hey for all of paint&bodywork guys. i have a 71 malibu and i know that i need to strip it down to the bare metal. but i don't know exactly how to prep the metal from there up. i know how to do the work but i don't know what type of sand paper and other things to use.

Assuming that you are chemically stripping it, here are the steps to take to ensure a good base from which to start.
1 DA sand the stripped surface with 80 grit.
2 Wipe down surface with surface prep. Not a meatl conditioner, but a pre-paint conditioner for removing all oily contaminants. (natural oil from hands, sweat)
3 Apply self-etching primer. This type of primer has an acid base in it to bond with the bare metal. The other alternative is using an acid etch solution, then using regular primer. I much prefer the first method. Factory-formulated chemical conditioning instead of mixing, applying yourself and then rinsing with water. I don't like that water & bare metal part, myself.
4 Then apply a good 2 part urethane high build primer. PIVCO sells this stuff thru the mail CHEAP. 49.95 for a gallon package w/ hardener. 812-479-1117

That should get you started.

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Triple Black 69 SS 396