A very very long time ago I decided to paint my '68 VW thinking that it couldn't be that hard. After some prep work, sanding and taping I was ready to go. I had the bug parked in the upper part of a barn surrounded by hay and straw (would of made a great pix). I fired up the compressor and started painting away. Actually it turned out pretty well but then decided to take on the crackle look. The next day it was back to sanding and another paint job. It turned out pretty good and lasted for about 70 or 80k miles when I sold the car for what I had paid for it.
Right now My '41 has been in a body shop for over 8 months. It has been prepped, painted, stripped, sanded, painted, stripped, and painted again.
I say go for it! With you background you'll do fine.
Don
