Internal Conflict! To change or not to change.

The problem with a paint color change is that you have to paint the door jams, under the hood, the trunk, etc...to make it look right. I would concentrate on getting the car running the way you like it, maybe do some interior stuff, suspension stuff then see how the budget goes. Also you would be amazed how a nice set of wheels will change the look of any car.
Nice Dart.