start of body work

Whatever products you decide to use, make sure to read the tech sheets for that product. It will give you their recommendations for application of the product. Very help full. Usually can be found at the products website.

x2
more important than most other advice

I agree with Moparkid. I wont do an old car without stripping it to bare metal. If you dont have time do strip the entire car and prime in a day, do a panel or 2 at a time and epoxy them.

yup

dont use spray cans, It will cost a fortune and you will have to re strip it.

do not trust your hours of work and thousands of dollars in subsequent paint materials to the bond of a spray can primer. Plus it can rust though even indoors from the humidity in the air.

any flash or surface rust that can appear in the week or two it takes you to finish stripping will likely easily be removed with a quick pass of the DA sander anyway