Need to know how to prepare a "new" shell for paint.

[QOTHL]

I am going to liken the request to trying to become an electrician by correspondence school. It just doesn't work like that.
Sorry to sound a bit down-beat about offering help, but to make the paint pop on your car after all the hard work....I suggest you at least consider getting an experienced painter to either give some lessons, or work with you on the car. There would be nothing worse than cocking up at this stage of the restoration.

Already did that, spent six mos in a body shop working with a guy who's been doing body and paint for 40yrs. He made the mistake of telling me I wouldn't be able to paint a replacement truck bed side without getting runs. I welded it (the manager was impressed), prepped it, primed it, painted it, cleared it, first time painting a vehicle NO RUNS. Than he showed me how to buff it. Came out perfect. I made the guy very uncomfortable, which the manager told me a couple of mos later. My first bondo job - perfect. Want pics? I'm pretty sure I posted these somewhere already. Not to blow my own horn, after this initial experience, I found I could learn more by watching youtube. The veteran felt he didn't need to see things done on youtube. After watching several really good videos, it helped make the painting experience a lot easier.
I could have sworn I responded to your nay saying in another post. People who have worked with me know what kind of work I'm capable of.

I LOVE when people cast dispersions about being able to do something. I dated someone in HS who said I would never be able to bench press ____. Went in to competition and set the world record in my weight class, won National and World Championships. Thanks!

 

[QOTHL]

Check out my build thread I showed some details and I’ve done all my own work. Understanding different primers and what to do with them along with fillers is key. Then move into base coat and clears or single stage paint whichever you prefer. I use Tamco primers and paint products along with Evercoat fillers. Brush on seam sealers are used inside the trunk and passenger area mostly. “Caulk” type in your gutters and body seams elsewhere around the exterior of the car. I do seam sealer right before my sealer after I’m done priming and blocking.

Looks awesome! Can't wait till I get that much done on the body. I didn't see where you sealed the seams so maybe I missed it. I have an original car to look at and need to get the carpeting out. I love your plastic sheeting paint booth. I've thought about buying a portable shelter to do the same thing.

 

[Builderguy]

Just got back from Carlisle. I could not find the manuals I have (in the storage barn, maybe) anyway, I did find a site in my history that looked like it had a lot of step by step. Hope it gives a little better insight. Good luck.
https://www.hotrod.com/articles/resto-tech-apply-seam-sealer-correctly/

 

[QOTHL]

Just got back from Carlisle. I could not find the manuals I have (in the storage barn, maybe) anyway, I did find a site in my history that looked like it had a lot of step by step. Hope it gives a little better insight. Good luck.
https://www.hotrod.com/articles/resto-tech-apply-seam-sealer-correctly/

I really appreciate you going to this much trouble.
How was Carlisle? Can't imagine what that must have been like.
I'll take a look, many thanks!

 

[Builderguy]

"How was Carlisle? Can't imagine what that must have been like."

It was GRRRRREEEEEAAAAATTTTTTT but it was a little warm. There are some things I would do different. Next year I am taking a binder containing all the original part numbers, photos, and normal price (or e-bay, summit, amd, etc) for what I need as I spent too much time on my phone checking to see if the part that was in my hand was actually the part I needed. So a little more prep work would make life a lot easier. I did learn somethings for the "survivor" cars that were there.

 

[QOTHL]

"How was Carlisle? Can't imagine what that must have been like."

It was GRRRRREEEEEAAAAATTTTTTT but it was a little warm. There are some things I would do different. Next year I am taking a binder containing all the original part numbers, photos, and normal price (or e-bay, summit, amd, etc) for what I need as I spent too much time on my phone checking to see if the part that was in my hand was actually the part I needed. So a little more prep work would make life a lot easier. I did learn somethings for the "survivor" cars that were there.

Glad it went well. Were there a lot of people? I hope to have my car ready to take next year. The drive from here sucks - 6hrs though WVA with a trailer I get about 4mph.