Panel and Paint- First or Last?

[Nobimmer 694]

Right, have spent the last month or so saving all my money to throw away (read: use on E30).

Now,

I have been trying to figure out what to do in what order.I need to do a GC order, an AKG order, panel/paint. Those are really the real $$ things left to do, then car should be sweet to roll in for cert etc.

What I can't figure out is whether I should panel/paint it first and get it out of the way or do the bushes/suspension then paint everything.

I am thinking that paint should come last, but realisticly I could have it all painted and done by the time the suspension bits arrive anyway.

What ya'll reckon? And why mainly.

[RyanG 0]

Id be inclined to paint last, so there is less chance of damaging it when working on the car putting the suspension in.

[Docile 64]

do paint last... dammit first hand experience today.. just finished the clear coat on the civic and then i went onto changing the brake caliper.. i banged the caliper on the fender and its scratched on accident!!! :'(

[wolliver 1]

paint should always be last on your list... panel and prime it if your bored and waiting for the bits you need to arrive, but leave the final colour and clear for last

Edited October 11, 2009 by wolley

[Driftit 2078]

Function over Form.

[antil33t 90]

Last, and Don't drive around with your car primered

Dad managed to nick one of my guards with a screwdriver when replacing the thermostat, Luckily the bonnet covers it up.

Will be worth the wait imo.

[e30plz 1]

Function over Form.

This.

[Guest FrantiC]

Hardout.

My engine bay looks disgusting compared to what it did before I added everything into the enginebay.

If I were to do it again I would have set it all up, removed it and panited it last. Also the body and front fenders have alot of scratches and damage to them. Pissed me right off lol.

[Nobimmer 694]

Function over Form.

Chur, sussed it.