That is great advice IMO, Brian, for a DIY paint job as well. I plan to archive your post to help me as I do the work on my car.
Car is prepped and initial paint is started(jambs,etc). Weatherstripping was "ok" but I've decided to replace it. Seems not easy to find. Any recommendations?
Here are some pics of the dings from my kids climbing on the car to reach a shelf above it while it sat in the garage undriven for 25+ years, paint chipped off from taking their bicycles in/out and scrapes from the nose hitting the shelf when taller front tires were put on...have since lowered the front by 1 3/4"
These are two rust spots that developed, one on the lower driver door and the other inside the passenger door jamb/base.l
This is some surface rust on the trunk caused from putting a milk crate on the trunk holding brake and other fluids that leached through the carpet covering the car when the car was dormant. Also some surface rust inside the engine compartment where the fender meets up with the inner wheel well.