1951 Elmer,
My wife tells me I act like a grade schooler so I'll give you my two cents.
A pro painter might be very nervous about painting a rig he didn't have a hand in preparing. If the foundation is 'iffy', the expensive paint job will go sour in a very short time...and the owner, you, will be disappointed.
This is how I would do it. If the existing paint is VERY firmly attached, with no rust under it, it only needs to be sanded and primed. A DA with progressive grits can do this.
It isn't 100% necessary to remove all the paint and get to clean metal. No rattle cans or hardware store primers allowed! All old intact paint, bare metal and any bondo must be covered with a two part (2K) primer. This is a catalyzed primer that will fill and seal the old surface from the new paint that is to be applied.
Only automotive paints and thinners will work well. Nothing from ACE hardware will be compatible with anything a automotive painter would spray on.
If you have a real automotive paint store nearby, it would be a great idea to go have a chat with them. They will give you a idea of costs.
If you get sticker shock from this, there are alternate ways to approach the paint question that MIGHT involve ACE hardware.
Stuart
