[rich]

Seems to be alot of interest in this subject. Well as you probably guessed I used to be in the industry. To share a little back ground briefly, I got my start at 14 on a 63 chev Impala SS. I spot repaired a couple of rust spots with a spray can. I was hooked. That was 27 years ago, later in life I opened a collision repair shop. I've built and raced drag cars,built street rods,and eventually aquired an interest in the finer things.(914'S) And now I only repair cars as a hobby. I would recomend checking to see if there is an adult ed class through the vocational school in your area. This is a great place to get some basics. Find a smaller local shop in your area where the project cars seem to be more obvious. Most shop owners don't really mind giving out some free advice. Ask a local shop owner if you can bring the car by, and if he'd mind telling you how to get started. During the project be prepared to throw the guy a bone and he'll usually continue with advice.
Have a budget! Materials should cost around 500.00 to 700.00 then add 500.00 for the unexpected! theres only one thing worse than stripping off the paint and finding 40 LBS of body filler on the side of the car under the bad paint. Thats not having the skill to repair it! (Good thing you made that friend in the body shop AH) I'm not trying to discourge you from tackling this job yourself, I'm just suggesting you have a backup plan. 500.00 will not get your car painted, but it will help you through the tecnically hard stuff. have a clean space. Oil, grease and body work don't mix. Spend some time at the local coin-op car wash. Pressure wash the car. All the seams, the belly pan, everything. you'll be glad later. Go to the library. I'm sure you'll find some helpful text there. Your individual skill will determain the results. some people have a natural talent for this kind of work. Good luck, Let us know how it turns out.