Sparky you need to keep it as simple as you can because of lack of any experience. What I have to offer is a simple and inexpensive way to get a quality paint job from a beginner, it's a good way, not the only way. You are on the right track for the glassing and you could also use nitrate dope to put the 1/2 or .75 oz glass on and fill it with dap light weight spackle, it sands nicely and is lighter then resion. Primers I use are grey Dupli-Color high build for starters, most of which is sanded off and followed with Dupli-Color white sandable primer which I wet sand with 600 grit for a beautiful surface which will accept any paint. Vacume it well and wipe down with a paint Prep solvent prior to the color coats.

Dupli-Color Has base coat colors in spray cans with good color selections, called Perfect Match $7.00 per 8 oz. can and it goes on very smooth, easy for the new guy and experienced as well. It is compatible to most clear coat automotive paints which are fuel and chemical resistant as that is what you will want to finish with. An automotive supplier will help you with the right clear coat, get an economy clear coat and save money, they do a nice job. Keep in mind you will need a spray gun HVLP is great for this, most cheep guns will have a 2mm or larger tip where as a 1.2 to a 1.7 is desireable and air pressure 10 to20 lbs.

If you have the compressor, filters, regulator and right spray gun you can do a nice job. Clear coating can be challenging for the new user but it's doable even for the beginner. Regardless of what products you use I wish you well. Leroy