Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Thanks for the tip Mike. I PM'd him. I do remember those vents, it's probably what put the idea in my head to begin with. There's a build I'd like to see get going again.

The other day I was driving home from Il through WI, there is a national guard base there. Anyway, I see a formation of 10 army copters flying over and I think of you. I don't know you outside the board here, but the little bits we see here can sometimes stick in the brain anyway. "Fly Army!"

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

It's starting to look like a truck again. The cab is on with all new mounts.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4577.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4576.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4575.jpg

That job took less than an hour. I worked all day moving things around the garage so I could roll it back inside and off the driveway. I don't have complaining neighbors or anything, but there are kids around that like to mess with stuff. No problems so far, but I'm glad it's inside now.

The garage is still packed full. I got the family out there to help me tip the bed up. It takes less space and it's easier to work on the bottom side like this. No real rust surprises anyway. Looks pretty good.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4578.jpg

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

I posted a thread on the main board yesterday with my concerns about this project stagnating. I have concerns that I'm getting to a point where I will stop and fret over what to do next. I really want to keep the momentum going, but can't really afford to have all the bodywork completed and the whole thing painted right now. I would like to get the inside of the cab, the door jambs, the window openings and firewall painted, but even that may be out of my price range now because I'm not real confident on doing the prep work myself. I have a cheap spray gun that may be ok for primer. My garage could work to spray in if I hauled out most of the parts so I had more room to move around. I never did plan on painting it myself, but would like to do as much prep as I can. Partly because of personal pride in the work, partly for cost savings.

This is new territory for me. I've never had a car repainted before, let alone a complete color change inside and out. I look at it now, knowing I need to start doing some sanding and filling, and I just don't know where to start. Any input would be appreciated.

As far as progress goes, I got my headers yesterday. I bought them direct from Holley Performance though their ebay store. There was no picture on the listing. I got them for a great price and don't have any regrets, YET. The finish was ceramic coated, but there is something on it that looks kinda like overspray, but may be dried up polishing compound from when they were built. Turns out they were on the shelf at Holley for the past 9 years. They are new, but not recently new. Anyway, it took me about an hour to clean up one of them, and I still have to do more on it. I finally figured out what will work, a green scrub pad and mothers mag polish, though another polish would probably work too. What didn't work, turtle wax wheel cleaner, simple green, brake cleaner, spray carb cleaner, etc. I tried in out of sight areas.

The green pad cuts the stuff off and it cleans up ok, it's just elbow grease.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4583.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4584.jpg

The cleaned up one is one the right, not sure if you can see it in the pic or not.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4585.jpg

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Nobody has an opinion on body work direction, or nobody is reading, oh well, back to the grind.

Another of those days where you seem to be working but not much is getting done. I wanted to get the steering column in today. I rebuilt a van tilt column a while back, but it still was not quite ready. It looked great, but I still had to move the neutral safety switch. I was going to try it without moving it, but it's just up too high on the column and interferes with the brake rod/pedal and keeps the column to far into the dash. So I did complete moving the switch.

The next obstacle was those rubber parts or grommets on the column. Here's a tip for anyone working on a new replacement column, you need to put those rubber grommet things on before the main shaft with shifter lever poking out the side. That way you won't have to cut them to install later. The cuts should not be visible or a problem once installed.

The last issue (I think), is the wiring. My connector was cut off, the wire colors are not all a direct match. So I need to do a little research and splice in the wiring connector. I should be able to get the column in then and working.

I cleaned and painted the steering shaft between the column and rag joint, so that's ready to go. I installed the upper radiator hose. I also worked on some parts that are for sale. So even though I didn't complete the job I wanted to do, I still made progress.

And for those of you thinking about seeing that new Johnny Depp movie about Dilinger, it's OK, but would I pay $50 plus for admission and popcorn to see it again, NO.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

I sorta am at the same point. I want to fire my engine soooo bad, but no wiring.

So my plan (waiting on weather and some money) is to paint the inside of the cab, door jams, windshield, the outside of the cab between the cab and bed. The assemble everything, do the new wiring, assemble the interior, fire the engine, the eventually paint the entire outside. I felt this way it would get a bunch of stuff off the floor and prevent me from having to disassemble a bunch of stuff for later stuff. It really can be a pain and yeah I am like you I worry that sometimes I am in a slump and losing interest. Especially with me right now as it seems all I am doing is sanding/blocking and I see no difference in what the truck looks like.

Keep hitting it. I am enjoying reading, although I don't get to sit down every day like I use to to really read board posts. This thing called work seems to interfere. ;) :rolleyes:

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Ya know Bill, If you want to fire up the engine, you don't have to have hardly any wires at all hooked up. Just put the battery in, hook up the starter and the hot lead to the distributor and use a remote starter switch. I'm getting close to that point. It may run for a few minutes through open headers, but I don't see anything wrong with that!:metal:

As for today, I volunteered to help with a bingo fundraiser at the park this afternoon, so my day is probably done with the truck. I got the steering column wiring figured out (I think) and soldered up a connector so it will plug into the harness. I got the column installed, no major issues there.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4602.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4601.jpg

Kind of funny, I get the column in and I'm thinking to myself, "cool, now I got steering" Then realized I don't have the steering wheel on. And besides that, the one I want is not ordered yet. There goes another $100. This one is what I was using, but I don't like it. I'll be selling it as soon as my new one gets here.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4604.jpg

I got the pulleys in, they look nice. I decided to just put a new internal regulated alternator in, so that's why it's not in yet. Probably next week. I bought one at the junkyard, it didn't work, go figure. At least it's returnable.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4603.jpg

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Here's the wheel I'm going to use, Grant 967:
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...ck/grt-967.jpg

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Looks close to the same wheel I may be using. I don't think mine has the Chevy horn button. I got mine willed to me from Gman69 when he got a Corvette style wood wheel.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

I've had this one picked out for a few years, just been waiting for the right time and money to buy it. I was going to order it today, but then thought about how much farther I have to go on this and all that sanding, overspray, etc. it will be exposed to and decided to wait.

You can get a bunch of different horn buttons for it.

Looks like I still have some time today so I guess I can finish cleaning/polishing the headers and get them in yet.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

It seems I got the wrong headers. I could have swore when I looked them up it was the correct part number, but they are designed to fit 4x4's only, though they will fit a 2wd if the engine is mounted in the rearward position. The driver side header hits the crossmember and lower A arm bushing. Passenger side fits great. I have 2 choices on the headers. Either have a serious upgrade for my junkyard jimmy or resell them. I could probably make a profit. They are $360-370 from the big online sellers and brand new. I got them for a good price, so I'll decide later.

What's frustrating is that they would both fit great if my engine was mounted in the rearward mounting position. There would be plenty of clearance and you can see in the pics that they have outlets that are high and out of the way. I would have to shorten my driveshaft to use them though, not to mention all the work moving the mounts and tranny crossmember back a few inches.

Anyway, 3 steps forward, 2 steps back. Here's the pics:
Passenger side fits-
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4605.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4606.jpg

Driver side, not so much-
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4608.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4607.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4609.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4610.jpg

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

That was the steering wheel I was going to buy as well (still may) but after having seen a number of them at car shows on trucks I noticed there is quite a bit of difference between manufacturers some of them the metal strip that sits between the wood parts was much smaller then the wood leaving the sharp inner edge of the wood exposed and when I ran my hand over it like if I was letting the steering wheel slide in making a turn, it about cut my hand. Also the wood was centered correctly. Anyways, just my observation, might want to make sure to buy it from a company that would allow you to return/exchange it and not from fleebay.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Thanks for the info. I plan on getting it through summit or amazon.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

looks like that trucks coming together great

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Two new things today, one truck related, one not. I'll start with the not.

I got a new bike:
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...s/IMG_4614.jpg

Pretty tame I know, but significant none the less. I'm turning 42 this saturday and this is my gift. You see, this is the first new bike I have had since I was about 3 and got a trike. I still remember it. It was green. Some kids took it and broke off the handlebars. I was devastated. Every bike I have had since then was used. I don't think it really bothered me much except when my cousins came over when I was about 10 or 11 and they both had brand new huffy BMX bikes. Maybe you remember those black ones with the cool short oval shaped seat. Other than that time, I was always satisfied with my rebuilt bikes. All of them except the first 20" bike I did myself. Dad did the first one for me. It was cool. A schwinn with a mag tire and a huge front sprocket. That thing could fly. I mean that literally. I ended up with many scraped knees and digging dirt out of my palms.

Oh those sweet memories. May we never loose them.

I really like this one. Aluminum frame, comfortable seat, dual suspension, 7 speeds, rides smooth. $99 at walmart site to store.

Sorry about that. Anywho, got the new gas tank straps today and installed them. They are heavier than what I had. Both ends have nuts on threaded studs, so adjustable. I made a little step off piece for the driver side, so the strap installs more in line with the passenger side (remember that cross brace has an angle to it). I think it needs more adjustment. I might have to make some spacers to get it up high enough to snug it up to the bed. I have to remember to do the front ones first, because there will be no way to tighten those once the bed is on.

Hmm, just realized you can't see how I did that in the pic. The felt is in the way.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4611.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4612.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4613.jpg

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

I am seriously back to considering painting this thing myself. I'm going to tackle some body work and spray the primer. If that fails, then pay someone to do it. If I succeed, who knows, a new profession...j/k. I'm going to start with some training DVD's. I've read plenty over the years. I need to see it happening. Wish me luck.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

painting is not that bad, i did my first paint job however many years ago and that is what i do as a profession now, but the best thing to do is to take your time and go slow. it all works out in the end.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

It's not really the spraying that bothers me. I plan on buying a decent gun. Like a devilbis finish line or the new eastwood concours.

What I'm apprehensive about is the prep work. The big question is "will it be smooth flat and straight?" If I can do that, I'll be happy. I've seen good paint put on bad bodies...Ick, I don't want that.

I'll have questions, no doubt, but I'll go to the paint and body board for help on these issues.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

I haven't worked on it much lately. Too many other obligations. I did start doing some filling on dents. I bought a set of spray guns. I've been looking into painting it myself. I bought a book and DVD on body work and paint. And I'm talking with a local body guy too.

But I had a set back today. I found a garage heater on craigslist. I'm trying to plan ahead for this winter. Come September everyone will be looking and make it hard to get a deal. Anyway, I went to look at it, a reznor 75,000 btu heater and got it for $220. When I picked it up to load into my car I ruptured my right biceps tendon. It's not even that heavy, maybe 75 pounds and not really a strain to lift. It just let go.

So now I'm in a sling and will probably have surgery next week. The good news is that the recovery time is not too long, about a month one doctor said. Kind of sucks though with the timing. Softball for my kids is coming to an end and I was going to find a little more free time. Now everything is delayed. Work, house repairs, playing with the truck, etc. I guess I'll have time to study my body repair and paint lessons.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Good luck for a quick healing. Yeah, we always seem to get hooked up with something that slows our truck progress down.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

hgs; take care of those hurts before you continue with the truck,,it will be around when you get better, your kids will love you for spending time with them,, i have to look forward to knee surgery next month and the truck is almost done, I've had it running but you know there are little things that have to be done before you are satisfied with your work on it .
and are able to drive it with a peace of mind ,, my wife is very adamant about my health right now,, so i'm out numbered by one who cares.
nuff said,,:metal: take care .
larry

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Any info on your "adjustable track bar"? Did you just cut the factory one in two and thread it on each side? Got a part number or place where you bought the thing that joins them together?

Pretty good idea btw. After seeing what you did I am thinking of cutting the rivets out of the frame mount and adding a spacer so it drops down more and use your idea on the track bar.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

There is more info on it here:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=347169

I took about 2" out of the bar. Had it threaded about 3" on each end. I bought the part through summitracing.com and they come in packs of 2. You can by the OEM style as singles and it should work just fine. The tie rod adjusters for our trucks will work, they are a fairly common size for many cars. When I didn't see my truck as an application for the edelbrock adjuster, I looked up the vehicles that the cheapest set did fit, then went to the napa site and looked up the OEM style part for that vehicle and found the specs there were the same diameter and thread count, just a fraction of an inch different in length.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Thanks guys. I'll be alright. Seldomseen65, good luck with the knee. My wife works at a hospital, there is no shortage of mother henning around here.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

A pic of my itty bit of progress
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_4620.jpg

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Kind of sad seeing that my last update was mid-July. I was really making some great progress for a while to that point. Then I tore a biceps tendon and the next several months were a mess. I tore the muscle loading a heater for my garage into my car. I spent some time this fall finishing the insulating in the garage, and getting my heater installed. That was delayed almost 2 months waiting for a LP conversion kit from the mfr, then another week for the contractor to install it. I finally got the heater in and running just before Christmas. Then I was further distracted when I had to go pick up another parts blazer, which is sitting in my neighbors driveway. I needed to get a larger LP tank to really run it, and I finally got that yesterday. I let it run overnight at the lowest setting the thermostat will go, then turned it up this morning, got my work reports completed and headed out to my cozy garage. I've lived most of my life in MN and this is the first time I had a heated garage.

Anyway, the garage was kind of a mess, so some time was spent straightening things out and making room to work. Then I went to the parts store to get some supplies. My wife got me a nice set of sanding blocks for Christmas, but no paper. I needed some filler. I tried the stuff that is a non-mix, sun activated from bondo, but didn't like it. So I picked up some regular stuff and got to work. The first problem was I didn't mix enough hardener in it, so I scraped it off and tried again. The second try went alright. I sanded it down and needed to do a little more. I put another coat on and sanded it down with the 36 grit and I think I did ok. I would have tried spraying some primer, but didn't buy any yet.

I got a set of spray guns this summer and haven't tried them yet. One for primer, one for paint and a detail gun. I'm not even sure which primer to start with to tell the truth. Since the cab has some paint and primer on it, would I use an etching primer, an epoxy primer, or some kind of hybrid. Any tips are appreciated.

I'll post a pic later. I plan on working on this as much as I can this winter, with the hope that I can afford paint this summer and finally get it back together. I've already been set back half a year.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Started up the heater when I got home from work and laid some putty on the driver side rear of the cab. I was going to get the cab corner on the other day when I was working on it, but didn't have enough panel adhesive for the job. I'll be getting that in the morning. I want to get the cab corner on and the patch for the gas filler. I should be able to get the rough in work done on the back side of the cab and get it ready for primer over the weekend. Not sure what I'll do next though. Either work on the firewall, or start sanding the inside of the cab to prep it for primer.

It's about -15F outside right now. I shut off the heater at 7:00 and it was about 55F, now its at 35F. So a 20F drop in 4 hours under the worst of conditions. I'm good with that. I love my heater.

Pics:
This is the garage kind of cleaned up, a bit.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_5504.jpg

Passenger side, looks ok, took me about 4 times to get it "roughed" in.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_5507.jpg

First coat on driver side, my skills are improving.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_5505.jpg

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Subscribed! Keep that heater blasting and get that thing on the road!

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Not quite ready for primer, but getting there. I could really spray it and do all the body work after, but I feel more comfortable going this way. Anyway, I got my gas filler patch in and the cab corner on. The adhesive is taking a while to cure, so I decided to call it a day. I did some more shop clean up, trying to make it as easy as possible to set up for spraying. I got a couple rolls of plastic sheet to contain the overspray. I also bought my epoxy primer and mixers today, hoping to use it. The local Napa is the supplier, been working with these guys for years. They gave me about a 40% discount and all the extras I'll need to get started. Maybe next weekend I'll give it a shot. Won't be able to do much this week because of work, but who knows, I might get lucky.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Started doing more work yesterday and got the back of the cab pretty much roughed in for body work. The filler patch and cab corner are in with a layer of filler to smooth things out a bit. I started sanding or scuffing hte inside of the cab getting it ready for primer also. Don't think I'll do it this weekend, but it's coming along. It's nice that the weather is warmer than usual, the garage heats faster and uses less gas.

Pics:
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_5508.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_5509.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_5510.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_5511.jpg

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Hey bud, how is it going, so far, i know all about the torn muscles, been there myself, i am gonna try to help you some with that mud work of yourself. give me a bit ok. Are you alright with criticism. I just wanna help. ok.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

OK, first off i want to say this to you, you are doing a great job so far. What you have done so far is the perfect ground coat. You now know where your high spots are and your low spots are. You can not tap down your high spots with your body hammer slightly ( in RED) and add another coat of fiilling over top of the whole thing. the blue is in the green and that green patch is a near perfect featheredge of the filler. now get out to that shop and finish that filler. And i will start to get my work done also. Make sure you do not see any jsharp edges in the filler, this will cause you to have shadows in the paint. I hope you did not take this in a bad way, I just want to help you out. From one truck guy to another, good luck and struggle on, i still do!

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Thanks for the tip, and all comments regarding my work, good or bad, are appreciated. I've been hoping for some feedback here. I did not quite understand the statement above. Does that mean the blue areas you marked look ok or not.

I was thinking about spraying primer and then finishing the filler on top of that, is that wrong? I can learn patience, especially if there is someone saying, hold on there fella, do this first.

I planned to mix up more filler and cover all the previous work, but was wondering if I should use a different kind of filler, something that is a thinner mix that would go on thinner.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Hey bud, glad you did not take it the wrong way, thank you. ok, as for the blue areas in the pic, that is where the mud is llow, you need to apply the complete area with mud once again, and not just spots, it is easier to apply to the entire are and then sand it off. Tap down your high spots that are there, red arrows, but not too much, by the looks of it maybe a 1/32nd to a 1/16th". this will be fine, once that is done cove the whole area and start sanding. you see where the green area is, that is near perfectly feathered out, you will want all of the edges of the mud to look like this, if you apply primer yet, you are just wasting money, as it will all get sanded off and then you have to start again, never, i repeat never rely on primer to get rid of your mistakes, it will remove imperfections but not craters. It is meant to cover 180 grit sand scratches and that is it. You are in a cold climate, your truck shrinks and stretches with the weather resulting in shrinkage and expansion of the mud, you need to get it as close as possible and then prime. We can not get away with what the guys in cali can do, where they have nice weather all the time. Start sanding with 40, just knock off the roughness of the mud , then 80, and 120 and finish with 180 grit, this will make you a sore and tired and grumpy man, but patience will pervail in the end to a nice looking truck. I will be here for you along the way do not worry. if you need the help. later. I have a wedding to go to and the wife is gettin all dolled up in front of me, i will answerr more tomorw

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Thanks for the tips Nuke. Once I take the next steps as you explained, I'll post the pics and we'll see if if got better. I'm already done sanding for the next couple days at least. My shoulders and arms are not in shape yet, but getting there.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

OK Nuke1 or anyone else that actually knows what they are doing, am I doing better? This is just sanded down with 36 grit. I haven't gone to the lighter stuff yet. My shoulders and back are a bit stiff tonight.
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_5512.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_5513.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_5514.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_5515.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_5516.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_5517.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_5518.jpg
http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n...k/IMG_5519.jpg

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Yes, that looks REALLY good. See that one area were the metal is coming through a TINY bit. That would be a bit of a high spot, but without being there i couldnt tell you if you would want to touch that. If your at 36 grit now, by the time you got to 180 you may need to...

Looks really good.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

I agree its looking great. Just make sure you feather all the edges out and use a block, its easy once you get the hang of what to feel for. Also make sure to clean up your egdes, like the rocker seam and door jamb lip. Thats the little stuff that pops out after your prime! Keep up the good work!:metal:

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

Thanks, I'll probably try to tap that in a bit more and add a bit of filler. Once I get this stuff done I'll do around the rear window and the roof I think. It's fairly flat, but does have some low and high spots, so more filler and more sanding. I'm really understanding why I avoided body work all these years. Sanding sux.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

I hear ya. The wife bought me a nice set of blocks for xmas I'm using. There never seems to be end to the details that need just a little more toughing up.

Re: Over 25 Years Later, Finally My 71 C-10 Truck Build
 

I know a lot of body shops here are primering the repaired bare metal areas first before applying filler to help eliminate rust. They say that these new fillers will adhere to the primer and will not come off without sanding. I think they are using urethane primers when doing this. Anyone else hear of this being done?

It is really looking good, keep up the good work!