I could be wrong on this, and maybe the $$ are not available, but I would take the body and sheet metal to your nearest MAACO, Econo, or whatever paint and body shop you have around there, and have them shoot the car in a color that makes you happy. (even if it is black) It doesn't matter that the body work isn't done, because that would be better protection than primer etc. Around here you can get it shot for about $200.
As far as putting it back together, I would stick with original parts that you have instead of spending $$ on upgrades. All the factory components work just nicely as is. You aren't trying to go fast right now, you are just trying to get going. You can always change those out later.
If we were closer, I'd bring one of my friends, and we could probably have that thing back on the road in 2 hard days of thrashing on it. Perfection can be accomplished later on the running/driving car.
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