Applying Primer
Folks who do not work on cars sometimes need a mantra or some kind of code to keep them on track. Anyone who does bodywork only needs to keep repeating one phrase--"keep sanding." We used red etching primer as the base primer that will adhere to the body and filler and also seal the body from the elements to prevent oxidation under the paint. Normal filler primers do not seal and will eventually allow rust to bleed through.
Here's the entire bed completely painted in the ruddy red version of the primer-sealer. Once this has cured for a couple of days, hand-scuff the primer with 150-grit to remove any surface imperfections. | 
Even with this first primer coat, we were still a long way from being done. Next we used a Trans Star urethane light-gray filler primer. This will be used to build up the inevitable low spots. |
This led us back to the long boards again, again using a 150-grit dry paper. Note how we've sanded through the gray primer, and in some places even through the red primer, to get an even surface on this door. | 
Since the El Camino was stripped to the bone, we also sanded and primered the dash. We didn't make it perfect, because the top will be covered with a new dashpad. |
Throughout the painting process we used an affordable Craftsman HVLP gun, which requires low air pressure and applies more material on the surface rather than turning it into overspray. With the high cost of paint, this is the only way to go. | |