Paint or not to Paint

[dstelter]

Need some advice if i should send my coupe for body and paint before I install the engine...

Here is the background on how i got to this point. Coupe arrived almost 2 years ago (July of 2019), got the engine and transmission combo ordered in Aug 2019 but because of the Tariff taxes and now Covid my engine builder is still waiting on parts. The builder is well known for cobra builds and has a great reputation for their engine builds. This is the reason i am still on hold for the engine/transmission. I've come down to a waiting game, since i have probably have done too much before body and paint, most of the carpet, headliner and seats. Most everything else needs a painted body to continue. As for the motor, it will be dyno and broken in before i get it, this should limit any issues coming from the motor.

I guess my question is... should i wait for the engine and transmission (go cart phase) before i send it off for body and paint?

Thanks Doug

[Presto51]

Doug,

If you already have a paint and body shop lined up, go with what they would like to have happen.

If you don't have one already lined up, my preference is to get the bugs worked out during the go-kart stage, and fit the body to the completed chassis.

Ron

[dstelter]

Thanks Ron,

Yes i do have a paint and body shop lined up. I've put them on hold for over 3 months now. Local shop in south Austin. I plan on going by the shop on Friday on the way to the Cobra meet in San Marcus just to meet face to face or mask to mask. Get the low down on how they want the car prepped. Lack of engine will be a topic for sure. Thanks for your input. Doug

[John Dol]

It can be done either way. I've had my engine in and out of a finished car. If you are planning to drop in the trans connected to the engine, you will have to remove the hood.

HTH,

John

[David Williamson]

You will want the hood off the drop the engine/trans in so you might as well go for paint and get it done. With the coupe you can get at most stuff easily with the hood off. Test your wiring so you don't have to get under the dash and go for it.
David W

[dstelter]

Thanks Guys for your response.

I knew the hood has to be off. Its one reason i waited so long to do the mounting, latches and gaps on it. but figured i could do all that, then take it off for the engine install.

David. yep for sure tested all of the wiring so far then a double check once i got the rear and front body on with the lights in place. fingers crossed on the gauges.

I'll post again once I talk to the paint and body shop.
Doug