Ideas on when to install drivetrain

[Jrsully]

Doing a bare metal resto on a 71T and I have the body done, in prime, needing final blocking and paint. My question is weather I should install the drive train now, get it running and then finish/paint and assemble OR finish the body (paint etc.) then install the drivetrain etc.? My concern is having the finished painted/assembled car and then running the risk of scratching/dinging up the body while installing the drivetrain. The car will be a nice driver and I will "freshen up" the factory blacked out engine area prior to drivetrain install. Any thoughts/advice appreciated

[moito]

install after finished paint job

[classic]

+1 after paint

[Jrsully]

Thanks for the input, I was leaning towards paint prior to engine, it is not a metallic (Bahia Red) so it should be relatively easy to fix if it gets scratched/dinged up. As it will be sprayed with doors on, Hood, fenders, decklid off, does anybody have any tips on what to install on the front pieces (fenders etc.) after they have been sprayed.? I read some where that the radio antennae should be installed on left fender prior to install on tub.? Should front wiring harnesses be installed or can that be done after assembly.? If anybody has a checklist of what items to install during the front end assembly, I'm all ears and eyes. I did read the current thread on fender installation, very informative. Thx in advance

[edmayo]

All running gear installed after paint (no overspray on anything that way) Factory installed front fenders before paint. Antenna installed after fender but before door is installed. Door is installed using hinge pins so as not to disturb alignment. Be sure to loosen allen bolt for gas door rear latch adjustment BEFORE fender is installed. Install and adjust hood latch BEFORE installing gas tank. ALL WIRING is installed FIRST. Interior is installed last.