GREAT Post!!
I'm getting ready to do the same to my '82 Fish-Rite.I plan on painting the entire hull in a light grey before putting on the stripe because I don't think I'm going to get that new alum. look by buffing.
Any info on types of paint would be great.
If you want any decals(not product type) go to www.decalzone.com

To remove any unwanted decals,try a heat gun or hair dryer.Not too much heat though.They peel off fairly clean with a plastic putty knife. Solvent cleans up the left over adheasive. Now that the decals are off you really got to paint that boat!