My brother and his sons are the ones doing the big-time, from-the-ground-up rebuild, but he asked a question and I don't trust my own logic; what should he do first - the body rebuild or the engine (small block Ford) rebuild? How long can a rebuilt motor stand before it gets into the car? He figures it will take a couple of years to get everything done and the engine is torn down - can they rebuild the motor and leave it sit while they do the bodywork?
Any thoughts?
Personally... I would do the body first, but I don't think it's a huge deal either way. Are they rebuilding the motor because they enjoy the process? If so, obviously that might sway their choices... but otherwise crate motors seem to be becoming a better and better deal. Will that continue over the next couple of years? Machine shops seem to be dropping like flies, and the ones that survive may raise their rates. Parts availability changes somewhat too. Fuel injection options, in particular, may improve significantly. Does your brother care where parts were made? More and more fine American-made parts companies are closing their doors. The way things are going, in a couple years it might be hard to buy a new non-Chinese [insert part name here].
One of his sons is a Ford repair tech and the other is body repair and painting - so the parts, machining and assembly of the engine is no problem, and the body repair will occur as time and $$$ allows. The repair tech is also a wheeler-dealer and comes up with parts at amazing prices (he got an Edelbrock Performer intake for the motor for about $100). I'll let him know about the opinions as I see them. Thanks.
It'll be an interesting process to watch - I only wish I was talented enough to do something like they're doing but such an undertaking is like porn; I can watch but won't have.
If your planning to do any amount engine powertrain installation fitup during your conversion process, I'd save the engine rebuild 'til last.
If you're like most of us, the engine and transmission will be in and out of the chassis several times before you're satisfied and will be subject to some cosmetic wear and tear.
I agree that body first with micking up parts to make sure there are no clearance issues. I feel strip, cut, weld & paint should be done once. Mechanics are mechanics............rust is not fun nore is sanding and painting with over spray that will run components.