Bit more progress today and one set back. Got the engine in, connected up the wiring and coolant pipes, refitted front struts. Decided to refill the cooling system to find coolant leaking from the new thermostat where the metal coolant pipes goes in. Looked at the old thermostat to find an o- ring still in it, hidden by a load of instant gasket! Then faced with the decision whether to drop the engine again or just try and get the thermostat off and fix it with the engine in the car. Decided on the latter - bleeding awkward but managed it after removing the left top engine mount and raising and lowering the engine to get better access to the bolts holding the thermostat in.
With that problem sorted onto the next one. I have misplaced one of the front subframe bolts so tomorrow's job will be scouring the shed to find where it has gone to!
Getting there slowly!