March 2018

Detailing and refitting the GT6 gearbox

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the engine out for the gearbox and overdrive refit we decided to clean up and detail the engine. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18288,18289,18290,18291,18292,18293,18294,18295,18296,18297″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The refurbished gearbox and

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Out in the sunshine after 14 years in storage

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After 14 years being tucked up in a garage in Shieldaig, Scotland, our 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider has once again seen the daylight.  We have spent the morning freeing her up and getting ready for the long trip down to Suffolk.

W have called upon the help of our good friend Ron from K.A.R.R Solutions who has agreed to transport the car down to our workshops.

Having stopped up here over night we are sad to be saying goodbye to this stunning setting but we can’t wait to get our Alfa back into our workshops for a full inspection and assessment.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18750,18751,18752,18753,18754,18755,18756,18757,18758″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

1990 Morgan 4/4 – getting summer ready

We have now taken in the first of the fantastic collection of cars on offer at Big Sky Classic Car Hire. With a diary full of summer bookings, the cars have been off the road for the winter and have come in now for a general check over and to correct any minor issues that have developed over the season.

First up, we have our 1990 Morgan 4/4. One of only 42 1990 4/4’s and one of 3,560 4/4’s of all ages currently licensed or SORNd in the UK.

The 4/4 (stands for ‘four wheels and 4 cylinders’) model was launched in 1936 and is still the smallest and lightest of the Morgan 4 wheel cars in production.

In 1936 the engine was an 1100 cc Coventry Climax unit and since then a variety of engines and transmissions have been used but in more recent years Ford 1600 or 1800 engines and gearboxes have dominated. A total of 5448 versions of this particular model were made between 1968 and 1993 in both 2 and 4 seater options.

 

Collection day – 1937 International, 1957 Ford F100

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This morning we successfully completed the removal of 1937 International and 1957 Ford F100 for their current position.

Both vehicles have been left in storage for many years, in a yard, right here in Suffolk. Due to a bereavement we have acquired the vehicles with a view to recommissioning them.

Once back at our workshops we will fully assess the work required and try to get them up and running.

1937 International[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18396,18395,18394,18393,18392,18391,18390,18389,18388″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7azVjN2XM-4″ align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz8NHzc8dYo” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Next up we have our 1957 Ford F100. Luckily this one has been sitting on concrete rather than wet gravel for many years should was certainly easier to move.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18406,18405,18404,18403,18402,18401,18400,18399,18398,18397″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au3DNMA7g9c” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Replacing the rear wheel arch

Tommy has made real progress over the last few days removing the existing wheel arches, repairing the internals and replacing with new.

From leaving the factory, the Jaguar XJR inner arch was sealed using a second layer to help position the panel as well as act as extra protection in the form of a special adhesive. This is not a common method but to stick to originality we wanted to replicate this when fitting the new panels.

For now, we have removed the outer arches and lined up the new panels ready to be fitted up.

 

The E-Type Interior Refit

We are now on to the final stretch of the full restoration of our 1967 Jaguar E-Type 2+2. John is fitting up the black interior with all of the modern additions including the bespoke Air Conditioning panels and the fully concealed blue-tooth audio set up.

Refurbishing the Bentley’s Master Cylinder and Slave Cylinder

A trip down the A14 for us as we look to get the Master Cylinder and Slave Cylinder refurbished by the guys at Past Parts.

Past Parts specialise in the supply and re-manufacture of braking and clutch parts for a range of older vehicles including older and classic cars, classic motorcycles, commercial and agricultural vehicles, and industrial plant machinery.

The brake cylinders have been refurbished ready to be fitted back up.

Drive It Day returns to Kersey for 2018

Car show and display of Vintage & Classic Vehicles – Drive It Day 2018 returns to Kersey Mill on Sunday 22nd April.

A showcase of spectacular Vintage & Classic cars.

A day out for all the family, admire the beautiful cars, tour the mill and gardens, sample the delicious cakes, teas, coffees & lunches.

Various attractions for the whole family including pony rides.

Raising funds for the FOKM & The Heart Community Trust

Check out our pictures from Drive It Day 2017 and we hope to see you all there this year!

1971 Ford Capri Engine Respray

The engine was removed prior to the car arriving in our workshops. With the engine out we were able to respray in and around the engine bay.

1983 Ford Capri 2.8 Injection – Body Prep for Paint

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are now at the final stages of the paint preparation for our 1983 Ford Capri.

It was a huge task welding up the affected areas but now the work has been completed it has made the preparation far easier.

Next time we see the car she’ll be looking fantastic with her new gleaming exterior.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18259,18260,18261,18262,18263,18264,18265,18266,18267,18268,18269,18270,18271,18272″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Under-sealing our 1991 Nissan Figaro

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]One final task to be carried out on our 1991 Nissan Figaro is to take a look at any areas underneath that require a clean down and under-seal.

Once on the ramp it is evident that no under-seal is currently present and there are a few areas in particular that require attention prior to any sealing being carried out.

Pete is on the case to rectify the issues at hand before a full clean down operation ready for the sealant to be applied.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18244,18245,18246,18247,18248,18249,18250,18251″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lP0AGUZQ2HM” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The results speak for themselves. Not only does the underside now look fantastic but all of the affected areas have now been addressed and a full application of under-seal is now present. This will help prevent future deterioration and prolong the life of the car.

Here’s to many many more years of driving![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18252,18253,18254,18255,18256″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Working on the Ford Capri bodywork

We have had lots of work to do on the Ford Capri with the unveiling of the sills uncovering much more rot than we first anticipated.

The affected areas have now been cut out, treated and new, improved components have been manufactured.

 

Off to the paintshop

The day has come for our 1967 Jaguar E-Type race replica to head off to the paint shop for the full preparation and respray.

Although we are now on the 11th hour, our choice of colours are yet to be finalised.

Detailing and refitting the GT6 gearbox

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the engine out for the gearbox and overdrive refit we decided to clean up and detail the engine.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18288,18289,18290,18291,18292,18293,18294,18295,18296,18297″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The refurbished gearbox and overdrive have now been completed and the engine is back in position. The next step is the test drive.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18298,18299,18300″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Removing the gearbox and overdrive

With the ‘Beast From The East’ setting up home here in Suffolk and showing no signs of going anywhere soon, it’s the prefect time for our 1974 Triumph GT6 to come in for the gearbox and overdrive overhaul.

This project is one for Andy so he’s now removing the engine to be able to get to the gearbox ready for work to commence.