[Hansol]

Hey, i'm new to the forum. I bought a 1980 Trans Am body with a 1975 400block and a screwy transmission over the summer for $700. They told me it was all ready for paint and this and that, and me being new to the car world, bought it. Turns out the whole rear QP were made of mostly bondo. I had to weld new panels and this and that. To make the story short, the primer was crap, I stripped it all off, sanded down to bare metal, and am in the process of repriming.

What I am wondering is if one would be able to use spray can primers with average results. I have watched auto body videos in which the guy said that you can, and have found other forums where people say that you can't. I have found the people around here to be fairly intelligent in regards to painting and priming and such, so hopefully you guys can set me straight.

So far, all i have primed is the hood and the trunk cover. I have to finish the bondo (its too cold in Canada right now) so haven't sprayed the rest of the body. Figured i would ask before i wasted any more money. Thanks -Hansol

[poncho62]

Just make sure that it is laquer based primer, not enamal.

You can buy cheap primer from Walmart and CTC, that is not laquer based. The more expensive spray can from CTC is laquer.

To be on the safe side, buy a good quality primer from a auto parts store. If you have a compresser and spray gun, its cheaper in the long run to but primer and laquer thinners and mix your own.

Another good idea, is to prime bare metal with an epoxy primer.

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

If you must use a spray can primer make sure it says "SANDABLE" lacquer type or high speed on the label. Once you start don't mix brands of primer.

[mikeweyman]

you should buy a quart at the auto store,that stuff in the can is like 90%thinner,there is almost no build up to hide tiny scratches.
usually you would prime only hours before painting.I would touch up the bare metal with epoxy primer for now,then use hi-build primer before painting..mike