I think you need to strip it to the level of the cracking, at the least... otherwise the cracking will telegraph through the new paint.My forest green pearl 99 Sahara was in great shape. My flame red 06 has crows feet all over the hood. I don't know enough about that situation to know whether I'd have to strip it all the way or whether sand and clear would do it. What I do know is I have the knowhow to do it but I'm about a year away from having the location.