Really looking forward to seeing the final product....(I wonder if your wife is related to mine?) I'm following the same philosophy...get mechanical all done first, then go to body, paint & upholstry. (and there's a lot of stuff to be done..) Are you also going to have them paint the engine compartment or trunk inside? Mine needs all that.
Do you mind if I ask which Maaco you went to? i know Kenny also had a recomendation and wonder if it's the same one.