Hi all,
I sent a message to James Stemm, Curator of Collections at Pima Air & Space Museum - complete with a link to this thread. I've just had a message back from him with a definitive answer, posted below.
"The Shackleton was an outright donation to the museum. It has most certainly not been sold to Kermit Weeks or anyone else. Of all the planes we own that is one of the few he hasn't ever asked about. We do intend to repaint the aircraft however I can't tell you when that is going to happen. I had hoped to get it done soon after arrival but as often happens other priorities have gotten in the way. Rest assured the Shackleton is an important and valued part of our collection."
Akrotiri bad boy: James has also asked me to pass on his sincere apologies for the way you were treated at the Titan Missile Museum. He has passed that information on to his bosses so it can be addressed.