Starting a model?

[DRG]

I have noticed that different people start thier models in different ways. Some start with the body, then the interior and finish up with the frame and engine.

I was wondering if there is any particular reason for this or it is strictly a matter of choice.

I always started with the engine and frame, then the interior and finished with the body.

But that was 40+ years ago also. though I found myself starting the Five Window Coupe I am currently working on in the same manner.

I was just curious if there is a reason.

[Terror]

I start mine the same way you do.I tried to start with the body once and it in the pond(super clean) now.Go figure.Most instructions start with the engine,maybe its habit?

[sjordan2]

Prepping and painting the body can take days, depending on paint and building technique. Good to get a head start and work on other assemblies between paint and body steps.

[Romell R]

Most intruction start you off with the motor and take you to the chassis if there is one. I think most people build out of habbit or how they have been taught. I build randomly opne one build I started with the interior and built the model around it, on another i started with the motor, I truely believe that once you start putting down the instruction sheet that people build from personal preferance as I do. Romell

[JamesW]

I always start with the body. Simply because I can build the interior, engine and chassis around my paint.

[Greg Cullinan]

I start with the body cause painting the bodies is my favorite part. Also I need a lot of practice painting I have 4 or 5 bodies as of I am trying to come up with a smooth finish on. So as I paint/strip them I work on the rest

[Jon Cole]

I start with the engine, but I try to paint the body ASAP so it has plenty of time to cure. Even if I cure it in a dehydrator, that is just the way I do it.

[elan]

I'm not starting anything, I'm just trying to finish one. Seriously, I alway start with the body, it take me the longest.

[Chuck Most]

For me, it kind of depends. I usually start on the body, but every so often I'll start with the drivetrain or chassis. For instance, on the '53 Ford Wrecker Rat I just finished, I had the frame done long before the body, because when I started, I had no idea what kind of body or cab I would eventually use on the thing.

[Wagoneer81]

I always start with the engine. While I'm waiting for glue or paint to cure between steps, I'll start cleaning up the body and then go from there. Whatever seems to be the easiest assembly sequence is what I generally go with.

[vizio93]

I usually test fit all my stuff first and then paint it. If I'm going to modify it I will usually work on the parts that are going to be the most modified, (like chassis or body). Most of the time I will just wing it

[Zoom Zoom]

Bodywork & paint first. It's my most fun area, it needs time to cure while I take care of the guts below it, usually then done in rough order of the instructions. And those are usually done after I've separated parts not by area, but by color they will be painted. Some sub-assemblies get assembled prior to painting. Then I spend a good amount of time painting everything. Assembly in rough order of instructions is sort of the home-stretch for me.