Paint Job Guru's opinions wanted

[greazzer]

I will post some snappies tonight when I get my MB back from the shop this afternoon. Had the lower rear driver side quarter panel replaced. Got a super nice donor piece. Right now, front clip (less a hole under the battery tray) is 100% rot free and just a minor trace here and there of surface rust. From C pillar-rear door dogleg back is now rust free. Only rust - damaged areas are:

1. Floor pans
2. Doors.

I can easily swap out the doors, so that's not an issue

Floor pans are easy to replace ... just need to find the right ones.

So, I am really on the verge of a rust free W123.

Here is my question:

1. Is it better to strip the car down to the bare metal or is it better to just give it a good sanding? I can get dustless blasting done for around $1,000 for the entire car.

I am thinking of getting the engine bay painted shortly, and when I save my nickles and dimes, I can get the real paint job for the remainder.

Thoughts on my question please ....