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primar paint

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rthomas

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Hi folks
I'm about to start a project and am trying to get all my ducks in a row before I start.
I believe my car is originaly golden metalic beige and I have read that most boby parts including under body inside and out and frame are to painted the same colour but maybe with no luster
my question is then what would be the best type and colour of primar to use after I do my initial sand blasting for cleaning purposes. I understand that rust begins immediatly and priming is needed immediatly.
thanks Rick BJ8
 
The important thing is to use a primer that is compatable with the type/brand of paint that will be used to finish the car. so if you are going to paint the car with PPG paint, get a primer from the dealer that works with that. Although the original primer for most, maybe all of the Healeys was a redish color, most primers today are gray. Gray probably will work best under the golden beige color.
 
It may seem early, but try to choose whoever will do the final paint now. What you need to avoid is putting on any product that can be blamed later for causing problems. Shorn is right about compatiblity. Get the specific approval of the final paint person before putting on any surface prep. And be careful with that sandblasting. It may be just fine for the chassis and frame, but not recommended for sheet metal panels, due to potential warping.
I had my chassis sandblasted, but the panels chemical stripped, then immediately primed with self etching primer, before any filling, blocking, etc. Just as an additional tip, any fittment problems, including frame issues, should be solved early on. I followed this sequence: 1. Replace rust damage, including crossmembers, sills, floors, outriggers, etc. 2. Sandblast chassis. 3. Assemble entire car, less interior. 4. Have body shop align frame, and make sure doors, fenders, etc fit. 5. Disassemble car. 6. Have chassis painted. 7. Reassemble rolling chassis, with new and reconditioned parts, ensuring all is in working order, including engine, brakes, suspension, electrical. 8. Have body panels stirpped and primed. 9. Deliver to body shop for final fittment and paint. That's where it is now. More to come.
 
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