Well, first of all, have to say thanks for all the replies. Looks like the consensus has me working the stuff off with stripper. I've got a gallon of some gel stripper that I'll start out with, but I'm sure I'll be needing more. And with all the work I have in front of me, it'll be a while before I get to fixing that no-starting issue on my p-car.
I've got some "before" pics I'll be posting pretty soon and will have to get some shots of the "in-process" and "finished" project. Hopefully the great advice I've come to expect from everyone here will continue to flow.
Randy