Doing the body first works for me, as I am learning sheet metal (rust) repair as I go. If my work is good, the car will be restored. If my rust repair work looks substandard... race car!
I see it as a win-win. I am having more fun with this $300 Fiat X1/9 than I thought possible. It was too far gone to reasonably be restored, but you can't learn rust repair without repairing rust, so here I am.
I have many hours into repairing the trunk and doors, and have yet to see if the engine is locked up or turns freely. It's no matter, I'm perfectly happy to do a K swap if it is a boat anchor.
