OK, so you want to put the single disk from a 79 onto the 81? Well, that should fit fine but to make it as easy as possible, I would swap everything from the forks, down. Your triple trees should work fine but switching the forks with the whole assembly would be easiest... If both wheels are mags.
As for paint, well rattle can might be ok. Prep the wheels very well. Get them sanded down nice and clean and then wipe things down with rubbing alcohol to clean any particles off. Lay a couple thin coats of primer on and lightly sand between each one by dipping fine sandpaper into water and gently rubbing.
After a few coats of primer, then you should be able to lay paint. Masking will be the worst since you want to 2-tone it.
The ride IS the adventure. The destination is just to get gas!