I would like to know the proper way to sand down a hood along with other body parts in order to be ready for primer. Im picking up my new car wednesday and it needs a little work, and all that i can do before it hits the shop saves money.
What kind of sandpaper, tools, primer etc do i need? And are there any techniques that i need to know of?

Just sand off the clear coat (assuming you have a good base coat you can keep). The base coat actually can act as a primer because it is well bonded to the metal of the car. I would use 400 grit 3M wetordry sand paper, and wet sand it. Basically, get a bucket of soapy water, and keep dipping the sand paper in the water so you are always wet sanding the hood and other body parts. You will probably have to go over the car 3-5 times before it is completely dull (no clear coat). It's easiest to see in the reflection of the sun if you have any clear left in certain parts of the car.

thank you very much

yep ^^ that's exactly how i would do it. if there are any bad spots in the paint or anything that aren't coming out with the 400 try hitting it with 220 wet and follow with 400 and smooth it all out.