Body & Paint Guys...quick question.

[rennch]

I am in the middle of a bare metal restoration of my 69 911. I live in Colorado, which is obviously very dry at this altitude. That said, the body still gets a layer of oxidation that I'd like to avoid. I don't have a paint booth, and I haven't done my bodywork (filler) yet. Is there anything I can "rattle can" onto the freshly sanded metal that will protect it until I'm ready to do the bodywork on it? Or does it have to be compatible with whatever I decide to paint with ultimately?

Thanks!

[lateapex911]

When I did my resto, I used acid etching primer, and sprayed the bare areas with it. It didn't have to lay on perfectly, as I'd end up removing it as I worked, so i'd just focus the gun tighter and spray away, airbrush style. No paint booth...

When I was ready, then i set up the booth and went whole hog.

I would think any decent primer would suffice out of a rattle can for your purposes. But keep in mind (and I always wonder when I see cars driving around in primer) that some primers (most) aren't meant as final surfaces, and water can still damage.

My advice to anyone doing this sort of thing is to find a good body shop supplier, and choose the materials that you will be using from start to finish, and get the data sheets on all of them, if not the notebook on the whole line. For me, it was Glasurit, and the book and the knowledge of the staff at my supplier was invaluable. Choose and find a guy who cares, and shares.

[rennch]

So, just so I'm clear....

You got some Glasurit rattle can primer? Then completely removed it before your final prep? Or did it stay on the whole time?

[haycait911]

use automotive epoxy primer of the same paint system you'll be using as a finish. some types have a 3-4 day pot life, and can be brushed on if need be. avoid any non-activated ( no catalyst) product under automotive paint. rattle-can primers are water permeable.

[rennch]

Is that something I'd have to use a spray gun for?

What's a "Pot life"? (Insert joke here)

OH...and I can do bodywork OVER this primer? Is that right?

[haycait911]

you don't need to use a spray-gun, can be brushed or rolled for small areas. you'll be sanding it smooth before high-build primer anyway.
'pot-life' is how long a two-component material will remain useable once mixed.
actually, bodywork (filler) is better done over an epoxy primer than bare steel. it's just awkward to manage sometimes.

[rennch]

I have a local (sherwin williams) automotive paint store that can put paint into spray cans. I also have a compressor, and I suppose it wouldn't be all that hard to figure out how to paint with it.

[LakeCleElum]

Michael - Whatever you put on, but sure to take it off before you do your final primer/paint. I have to tell you one of my paint horror stories:

I have painted 9 cars over the years. In the late '80's, I got a 912 for cheap that had a rusted out front pan and needed paint. I decided to do it right and take it down to bare metal. When I was ready, I sprayed the primer/sealer my paint shop recommended for bare metal. What they didn't tell me was to put the color coats on in 24 hrs. or less. I took a few weeks, getting everything just right before I sprayed the color. The final paint job looked nice, but you could scrape the color off with your finger nail.........Beware.........

[rennch]

Ok...so is the consensus to just not put anything on until I'm ready for final prep?

[lateapex911]

Originally Posted by LakeCleElum

Michael - Whatever you put on, but sure to take it off before you do your final primer/paint. I have to tell you one of my paint horror stories:

I have painted 9 cars over the years. In the late '80's, I got a 912 for cheap that had a rusted out front pan and needed paint. I decided to do it right and take it down to bare metal. When I was ready, I sprayed the primer/sealer my paint shop recommended for bare metal. What they didn't tell me was to put the color coats on in 24 hrs. or less. I took a few weeks, getting everything just right before I sprayed the color. The final paint job looked nice, but you could scrape the color off with your finger nail.........Beware.........

Thats why it's imperative to read the data sheets on everything you use.