I would start with a search of the forums, I know Maestro posted a good repainting one in 06 I think you can easily find.
Beyond that, if you aren’t going to strip down the paint you have options…but whatever you do, withought fully removing the paint you can get really mixed results.
My experience -
use steel wool and go crazy all over the surface, try to avoid deep scratches, you only want to make the surface rough so the paint has something to “grab” to. After a serious (and I mean more than a few passes) use of the wool (you don’t need to press hard), you should have the clear coat rather opec, but not gashes that will leave a nasty looking finish. I would go with two options, get access to a cheap sprayer, or get really high quality spray paint for metal (maybe 15 bucks a can) You’ll prolly only need two for a uni, maybe only one. Indoors (if you do it outdoors bugs, pollen, anything can blow onto it), and with venting (fans facing out on a window is fine) hang the frame with a wire so that you have full access to it in all directions, and don’t hang the wire in a way that will cover the frame (this will give you more event coats). Then stand maybe 6-10 inches away (try this out on cardboard first to see how the nozzle acts) and then making burts sprays about 3 secs each sweep back and forth and follow through with a stroke away from the uni in a U shape. Take your time painting, and don’t make any coat too heavy you will get drips. If you are seeing a bit of color, but think it should cover better - thats what you want, you will do several coats. Fully coat the uni, then let it dry for 6-12 hours (maybe 24 on the paint) and re-apply, then wait, then re-apply , repeat until you have a nice solid color - you will have no spots, no drips and a mirror finish. Now go out and get some auto quality clear coating - spray can - maybe 6-10 bucks; apply the same way as you did the spary paint. Do like…8coats or more, really take your time (it will protect your paint from just peeling away from weathering).
After the final coat, don’t touch it for a few days. Between coats NEVER touch it, even to see if its dry, just wait at minimum 6 hours and reapply. You should have a really good paint job if you are patient.
Have fun!
P.s. I wouldn’t put a cover on it, I would paint it if you can, It’ll look awsome
P.s.s you can also paint the rim this way if you tape off the spokes, etc.
Total cost - maybe 40 bucks if you use two cans of paint - total time: over a week, but its worth it