65 Barracuda daily driver

I paid that paint shop to color sand the car. That didn't really help very much. Most disappointing and awful people. I want to try it myself and I'm looking for some recommendations what sandpaper, blocks and polish I should use. I'm going to start with the hood and if I fail, I will just repaint it myself.
I would try 3M 1500 or 2000 wet andry paper (we use up to 3000 and 5000) and buy a GOOD quality cutting compound from a Auto paint supplier and buff it up with an el cheapo electric buff, if that doesnt work scuff the whole car with 1500 and Clearcoat it
Steve