I agree with Builder and have had success doing a bunch of smaller projects. No matter which you decide here are some suggestions. Bag & tag everything. Get some sandwhich bags and permanent markers for nuts & bolts. Tag things that can't be bagged. Keep everything so it can be compared to the replacment part. Get a Shop manual and Factory assembly manual, decent used ones can be found on E-bay. Get a digital camera and take lots of pictures before taking something apart.
I have cleaned my axles, brakes and engine compartment without taking the truck apart. No use taking it all part until you find a body shop, in fact if you don't have a trailer, it might be easier to get it driveable and take it around. 6-9 months sounds pretty optimistic unless you are willing to throw lots of $$$$ or have a 3 on tree already & shop selected.
