Managing Director – Bridge Classic Cars
Bridge Classic Cars have been chosen to represent this beautiful 1956 Jensen 541, recently restored and available for sale now. This is not a restoration carried
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1960 Jensen 541S (750CEA), the prototype, is still in our workshops as Asa spends another day repairing the steel bodywork sections. This was always set
Last week we welcomed back Tommy to the Bridge Classic Cars family. Tommy has over 30 years experience in the industry and is one of
Check out this awesome machine spotted parked up outside Lidl on Meredith Road in Ipswich. It’s a Carbon Quest XS, thanks for sending it in
Today, we had a surprise visit from Town 102‘s Drivetime presenter Nick Pandolfi. A good friend and old colleague of Craig, Nick called in on his
Work is finally underway on our 1989 Ford Granada. With the car now stripped, the body is currently in our paint shop being prepared ready
Tommy has been assigned the task of working on our 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster. We are working alongside her new owner Steve to bring
After a little TLC the fuel tank has now been refurbished and refitted to our 1968 MGBGT, along with the front brake discs, pads and
Now that the shell has been completely removed from the chassis and it is now away being prepared, this gives Asa the opportunity to investigate
Our 1968 MGBGT is really taking shape now as we start the rebuild the car. The rear back axle, the front suspension, steering rack, front
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we start to strip our 1965 jaguar E-Type of it’s components ready for the bodywork to be prepared we noticed that someone has made
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve just had confirmation from Schumacher Cargo Logistics that our 1973 Jaguar E-Type V12 has arrived safely into New York docks. Here’s the latest pictures from the
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here are some more pictures of our 1967 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 Series 1.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”8441,8440,8439,8438,8437,8436,8435,8434,8433,8432,8431,8430,8429″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
With the MGBGT back from the paint shop Lauren has been busy fitting the new sound deadening matting. Sound Deadener plays a vital role and
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Having built one of the very best Jensen 541S’s in the world back in 2015 Asa and the team at Bridge Classic Cars have a
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Our good friends at Moss Europe have selected a few gift ideas that would make any classic car enthusiast happy this Christmas. Visit the Moss
Years of wear on the clutch slave pin has resulted in a hole that is no longer circular and a pin that is no longer
Now that our 1949 MG YT has been transported to our Ipswich paint shop it’s time to start the preparation work ready for the new
Our 1982 Triumph TR7 is now in the preparation stages, the entire car must now be stripped of it’s components ready to undergo a full
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We have just accepted delivery of our 1967 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 Series 1. This is now available for sale as a future restoration project, for more
On Friday we made the decision NOT to colour code our Triumph TR7. We had discussed our plans with various people and had received mixed
A small delay on the restoration due to a couple of imperfections that we found in the paintwork. Nothing too major but worth addressing so
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The bright-work has now been delivered to Wyatt Polishing in Thetford ready for Tony and the team to carry out a full refurbishment of them. Every
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The MG YT dials have been packaged up and sent for refurbishing by world renowned restorers Speedograph Richfield Ltd. Within a couple days we’ll touch base with
The Jensen dials have been packaged up and sent for refurbishing by world renowned restorers Speedograph Richfield Ltd. Within a couple days we’ll touch base with
Our 1971 Volvo P1800 featured in Classic Car Buyer, released on the 23rd November 2016, issue 358. For those who love classic cars – owning, buying,
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the engine now out Asa and John are concentrating their efforts on removing the dashboard this afternoon. Before any work is carried out we
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today’s the day we are removing the engine ready for our engine rebuilder Don Warman to work his magic on her. Initially the engine was
When we were stripping and cleaning the inside of the camper we noticed that the side door was not running as smoothly as it should
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Having recently completed the restoration of our 1971 Triumph Spitfire, this week we had her back in our workshops for a general check over. We
Bridge Classic Cars have been chosen to represent this beautiful 1956 Jensen 541, recently restored and available for sale now.
This is not a restoration carried out by Bridge Classic Cars but has been completed to a very high standard by one of our close friends.
Here’s a sneak preview from today’s photoshoot by Sugar and Spice Photography, held in Polstead, Suffolk.
More images to follow and extra information can be found in our online showroom.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1960 Jensen 541S (750CEA), the prototype, is still in our workshops as Asa spends another day repairing the steel bodywork sections.
This was always set to be one of our most challenging projects as fibreglass is so delicate. The Jensen body is predominantly made from fibreglass but the areas where the body meets the chassis and areas where the body requires most of its strength is finished in steel.
A lot of the steel has deteriorated badly, the rot has taken over. The only way to resolve these issues is for the rotten steel to be cut out and replaced with brand new steel.
Asa is busy doing this at the moment, a long and repetitive task but one that is essential and must never be avoided.
The Jensen 541 suffers from rot and the most affected areas are more often than not in the areas that aren’t easily seen.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”8567,8568,8569,8570,8571,8572,8573,8574,8575,8576,8577,8578,8579,8580,8581,8582″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Last week we welcomed back Tommy to the Bridge Classic Cars family.
Tommy has over 30 years experience in the industry and is one of those guys that can turn his hands to anything.
A real talent and a man we are pleased to have back on our team.
You know the saying, ‘how many guys does it take to change a tyre?’ Here’s your answer…
Here’s Tommy on the far right.
As you can see, Tommy looks incredibly good for his age.
Bridge Classic Cars started here at Deben Road in Ipswich with Asa manning the fort. As a small workshop with big ambitions our reputation started to grow and so did our team. Tommy was the next to join the team and between them they created some incredible work, namely the now famous 1960 Jensen 541S which helped spread the Bridge brand internationally.
Tommy then moved on to new ventures closer to his home in Yarmouth. Having been away from us for a little over a year, Tommy has rejoined the team. It’s a bigger team that what he left and we now have glass walls and tiled floors but even with all the changes he’s settled in well.
Check out this awesome machine spotted parked up outside Lidl on Meredith Road in Ipswich.
It’s a Carbon Quest XS, thanks for sending it in for us to see.
Today, we had a surprise visit from Town 102‘s Drivetime presenter Nick Pandolfi.
A good friend and old colleague of Craig, Nick called in on his way back to the Town 102 studios in Great Blakenham to show off his beautiful Audi A3 Sports Saloon.
To celebrate the opening of the brand new Audi showroom at Crane Boulevard, Futura park in Ipswich, Audi Ipswich and Town 102 are giving listeners the chance to win some amazing prizes.
You just need to be listening to Town 102 throughout the day to find out how to win.
Here’s the car parked outside the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Ipswich.
Work is finally underway on our 1989 Ford Granada.
With the car now stripped, the body is currently in our paint shop being prepared ready for a coat of primer before the full respray.
Tommy has been assigned the task of working on our 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster.
We are working alongside her new owner Steve to bring this beautiful creation back to life.
Having recently restored a stunning Austin Healey (I’ll try and get some photos!), Steve will be carrying out the majority of the work himself but we will be completing the bodywork preparation and carrying out the full respray in Black before handing her back to Steve to complete the restoration.
Here’s some of the work that Tommy has already carried out on the bonnet area:
After a little TLC the fuel tank has now been refurbished and refitted to our 1968 MGBGT, along with the front brake discs, pads and pedal box.
We are just waiting on a couple more components to arrive for the pedal box mechanism and then this can be properly installed and fitted perfectly.
Now that the shell has been completely removed from the chassis and it is now away being prepared, this gives Asa the opportunity to investigate and come up with a plan to resolve the issues with the body.
The A-Post and surrounding area was where the majority of the work was needing to be carried out. The panels have now been ground done to reveal all of the rot. We have then removed the rot by cutting the areas away completely before applying brand new steel.
Our 1968 MGBGT is really taking shape now as we start the rebuild the car. The rear back axle, the front suspension, steering rack, front lights and wiring loom have all been fitted.
The wheels have been refurbished and will be arriving back at the beginning of the week.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we start to strip our 1965 jaguar E-Type of it’s components ready for the bodywork to be prepared we noticed that someone has made a makeshift repair on the front badge bar.
Although the glue that was used to repair the bar was sufficient and able to carry out the job, an E-Type as beautiful as this deserves the best treatment.
As the metal used to manufacture the badge bar is Mazak it is not capable of withstanding the stress of being welded it is probably best to fit a new badge bar instead.
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Zamak (formerly trademarked as ZAMAK[1] and also known as Zamac) is a family of alloys with a base metal of zinc and alloying elements of aluminium, magnesium, and copper.
Zamak alloys are part of the zinc aluminium alloy family; they are distinguished from the other ZA alloys because of their constant 4% aluminium composition.[2]
The name zamak is an acronym of the German names for the metals of which the alloys are composed: Zink (zinc), Aluminium, Magnesium and Kupfer (copper).[2] The New Jersey Zinc Company developed zamak alloys in 1929. Zinc alloys are popularly referred to as pot metal or white metal. While zamak is held to higher industrial standards, it is still considered a pot metal.
The most common zamak alloy is zamak 3. Besides that, zamak 2, zamak 5 and zamak 7 are also commercially used.[2] These alloys are most commonly die cast.[2] Zamak alloys (particularly #3 and #5) are frequently used in the spin casting industry.
A large problem with early zinc die casting materials was zinc pest, owing to impurities in the alloys.[3] Zamak avoided this by the use of 99.99% pure zinc metal, produced by New Jersey Zinc’s use of a refluxer as part of the smelting process.
Zamak can be electroplated, wet painted, and chromate conversion coated well.[4]
In the early 1930s Morris Ashby in Britain had licensed the New Jersey zamak alloy. The high-purity refluxer zinc was not available in Britain and so they acquired the right to manufacture the alloy using a locally available electrolytically refined zinc of 99.95% purity. This was given the name Mazak, partly to distinguish it from zamak and partly from the initials of Morris Ashby. In 1933, National Smelting licensed the refluxer patent with the intent of using it to produce 99.99% zinc in their plant at Avonmouth.[5][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve just had confirmation from Schumacher Cargo Logistics that our 1973 Jaguar E-Type V12 has arrived safely into New York docks.
Here’s the latest pictures from the journey to Suffolk.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”8448,8449,8450,8451,8452,8453,8454,8455,8456,8457,8458,8459,8460,8461,8462,8463,8464,8465,8466″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here are some more pictures of our 1967 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 Series 1.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”8441,8440,8439,8438,8437,8436,8435,8434,8433,8432,8431,8430,8429″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
With the MGBGT back from the paint shop Lauren has been busy fitting the new sound deadening matting.
Sound Deadener plays a vital role and is one of the most crucial enhancements you can make to your vehicle!
FatMat extreme will Stop Nasty Rattles, Vibrations, Road Noise as well as increase your Car Audio’s Sound & Bass, and they guarantee it or your money back! The key ingredients to any vehicle are the way they perform, the way they drive, the way they look and of course the way they sound.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Having built one of the very best Jensen 541S’s in the world back in 2015 Asa and the team at Bridge Classic Cars have a very good knowledge and understanding of this beautiful vehicle.
Having said that, we were very fortunate with our previous Jensen that the chassis had already been worked on prior to us finding it so that was a huge proportion of the hard work already complete. We knew with this new project that eventually we would have to delve into the unknown, we knew we needed to remove the delicate fibreglass bodyshell.
After carrying out a lot of research and finding very little information from anyone who had carried out this task previously, the day has come where the bodyshell would need to be lifted free of the chassis.
It was a time consuming task but the end result was successful. The body is now completely away from the rolling chassis.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”8417,8416,8415,8414,8413,8412,8411,8410,8409,8408,8407,8406,8405,8404,8403,8402,8401,8400,8399,8398,8397,8396″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Now that the body shell has been removed the next stage is to repair the chassis ready for the shell to be refitted.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Our good friends at Moss Europe have selected a few gift ideas that would make any classic car enthusiast happy this Christmas. Visit the Moss Europe website for more ideas.
Monday 21st November to Friday 16th December.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”MG, Triumph, Classic Mini, Austin Healey, Jaguar, Mazda MX-5, Morris Minor”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Years of wear on the clutch slave pin has resulted in a hole that is no longer circular and a pin that is no longer ‘wear’ free!
Lucky we caught it when we did but fortunately it is a part that is easily obtainable so this will be fitted, brand new, once it arrives from Moss Europe.
Now that our 1949 MG YT has been transported to our Ipswich paint shop it’s time to start the preparation work ready for the new Clipper Blue finish. The arches have been removed as they require a bit of remedial work where it has had a dink in it’s time. Nothing too scary to repair.
As the car was originally finished in Clipper Blue this is a complete respray which means every single inch of this body (everything that is currently white) will be changed back to blue. This is not just ‘what you see’, it is everything!
Our 1982 Triumph TR7 is now in the preparation stages, the entire car must now be stripped of it’s components ready to undergo a full respray.
Unfortunately, this task was only carried out not too long ago on by a company in Scotland acting on behalf of the previous customer. Due to a lack of preparation or perhaps a good knowledge and understanding of the correct procedure, the paint had started to micro-blister which does not look very appealing.
This means that all of the hard work that was originally carried out is to now be undone so that the paint can be prepared and applied correctly, resulting in a finish that will not longer micro-blister.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We have just accepted delivery of our 1967 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 Series 1.
This is now available for sale as a future restoration project, for more information email us or call the office on 01473 742038.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”8327,8326,8325,8324,8323,8322,8321,8320,8319,8318″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
On Friday we made the decision NOT to colour code our Triumph TR7.
We had discussed our plans with various people and had received mixed reviews, some people thought it was best to stick to the originality where as other felt a face lift would be a great asset to this iconic classic.
Having thought about it long and hard we decided that the previous owner had done such a superb job of restoring her that we would continue with his original vision. It’s just unfortunately that the preparation in the paintwork was not previously carried out properly which resulted in the vehicle micro-blistering. She is now in our workshops being stripped and prepared ready for a full respray.
A small delay on the restoration due to a couple of imperfections that we found in the paintwork.
Nothing too major but worth addressing so we’ve had it back in the paint shop for a couple of weeks to rectify the issues.
We now have it back in our workshops, all done and looking fantastic so time for John to get back on with rebuilding. First job is to get it back onto it’s wheels.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The bright-work has now been delivered to Wyatt Polishing in Thetford ready for Tony and the team to carry out a full refurbishment of them.
Every inch of chrome work on this vehicle will be worked on.
It is a very delicate task to undertake as not only are these parts small and intricate but they are also very rare so one false move could be disastrous.
Tony at Wyatt Polishing is one of the best in the business so we have every confidence that the end result will be outstanding.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”8342,8343,8344,8345,8346,8347,8348,8349″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The MG YT dials have been packaged up and sent for refurbishing by world renowned restorers Speedograph Richfield Ltd.
Within a couple days we’ll touch base with them, by which time they would have fully assessed the extent of work that will need to be carried out.
They are the experts in this field, we have trusted Speedograph Richfield Ltd with the majority of our major dial restorations for some time.
It is truly amazing how they can bring these dials back to life.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”UPDATE”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We have now received a call from Speedograph, the dials have arrived and the promising news is that they are happy to carry out a full restoration on almost all of the dials. A full restoration involves the following:
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The Jensen dials have been packaged up and sent for refurbishing by world renowned restorers Speedograph Richfield Ltd.
Within a couple days we’ll touch base with them, by which time they would have fully assessed the extent of work that will need to be carried out.
They are the experts in this field, we have trusted Speedograph Richfield Ltd with the majority of our major dial restorations for some time.
It is truly amazing how they can bring these dials back to life.
Our 1971 Volvo P1800 featured in Classic Car Buyer, released on the 23rd November 2016, issue 358.
For those who love classic cars – owning, buying, driving, restoring – Classic Car Buyer is the most informative read there is. Published every Wednesday it keeps readers up-to-date with the very latest classic car and club news, follows the important issues affecting this popular market and has pages and pages of buying, owning and practical features.
If it’s happening in the classic car world, it’s happening in Classic Car Buyer – every week.
In this edition they were reviewing and featuring the highlights of Anglia Car Auction’s November sale.
“Forever handsome, thanks to styling that does not date, Volvo P1800s were popular with ACA entrants and buyers alike, with all four selling out. With lots of history and MOTs to check out during its 91,507 displayed miles, this 2011 restored 1971 P1800 coupe achieved £15,120, which was top estimate money.”
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the engine now out Asa and John are concentrating their efforts on removing the dashboard this afternoon.
Before any work is carried out we have taken a number of pictures which we can use to cross reference when we look to refit it later on in the build process.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today’s the day we are removing the engine ready for our engine rebuilder Don Warman to work his magic on her.
Initially the engine was going to stay in the car until the carbs had been rebuilt so that Don could run her in situ but he has since decided that it needs to come out.
Over the coming months the entire engine and gearbox will be rebuilt so before we on this huge task, first, we need to take a number of pictures as reference for when it returns in a number of months.
As we mentioned before, when restoring a car or taking on any project it is vital to take lots of pictures as you go along. You may never need them but if, one day, you’re questioning the position of something you know you have images to fall back on.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”8207,8208,8209,8210,8211,8212,8213,8214,8215,8216,8217,8218,8219,8220,8221,8222,8223,8224,8225,8226,8227,8249,8250,8251,8252,8253,8254,8255,8256,8257,8258,8259,8261″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A successful morning in our Ipswich workshops and Asa and John, together, managed to lift the Jensen 541S engine and gearbox out of the car.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here we have the huge Jensen 541S engine and gearbox. Now fully removed from the vehicle she’s ready for Don to inspect and guide us one what his next stage will be.
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When we were stripping and cleaning the inside of the camper we noticed that the side door was not running as smoothly as it should be. Upon closer inspection we noticed that the lower guide assembly (252843405A) was showing signs of wear.
We managed to secure a new one on an overnight carriage and it was an easy fix.
As you can see the wheels that help guide the door into position have a lot of play which they shouldn’t be able to do. This was enough to prevent the door from sliding smoothly.
A new 252843405A Volkswagen Camper T25 Lower Guide Assembly replaces the entire running guide and the door is now running how it should be.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Having recently completed the restoration of our 1971 Triumph Spitfire, this week we had her back in our workshops for a general check over. We offer this service on all of our major projects to make sure the nuts and bolts are still tight and to iron out any imperfections that may have been found.
Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we don’t just finish a car and send it on it’s way never to see it again.
Our Customers and our Projects are very important to us so our after sales care is just as key to any other part of our business.
When you see your restoration project complete for the very first time it’s very exciting, your mind is more geared up to seeing the bigger picture and getting in it for a drive. It’s not until you really settle in to the drive do you discover things that you most probably have missed on collection day.
One of the concerns that Mr and Mrs King had on their 1971 Triumph Spitfire after taking her home was that they felt the hood was a little stiff.
Although we used the original hood frame, it was removed and completely refurbished before being fitted with a brand new hood. As components are new, they take a little time to settle and that’s exactly the case with the hood,
Here is a step by step guide, beautifully demonstrated by Asa and John of how we feel it is best to lower a Triumph Spitfire hood.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=breXMSRJi-M”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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.
