sequencing of rebuild

fork in the road...."66 GMC HandyBus, 77,000 actual miles, hasn't run in 10 years. both engine and 2 speed auto transmission are out and disassembled. all parts present. one path says spend winter going through rear end and front end while outside source rebuilds engine and trans. by spring I can begin on body, paint, details. but the other path is just get it together and running ASAP, and begin to enjoy it! after I am driving I will know if the front and rear ends needed to be worked over....once I start to drive it I will know how much of a love affair I still have (or don't have) with it and therefore how much time, energy, emotion, money I want to put into the details of body, paint, cherrying it up. I drove an exact replica of this rig from 1977-87. it was my first 'car' as well as my first love. I would be shocked if the love affair is over, but one can never tell. one way is slow and methodical, from the ground up, but you're only doing it once. the second way is getting it on the road quicker, but you're going to build it up and tear it down twice to get to the final result.
what do the voices of reason and experience have to say about these two different approaches to a rebuild project?
by the way, I have tried repeatedly to post photos, no luck.
thanks.

Personally, I'd get it on the road first. It will motivate you and reignite the passion. Plus, once you get the driving it out of your system, you'll slow down and address the specific things it needs maintainence wise. Listen to your van's voice on the road, as she'll tell you what to do.

Going over the axles front and rear during the down time isn't a bad idea. Front is basic stuff, looking for wear and getting some grease/lube to things. Popping off the rear cover and doing an inspection while changing out the gear lube can tell you things also. Brake lines and fuel line are all good things to go over after it has been sitting that long. I have a tendency to do everything at once and end up getting a bit lost once in a while. My first "car" was a 1965 GMC Handivan. Love affair is still there ! Just to much fun to drive around.

I would drive it get it mechanically sound and then do your paint. The less parts you have laying around the better.

Get it running & driving. Enjoy it again

hey everyone...I appreciate all the opinions! each answer is helping me formulate my plan.....i'm beginning to see it! many thanks.

--- Van says!!= Keep Me!! Keep Me!! Dont Sell =Me!! Fix Me UP!! I'll Be a Good Van to You!! I NEED =YOU!! I Promise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!