I bought the vehicle in question in March of 2000. I wanted to get it painted before the summer so I drove it for a few miles and started taking it apart. I checked with some reputable body shops and the thing that steered me away from them was the amount of time it would take to get in, and then finish (spare time in between wrecks). These shops have done a number of restorations and they all looked great and the owners are very happy. I opted to find someone who would "get it done". Three years later and three bodymen later I have the car in my mother's garage and I am going to try to hire one of these shops again.

Other option: Take the panels off an strip them and attempt to do it myself. I have a good friend who owns a body shop that ahs a downdraft booth and all the tools I will need to prime and paint. The body panels are all original to the car and are solid. Pinholes were found in the rear corners of the doors and the fenders. Everything else is all there. Hood is fabulous. Already been stripped and primed at bodyshop #2. (good shop but one of the partner's wife passed away and the car sat for over a year and a half with no work while I waited for him. He nevercame back to work) The car is in great overall shape. One door needs a small amount of allignment. I will strip the panels that have been done to make sure they are done right rather than take my chances after all this time.

Should I get a shop to do this for me and pay more money or should I attempt this myself? I want to drive my car next year!!!

Tony, you've got mail buddy.