UPDATE.
Dad got the '78 painted. It was done by "Lou's" in Chelmsford. Supposedly, they do the body work for the Ford dealership next door, and the owner ,Tony, is a Ford guy. Dad brought it to him, with all the body work done, primed, sanded, no windows, anything. All they had to do was wipe it down, and spray it. They supplied the materials, it took them a week, and it cost $1000. It looks like a very nice job. Including the cost for the initial body work, dad's total cost is about $5200, and it's ready for re-assembly. To me, $5200 is a good deal. Time will tell, if the paint lasts. Good luck to you guys getting your trucks done.