NEWBIE with VERY basic questions

i know how the message boards can be, and i hate calling myself out from the get go, but i honestly dont know where to begin. i have been searching for a good project car, and i have lead on a straight body '69 with no motor/trans etc. i am curious as to where i should begin? from what i have heard/read the body is rust free, straight, and good to go, and if all that checks out i think i am going to jump on it. to begin my customizing should i get the body exactly how i want it (paint/interior/etc.) before i even think motor? the motor would have to be pulled for the bay to be painted, so would it not make sense to save that for last? if i am way off base, i need the gyrus to step up and lead me in the right direction. thanks for your time!

If the engine and trans, is a straight bolt in job, of course paint the engine bay first. But if some modifications are required such as new engine or trans. mounts, or some other modifications to the firewall or inner fenders, it would be better to install everything first to make sure everything fits, then take it all out to paint. As for the body, it would depend on if the car needs to be moved around much to do the body and painting.It would be a lot easier to move under it's own power, rather than pushing it.

excellent! my main concern was painting the firewall. thanks so much!