Wheelman,

One thing you should do is remove the body side trim, if I remember correctly they are held on with plastic clips, and maybe a bolt at each end? I did a 68 Impala convertible about 25 years ago, it was my Dad's project, anyways you will be glad you did, it makes for a much cleaner paint job, and the paint under the moldings will be painted also, good chance to clean the moldings up while off the car, they really are not hard to remove, hardest part would probably be the plastic clips (so they don't break) I am sure someone makes them they were a pretty common clip in there day.

looks like you have put allot of work into the car, I would hate to see you cut a corner on not removing the b/s moldings and what ever other moldings, rocker/ handles etc, they will make the difference in a good job, vs a great job, also remove or loosen the bumper before you spray paint, and I know what it's like to say you have done all the work yourself, it's rewarding, but finding the point of where to stop is very difficult, I'd remove the vinyl top and put one on when you can afford it, you will never get that vinyl to lay down flat again, but I also know in this economy times are tough, but going w/o the vinyl top for a year would be worth the wait, when you see the new one on, small details is what makes the car stand out, it usually takes more time, but IMHO it's worth every minute, you are going to have the expense of the paint and all the prep work.

I would encourage you to go the extra mile, it will only be the difference of a day or two, and living w/o a vinyl top for a while, I would get some quotes on the cost of some one doing the top so you have an idea before you paint. where do you stop? I've seen you put allot of work into this car and a good paint job will be something that should last a long time, it's all in the prep work when it comes to the body, after all that's what people see the most, is the body either driving down the road or sitting at a car show. Good luck and keep up the good work, I'd hate to see your paint start to peel around those body side moldings in year or two after putting all the time into it, putting the moldings back on after a new paint is the greatest feeling, GM didn't paint the car with the moldings on. and were they removed the last time the car was painted? and not sanded under them then? now your talking several mils of paint around the moldings, just a thought, it won't take as much time as you think it will, and worth it in the end.

Door handles and locks are only on for now because car is kept outside and do not want it stolen.