When to start painting
 

I'm looking for feedback when you think it's time for paint when building a car from the ground up. Do you prefer.to install and disassemble every single piece of the car before painting or do you just wait to make sure all the outside metal work is finished?

Right now I'm just waiting to buy my engine and transmission so I can check for tunnel clearance. Would u then paint the car knowing you have yet to mock up an exhaust, brake system onto the firewall, seats, or even the vintage air bulkhead connector all parts that I still need to buy? :willy:

I'm trying to spread out the cost some so I'm buying in 5 phases that I still have left

Paint
ls2/t56,
brake system,
seats, vintage air,
Exhaust, misc parts

I would completely build car , prime it , drive it like you stole it. To get all the kinks and do overs. Once you are happy that everything works and looks well together blow it apart piece by piece and paint.
That's my plan. Nothing worst than cutting metal on a fresh paint job. Most often than not you will make changes before you get it to where you want it.
Good luck

In my experience I would prefer to completely build the vehicle, then disassemble and paint. It will all go back together quicker and smoother. Plus you dont worry about messing up the paint trying to figure things out that could have been solved before paint.

Build it before you paint it.

I Agree!!! Made that mistake once :willy:

well its currently jambed already. I just need some time to save up for a engine/transmission and a few other pieces. I have the money to actually finish it but i do not want to dip into my savings.

Since its jambed should i put the glass and everything in it or what? what would you do next?

I wouldn't put glass in until it's painted, that way you don't have paint lines on all your weatherstrip, front and back rubber gaskets, (be careful)

I would put it all together except for the wiring, and maybe exhaust. Once everything fits and the gaps are perfect blow it apart for paint. On the wiring make sure the hole for the fuse box is large enough for the new harness, some aftermarket harnesses require a larger hole. And don't forget the hole for your computer harness if you are running FI.

Wheel and tire fitment is critical before paint. Make sure it all clears at full lock and full bump and full articulation. Nothing worse than rolling the fenders on fresh paint or sacrificing on wheel or tire size.

We do ALL prior to paint. Assemble for fitment and measuring for wheels. It makes things a lot easier when you aren't worried about scratching the paint.