When to start painting

[randy]

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?

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