I'm think about getting my 68 RS conv painted. I have a neighbor who does body work in his garage. I've seen his work and it looks OK to me but I'm no judge. He says he only uses acrylic enamel (I think) not lacquer. I've read posts here about 2 coat process or clear over base. What are we talking about? Should I even consider enamel?

Enamel is ok, if your going to do a metallic color, your not going to be able to sand and buff it. I personally would do a BC/CC, that way any problems in either the color coat or clear, it can all be taken care of, that and Ive done CC vehicles in my garage with out any problems. If you stick with a single stage process, see if he will do a acrylic urethane(much better).

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67 Camaro SS Conv.
70 Challenger R/T Conv.

Come to think about it, acrylic urethane may be what he said, I'll check.

Like ragtopman said, I also prefer A base/clear system. Acrylic Urathanes are a good product, but you don't save much by using them (only a LITTLE time in the paint booth) cost is generally very close to using B/C. The PPG global line that my shop uses has acrylic urathane line, but only in solid colors, I couldn't mix a metallic single stage paint at work if I wanted to. If PPG doesn't offer metallic single in their highest quality paint line, that tells me not to use it.
Austin

I am planning to paint it the original color - ash gold. Do you think that will be available in the acyrylic urethane?
I haven't gotten bids elsewhere but reading some of these posts about what a paint job costs makes me wonder if I'll do it. My neighbor said he would replace both 1/4 (with 80% repros), the dashboard metal (if I take the windshield out myself) and paint the car for about $2k labor + materials.

Most companys will offer a urathane single stage in mettalics. The paint we use is PPG's highest line, but that doesn't mean their other lines are bad. I believe you can get mettalic single stage in the concept line by PPG, which is also a very good paint. I would ask the guy how much more he will charge you for base coat with a urathane clear. He might just be old school, but if its a urathane single stage and you maintain it, it should look fine for years to come.
Austin

I would highly reccommend PPG bc/cc system. The only problem I see with metallics, is that you cannot sand the base without going back over the entire panel. I think someone said you cannot sand and buff and that's not correct. All PPG products can be color sanded. If your looking for a quality job, expect to pay $3,000 plus for a correct job. Good luck