My First Resto-Mod (Guidance Appreciated)

:hello2: So I have had this 1970 Dart sitting around for awhile. Just me and my little buddy workin on it. It has a 383ci in it with the 727 transmission. Linked to an 8 3/4 rear end with gears unknown for now. No power brakes, no power steering, no heat, no air, no radio, no zip. Just the way I like it.

My plans are to stay realitively cheap while investing most of my green backs to the drive terrain and fabricating a lot of stuff myself. Can't let all that training go to waste. I figured if the engine was good I could supply it with a healthy stroker kit from 440. Everyone is screaming the big 496ci package but I think Ill settle for something smaller. I have two transmissions which Ill probably rebuild one even though I would like a 4, 5 or even 6 sd. Beggers can't be choosers here. But since there seems to be some holes in these pockets, Im probably just gonna stick with the auto till I win the jackpot. Rear end might have to see a pro since I dont have the tools and only have a little know how on that subject. Then again it all depends on what Im doing with the other components which is up in the air until I get this body rolling. Speaking of which...

For the body, I plan on patching any rust with 18g 4130 steel?? Ill save that for Q time. I would like to paint the body flat black. I heard Rustoleum works according to Hot Rod Magazine. Someone suggested Hot Rod Black from a local store. Im leaning towards their wisdom. As far as the engine back, interior cab, trunk, suspension etc. I was thinking POR-15 over bare metal? Im not looking for a fansty car. Just a driver. Lets put it this way. A friend of mine was like, "You're getting rid of the stereo?" I chuckled and replied, "Nooooo, I might have two 3" speakers sticking out the back." "That's all I need."

I have aquired a portable sandblaster which I plan to do strip the paint completely down. Right now I have a few spots where I saw some rust through. The blaster works really well but I need to make a temp booth so its easier to collect the media. I also need to pick up a better welder and since my favorite store, Tractor Supply Company, no longer sells Argon... I guess Ill have to find a new place to get that too. So paint and primers... I got some questions here for the experts.

1. Do I strip the car to metal then fix body followed by primer? What's the correct process here?
2. What primer should I use for the bare metal outside body?
3. Should I lay POR-15 straight down, scrap the idea, or what?
4. It's 18 gage 4130 steel right?

All advice welcomed and appreciated.

Here is the begining stages a couple months back.