I wouldnt over think it. When I did mine I replaced the entire pan in the trunk but the areas over the wheel wells I just cleaned up the best I could and then treated with a rust neutralizer. The spatter paint makes a rough looking texture so there is no need to try to make it look perfectly flat.
Restored by me. Not a professional. Restaurant worker by trade. YouTube forums and some trial and error built this beauty. Sheet metal replacement. Body work. Paint. Rear gears. Interior. And engine. ALL ME. Toot toot