July 2012
Back to work on Molly's MG. It's time to get it ready for painting.

First, I started stripping out anything that needs to be removed prior to painting. I located the bumper holes in the boot. Since I am going to convert to the proper split rear bumpers, I need to uncover the original holes.
I was surprised to find them filled with a caulking material that had been painted over. Using an awl I was able to punch out the old holes.	I will have to fill the holes not needed for the new split bumpers.
	The wires in the boot will need to be cleaned up and re-taped. There is also lots of surface rust that needs to be sanded off.
Removed the top, top fasteners and cockpit surround trim and discovered bubbling rust that had been painted over previously. The rust will have to be sanded away and the area primed.
	Then I removed the grill surrounds by drilling out the rivets.
They need repainting.	Much better!
	Using a putty knife I was able to remove the side molding pieces that were attached by an adhesive.
Then I had to clean off all the residue adhesive, using solvent and lots of elbow grease.	Eventually I got it all off.
Filled the old bumper holes
	I removed the incorrect license plate light and filled the holes, using a wire mesh on the backside to hold the body fill better.
	The split bumpers have the proper license plate lights for the 1971 Midget embedded in them, so the old light is unnecessary.
	There is uneven spot on the boot that needs filling and sanding to get smooth. Still lots more sanding to do on the boot to get it right. Initially I was only going to rough up the old paint before applying new paint, avoiding the need to prime the entire car. But there are so many little nicks and other bad spots that I've decided to sand entire car and prime it completely before painting. It will take a lot longer, but the end result should be much better. It looks like I am going have to remove the dash fascia and windshield before painting.
	After researching new convertible tops, I ordered a new one from Robert Kirk, www.kirks-auto.com . It will take 2 - 3 weeks to be made. A top from Kirk is a little more expensive than from Moss or Victoria British, but definitely worth the extra money as it is made with Haartz vinyl, who arguably are the best yard goods maker for convertible tops in the industry.
	While waiting for the new top, I cleaned up and re-painted the top frame. I will need to order a new rubber seal for it.