As much as I hate to say it (you know who will probably agree) looking at that last pic has me convinced it would look mean as sin in British Racing green w/ those cool black phone dials...hehe
I just had mine painted very reasonbly (price wise and good quality)
I waited forever, but it was worth the wait to find a good one so don't stress...
Just look what i started with and I think you'll agree you've got a nice head start!