I just picked up a Civic with lots of paint. Looks like about
three different colors after sanding one of the fenders.
I've decided I just want to take it down to the metal and
start with a clean state.

What's the quickest (or least painful) route to get this
thing down to the metal? I have a compressor, air tools,
sanders, grenades and a sand blaster.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

 

If I had deep pockets, my car would be on a rotisserie getting bead blasted...

 

take everything off that you dont want ruined, media blast it, etch prime it. fresh slab to start with.

 

I use a a 24 or 36 grit grinding disc. Those stripping paint down to metal. I wouldn't want to grind too much on metal because it will make it weak.

 

Right on. Thanks for the replies. My pockets are FAR from
deep right now..

I was just outside checking it out and this paint is just
ridiculous. I was able to peel off a chunk of black with a
razor blade. The chunk felt more like I had a shingle in
my hand. Hilarious.

I'm pretty sure I have a 36 disk around here somewhere.
And I've also been dyin' to use the blaster lately...