I am planning on doing body work on my Chevelle this coming Spring.

Because of the poor top coat (coats) condition (peeling) and previous body work, I plan to strip the entire exterior to bare metal. But I will only be doing body work on one panel at a time and it could take quite a while to get all panels finished... It may take me years!

What is a relatively cheap primer/etc I can spray on the entire car to keep the rust away? Something that I could later sand the one panel as I perform the body work.

Or would I be better off spraying the whole car with an epoxy primer (after stripping is done), then just sanding off one panel at a time... Or can I leave that epoxy as a final substrate only scuffing as needed for primer surfacer adheasion (and naturally sanding to bare metal when body work is to be performed)...

Or should I only strip one panel at a time?

Depending on your time and dollars the whole car or one panel at a time is up to you. If the current paint is not at the rust stage from peeling/cracking etc. you could just leave it but a good solid primer job looks cool also.

Whatever you do, if you go down to metal treat the rusted areas with POR or eastwoods "rust encapsolator". Primer the other bare metal with a 'self etching primer" and then another coat with the primer of your choice, and epoxy primer will do.

Tony, I was going to say etch also, then a epoxy based primer if you are going to have the car sit in a humid environment. Summer is coming so you don't have to worry about that to much where we live smile.gif but if you store it outside then something as non porous as possible.

The primer I sprayed on my truck, Evercoat finish sand, (for high build surfacer) does absorb water and has light rust color coming through if I water it down after a week or so. If you have it indoors and don't have water contact this is a cheaper alternative to a more expensive expoxy based coating.

I plan on painting within 6-8 weeks so an epoxy is not a concern for my ride.

I would do ONE PANEL at a time, if you strip the entire car at once it will seem overwhelming.

What I would do is strip each panel by means of sanding, chemical or media blasting(NOT SAND BLAST). Fix any rust out and straighten the metal as close as you can. Once you are ready for primer I would resand the entire panel with 180 grit to remove any flash rust that has developed.

Now depending on the paint products you use Id spray the bare metal with an etching primer like PPG's DX1791 or Dupont's variprime, S-W GBP(?) 980 or even 973.

Etching primer can dissolve slight surface rust also etches the metal for proper paint adhesion. In my book its by far the best rust preventive product you can apply.

You can get by with just a QT of etch as that will mix up to 2gts of product. PPG's DX1791 and its reducer costs around 35-40, so its pretty darn cheap. I bought a qt of PPG epoxy and its hardener 2 months ago set me back about 60 bucks I think. But you wont get by with just a qt you'll need a gallon

Spray one good coat of etch then follow that up with 2 coats of epoxy. You can scuff up epoxy for your primer or you can apply body filler over epoxy if you so choose. Or you can just remove the paint in that area for filler.

Am not what so ever a fan or believer in those cure-all paint products like POR and its off spring. Ive used POR and I will say it has a place but I dont think its all that and a bag of chips that everyone thinks it is.

Sorry but I think POR is made for cheap skates who want to cover up a problem instead of fixing it. Just my opinion on the matter...Eric

What sevt_ said ---AND-----REMEMBER--- If these parts are subject to moisture, the coatings you have applied are porous, these parts will still rust.

The only way to seal the surface is with a color coat. Primers and epoxies will not prevent long term moisture intrusion without a top coat.

Karl

What is a relatively cheap primer/etc I can spray on the entire car to keep the rust away? Something that I could later sand the one panel as I perform the body work. I also beleive that repairing rust is the proper way. My understanding of this post was that this would be a temporary solution to stop or slow it down until the repair. There are great uses for these products, especially for those who cannot afford two vehicles while one is down, or someone who does not have the money for new floors. quarters etc. right now but does not want it to get any worse.

I am resoring my 72 SS that my brother had for years and was always going to get to it "one day". I wish now he would have treated the areas I am forced to replace years ago and I would not be in this situation. Cure all no, but a necessity for some, absolutely.

I also beleive that repairing rust is the proper way. My understanding of this post was that this would be a temporary solution to stop or slow it down until the repair. Not at all... The body (sorry for all those in the rust belt, etc) is virtually rust free... There are a few minor spot with peeling paint and maybe 1-2 inches (length)of rust in the front/rear window channels...

I am not looking for a product to protect the body indefinately, but rather something that will reduce the rust, etc. for the 3-6 months i anticipate the car will need before final paint.

The car will likely be stored in a carport during much of the resto (when work is not being performed).

Even if I strip and do the bodywork on one panel at a time, how would I protect that panel from rust until the other panels are completed?

Where I live has hot summers, and seems relatively dry, but in reality, we do get an offshore brease blowing in from the ocean, with some light fog, during the summer months.


Another consideration, is that products that require quick application after activation (I think this applies to epoxy primers) are less desirable (unless really the best alternative), because I would have to mix up enough to cover the panel when done, but not mix too much (as it would be wasted)...

Craig, anychance of being interested in applying the final paint? Its really a ways off, but I am planning the factory Marina Blue (metallic), and while I know I can handle the door jambs, etc, I don't feel totally confident with the large panels (Tiger stripes, metallic laying funning, etc...)..

Thanks