cracks. Then the finish pieces started to chip off. There are two spots where this has occurred. Has anyone one else found this on their MM guitar or bass?? The bass is in new condition, 47 years old, and has this problem. I have put tape over the two areas hoping it stays that way. It usually starts off at the edges