Need some advice on this project...

[Domer]

So I'm finally getting ready to tear into my 65 nova. I have the tools and some of the experience to get it done... But this will be the first time I take a entire car down to bare metal.


Every panel on this car needs work in one way or another. So it's gonna take me a lil while. Some cutting and welding, some hammer and dolly, gonna need filler wether I like it or not... It's had one horrible respray over the original paint, so it's all gotta go.


Here are my current challenges... I have no space. Body work and epoxy primer is going to be done in the driveway. I hope to be able to do this panel at a time (for the major body work) final priming/blocking/painting will be done in the garage (which is currently occupied by more expensive toys) I plan on panel at a time so I can still drive it, already paid entry to a few shows I'm not gonna miss out on!


So, guess my question is... Do I just strip it down (I'm using 3m bristle discs) hit it with epoxy, then start cutin/welding/beating and touch up as I go along? I planned on epoxy since it lives out in the elements, and will probably take me a couple months to get to paint... I also understand I'm going to have to reactivate the epoxy before I paint.


Am I on the right track? Any better ideas? Since everyone loves a pic, here's what I'm starting with... You can probably see the waves in the quarter... Thanks!

 

[TAZ]

Since you are limited on space, and this will take some time to do, one of the best suggestions I would have is
do not strip the complete car at once.
For one, this can be a very overwhelming project. Once you see it stripped, you almost get that 'now what' feeling.

Plus, if you do this and the car sits, the rust process begins. Then you'll have another issue on your hand.

Do one panel at a time. Strip it, bodywork it. Then prime it.
Or, if you have a weekend or a week, you plan on working on it, you can work on a couple panels at a time.

Try to keep the panels on. BUT you might want to pull the hood off and deck when the time comes to strip and bodywork them.

 

[chopolds]

Taz is right. Another good reason is that the paint that is on it now will protect the metal better than the epoxy will. So do one panel at a time, the rest is well protected, in case it takes longer than you think...and it always does!
Not sure about your remark about reactivating the epoxy. All you have to do with epoxy is to sand it before putting more on, or filler on, or sealer or paint.
BTW, I use House of Kolor epoxy, KP-2. Has great adhesion, to steel, fiberglass, etc., fills very well, and acts as a sealer, too. You can do your filler work under it, or on top of it, another advantage when working piecemeal. In case you run out of time with welding, or hammering, and have to primer it at the end of a session. You can come back next week, sand it lightly and put your body filler over it.