I did mine two years ago. I took mine down to bare metal on the back and just sanded the factory paint on the front. Both turned out about the same on the final finish. As you said, unfortunately these cars have no value. The major surgery I have seen people doing on these cars is crazy. Even the 87 442 I could have picked up a basically rust free version for under 5 grand. Unless you are a body man or have friend's that owe you, you are nuts to blow your hard earned money on these cars.