patching a strut tower (mk3 vw)

[stover]

so i just placed a deposit on a 97 jetta, i will be taking ownership of it next paycheck but i want to plan ahead for the work it needs. the driver side strut tower has a hole and will need to be patched and painted but im not quite sure how to go about it, i have a welder and can get sheet metal but should i attempt to use a rust converter on the surrounding surface rust so i end up with a smaller patch or should i just cut out all the rust? also what typer of primer should be used after the repair?