OK, I cut through the sob story. I don't mean to sound rude but you really are close to getting it done but you're complaining about trim pieces. If you want to drive it, just get the mechanicals buttoned up and DO IT! Hell, you don't even need trim pieces to drive it.
I'm in college too. I take more than a full load. I am studying in a field that is hard for me to grasp. If I wanted to sail through college I would stick with Political Science or Sociology but I have a desire to be in the medical field. My desire comes hard to me, naturally. It seems like I have to study twice as long as the "All Stars" in class just to make the same grade. This leaves little time to invest in the car, plus I have a family to take care of.
I have a long vision right now though. I know that it is going to take a while and school is more important. Your age is definitely showing in that you want it ALL, NOW! That is OK though. That is how people in your age group are supposed to act and feel. Just think if Steve Jobs thought, "I'm young. I can wait to start on my passion."
Keep that fire in your mind but if you want to enjoy your car it is OK to do so without tail panel trim!
Now, if you haven't quit reading my "tough love" letter..... I stay motivated by constantly selling things on craigslist and Ebay while continually building my Pay Pal account. It is the pot of money I use for the car. When I build up a good chunk of change I feel really good and then I go blow it all (well, most of it) on parts that I've been drooling over. It is pure satisfaction.
Also, I use Excel spreadsheet to organize all the parts I have or will buy and put on the car. It totals the prices and I can compare pricing of potential buys.Which one do I need more? Which vendors have the best prices. When I purchase the item I copy and paste it from the NEED section to the PAID FOR section.
Good luck and keep plugging away!