Thread: Order of hot rod build

Tweet

This is my first hot rod build and I was hoping the experts here could review my plan and offer advice.
So far my focus has been on rust repair and replacing wood with steel on my 1937 Buick Roadmaster, but I'm about to start on upgrade of suspension & drivetrain
I bought a 1995 Buick Roadmaster donor car a few years ago and will use for many parts.
Here is my plan:
1) Front Suspension - Upgrade to ball joints using variation of: http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...ension_upgrade

2) Rear suspension - Leaf Springs TBD added to rear axle and air leveling shocks from donor car.
3) Steering - Bought rear steer, center take-off RetroRack and will couple to tilt steer column from donor car.
4) Engine & transmission - 5.7LV8 & 4L60E auto trans from donor car.
5) Body and frame media blasted together and all epoxy primed.
Is the above order the best order to attack the build? I seems like engine and transmission may be better as first so the weight is accommodated with suspension work.
Would I be better off having the body and frame media blasted first and primed before beginning on the other tasks? Body work and rust repair is not complete yet.
Thanks