Excellent story, full of the trials of life. I'm glad your part in this story has come full circle.
Congratz on your Sport pilot ticket! Congratz on acquiring your fathers plane!
Some might have been tempted to fly her with some band-aids and bailing wire.
Your "fix it" right attitude is to be commended.
Hope you enjoy your journey bringing the plane back to her former self and have many hours of safe, thrilling flying adventures!
All the best!