what's the best move for prepping bare metal?

[Takernz]

hi folks!, I have my 1966 W110 200 under bodywork repair 50% done. After the bodywork repair, I'll strip all the old paint on the car,then, cleaning and sanding it, after that, what's next for prepping the bare metal?

[TJ 450]

I would use some kind of two pack high build primer after going over it with solvents/wax & grease remover. Etch primer seems to have been used by some people, but I question its suitability for ferrous metals.

I'm not an expert though.

Tim

[craigb]

my main suggestion is to make sure you get it all off if there is any paint defects. That paint is getting pretty old now and you can get it smooth as you like and then have soul destroying impressions after painting or shrinkback as the solvents go. I've never used 2-pack, more sticking with what I know I guess but in acrylic I have used etch primer if bare metal, for no other reason than I thought I was supposed to! It works though but couldn't say that Tim's suggestions wouldn't hurt either. And don't leave it too long before getting primer on it and then don't leave it too long to get paint on that. I am told the primer is porous and can absorb moisture that can cause problems in later years. But I seem to recall that using a 2 pac primer isn't porous and if so Tims suggestion might be especially good if it is a slow project. If you do have bare metal you leave for a while, I would suggest using phosphoric acid with steel wool to clean up before wax and grease remover etc. The acid come under various brand names.