Advice on painting - newby

[XH29N0G]

I am looking for advice on painting.  My 15 y.o. son and I are going to start working on a car.  I have painted once (at my second cousin's shop) in the early 1980's, but never since.

I don't have a shop or a ideal garage to do this, but I believe I could do things piecewise.   Right now we are not looking for something perfect.  Would someone be willing to point me to some good books or provide advice on what the outlay might be to do this.  I am inclined to  try because of the father son aspect of it.  I will pay attention if people on the list tell me to stay away, but I figure we have to learn sometime.

Thanks for any information and help ahead of time.

[b5blue]

If you care to slog through my adventure, a done on the carport with the input of members: 
  http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,88583.0/topicseen.html
  Lots of "fudging" done as my budget was tight, end result a twenty footer at best but I'm happy and most of the exterior is well protected. 
 
   

[grizzlygiff1]

I am no expert myself, but two online forums that I have been using for info are southernpolyurethanes.com and autobody101.com . Both are very helpful with newbie questions. You can get a decent job if you listen to these folks. Paint has changed since the 80s. so have paint guns. Modern paints are commonly "2K" or 2 component paint and activator for curing. Also more common today is base coat clear coat systems that are more user friendly over single stage paint like you probably used back in the 80s (enamel or lacquer). You can also use single stage urethanes today. You must decide if the investment in proper tools will be worth it for you. Good compressors and guns aren't cheap, but you can usually find decent used stuff if need be. I have been slowly gathering the things I will need to paint my charger with my son who is 13, so I can relate to what you are trying to do. Good luck!

[1970Moparmann]

There is a forum at autobodystore.com that is very informative.  I spent many days on it researching and asking questions.

[Patronus]

What color? That will dictate quite a bit of advise.

[XH29N0G]

Thanks you for the input so far.

The car is grey metallic clear coat (for full disclosure it is not a Dodge, but a 1981 BMW).  The neighbor sold it to him for cheap when heard we were looking, and my wife and I thought it was a good place to start.   I figure does not need to be perfect - this is in part to learn and if he learns he can do it again.  

 Mine is the charger and I am having someone else paint that....

[cdr]

need pics of the charger 

[XH29N0G]

As soon as I get it back  I will post them.  Some from before it went to be painted were posted last year. 

Unfortunately, it has taken longer than anticipated to get it back.  I am still hoping it will be only a few weeks.