Paul,
Thanks for the suggestions re: enamel primer and lacquer paint. You've more than likely saved me a bunch of stripping, sanding, and the like. As a beginner builder once again, I'm thinking I'll play it safe and just use lacquer primer, at least for a while. I'm sure the painting and priming process will create enough of a challenge using the 'proper' combinations of materials. Especially thanks for the suggestion re: "Paint the top side of the chassis from the firewall forward"... It hadn't occurred to me that the top of the chassis would be visible. Maybe I should post update photos so you guys can "keep me in check" and save me time, work, and money before I make more of these mistakes of the unexperienced builder.
Thanks Again!
Steve