Okay, I've got my car stripped as much as I am going to strip it. Interior, dash, windscreen, and entire top are removed. Engine will not be removed. I'm about to start putting things back together and wanted thoughts on what order is best. Bodywork and painting first, then mechanicals? Or get it running (and stopping) first and then worry about painting? Seems advantages and disadvantages to both.

I'd paint it and keep the mess out of you're new stuff you install. You'll get a better paint job without trying to mask around installed items (top, etc.).