And.... surprise!
I ran out of time. So, I guess stripping down a car, and completely painting it in just 10 4 hour work days was a bit unrealistic... even if I DID strip it outside of class.
I'm glad I got the two worst areas done though, the engine bay will never need another paint job again as long as I own the car, and the dent in the quarter would have probably cost me somewhere like $1500 to fix at a body shop.... Now that that's done I can reinstall the engine, and get the car running again so I can enjoy the rest of the warm weather.
EDIT: I found out that they ARE going to hold a Saturday hobbyist class during the fall semester. I think I'll sign up for it and get the car running in the meantime.