1968 Malibu
 

Hi, new here to the site. Just bought my first Chevelle. I have been dreaming of owning one since I was a kid. I finally bought one! I am a long time shade tree mechanic with minimal automotive schooling. I worked as a mechanic for two years before joining the military! Been in for 13 years and thanks to Uncle Sam I now have my Chevelle.
It will be a complete restore (not nessesarily to stock) I have already stripped the nasty yellow paint job. I am down to bare metal and can now start repairing rust spots and holes. I am doing everything in my garage. When I complete the filler work (until I can afford new panels/patches) I plan to prime it. Is there any problem priming with spray cans? For now it will stay in primer for no more than a year before I replace the fenders and use patch panels on the quarters. I am looking to get it so that I can enjoy it (drive) until the day comes to but the panels.
Being my first project I am sure many questions are to come. Thanks for an amazing site for Chevelle lovers like myself!

Rattle can primer will work but keep in mind that primer will not prevent rust. Unlike the top coat, primer is porous and will allow moisture through to the metal.

So here is my next question, would it be better to throw a rattle can coat of basic auto paint on there after the primer to hold me over until I am ready for high $$$ paint? My final goal is to replace all metal needed. Then I am hoping to do a decent home paint job myself. Again, I am in the military and we don't get paid well, so I am doing this all on a very tight budget. I am in no hurry for the final product but want to enjoy iy in the meantime as well.

That's a tough call. If you only put primer on there is a chance of rust depending on humidity. If you throw on a coat of primer and a cheap top coat, how much work will it take to prep it again for a good top coat. Not being a painter I don't know. Hopefully someone here with some painting experience can answer.

Before I forget again, thank you for your service to our country.

If you do the prep work yourself, and then used spray can primer, why not check into local paint shops. A lot of local paint shops will put a cheap paint job on a car for pretty cheap. And it might look a lot better than spray cans and probably wouldn't be that much more than actually buying the spray cans.

It might not be the best way to go, but if you are set on getting something on the car to "hold you over" till you replace the panels, than this is an option.

I'm sorry.... I forgot to say welcome Joker !

Hi Joker and thanks for your service.Waving

Here is my next question...I have filled in a decent size dent in my fender, I am afraid to fill anymore in fear of cracking, should I pull the fender attempt to hammer out the dent, use a dent puller (not removing fender) or add more filler. BTW...I have no clue how to remove the fender...

Also, thank you for all the welcomes. I am proud to serve, and truely apprciate you guys recognizing us for our service. It's not only those before me that have walked the same and worse paths I have but those of you who show your support that make putting on this uniform every day worth it! Thank you for your supprt.

Pulling the fender requires removing the hood first. You could remove the inner fender which would give you access to the back side of the fender. Two bolts and large fender washers through inner fender into cowl/firewall. Bolts along the edge of the inner fender along the wheel opening. Some bolts at the rad core support. Should be able to lower inner fender and slide it out. Take the wheel off to give you some more room.

Welcome Joker ,I like your title and I too wish to thank you for your service .I just sold my 68 Malibu project car and a parts car with it .Also let almost all the hard to find accumulated parts go with it.If you were closer I would offer you a NOS GM 68 right front fender for a good price but shipping something that big would be costly .

Joker ,after you finish body work you could get a cheap (Maaco) paint job until you could afford something better .Just take off as much trim as possible before you take it to them.ometimes they do a paint job special for $250 .

Sorry it's been a while. Thanks for all the tips so far. I have almost completely stripped the car. I have done a lot of Bondo work. Still going strong every weekend. I have primed all the panels that won't require body work to ease the eyes working out in the sun. At this point since I am looking to make it a weekend warrior. I am going to slowly use fillier and get the lines as straight as I can. Finish rattle can priming then see about an inexpensive paint job. Then in four years when I retire from the military do more of a full restoration. In the meantime I am sure to have lots of questions. Mostly getting the body realigned...the passenger side door rubs/pops on the fender when you open the door...clueless how to fix this one.

Some pictures from last weekend...
 

Here's my kids helping with the removal of the rotted weatherstripping. Second one is showing the fender after filler and primer. Coming along...slow but sure!