I think it all depends on what the end result is that you want. If you want a valuable , fully restored car that you're afraid to drive then you have to bite the bullet and spend the big bucks. On the other hand, if you want a really nice driver done with less expense but stillhaving a good resale value down the road then I'd suggest you take things a little further yourself. Keep in mind there is a small market for expensive, perfect cars.

Take it down to the bare shell yourself. If it needs any sheet metal work, find someone that is good locally and have that done. Before any bondo, etc. Have the thing totally blasted. Some places will epoxy prime afterwards but in not, invest in a good airless spray system and prime it yourself. Then use a single stage paint and do things like the interior, trunk, underside, engine compartment, etc. yourself. Now send it out for any bondo it needs. At this point you may be comfortable with the spray gun and decide to paint yourself. Base/clear can be forgiving. The end result may not be "perfect" but will likely have a higher return on investment that an all out restoration - which you've already said is not in your budget.

Thats not a bad idea Stanton. I do have an air compressor and paint guns. I have painted smaller stuff outside on nice days and actually did a pretty good job. If I get the thing stripped I wouldn't mind painting mostly everything but the body. And your question. I def. will be driving this car when done. It's been on the road for the last 32 years. Its just a fY1 U code stick car so nothing to valuable.

Beatgoeson,

Check out these guys.
Clark Classic Restorations
I brought them my 68 Hemi Road Runner as a primered shell and got it back very red... I also had them paint a few of the interior parts that were black and my steel rims. I gave them enough of the seals, latches and bumpers needed to hang the doors and install the hood and deck lid. At the website, click on Partial Restorations and scroll down to see "Jim's 68 Hemi Road Runner" Do not let the distance from Maryland hold you from selecting a good shop.

After 6 months...

Do it yourself. After you do the engine compartment, trunk and door jambs, you will be more familiar with the process and you will become more confident in painting the body. I assume that is a yellow car and the color should be somewhat forgiving and easy to spray.

I'm somewhat "new" to doing this stuff too and at this point have still not painted a "whole" car. I've only done sections. I find metallic way more difficult than straight colors. Yellow like yours... I would NOT hesitate to do it myself, especially if you are just wanting a nice driver paint job.

I did the body on Jim's Road Runner, along with most of the cars shown. If interested, please contact me directly with a PM or email me at Steve@barrsrestoration.com
Thanks, Steve.