I have two GameCubes I'd like to fix up/restore. Where do I start?

Hello! I can't believe I didn't think to look for a GameCube community on here before! I've had a GameCube since like, Christmas 2003, and it's one of my favorite consoles!

Where to start? Shells? Help fixing controller ports? Homebrew? My friend just got me the Metroid Prime jewel so I'd really like to make my Metroid Prime edition GameCube actually Metroid themed, if possible! I am willing to paint it but I'd prefer to reshell it, if possible. The first controller port is worn put and you have to like, push down on the controller plug while it's plugged into the system for it to register. I don't know how to fix the ports.

Thanks for any help you can provide getting me started in this journey!