Welcome from the north coast of the US, land of mega rust that even rusts rust. The thing you gotta remember is that most of the parts on our trucks simply unbolt, and then bolt back together. It makes them very easy to work with and rebuild. The second thing is it will almost always take two to six times as long as you think it will. Doesnt matter what it is, it just will.
We see flat black all the time up here, anything to stay warm, it also stands out against the snow so you have less chance of getting hit. Although in AZ staying warm isnt a problem, you sure you want black? I guess it will be warm no matter what. Just got back from Nebraska (home of record) and the humidity was right near 100% and it was well over 95 outside. It hasnt reached 90 here at all since last year! Yeah it was a bit rough diggin parts out of the quonset. I think I would take living in AZ over living in NE as far as weather goes.
Progress looks good, post more pics! Pice are always a good thing.