hi,
I've got an uncle doing the same thing with his HJ ute at the moment.
From what i've heard is that you could do the prep work yourselves and patch and fix any holes with one of the methods listed above.
Once you've finished you'll need a paintbooth (pray to god u know someone who does) and simply undercoat.... rest for awhile and paint with the colour of your choice.
I've done it a few times with my racecars.......never big stuff though.