Refined – Retrimming the Seats of the 1956 Jensen 541
November 11, 2021
The Jensen 541 interiors are special. Each one entirely handmade with the best materials, all crafted and fitted by hand as it would have traditionally
November 11, 2021
Just Like New – Refinishing the Seats of the 1977 MGB Roadster
November 11, 2021
Brian, one of our incredible in-house trim experts at Bridge Classic Cars, has been hard at work rebuilding and refitting the seats of the 1977
Final Inspection – Preparing the Triumph TR3A for Birmingham NEC Auction
November 11, 2021
Our in-house restoration technician John has been hard at work getting the 1958 Triumph TR3A ready for its date across the auction block at this
Refined – Retrimming the Seats of the 1956 Jensen 541
November 11, 2021
The Jensen 541 interiors are special. Each one entirely handmade with the best materials, all crafted and fitted by hand as it would have traditionally been done back at the factory. Kath, our in-house trim expert here at Bridge Classic Cars, has been working on retrimming the front seats of the 1956 Jensen 541.
Those who have been following along will have seen the condition the seats originally came out of the car like. The foam and covering had all but rotted away to dust but the shells were in good condition and reusable. Kath and the trim team refurbished the shells and made brand newly fitted foams to sit inside the fibreglass buckets.
Now, it was time to trim them. On one of the original seat base was a tiny piece of the original leather. A dark, crimson red. This was the colour that was decided on, to be put back to original specification. Kath carefully matched the materials closest to the original colour to be sent to the owner for selection. Once that was decided on, Kath then began the process of getting the coverings cut to shape and fitted. Each piece was templated and the appropriate swatch of material was selected and cut for the job. Using adhesive, gentle heat and small stretching techniques Kath managed to get the covers in place.
The results are incredible. A wonderful testament to not only the skill and craftsmanship of our in-house trim team but to the timeless design of the 541.
Just Like New – Refinishing the Seats of the 1977 MGB Roadster
November 11, 2021
Brian, one of our incredible in-house trim experts at Bridge Classic Cars, has been hard at work rebuilding and refitting the seats of the 1977 MGB Roadster that is currently in at Bridge Classic Cars for restoration.
The seat bases were checked and new rails fitted, to begin with. Then, it was time to begin the process of the new webbing and padding that allows for comfort and support whilst out enjoying these brilliant little sportscars. With the new padding in place, Brian could attach it to the seatbacks and the squab bases. Making sure that the foams for each part were uniform and smooth. Then, slowly and carefully the trim team stretches the dark blue coverings over each of the seats to finish them off.
Once the backs and the bases were bolted together, Brian could then start fitting the handles to the interior mechanisms so the seats would recline and move just live brand new. Then, the finishing touch. The stunning black headrests that complete these wonderfully retrimmed seats.
Final Inspection – Preparing the Triumph TR3A for Birmingham NEC Auction
November 11, 2021
Our in-house restoration technician John has been hard at work getting the 1958 Triumph TR3A ready for its date across the auction block at this years Birmingham NEC Auction.
Upon inspection, it was found that the front main oil seal, sump gasket and the timing cover gaskets were weeping slightly and would need to be replaced. Methodically, John worked through each component carefully to gain access to the affected parts. The entire front valance and radiator needed to be removed due to their proximity to the crank pulley which needs to be removed.
Along with that, quite a bit of the car’s wiring needed to be disconnected in order to safely remove the front valance to gain access. This was also carefully logged and noted for the reinstallation of the components. John carefully catalogued and stored every fixing and bracket to ensure everything went back as it should.
With the front end of the car and the oil pan removed, John could now begin the task of assessing, cleaning and preparing the surfaces for their new gaskets and seals. A crucial process to ensure the best fit and seal for the new gaskets. With the new set of gaskets and seals in place, John refitted the covers and made sure the main oil seal was seated correctly and tight in the crank seal before beginning the process to get the whole car back together.
During that, John also rerouted some of the necessary cables and wires which had been worked on by a previous garage prior to us working on the car to ensure the safety and ease of maintenance were all correct as they should have been.
Once back together, the car was run up to temperature after refilling all the vital fluids such as coolant and oil to ensure that the engine was happy and the car would be in the best condition for its lucky new owner.
