Hi,
I have a chevy caprice that I'd like to paint. My question is about masking vs. removing various parts on the exterior.

If the best job would be a "frame off" deal where every piece is off the body, and the worst involves taping emblems, light bezels, etc., what is a good medium? I'm not trying to be a perfectionist about this - just wondering to what extent say, Earl Scheib or Maaco would go.

For instance, door handles and locks; remove or tape around?

Also, If you're taping off things like chrome trim around windows, would it make sense to do this before sanding (to offer a little protection)?

thanks!

I just did my car, I removed headlights, taillights, turn signals, emblems and badges, fender linings, wing, and side body trim.

I taped off my windows, roof black things (no idea what they are called), sun roof, key holes, and wheels, sideview mirrors, and tail pipe.

I painted the wing and side body trim on saw horses next to the car.

I've decided that I should have also removed the side view mirrors because it was a pain to spray the doors under them, and a pain to tape off around them.