Start with the engine... Then what?

69 American Motors AMX

I haven't found a local shop either via search or through a recommendation to rebuild her 390 power plant.   Ideally, I'd like to go with Edelbrock aluminum heads and manifold with a new performer carburetor.

I did find a shop in South Carolina and in Arizona that I'll be calling soon.   It's strange there is no one local with experience rebuilding an AMC motor.  

If we do the engine and trans then do we need to rework the driveshaft, then do we get into the rear end as well?

While the engine is out - is it the right time to repaint the engine bay and remove and replace everything attached to the engine bay walls?   If paint is in the mix,  should she just go to the body shop for metalwork and a full repaint?

If these domino's fall in that order we go from a $10k engine/trans job to a $20k plus job with a ton of unknowns.

Has anyone been through this with a plan of attack?   

Thanks

AMC Fanatic 

Planning on Engine and Transmission

No major news yet on getting the 390 done by an engine rebuilder who has AMC experience.   We haven't anyone local in CA with references.   There is one company in AZ and one in NC but nothing else yet.   If anyone has info on a great rebuilder in CA please post the info.

I've been driving her to work here and there based on the weather.   The wipers are intermittent and the fuel gauge is still inoperable.   There is one other classic car at work.  It's a cherried out 64 1/2 Ford Mustang.   Nice restoration and runs great.

I'm looking forward to getting the engine and transmission done but haven yet decided to redo the front and rear brakes with the Freak Ride systems.