I vote to paint it first, then do the mechanicals before you drive. Primered cars just look unfinished. I had the paint done first on my last car and now would never do it any other way, that way when you put the last part on and it's SAFE to drive, it's finished.
Blue painters tape and cardboard or fender covers keep the scratches and dents away.
And yes, my engine bay is black, I know the car didn't come that way, but it also didn't come with a roll cage, stroked small block or 6 pack...
Bring lot's of friends.......=P~
