Make that 2 phoenixes (phoenae?). My car is back on the road as of yesterday. 10 weeks in purgatory is enough for me. I don't know how some of you can sustain a multi-year rebuild except that you must be made from sterner stuff than me.
From my experience, removing or inserting a RV8 either with or without the box attached will cause some minor damage to the panel that covers the top of the radiator. Not a big deal but annoying enough to make the up & under approach a better one if you have the means.
Never say die. At least not while you're still breathing.
