Beginner Body work

If the paint is peeling I would strip it to bare metal. In that process you never know what you will come across as I have found out (found a well hidden poorly installed partial quarter panel under bodo and paint). This way your new paint will stay on the car longer, you don't want old paint bulling under your new its too expensive.

I used a nylon bristle stripping wheel on a drill(a few of them) to strip my car, they are similar to wire wheels but strip much faster with no scratching of the metal surface to try and cover. Sure it takes time but it costs a lot less then other options and you end up with an awesome bare metal surface to start with, and no hidden problems to flare up down the road.