[red or green]

Yeah, I hear you
Working on old cars can kind of be like drinking from a spittoon sometimes...
I had three engines in my Cabriolet in one week and then the LF brake fell apart on the test drive...but I didn't die and the last engine runs real respectable
In my mind 'full enjoyment' includes the knowledge and personal pride you obtain fixing all those (what you now view as) pain in the ass problems.
Rest assured that it is and will remain a process of continued discovery and maintenance.
It also depends on your personal expectations.
I find enjoyment working on the old iron and the connection it gives me to the past. In your case, it is a special connection. If I were you I'd set a stool the garage for the old man to hang out with you when you work on it!
My old man gave me a slide rule....
Good luck on your journey