MGB Rot Box Resurrection

The MGB GT restoration project continues to test the limits of patience and perseverance. This week in The Rot Box Resurrection, it’s all about wrapping up fabrication and diving headfirst into the meticulous world of paint preparation—a process riddled with challenges, dust, and endless sanding. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to bring a classic car back from the brink, this episode is a crash course in dedication, elbow grease, and a bit of British grit.

From Rust to Refinement

After months of tackling rust and replacing panels—including seals, wings, and other decayed parts—the fabrication phase is officially over. With the structural repairs done, it’s time to focus on aesthetics: smoothing surfaces, filling imperfections, and preparing the body for its first coat of primer.

But as Henry, the man behind the project, admits, paint prep is a new frontier for him. With only a mild knowledge of car restoration, he’s approaching this task with the same DIY spirit that’s defined the entire build: learning by doing, making mistakes, and figuring it out along the way.

Cleaning House

Before jumping into sanding, Henry took on the arduous task of converting his workspace into a functional paint prep zone. With the Jaguar XJS moved to his dad’s house to free up space, the garage underwent a deep clean. The floor tiles were pulled up, dust was swept away, and everything was refreshed to create a designated area for sanding and painting.

“It took days to get everything sorted, but it was worth it,” Henry explains. The goal? A clean environment to keep dust at bay during painting, with sanding relegated to a separate, dustier space.

The Endless Cycle of Sanding

If there’s one thing this episode proves, it’s that sanding is the unsung hero of car restoration. Henry begins by stripping back the protective coat of paint applied after welding and smoothing out imperfections with filler. But, as he quickly learns, filler work is an art—and his first attempts look more like “throwing Play-Doh on the car” than a professional finish.

With every layer of filler applied, there’s another round of sanding to follow. High spots are knocked down with an orbital sander, while guide coats—sprayed to highlight uneven surfaces—reveal low points that require even more attention. The process is repetitive, dusty, and, at times, frustrating.

“I’m losing the will to live,” Henry admits at one point, only half-joking. “But it’s starting to look good. Most of the filler is sanded down to a thin skim, just enough to smooth out the imperfections.”

Challenges of Winter Restoration

As if sanding wasn’t slow enough, the cold winter temperatures add another layer of difficulty. Filler takes hours to dry, even with heaters running, and the uninsulated garage struggles to stay warm enough for proper curing. “I’ve picked completely the wrong time of year to do this,” Henry laments, contemplating whether it’s even worth continuing.

Still, he soldiers on, alternating between sanding and prepping other areas of the car to make the most of his time. By the end of the episode, the passenger side is finally ready for its first coat of primer—a small but significant milestone in the project.

Dust, Filler, and a Plan for Progress

The dust from sanding is relentless, covering every surface despite Henry’s best efforts to keep the garage clean. Yet, progress is evident. Gaps are evened out, panels are smoothed, and the car is slowly transforming from a rough shell to a primed canvas ready for paint.

The next steps will involve sourcing a propane heater to warm the garage for painting, as well as repeating the entire sanding and filling process on the driver’s side. It’s a painstaking journey, but one that promises a rewarding payoff when the MGB GT finally gleams in its fresh coat of paint.

Final Thoughts

While this episode may not have featured the excitement of welding or dramatic transformations, it highlights the essential but unglamorous work that goes into a quality restoration. As Henry reflects, “It wasn’t the most thrilling episode, but it’s part of the process. Hopefully, I’ve managed to make it watchable in the edit.”

If you’re following this series—or tackling your own restoration—you’ll appreciate the honesty and perseverance Henry brings to his work. Don’t forget to subscribe to his channel, HJR Garage, for weekly updates on the MGB GT resurrection and more classic car projects. Follow Henry’s restoration journey on Instagram at @life_of_hjriley or support the channel through Buy Me a Coffee.