[Ripped]

Maybe most guys don't drive their car around in primer for 2 years before getting final paint done. I did. I'm glad I did.

There are only a couple of minor bodywork issues which have arised over these past two years, that would effect the paint, if I was to have had it fully painted 2 years ago.

I have made a lot of mechanical changes to the car in this time, some of which caused the occasional scratch or ding in the primer.

The largest issue, is the shock towers, where blended/blocked with the inner fenders (engine bay) have small linear cracks. This is due to the huge engine torque.

Originally I welded, ground and block sanded this. I think I will TIG this area and leave the weld bead proud of the sheet metal, then have it repainted.

Anyway back to the original question.
I expect to have the car finished mechanically and ready for final paint in 2-3 months.
Before I take it to the body shop which will paint the car, I want to carefully clean the (epoxy) primer everywhere myself.

There is going to be a lot of accumulated road grime. What product(s) should I use to clean the primer?

[crashtech]

I would ask the shop that will be doing the work.

But, if you want a suggestion, I would say a bucket of hot water with Dawn soap and gray Scotchbrite pads cut into quarters. Hose off well and dry with lots of clean paper towels.

[chevyman86]

There is a product called Total Prep that you can find at most local parts stores that is great to prep the car for paint. Of course, with driving for two years in primer, I would wash it really well before I even tried it.

[302 Z28]

Originally Posted by crashtech

But, if you want a suggestion, I would say a bucket of hot water with Dawn soap and gray Scotchbrite pads cut into quarters. Hose off well and dry with lots of clean paper towels.

Best way to do it IMHO.

Vince

[deadbodyman]

Sounds good to me too. I call driving a car around in primer "the shake down" I'm always surprised at how much stuff has to be redone or reposistioned Plus I forget some stuf was only tacked in then forgot about.nothing like a good shake down and a few burnouts to get it right,and find those loose bolts.

[drchip]

If he's been driveing it two years in epoxy primer, I was under the impression it should be reprimed (after prep of course) before topcoat??? No???

[deadbodyman]

Well.... yes ,mabee ,but he just wants to clean it before he brings it to the body shop.Let them decide the prep.and the materials they like to use.Dawn works great on grease and oil.

[Ripped]

Thanks guys, I'll definitely check with the shop prior to using any specific products.

Driving this long, I want to crawl underneath, especially at the rockers under the quarters and in the nooks and crannies and do a nice preclean.
Even if it's with a very mild cleaner/soap.

What do you think about giving it a wipe with alcohol after cleaning?

I was particularly worried about the lower rear quarters, where they meet the rockers -cracking and
I was worried about the C pillar coming down from the roof to the quarter deforming
Lastly since I stretched the metal on the rear quarters slightly to fit the bigger tires, I was worried about possible deformation there as well

Maybe I'll put slicks on it just to be sure before painting

[BarryK]

It if were my car:

I would scrub it with a red or grey scuff pad and warm dish-soap and water, then clean with a good wax and grease remover.

I would then sand the car with 180 and wash again with a wax and grease remover, then shoot 2 more coats of epoxy.

[deadbodyman]

Me Too.You cant possiblly clean it to much with wax & grease remover.alcohal evaporates to fast for me. It'll work but not nearly as well.