I paint 'em before I assemble them,then I go back after assembly and touch up any unsightly areas as needed.
I have some cradboard templates I made for covering the big open areas that I dont want any paint on (gasket surfaces mostly),this greatly simplifies the process..
Then when it's assembled,I trim any gasket ooze or such and do the touch up work.
Bret P.
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This space for rent...
In the meantime,check out the cars
HERE.