Thanks to everyone here for your words of encouragement, advice, and empathy during this project -- I'm sure it's not over yet!
I think this is the total rundown of what 'we' did these last two months:
Repainted tank, side panels, front fender in the same motif; Repainted swingarm; Machined the two aluminum 'cups' for the top of the external fork springs; new rear tire (3.25x18 Dunlop K82) and tube; New rear brake shoes; Converted glass main fuse to a flat plug-in type fuse (I think this was a smart thing to do - particularly since I ride the bike so much); Greased the bearings in the starter motor; New (shorter) front brake cable; Rechromed tank side panels, rear brake arm, hydraulic steering damper; Oil change/filter service, new plugs, general going-over; Compression test (great!); Serviced the K&N filters; Replaced a few bolts with stainless; New petcock screen; Checked valves; The all important installation of the vintage dealer plate and new decals!
The thing that I appreciate is that John (my mechanic) is very understanding of my weirdness/obsession with the 'art project', and I'm sure that many other mechanics would not be willing to put in the time or be as detailed as he is. I am definitely aware of my mechanical limitations, and I do apologize for having enlisted outside sources to do much of this work on my behalf over these 5 years, but there's no way I could achieve the kind of results these professionals achieve -- they do it every day, and many of them have been doing what they do for over 30 years. But the one thing I think I am good at is coming up with the concept, researching, then gathering the parts and resources together, and finding the right people to help make it happen. I have TONS of respect for you guys who can do everything yourselves, but I know I just don't have those kinds of mechanical talents that many of you have.