If I want to strip my car to the metal..... what do you recommend?

If it isn't absolutely necessary...why strip the car to begin with? Sure if there's rust, bondo, etc. all will be revealed, but what better primer than paint that's been on a car for years? Chemical stripping is "FOUL!" Just a thought, as stripping opens-up a whole new can of worms, & no matter where, and/or how you strip to bare metal, primers too thin will allow the metal to rust again in a hurry. If you're not planning "Concours Restoration"...go the cheaper, & less labor intensive/cost route!
Just my two cents.
Regards,
AL :)