I do not have the tools to put the whole car down bear metal ...but there is some surface rust that I got off with a wire brush/sand paper 60, in those places I am down to the metal, is there a primer that will build up the surface from the missing paint. I know any of them will if you use enough, but what the best product for my project. Also, Im doing away with the vinyl top and where the clips are/where there about 1/4 inch raised from the surface, would a grinder blade be the best way to remove them? I'm a novice so bear with me ya'll. Thanks

Epoxy primer is the only choice IMO. Etch primer is junk, it allows water to wick throu and rust the metal. Urethane based primer is not meant to prevent corrosion or stick to bare metal, its meant for film build.

Any paint company sells epoxy primer, you can spray it on with a compressor and paint gun or even roll/brush it on IF you are not concerned with looks.

I am new to the site, but not new to the bodyshop business. Adam, sevt is completely correct. Epoxy primer is..for lack of words the only waterproof primer, meaning it is not pourus like other primers and wont allow water to penetrate. The tabs for your vinyl top easily grind off with an electric grinder. Just make sure you either do it quick, or make sure you dont heat the surrounding sheetmetal up. While your at the paint store pick up some "metal glaze" and use it to fill in any medium to small grind marks. Sand smooth with a block and 80 grit then 180 shoot your primer of choice and enjoy. thats my .02 ! good luck!

I used Southern Polyurethane's black epoxy primer. They are located right next door to you in Ga. and have some of the best prices around.

The way I did mine was to wire brush it down to bare metal, used metal prep, and then after washing, put on the epoxy primer.

Steve

Just bought some SPI epoxy primer and 2k primer two weeks ago. I really like both. The only concern is cleaning your spray gun after the epoxy. I've been using acetone but it barely affects the stuff.

Start with an epoxy primer and then shoot k200 (which is a primer-filler) over the epoxy. The k200 is basically a shoot-on filler that will add some thickness to your car's body giving you a surface that will fill many minor imperfections and can be blocked down to straighten your car's body. Depending on the severity of the body condition you may need to shoot and block out several coats of the k200 until it gets straight enough to satisfy you.