Any tips for a beginner?

[BigBlockOlds]

A friend of mine is going to paint my car but since I don't have the money to pay out for all the bodywork, etc. I thought I'd try doing as much as I can in that department.

Question is, where should I start? I was thinking I would start with the front fenders since I can pull them off the car and work on them outside for the moment.
But as far as getting them as glass smooth as possible and ready for paint, what steps need to be taken?

I'm welding up a couple of holes at the moment but after that, do I strip them down completely to bare metal? Is this when you should apply body filler or should you prime the metal first and then work with the filler?

Watching shows like Overhaulin', etc. I see where a lot of the body shops will spread body filler over the entire panel and then sand it smooth. Is this the best way to get a perfectly straight panel?

What grit sand paper do you start with? 80 and then work up from there spraying on guide coats to make sure everything is straight?

I guess I'd like a chronilogical order to the process if there is such a thing.

Thanks guys,

[instro84]

Andrew, were did you have the ac delete plate made at?
dale

[BigBlockOlds]

Made it in my barn.

[jackfrost]

I'm sure Gregg could get you going