These are exactly the kind of opinions I was looking for. Even without any
experience I know that in most cases you get what you pay for. I am
certainly not in search of a "custom shop" type paint job (although it would
be nice) but I would like something that looks at least close to a factory
paint job and will last several years.

Here is what was quoted on the Earl Scheib web site for $718.95

   - Chemically clean & dewax
   - Dual-action sanding for adhesion
   - Careful masking & taping
   - Air-blown dust removal
   - Tack cloth cleaning
   - Paint coats #1 and #2
   - Masking & tape removal
   - Infrared Quartz Finish drying
   - Final cleaning
   - Many additional colors
   - Paint coat #3 (base coat) for a uniform finish
   - Bumper & Tire Conditioner
   - Additional sanding & preparation for adhesion
   - Integrated clear coat
   - "Starfire Colors"
   - Extra final cleaning
   - True separate Euro-Clean top coat
   - Ultraviolet sunscreen gloss hardener protector
   - Pro-Tech protection plan

This of course didn't include any body work (that I would plan to do myself
with the help of some friends who know that type of work). I never thought
about doing the sanding and stuff myself - nor would I have thought about
removing everything removable before hand.

Again, I'm not sure I'll go this route but all your opinions and experiences
help. I have found there usually isn't one "right way" of doing anything -
but I certainly trust the opinions of anyone on this list before any type of
business like this.