Nick, I understand your frustrations but $5K-$10K is not out of line for what you need done. Even using the cheapest of the cheap base/clear system you are going to be at or over $1K in just materials. There is the color coat and reducer, clear coat and hardener, sealer and activator, more primer and hardener. I would HIGHLY recommend stepping up to a quality paint system as the cheap stuff does not lay out as well, doesn't provide the depth of image you desire and the durability/longevity is questionable. Sandpaper will be $0.50-$1.00 per sheet and there is a LOT of sanding to be done on your car. There is tape, around $3.00/roll, masking paper, etc.... If you want the entire car sanded smooth and buffed, it will be around $200-$300 in sandpaper, compounds, polish and wheels. Just because the car has some primer on it is no indication that it will be even near ready for paint. 80 hours at $50.00/hr is optimistic. The entire car needs to be hand sanded with a long board to insure the filler work is truly straight. This step may need to be done anywhere from 1-3 times, depending on how straight the car is now. It may look great in primer, but if it were guide coated and just a quick pass with the long board, you will be amazed at how many high and low spots will be revealed. These imperfections will be very visible in a fresh new paint job. Do the math with these optimistic numbers and you will see where the money is going. Don't cut corners here, this is the stage where the perfection is achieved. Most anybody can paint, its the prep work that makes or breaks the entire job. If you cheap out at this point, all the money and effort you spent on the NOS panels and labor will end up as a disappointment.