What options do I have if any???

[truck69]

I have a rust free 69 custom camper with pea green old paint. I put new parts in the motor so it runs for about 6 miles but thats about it.But will next year go and get a rebuilt Chevy engine with a warranty and put that in with some help. I am not a welder or a mechanic. I go to lots of car shows and getting ideas of what I want to do to my truck. A actual licensed mechanic has offered to help me on the side to take my truck and put it in his pole barn for the winter to work on it. My question is if I dont have enough money to get the engine til next year (april or so) what can I do over the winter to my truck without much money? Is there anything I can do to get a head start? Theres a bit of body work to be done like fill all the trim holes and inner fender holes.I dont want the truck to sit til next April then start working on it. I want to get a head start. Any ideas would be great.

Thanks. Truck69