I'm doing a frame off on my 69 SS and I presently have the underside of the body stripped to bare metal then primed with laquer primer. I want to paint it with semi-gloss black and I was wondering what would be the best primer and paint to use. I want durability plus a nice show quality finish without resorting to POR-15.I would like to use a primer that would give me the best results with a minimum of labor. The underside is about 98% rust free with only minor surface rust in a couple of small places. Also I was wondering about replacing the seam sealer and what would be the best to use. graemlins/beers.gif

Bare metal needs etching primer. Then any quality Epoxy primer will give you good protection.

If you don't want etching primer, the buy some metal neutralizer/conditioner (wipes on), and then then spray Epoxy primer. I think there is an Etching Epoxy primer.

I'm new to this bodywork business but I want to do as much myself as possible.What happens if you don't use a metal conditioner or etching primer. I covered the bare metal immediately with primer.Does that mean that I have to remove the laquer primer first before an etching primer or epoxy

Generally speaking... Lacquer primer's are non-etching. Non Etching primer require the use of an etching compound such as the etching agent such as Sikkens WashPrimer CR, then primer and then paint. This means that they will not "bite" into the metal and therefore do not adhere as well to it.

There are several Epoxy Based etching primer's out there. Stick to a good product by either Sikkens, PPG, or Dupont and then you can topcoat it with a semi-gloss black. This is where some products such as POR-15 makes life easier because they etch and chemically bond and seal the steel and are not affected by minor rust, plus it can be rolled on with a foam roller.

Side Note: If you have a Canadian Produced car the underbody, firewall etc... would have been body colour as opposed to black. In the factory they used an etching red oxide primer which is why it's so tough.

Hope that helps to answer some of your questions.

Thanks for the info