[RWB]

I have removed the landau vinyl top from my '74 Cutlass Supreme and as expected there is the usual damage; some pitting, a few holes etc. but nothing in my opinion that absolutely necessitates a metal fix so eventually filler is where I'm headed with it. I would like to at least refinish the area at/near the glass sealing surface of the rear & quarter windows myself so that I can have the glass re-installed before the rest of the body is prepped and painted. I am also contemplating sandblasting the area where the top was and at least getting a start priming it and filling the holes and letting a body shop finalize it at the same time they prep the rest of the body.

My questions;
Is this a good idea?
If so, What kind of primer do I use considering the metal would be clean?
What kind of filler should I use?
Does the primer go on first as I would assume or does the body filler go on directly to the bare metal?

I know this may be blasphemy but I plan to replace the vinyl with a painted surface that somewhat mimics a covering. It might look similar to some of the finishes on SUV's with removeable tops so there is not a tremendous amount of pressure to finish the surface to the 10's. Maybe to the 9's.

Yes, I got the vinyl and the glue off just fine.
Thanks ahead of time for any advice.
-Bob