am in the final stages of body work on my 235/320.
  I am curious how long it takes to get through the process
  with the FAA before first flight.
  Can I go through this process while the airplane is still
  in my garage with the wings off or do I need to be at the
  hangar ready to fly within a week or so.
  What happens if it takes me 3 or 4 months to fly after I
  receive the green light from the FAA people?
 
  I would like to start this process as early as possible.
 
  Any help/guidance appreciated.
 
  Randy..

Randy,

 

The airplane must be flyable at the inspection in order to receive an airworthiness certificate.  You will have to run the engine, with prop, and demonstrate that the assembly is complete.  It must have the N-number on it and the ID plate.  All cotter pins must be in and all items that require safety wire must be wired.  You can wait forever after the inspection, but any changes thereafter must be handled with respect to the airworthiness restrictions.

 

So, If I was the inspector, the answer would be no certification with the conditions you indicate.