Getting Started

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Mark, I'd just use a cheap spray bomb paint to protect the area from
rust temporarily. Primer doesn't hold back moisture, at least most
don't. You'll have to grind/sand the paint away from the area to be
welded, but shouldn't be a big deal. Glad to hear some work will be done
to the car! 

I'd seal that crack in the paint on the American with some more paint.
Even if you just take a "close" color model car paint and put it on your
finger and work it in the crack, then wipe the surface with a rag
dampened with paint thinner, that will seal the crack. Would be better
than counting on the primer! I'm not sure about the urethane primer, but
if it's like all others, it won't seal moisture out. Cars painted in
primer as the finish coat usually have a sealer sprayed on after the
primer. 


Original message--------------------------------------
> I hope to soon actually begin work on the Ambassador.
> I have little doubt that at some point it will be sold. but until that
point is reached I would like to do it right the first time!
>   I need to pull the shortblock and blast the rust in the engine
compartment and firewall areas, then weld in new metal. My question is,
What is the best primer that people are using now to treat freshly
blasted metal when they plan on welding on it later? I expect many
starts and stops in this project with long delays in actually working on
it. Therefore I want to treat any bare metal as soon as I uncover it.
>  I will need to weld on it later.
> On the American front I took it out today for ride and drive and
stopped at Lowe's. Wouldn't you know that the wind caught the door when
I opened it and pulled it forward so hard it tweaked the hinge. Then
when I tried too shut the door it took a big chunk of paint off the
front edge! I adjusted the door when I got home, but the chipped paint
is still in need of attention. I'm bummed! The edge being chipped is no
big deal, but there is an actual crack in the paint about 1/2" long
going back into the door panel area. The car is painted with acrylic
enamel and I now it will nye nigh on impossible for me to repair it and
get it right. So I'm going to touch up the edge and hope it doesn't rust
in the crack. I'm hoping the urethane primer I used didn't crack and it
will be OK
> 
> Bummed!
(from Mark Price...)