Yes that I believe there is merit do it that way. I plan on discussing that with the paint guy. At least paint the inside edges before assembly. I have painted bolts before but it does require some touch up after tightening.
I've seen youtubes on people assembling the fenders and other valances. I do think it takes a steady hand and some help putting things back together though without scratching or nicking anything. I'm sure there's many opinions on assembly before or after paint.
At this point I am familiarizing myself with the car and making sure I have everything. I have always been a B-body man until now. I received the car apart and never had the opportunity to know how it comes apart. It had been apart for so long. Some mating surfaces were dented and had to be straightened before assembly. Until I put it together I would not have know about any problems. I'm doing this with extra bolts and nuts. Sort of a dry run. I'll hand over the new stuff to the body guy.
Thanks for the advice!