I decided to start working on the body, i want to strip the paint, and put a primer coat on, then have it professionally painted. whats the best primer to buy, and where do i get it? how long can a primed car sit without painting it? and keeping it out of the rain. What about stripping the car? im using pep boys paint striper some airplane thing, is their something better? Any other tips on preping the car before painting to save money would be greatly appreciated. One more thing which primer color? i want to paint it patriot blue pearl.
frank

After having tried the aircraft stripper and
dealing with that mess, I'd never go that route again. I'd either try sanding it off which can be done but will take awhile or
have it media blasted. I had my chevelle
media blasted for $400.00 I think. The nice thing about media blasting is that you dont have to remove glass like you do with sandblasting, and no chance that it will warp
the metal. (uses either plastic beads or even
pecan shells)

If you go down to the bare metal I'd suggest
having etching primer down 1st then have primer surfacer layed down. You could get away with up to 6 months with primer surfacer
(ppg calls it k200)
I like PPG paint personally but regardless
of which paint you use stay with the same
product throught out the paint procedure.
Importtech

[This message has been edited by Importtech (edited 05-12-2002).]

[This message has been edited by Importtech (edited 05-12-2002).]

I would have it media blasted.Some places will prime the car after blasting it for a fee.This may be the easiest route for you.

Call PIVCO for mail order supplies. They'll send you a catalog. 1-812-479-1117. The Mar-Hyde 2K primer package is great for $50.

I wouldn't let any primered car sit out in the rain or weather for more than a short period of time. Primer's functions are to adhere to the surface and to absorb.

Agree- media blasting is by far the HOT ticket for stripping an assembled vehicle that you do not want to separate all body panels. Works SO slick, they can mask off all trim you have chosen not to remove, and gaps. You can pull other trim later and feather back underneath. After you get it back, prep bare surfaces as recommended by paint manufacturer,prime with etch & maybe 1 coat of epoxy. Then you can proceed at your leisure to deal with body repairs one panel at a time. Store primed vehicle in dry area not subject to excessive moisture, or high humidity. Typical media blasting (plastic beads, shells etc), will NOT remove rust like sandblasting will. Will do some minor damage to prior body repairs where filler was used, depending how how long they blast area. Most in our area charge by the hour.