I was once in the same financial bind. In situations like that, I would trade something I had to get the work done. If that wasn't possible, I would get books from the library and walk around talking to body men to get their advise on how to do it myself and where to borrow the tools or pick them up at yard sales or swap meets for cheap. Then I would convince a buddy or two to help for beer or promise to help them on thier cars. As for the girlfriend, she can hang out with you as you work on the car somtimes.

Obviously with body work, you have to start out slow and take your time to get it right, so it could take some time to get it done. If you like the car a lot don't sell it, just find a way to fix it.