Paint over Rusty?

[RWBeringer4x4]

Hey guys,

I recently acquired a 1975 FJ40 - original paint. Surface rust abounds, paint is just about shot in most places, but there are absolutely ZERO rust holes in the body, and I would like to keep it that way!

There is quite a bit of work to get the truck mechanically sound and back into fighting shape, so I was considering doing some sanding/rattlecanning of some of the more exposed metal areas where the original paint has failed. Rustoleum was my obvious first choice. However, in searching MUD, it looks like doing a "real" paint job over rustoleum results in really bad paint adhesion and ultimately a really crappy looking paint job. So here are the questions:

If I'm looking to "patch up" the FJ to prevent rust temporarily until I can get a true repaint for it, what would you all recommend? Are any of the rust-blocking paint products on the market accptable for use as a primer/undercoat for a future top coat?

I have zero intention of ever making this a show truck, but I would eventualy like to go with a somewhat glossy, "real" paint job. Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[tclark]

You can get "real" paint put into a spray can for ya pretty cheaply. Probably better than rustoleum/krylon.

 

[RWBeringer4x4]

I guess the bottom line is, if I want to eliminate the surface rust I'll need to go down to bare metal, then I might as well just coat it in epoxy primer and drive around in "primer grey" until it's time to paint it. I just worry about undercoating with paint in the event it ends up oil-based. My understanding is that stuff is really difficult to get off once it's on.