Richard, I have been following this post for awhile now. I went through your exact deliberations last year. I, too, would love to get good at body work and paint. A co-worker almost had me convinced to give it a try........
I have a 2 car garage. I also did a color change so everything was stripped and removed except for the steering and brakes. Engine, transmission, radiator, grills, fuel tank, seats, windshield.....you get where I am coming from. You need to decide to what extent you are happy with a color change. Can you accept seeing the old when you look through the grills, open a door or trunk, engine bay. Does the job look complete? Or, half way?
By the time I had stripped all I could and boxed and tubbed the parts. Engine on a wheeled stand. Transmission in a corner...I was darn near out of room and tripping on things. Barely leaving room to get around the car to sand and paint. I also discovered rust on the door sill which would require new sheet metal and welding (not something I was wanting to deal with).
Itemize the tools, parts, respirator, paints and supplies you need to do this and add up the costs. Tent your work area and/or dust everywhere and on everything!
Believe me, there is a huge effort in stripping the car. I came to the conclusion that after all the work and time I was putting into this, I wanted professional results. Miracle Auto Paint, 2 stage urethane for $3200. Very satisfied!
