Nice job on the restore. I always enjoy watching people breathe new life into the classic glass...
Tying up using the steering column works out well. I use two bumpers like these:
http://images.westmarine.com/thumb/13094_t.jpg
with suction cup fender straps to secure them. As long as one is in front of and one is in the rear of the column and you tie it kind of snug to the dock, the boat is well protected from dock dings. I am able to accomplish this without getting out of the driver's seat, which may be a plus for your pops. I've been doing it this way for as long as I've been boating and no matter if it looks redneck or not, neither of my boats has ever recieved any dock damage this way.
I'm sure your father going to be stoked when he see's his "new" baby!
Again, nice job!!!