I searched the archives, forums, etc., but I could not find the answer to this question:

Should I do all body work (i.e. filler) BEFORE I seal with Zero Rust, or can I use the filler AFTER I seal.

The plan (for better or worse) is to use Zero Rust Prep Step to etch, then use Zero Rust to seal my cab - ALL surfaces, then use urethane primer on top and finishing with either a single or two stage Chromabase.

I know some advocate epoxy primers (which is fine), but Zero Rust is advertised to work as a primer substrate for most finishing systems.

The top of the cab is the big question. There is quite a bit of rust pitting and micro-pitting. But, there are also several dents which will require filler since I can't get behind the roof to straighten with conventional metalworking techniques.

I could:

1) Grind and fill and contour/repair, then seal.

2) Etch, seal, then fill and contour/repair.

Either way I'll use the regular primer for the finish system.

What say ye?

Hey, I'm game. I'll use my truck as a test bed to see what works!

Mark

I usually work out dings,dents,waves,e.t.c.,cut out and weld new metal if there is rust before spraying anything ,apply filler after good application of epoxy,not on bare metal

It can be done either way. I know body guys who wont put putty over bare metal even with the fillers they have now a days because they worry about adhesion to the bare metal. Then there are others, me included, who put it over bare metal thats been hit with a grinder and never encounter problems. 6 of one half a dozen of another really. Fix your obvious dents first then prime and block it. Chances are you are going to run into small dings, lows, and highs anyway and have to work it a little more then you can just spot prime those areas and re-sand them. If your having issues with surface rust from moisture in the air or what not go ahead and prime it then do your body work and then spot prime those areas again as mentioned above. Like I said it can be done either way. I'm sure there are others that will agree/disagree with me on this. Just my

Thanks, guys. I'll be trying some new things - at least new to me - but I'm having fun and looking forward to my cab taking shape.

Mark