Would it work to treat areas that had rust converter ( phosphoric acid based ) and etch primer with baking soda solution prior to application of epoxy primer?
Treat the rust with phosphoric, let it dry and then just give it some abrasion, a good clean with panel wipe and straight on with epoxy. No need for etch primer if you are using epoxy primer, in fact it might make it worse. No need for baking soda.