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Craig Ranson

Managing Director – Bridge Classic Cars

Refurbishing a collection of dials

February 4, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our Jaguar E-type dials are amongst a large collection of dials currently en-route to our good friends Speedy Cables to be refurbished. Authorised distributor of Smiths,

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Machining the SS100 head

February 1, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Work starts on replacing the head gasket of our 1963 Jaguar SS100. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”25808,25807,25806,25805,25804,25802,25801,25800″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve called upon the assistance of our good friends at Scholar

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Our Jaguar XK150 has been resprayed

January 28, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This Saturday, Chris completed the respray of our 1961 Jaguar XK150. Finished to match the factory specification, the original early log book lists it simply

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Our Austin Healey engine now fitted

February 5, 2019

Our 1955 Austin Healey 100M engine is now complete and refitted.

The body shell in now in for preparation ready for the respray to commence.

Correcting the parcel shelf catching issues

February 5, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Over time, the moulded speaker covers have warped due to age and the ever changing weather conditions. The bottom of both sections have started to flare  out at the bottom which has resulted in the parcel shelf catching and not rising with the boot lid.

We looked to purchase replacement but with no joy so we considered whether to remove, repair and strengthen or to strengthen in position. We opted to fix in them situ and to increase the fixings in them so that they do not bow again. This quick fix has separated the covers from the parcel shelf and now everything in the boot area works as it should.

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MG B Preparation and Paint

February 4, 2019

We begin on the next big stage of our 1975 MG B restoration tomorrow when work commences on the paint preparation.

The welding has been completed and the car is now in the hands of Chris to prepare the shell ready for paint. All of the lines will be perfected and every inch of the body will be assessed to ensure it is absolutely right.

Electrical issues on our 2005 Smart Roadster

February 4, 2019

Our 2005 Smart Roadster Brabus has returned with some electrical issues that need addressing. We believe there to be a loose connection somewhere within the system as the car loses all electrical power with no prior warning.

We’ll get it in the workshops tomorrow to investigate.

Looks to be a loose connection around the main feed. We have assess as much as we can and tightened where we could see.

Refurbishing a collection of dials

February 4, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our Jaguar E-type dials are amongst a large collection of dials currently en-route to our good friends Speedy Cables to be refurbished.

Authorised distributor of Smiths, CAI and VDO products Speedy Cables is an independent small company located in South Wales employing around 20 people with a variety of professional, engineering and craft skills engaged in the customisation and repair of instrumentation and the manufacture of custom control cables and custom drive cables.

The market sectors in which the company operates is varied. Historically it was predominantly automotive including replica cars, classic cars, classic motorcycles, taxis, kit cars, motor sport and military, whilst they continue to serve those sectors they also serve the agricultural, industrial and security sectors.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”25878,25876,25890,25889,25887,25886,25885,25884,25883,25882,25881,25880,25879″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Machining the SS100 head

February 1, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Work starts on replacing the head gasket of our 1963 Jaguar SS100.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”25808,25807,25806,25805,25804,25802,25801,25800″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve called upon the assistance of our good friends at Scholar Engineering for the use of their machining tools to skim the head.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7yP_7RDuto” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Our Jaguar E-Type primed and ready for paint

January 31, 2019

Colours have been chosen, designs have been finalised and Monday 4th February 2019 is the day we’ll see our 1967 Jaguar E-Type racing car enter the preparation room ready for paint.

This is a very exciting project for us being our own car for us all to drive and enjoy. bring on the summer!!

Swimwear Designer Kimberley Garner

January 31, 2019

English swimwear designer, model and actress Kimberley Garner travels the world, enjoying life and showing off her fantastic taste in cars…most of which are classics!

Kimberley boasts over 135,000 followers on Instagram, every photo is as amazing as the one before and we love the fact that a lot of them are the incredible cars she gets to work around.

Shop: Kimberley London Ltd

Kimberley London is a luxury beachwear brand founded in 2013 by Kimberley Garner. The pieces are delicate and flatter the female body, made from luxury Italian fabric, double lined to create structure. Each piece includes 18 carat Gold Plated pendants and trims, made in Paris and heat protected for the beach.

All pieces are Made in England and cut by hand in London, for unmatched quality.

Source: Instagram @kimberleygarner

Coachella Valley


Filming in Hollywood

Ariel Atom

Enjoying time out at Goodwood Revival where we’ll be ourselves later this year.

Looking exquisite on the bonnet of the iconic classic Porsche roadster.

The modern classic Morgan.

 

Cleaning, Stripping and Undersealing our Rover Vitesse

January 31, 2019

Pete has prepared the area ready to clean up and under seal our Rover Vitesse. We have chosen to use the black Waxoyl on this application.

Wazoyl is a fantastic product and is worldwide to kill off old rust and prevent new rust from appearing. Slightly different to the regular black stone chip which dry coats the area, the waxoyl forms a flexible weatherproof skin that remains sticky to touch.

 

 

When Ed Sheeran’s in town…

January 31, 2019

We love it when Ed Sheeran is back in town and I bet Framlimgham Fish Bar did too.

We are so immensely proud to say we share our home county with one of the biggest stars on the planet so it’s always great when he shares his adventures with us all here in Suffolk.

Ed posted this on his Instagram page to his 27.5 million followers and within minutes he had generated interest by nearly 80,000 people. I bet Framlingham Fish bar had a busy night that night!!

Keep up the great work Ed Sheeran and we’ll see you in concert in Chantry Park, Ipswich in August.

MG welding work almost complete

January 31, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It has been a huge task correcting the body of our 1975 MG B but Tommy is now on the very final stages of the welding work before he can hand the shell over to Chris to be prepared and painted.

New wings, half wings, new outer and inner sills, new front valance have all been fitted and shaped.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”25763,25764,25765,25766,25767,25768,25769,25770,25771,25772,25773,25774,25775,25776,25777,25778,25779,25780,25781,25782,25783″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Rescuing an MGBGT from Orford Garage closure

January 30, 2019

Friends Garage was one of the treasures of Orford.

It was more than a supplier of motor fuels, transport associated services and a retail outlet for sweets, ice creams, DIY and gardening supplies. It provided a vital service to the local community, surrounding areas and visitors from further afield as was recognised by the award of the British Empire Medal in 2012 to the garage manager, Laura Gillespie, for services to the local community.

It was announced in December 2018 that the garage was to close and the site redeveloped for housing with a small commercial building and automatic fuel pump. As of Thursday 31st January 2019 the business has ceased to function.

On Wednesday 30th January 2019 we received instruction to collect, from site, a 1974 MGBGT that had fallen into severe disrepair.

The car is now with us as we await a decision on the future of this British classic. Will it be beyond repair for its current owner or will she be back on the Suffolk roads some time in the future.

Jaguar E-Type: Project Sofa – blasted and ready for repair

January 29, 2019

Unfortunately, due to our current workload, our 1967 Jaguar E-Type has taken a bit of a back seat (pardon the pun) so we can concentrate on various projects we are currently working on.

At some stage in the not to distant future the repair works will begin on our E-Type body shell as we start to bring the idea of a 1-off sofa to life.

1962 TVR Grantura: Cylinder Head Porting

January 29, 2019

We are currently in the process of porting the cylinder heads of our 1962 TVR Grantura. Porting refers to the process of modifying the intake and exhaust ports to improve the quality and quantity of the air flow. Porting the heads provides the finely detailed attention required to bring the engine to the highest level of efficiency. More than any other single factor, the porting process is responsible for the high power output of modern engines.

This process can be applied to a standard racing engine to optimise its power output as well as to a production engine to turn it into a racing engine, to enhance its power output for daily use or to alter its power output characteristics to suit a particular application.

Our very own Ady has been porting heads for many many years and is now somewhat of an expert in the field.

Polishing and Re-painting our Austin Healey Fuel Tank

January 29, 2019

Next up for Brian is to strip, clean and polish our 1977 Austin Healey radiator. The top looks to have been hand painted at some point in the past so we need to remove the paint before looking at options of polishing.

Sendimentation found in the Rover’s fuel

January 29, 2019

As feared, we have discovered sediments in the fuel system of our 1987 Rover Vitesse Sd1. It is a very very fine deposit but never the less we need to explore why this has occurred and rectify the problem.

Suffolk Vehicle Enthusiasts Club – February 2019

January 28, 2019

“Dear SVEC members.

I wish to compliment the services I have received from Bridge Classic Cars Restorers. I arranged to meet Gordon (Owner) at the Bridge Classic and Sports Car Show at Pettistree on the 26th August 2018. (As was advertised on a flyer in a summer newsletter) The upholstery on my 30 year old BMW 635CSi was in need of repair. The leather on the driver’s seat had perished and both front seats were in need of refurbishing and various pieces of trim within the cabin needed refitting.

I arrived at the show and parked in the Classic Car area and walked toward the showroom to find on-route, a replica of Dave Pearce’s 320 Superstock! That made me smile! I then walked to the showroom and was immediately impressed by not only the quality of the prestigious cars being restored, (XK, E Type Jag’s, Aston Martin’s…) but the immaculate state of both the showroom and workshops. The floors are spotless! And they did a good job!

The replacement biscuit coloured leather in my Beema has matched well with the original colour, it all fits well and although one of my requests to refit the upholstery to the driver’s door had been overlooked, my car was re-collected, the work was undertaken, returned to me and at no further cost. Honest business men!

I would also like to compliment Gordon’s son Craig who markets the company and has introduced updates on work being undertaken to your car online. Modern technology put to good use!

David White”

Mr White – Ipswich, Suffolk

January 28, 2019

“Dear SVEC members.

I wish to compliment the services I have received from Bridge Classic Cars Restorers. I arranged to meet Gordon (Owner) at the Bridge Classic and Sports Car Show at Pettistree on the 26th August 2018. (As was advertised on a flyer in a summer newsletter) The upholstery on my 30 year old BMW 635CSi was in need of repair. The leather on the driver’s seat had perished and both front seats were in need of refurbishing and various pieces of trim within the cabin needed refitting.

I arrived at the show and parked in the Classic Car area and walked toward the showroom to find on-route, a replica of Dave Pearce’s 320 Superstock! That made me smile! I then walked to the showroom and was immediately impressed by not only the quality of the prestigious cars being restored, (XK, E Type Jag’s, Aston Martin’s…) but the immaculate state of both the showroom and workshops. The floors are spotless! And they did a good job!

The replacement biscuit coloured leather in my Beema has matched well with the original colour, it all fits well and although one of my requests to refit the upholstery to the driver’s door had been overlooked, my car was re-collected, the work was undertaken, returned to me and at no further cost. Honest business men!

I would also like to compliment Gordon’s son Craig who markets the company and has introduced updates on work being undertaken to your car online. Modern technology put to good use!

David White”

Our Jaguar XK150 has been resprayed

January 28, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This Saturday, Chris completed the respray of our 1961 Jaguar XK150. Finished to match the factory specification, the original early log book lists it simply as ‘cream’

The car has had the weekend in the oven to settle, set and harden before Chris returns to it on Tuesday.

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ZeyyKayy and the Chevvy

January 27, 2019

…no it’s not a group from the 70’s. it’s our good friend Zey, owner of Blue & Berry Cafe in Felixstowe and her new chosen ride!

She is currently on her travels and has messaged me with a picture of the stunning Chevrolet you see here. Zey loves her classic cars so no wonder it didn’t take her long to find this one…

Let’s just hope Zey is on her holidays and this is not another Thelma and Louise moment…

And check out the amazing reviews on @tripadvisor of Blue & Berry Cafe in Felixstowe and when you go, tell her Craig sent you…

 

Tom Hartley Junior – World’s Greatest Car

January 26, 2019

Source: Instagram @tomhartleyjunior

Supercar dealer Tom Hartley Junior today revisited an iconic moment in Motorsport history and reflected on one of the many highlights of his amazing career.

“61 years ago today, Phil Hill and Peter Collins piloted the @ferrari250TR #0704 to a 1st place finish at the 1,000kms of Buenos Aires, the first round of the 1958 World Championship. I sold this unrepeatable car 5 years ago and I don’t think it will ever be surpassed as the highlight of my career, I truly think it’s the greatest car in existence. To give you an idea of its originality, If you look at the rear of the car in the first photo you will notice some small damage, in the last photo you will see the patch repair that’s still evident today! #250TR #0704 #Hill #Collins#buenosaires #61YearsAgoToday#WorldsGreatestCar

 

Restoring our 1955 Austin Healey carbs

January 25, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1955 Austin Healey carbs have now undergone a full restoring rebuild.

The manifold has been blasted and rumbled, they have been rebuilt using new and refurbished parts. They have been set up and balanced and now they are ready to be fitted back up.

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Cleaning up the Mercedes 500SL ready for rebuild

January 25, 2019

As previous pictures show, our 1987 Mercedes 500SL engine bay was not looking too pretty when it arrived at our workshops. Due to a recent timing chain issue which resulted in the engine having to be removed we can now tidy up the engine bay and engine before refit.

We have fitted up the new timing chain guide rail.

Bridge Classic Cars are award winning Classic Car Restoration and Maintenance specialists. Your pride and joy is in safe hands with our expert Classic Car Technicians. Take a look at our awards here.

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© Bridge Classic Cars Holdings Ltd, T/ as Bridge Classic Cars. Registered in England and Wales with company number 5047706.