One of the things I've enjoyed least in my entire life was idly wondering "how hard can it be to polish my alternator" and then going and doing it.

Horrible, hateful job, never again. Never. And I've got a boredom threshold that'd shame a trappist monk. The main irritation is that it's pretty much impossible to keep it shiny once done, due to the risk of filling the armature and bearings with Autosol. Which is essentially a grinding paste. I'd suggest you don't do it!
As to funky hoses and that, I think sometimes adding blingy bits can only draw attention to the less delightful bits of an engine bay, unless you really go to town and jazz up everything. With that said, it couldn't hurt

Usually important not to have too many colours; I think given you already have blue plug wires you probably want to stick with that. But then what do I know?
Best of luck on the run, wish I could make it. Going to have to make do with Goodwood instead
