I already posted this in the Bench racing section but......bought this super cool camaro at a super sweet deal (I know it's not a chevelle but you guys seem not only the most knowledgable but also the most forgiving). I'm picking up it in two weeks and this is the primer that is on it now. It was applied about 1yr or so ago, the then owner knowing it would be parked out for a awhile. So what kindof primer is it? Why is it so shiny? Also, when I get it, the car will be sitting another couple months before I can get to working on it. What are some things I can to to seal it and ensure that rust doesn't set in (it might get wet)? Also, do I need to sand this down to the metal before getting it painted or can i use this as a layer to do bodywork on? The car has newly hung quarters.......looks to be well done. Thanks!

http://www.zefhix.com/images/Camaro1
http://www.zefhix.com/images/Camaro2

Well the only thing that the pics show is that the door and fenders dont fit worth a sh!t.
Since the door dont fit are you sure the 1/4 was installed right?

As for what kind it is...have no idea the one to ask would be the owner or the guy who sprayed it. It could be bottom of the barrel lacquer or epoxy primer.

If the car was ready for primer why didnt he just finish the job and paint it?? Sounds kinda fishy to me. Good way to dump a POS, prime it to cover/hide poor body and then say its "Ready for paint" :rolleyes:

Sorry but I disagree with the popular saying "Cars in primer are finer"

hey if this is the car you want great. what i would do first is do the things that dont cost anything but time. try to line up body lines fenders. look over the inside of trunk area. this is where you should be able to see if the rear quarters were changed or skins put on. after you have evaluated the overall condiction. sand all old primer off to metal. look for the dreaded rust areas. then spray car with a good 2 part primer. if you cant put it under roof at least have a tarp.to cover it up with. and dont let no tailhole keep you from your dreamride! goodluck with your project. lot of great info on camaros on nastyz28.com keep me updated on your ride graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Originally posted by sevt_chevelle:
Well the only thing that the pics show is that the door and fenders dont fit worth a sh!t.
Since the door dont fit are you sure the 1/4 was installed right?

As for what kind it is...have no idea the one to ask would be the owner or the guy who sprayed it. It could be bottom of the barrel lacquer or epoxy primer.

If the car was ready for primer why didnt he just finish the job and paint it?? Sounds kinda fishy to me. Good way to dump a POS, prime it to cover/hide poor body and then say its "Ready for paint" :rolleyes:

Sorry but I disagree with the popular saying "Cars in primer are finer" Well, I do have a pick or two of the car before the primer was applied and it's not covering up bondo or rust, just fresh wleds... I have about 30 other pics of the car so I know the quarters are done right. Like I said, the car was primered just to help from exposure to the elements as it's owner has several other projects including a newborn. I don't think that everything is bolted back up properly and hopefully I can align all the panels. I was hoping to identify the type of primer used....suppose I was hoping the shiny finish would give it away since I know nothing about bodywork. I'm a member over at Nastyz28, have been for two years and no offense to those guys but thy are clickish and often are very fickle in their responses. No amount of work would derail me from making this a nice car. Most of the hard work was done and I'm getting it with a crap load of parts and a clean title for $500. Nothing fishy there! graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Looks like a great project. Dont be discouraged by others opinions I cant offer any help on the primer ID but I just wanted to encourage you to stick with the project youll be happy you did graemlins/thumbsup.gif . Remember one mans POS is another treasure. graemlins/beers.gif

I did an early 70's Camaro for a friend some years back, and I can tell you that thise doors are Heavy, and a Bit*h to get lined up.
I'm guessing he just bolted it back together and didn't take time to align panels. You might want to install new pins, and bushings before you spend a ton of time trying to adjust the doors.
I'm GUESSING that the shiny primer is a primer sealer of some sort, possibly epoxy, but it's really anyone's guess.
For your $500.00 investment, I'd say you stole it!
Have fun with the new project graemlins/beers.gif graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Sanding a little on the primer might help to ID what it is. Take some 240 or 320, dry, and try sanding a small area. If the paper quickly gums up and you get small balls of the primer stuck on the area that you just sanded then it is likely epoxy which will be good for storage. If this sanding produces just some dust then with no gumming up of the paper then it is anybodies guess as to what it is.

Zefhix,

My car was primed with K36 polyester primer. In the process of wetsanding it shined like your car does. I don't think anything will stick to it like that, but many bodymen do this to highlight any imperfection in the body work. Blemishes and imperfections show up on a shiny surface. Since this car sat outside I would sand it back down. Primer is not watertight nor is the sealer. Whoever paints the car will most likely want to ensure the prep is done properly anyway.

The whole point about the doors not fitting is are you SURE that the 1/4 was done right? If the door doesnt fit now did it when he welded in a new 1/4?
You have pics of the 1/4 install WITH the door hung and fitting like it should?

If not you really cant be sure that the 1/4 is welded in the proper spot.

Or it could be that he took the door off to prime it, bolted it back on somewhat, but are you 100% sure?

Ive just seen ALOT of cars and parts that were complete junk but sold because it was primed and ready for paint.

As for the primer remove it and start from fresh. A paint job is only as good as its foundation.

Sorry if I sound like a tailhole but what Ive said is only the FACTS not my opinion

I appreciate all the comments. Both doors do not have their striker bolts intstalled so the doors aren't shut all the way.....I guess I'll sand it and tell you what I find. At 500, I think that anything good is just lucky! The car's front suspension is brand new as is the rear so the car kindof pays for itself.... graemlins/beers.gif

Primer looks like PPG DAS1980 (think that was the PN) which is a grey single stage primer sealer, but who knows...lots of grey primers out there. As for the door, it may just need to be moved in towards the car more, just have to loosen up the lower hinge to door bolts and push on the door. I just started aligning panels on my 71 camaro before I take it back apart for paint and the doors are heavy and a PITA to get set right.

Hello! I love those ,70-73 Camaros my personal favorite next to a 69 and 70 Chevelle. That may be a sealer and not a primer surfacer. Kind of hard to tell. Sealers usually have a shiny look like that. I would probably sand it off, because you don't know what it is and I think it is best to start with one paint line. That is just my opinion. As far as the fit goes there is alot of adjusting in those cars. How does the deck lid fit. I would start at the back and go to front. The hindges on those doors always wore that is probably why the door is sagging. Always think positive and everything will work out great best of luck with the project.

Kenny

Thanks again, I really do love the style of these cars as well! As for the decklid, here are some pics. I have about 30 of the car total and everything looks fairly straight and completely rust free...I guess I won't know the primer for sure until I actually see it in person in two weeks or the owner can remeber!
http://www.zefhix.com/images/decklid1.jpg
http://www.zefhix.com/images/decklid2.jpg
http://www.zefhix.com/images/front.jpg