I have 1991 Firebird white in color. The paint is flaking off in large chunks up to a point and then it stops. I plan on repainting the car so I am trying to sand it down. Geez.... where the paint is not chipping it is PITA to sand off. I started with 120 grit and was getting no where. Went to 60 grit and still having a hell of a time getting the paint sanded down. I am using an electric random orbital sander and a hand block sander. I am trying to fill in small dings and dents as I go. I have tried priming where bare metal was exposed. I have sanded that part as well.

Can I go with the 60 grit and move to the 400 grit without having to go down to the metal or even the factory primer? Should I primer if I go with the budget paint process? Plan on white gloss Rustoleum with Wagner sprayer. This is an everyday driver not a show car and it sits out in the weather. I just want a presentable look instead of all the peeling.

Also I have GTA hood that I will be putting on that needs primed and painted as it has been sanded to metal. It was given to me.

 

in 1990 and 1991 there was the same problem with the camaro - there was something wrong with the mixture of the paint and it was like there was oil under it and it flaked off. it is just the nature of the beast when there was a problem with the paint.
find the area's that flake and the rest should be ok.

 

Funny your name is Cwaterboy1 and crappy GM waterbase paint is your problem.Try some chemical stripper on the areas the paint has hasn't flaked.

 

I would just get the orbital sander and go to town on it. But if its hard getting through the paint i would go with the chemical stripper. You can get it at any auto paint store or auto store.
If your trying to save sum $$ , then i would take it to a one day paint shop. At least there stuff is better than spray paint and will last longer.
I'd say its worth it if you love/like ur car.