I'm now building AFV's, but for years before my switch I built cars. I used lacquer paints exclusively. For primer I used Plasti-kote Sandable Primer, T-235 Gray, which comes in a spray can. It's a fast drying lacquer based primer. Works well on plastic. Can find it in many auto parts stores.
And yes...unprotected styrene plastic and lacquer thinner do not mix. Bet you won't make that mistake again. I ruined a car body that my then 9 year old son was working on. Did he have a long face, until I bought him another kit like the one I ruined.
HTH
Glenn
P.S.- I prime all my current AFV parts with this Plasti-kote primer as well!