Opinion - body first or run engine

I'm at the point where I'm ready to start my freshly rebuilt 304 - engine/tranny back in the rolling chassis, but it would be easier if I put the body on first. Since it will need to be broken in, should I wait until I have the body on and some of the basic wiring done first or do a mock set up and start it up? I'm not sure how long I should let it sit before starting it. Looking for someone to share their experience so I don't have to learn the hard way!

 

Don't get in a rush. No point in starting it now rather than waiting. Provided it was rebuilt with a good quality assembly lube there should be no harm in letting it sit a while before starting it. Some of the more liquid kinds of assembly lubes recommend a first start within 30 days I think, but the sticky moly lubes should be good indefinitely. Wait until you get the wiring and cooling in place so you can let it run long enough to break in the cam. I know it's hard to resist the sound of that first fire, but be patient.

 

I waited about 5 years from getting engine rebuilt to first start.

No issues here.

 

That makes sense, and you're right - I can't wait, but sounds like I'm going to.

Other than the fuel sender wiring can you think of any other wires I should make sure are in place before setting the body that would be difficult to get to?

 

Brake and fuel lines are a pain in the butt with the body in place. Do those first. For wiring I ran the harness inside the cab rather than under as it originally was, and I like it better that way. It stays out of the elements and tucks nicely under the lip of the body tub out of sight. Drilled a hole in the left rear fender and ran the harness through with a grommet.

 

I like that; the newer models run it inside anyway! Brake and fuel lines are run already. Thanks!

 

I installed the engine, drivetrain, exhaust and all of the brake and fuel lines first. Basically the whole chassis to run it in gear on jack stands.
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I just did some temporary wiring, and installed the radiator temporary to run the engine and check the drivetrain before I put the tub on.
It worked great, but I had to wait a year and a half for the bodywork to get done, meaning that after I started it, it had to sit for a long time before I could drive it.

Luckily I didn't have any problems because of that.
Good luck with your build!!
Okkie