Our 1985 Mercedes 500SL has been undergoing some pretty extensive electrical work to address various issues and improve functionality:
Dash Light Dimmer (Rheostat): The dimmer had failed, causing the dash lights to remain overly bright and reflect off the screen glass. Upon inspection, the rheostat was found to have no resistance across its rotation and was in poor condition. As this rare part is a sealed factory unit, replacement was not a viable option. Instead, the unit was carefully drilled open, disassembled, cleaned thoroughly, and reassembled. A broken wire connection was resoldered, and the original rivets were replaced with screws, converting it into a serviceable part. The rheostat now functions perfectly, dimming and switching off the dash lights as intended.
Stereo and Speaker Installation: A new DAB stereo, speakers, and antenna were provided by the customer for installation. The old stereo and speakers were removed, but the new 180W speakers, with their larger magnets, required modifications to fit. Steelwork behind the mounts was adjusted, and the fascia fixing positions were modified to create sufficient clearance. New screw holes were drilled, and the fascia springs and brackets were adapted to ensure a factory-like fit. Although an antenna adapter is pending, the system was tested via Bluetooth, delivering excellent audio quality.
Battery Clamp Replacement: The under-bonnet battery was previously secured with a makeshift softwood clamp. This was replaced with a custom-fabricated clamp made from 2mm sheet steel, which was drilled, shaped, and painted for durability. The new clamp provides a secure and professional solution.
Heated Screen Issue: The heated screen for the hardtop was reported as non-functional. Testing revealed the switched 12V feed to be operational, but further investigation is not possible without the hardtop present.
MG Midget PDI
After being won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) was carried out on our 1978 MG Midget, and several tasks were completed:
Items in the boot were sorted, with relevant items reinstated and a new jack and brace added.
Tyres were inflated, and wheel nuts were torqued.
The stereo was removed to address a leaking washer T-piece. A new T-piece and pipe were installed from the switch to the T-piece. The nearside washer jet was unblocked, tested, and found to be functioning correctly. The stereo was then refitted.
The front spotlights were tested with a power probe, and each light was confirmed to work. The wiring under the bonnet was traced to a relay on the nearside inner wing, which was found not fully seated. The relay was pushed in, and all lights operated correctly with the main beam.
The fuel tank was filled with P1 fuel, and the battery was charged.
During a road test, it was observed that the speedometer was not working, and the engine occasionally coughed under acceleration. Upon returning to the workshop, a fuel leak was identified at the front carburettor’s float bowl. The following actions were taken:
The float bowl was disassembled, the needle valve was checked and unstuck, and a new float bowl gasket was fitted.
The speedometer issue was traced to a broken plastic securing end of the speedometer cable, which was not connected. The inner cable was pushed back into the gearbox, jacked up, and tested to confirm it spun correctly. The cable was reconnected to the speedometer head and tested again. The speedometer was confirmed to work. The cable was secured to the battery clamp with a cable tie.
A final road test confirmed all issues were resolved. The vehicle drove well, with the speedometer functioning correctly and no further problems. The car is now ready for delivery.
Painting The Bumper
The bumpers of our 1994 Toyota Land Cruiser have been in the paint shop with Mauro.
MOT Prep
Our 2002 Ford Thunderbird underwent modifications to comply with UK specifications, in preparation for its MOT. The lighting system was rewired by Jonn to ensure the indicators display amber lights, and the stop lights no longer flash in conjunction with the indicators.
Interceptor Progress
Our 1976 Jensen Interceptor recently underwent brake maintenance. Photographs were taken to document the condition of the brakes before and after cleaning. New metal brake pipes were fitted as part of the process. The components were thoroughly cleaned and assessed for functionality.
The interior has also had some attention from Lydia.
Beetle Repairs
Our 1975 Volkswagen Beetle has been with Jonn undergoing several repairs and adjustments:
A new heat exchange control lever knob was installed between the seats.
A new brake reservoir cap was fitted.
A new engine compartment lock was installed and tested.
A new nearside door pin switch was fitted. The wire was crimped with a new terminal, connected, and tested for functionality. The interior light operated correctly via the door switch.
The nearside window regulator was replaced. The replacement part differed slightly from the original, requiring modifications:
The lower edge of the original regulator was cut off, drilled, and bolted to the new regulator to secure it to the bottom of the door.
The bolt holes in the door were aligned.
A runner was drilled and riveted to prevent the window from lowering excessively.
Testing revealed that the top window rubber was not fully seated, preventing the window from rising sufficiently. Adjustments were made by modifying the regulator where it attaches to the window. The glass was drilled out, raised to align with the newly adjusted regulator holes, secured, and tested. The window now operates correctly, though the regulator slips slightly if forced too high. Grease was applied to the regulator to improve movement, and the window was confirmed to go up and down smoothly. The door panel was refitted and retested successfully.
The vehicle was then raised on a ramp, and the wheels were removed to inspect the brakes. Both front brake cylinders were found to be leaking and require replacement:
The handbrake was de-adjusted, and the nearside rear brake was adjusted.
The brake drum was refitted, and the hub nut was torqued to 250 lb/ft.
More Storage
Our 1978 Triumph Stag has been moved into storage and placed in a protective bubble. The vehicle has also been connected to a charger to maintain battery health.
Events At Goodwood 2025
The events calendar for Goodwood 2025 has been released and it looks incredible!
Hopefully, some of the Bridge Classic Cars team will be at a lot of these exciting events so, if you see us around, please come and say hello.
Image: GoodwoodImage: Goodwood
82nd Members’ Meeting (April 12-13, 2025)
The motorsport season kicks off at Goodwood Motor Circuit with the 82nd Members’ Meeting, a weekend for members of the Goodwood Road Racing Club. There are also other events being held exclusively for members.
Exclusive GRRC Events in 2025:
Regional Drive (March 9): Drive the South Downs in your car.
Summer Ball (July 10): Enjoy the Festival of Speed with fine dining, live music, and fireworks.
Peak District Drive & Fellowship Track Day (July 27-28): Drive some of the most scenic roads in the UK and test your car on the Goodwood track.
Go-Karting (August 1): Compete for prizes in this team-based event.
Christmas Ball (December 4): Held at Goodwood House with live music and a fireworks display.
Tickets for the Members’ Meeting start at £106, available at goodwood.com.
Festival of Speed (July 10-13, 2025)
One of our favourite events of the year – the Festival of Speed. From some of the best drivers in the world to some amazing cars too, we are really looking forward to this one!
Family-Friendly Perks:
Free entry for under 12s.
Half-price tickets for attendees aged 13-21.
Tickets begin at £67.
Goodwood Revival (September 12-14, 2025)
The Goodwood Revival recreates the Motor Circuit’s golden years (1948-1966) with immersive experiences, including Spitfire flyovers, retro cinema, and live music.
Tickets start at £75
Goodwood Breakfast Clubs
Themed Sunday mornings at the Motor Circuit:
Taxed & Tasty (May 4): Cars post-1985
Super Sunday (June 1): A lineup of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Bugattis.
GRRC Sunday (June 22): Exclusive to GRRC members.
Classic Sunday (August 3): Pre-1985 classics, celebrating the anniversaries of Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin models.
Attendance is free, but tickets must be pre-booked starting March 2025.
Tony transported our 1977 Triumph 2500TC to our secure storage facility.
Upon arrival, the car was placed in a protective storage bubble to ensure it remained in the best possible condition and was connected to a charger to maintain the battery.
Bridge Classic Cars T-Shirt
I have had my BridgevClassic Cars t-shirt for a few years now and the colour hasn’t altered at all. It still feels like a really quality T-shirt
Aston Martin Pistons
Here’s a closer look at the pistons for our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4.
This design focuses on optimisation for strength as shown by the detailed internal structure.
Internal Architecture Of The Piston:
Green Component: structural reinforcement
Orange Zones: critical regions of contact
Blue Feature: cavity for oil passage or thermal management.
Side view of piston showing its external features:
Ring Grooves: Where the piston rings would sit to seal the combustion chamber.
Pin Hole: The circular opening is for the wrist pin, connecting the piston to the connecting rod.
Cutouts or Skirt: The large open sections reduce weight as these pistons are designed for high-performance engines.
Dome Design: The slightly domed crown is to improve efficiency or power.
Back in December 2022, Nick Fiore won our 1991 Maserati Bi-Turbo Spyder E. Since then, he has been enjoying it and, it has been featured in several publications since.
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