Classic car paintwork with epoxy/2k's

[Torqu-E-Cycles]

Hey all, I've got an old mini that is in bare metal and 3 decent coats of 2k epoxy all over...
It needs filler in places, its also got plenty of small imperfections from grinders etc....
The guys at my local bodyshop keep saying don't bother with epoxy, just do your filler work, 2k prime, flat and 2k colour....
My intention was to use the epoxy as a moisture sealer as I know 2k primer is a sponge for moisture, so what do I do?
My brain says epoxy, filler, 2k primer, epoxy, 2k top coat. But its a lot of effort for things like the interior etc that will never see any hard wear or rain.... I don't want to waste time unnecessarily but I also want to make sure its right and as well protected as possible, I'm also painting in a place I don't want to be (no option its my only option!) So the less time spent and paint in the air the better, if its not necessary.
Can I wet on wet the interior/engine bay? So epoxy then colour straight on?

Epoxy is hb body 2k, primer is kapki 2k and top is octoral 2k.

 

[frank horton]

go ur own way....it'll make u feel better....

 

[Burdekin]

Epoxy over bare metal.

How flat is your epoxy? You certainly can wet on wet over the epoxy with top coat but if it has orange peel in the epoxy it will show in the topcoat. So it depends on how flat a finish you are happy with if you go wet on wet.

 

[norsa]

OK. As you probably are aware. My job is paint in classic car restoration. My preferred method for which I get the consistent results leading to a recent best in show of a Capri is. Bare metal. 2× Epoxy primer.(sealer) Filler/stopper. 2x epoxy primer. (Sealer.) 2x 2k primer.(surfacer) All, flatted dry. Top coat. Hope that helps. If there is a danger of the car getting wet, immediately pre top coat, miss out the 2k primer. Yes you can wet on wet anywhere but to the detriment of a slight loss in shine and possible scratches peeping through from the primer/sealer coats.
Nick

 

[bert]

I'm guessing your bodyshop is an accident repair center not a classic car/restoration place?

As Norsa I make my living restoring and painting classics. I do t have the same level of experience that he does but I do get very nice results and I can confirm there are no shortcuts.

I've done about 20 Minis in my life.

My process is epoxy prime bare shell that's been sanded to 120grit. Then filler work. Reprime with 3 coats of epoxy and block flat up to 400grit if direct gloss or 600grit if basecoat and clear.

Then apply 2k top coat

 

[Torqu-E-Cycles]

Thanks everybody, I will follow your advice! Painting begins tomorrow yippee! 9 years I've spent getting the metalwork right so its momentous for me!