it's a good thing my wife doesn't read these forums....
I just got off the phone with the paint supply store... on top of the $200 i spent on primer for just the front clip, it's gonna be another 700 bucks for paint and clear. about double what i was hoping for, but it's getting done damn it!
also, i'm not going hugger now, mostly due to cost. Monza Red is the color now. after putting a paint chip up to the inside of my fender with good light, it's clear what the color is.
I'll post an update and pics tonight of the work that was done this weekend.