Auto body repair & detailing: painting a car, hvlp gun, dual action sander

Question
QUESTION: HI Micheal,I have a 1989 camaro convertible rs that's being seating in my driveway for 3 years and the paint is pretty much faded,now i want to paint this car myself as a project car and to gain experience.In the past I've painted a fender n bumpers n they look pretty good but i just prime,sand and painted with a portable spray can that comes with the bottle attached.My question is how do i start with this car do i wet sand the whole car before priming or strip of was left of the paint then prime?What spray gun i should use.Thanks Luis

ANSWER: If the paint has faded to far you will have to strip.
If you want to try it yourself prepare the surface,prime and sand with 320,then 600,then 1000 and have at it. It sounds like you want to paint the car with a spray can??

You would be better off taking it to Maco or someplace that will paint your car for under 500.00.

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QUESTION: What do i need to prepare the surface,also i want to use a spray gun not a spray can,which spray gun will do the job is just to learn as much as i can, the car is just seating there and i have a second car so i just wanted as a hobby.If is to expensive i will try maaco.What do u mean when u say have at it,Thanks

Answer
You need an air compressor that will handle the air needs of a dual action sander first of all.
Without inspecting the car it is impossible to give you perfect information.
When you buy a gallon of primer,activator, and hardener the instructions will advise you of what size sandpaper that it is designed to cover.

You can sand the car with 180 grit and then 240 or 320.

As far as what type of gun to use you can purchase an inexpensive HVLP gun set for about $ 150-$200. Have at it simply means to go to work.

You will also need to fill and repair all dents prior to painting and the list of items that you would need include body filler,sandpaper grits of 80,180,320 and in different sizes.

Sanding block,tape,paper, ect..... I suggest you stop by a local body shop and see what they are using to get an idea of what you are getting into expense wise.

You can set up a basic garage for about $ 3,500.00.