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Craig Ranson

Managing Director – Bridge Classic Cars

Progression – Working on the Wings of the 1951 Riley RMB

January 14, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house fabrication shop is working on the wings for the 1951 Riley RMB that we have in for restoration by our amazing teams.

The car is currently with our incredible fabricator Clinton, who has been working on repairing the wings for the classic Riley. He has carefully removed rusty or corroded sections of the wing of the Riley in order to repair them and thanks to his skill and talent, completely disappear into the existing metal.

The new pieces have been entirely hand-formed by Clinton in cour in-house fabrication shop for the Riley RMB using traditional techniques and practices. As you can see, the results are absolutely fantastic.

Clear Out – Rebuilding the Carburettors of the 1959 MGA Twin-Cam

January 14, 2022

The 1959 MGA Twin-Cam that is currently in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in our Pettistree, Suffolk HQ isn’t running quite right. So, our incredible team of in-house technicians have been working on the beautiful light blue sports car.

Jon, one of our in-house restoration technicians, has been working on the car along with our other John (workshop Manager). During the inspection and assessment of the car, John noted that there was a misfire when the engine was under load. It was time to look into the issue.

Jon, as a matter course, decided to check the carburettors on the MGA. These aren’t the easiest to get out of a Twin-Cam due to the two large banks on the cylinder heads. Finally, Jon managed to release the set of carburettors from the engine bay and get them onto the workbench. After carefully pulling the units apart, he found quite a few valves and galleys to be full of sediment and sludge. So, with new rebuild kits in hand, Jon began the process of carefully clearing and cleaning each of the carburettors ready to put them back together and back on the car.

Once he had cleared out any form of dirt or sediment from every part of the carburettors, Jon put them back together on the bench. With these carburettors, there is a very specific way of putting them back onto the car. The top bolts for the carbs to fix to the manifold have to be put in off the car or else it is a nightmare to get them in the designated holes. Once the top bolts were in place with their nuts in place behind the flange on the manifold, Jon could use the inspection cover in the front wheel well to get the bottom bolts onto the carburettors.

Now that the units are back on the car, it can be roadtested by John, our workshop manager, to see if the misfire has been cured.

Behind the Scenes – Live Draw of the 1972 Triumph Spitfire and REC Spitfire Watch

January 14, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars Competitions has given another lucky winner the chance to own their dream classic car. On the 13th of January 2022 on our Facebook page. The winner was announced live for all to see.

We began the live draw in our brand new workshop extension at our Suffolk HQ. A gleaming white and spacious setting to best show off the cars we will be bringing you very soon and maybe some special pieces we have in our workshop. As Hayley welcomed everyone joining us across the internet, the cars were laid out for everyone to see. Our 1964 Triumph TR4, the 1972 Triumph Spitfire and the gorgeous Aztec Gold 1976 Mercedes 350SL.

Also, in the new extension was something very special we have in at Bridge Classic Cars. The 1995 Dodge Viper RT/10. We wanted to give all of our followers a look around the car which is such a rare sight here in the UK, we need to show everyone.

Then, Craig showed everyone watching along around our restoration workshop. Projects we are working on for our amazing clients and also preparing the upcoming competition cars which hide amongst the other cars. We showed off some of our most incredible projects such as Fern Grey, the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster, and the ground-up restoration of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 which is also being worked on in the workshop.

But, it was time for the main event. Finding out whose Thursday night was about to get a lot better. First up was the REC Spitfire Watch, which thanks to the random number generator, was won by ticket 448. This ticket had been bought by Barry Marshall who will soon be receiving his incredible limited edition REC Watch. Finally, it was time for the big one. All of us discovering who was the lucky new owner of the 1972 Triumph Spitfire. As the number generator was reset, the comments began to flow in. Wishing each other luck and letting us know the stream was fully working and clear. Then, Hayley put in the numbers to be chosen between. And with the click of a single button, the fate of the Spitfire was sealed. It was now the pride and joy of Phil Holland, who had bought ticket 126.

As Hayley rang him, you could hear the excitement and surprise in his voice. He had owned a Spitfire in his younger days and couldn’t wait to relive those memories in his new Spitfire.

You can rewatch the live draw and the walkaround by clicking the link below!

Click here to rewatch the live draw of the 1972 Triumph Spitfire and REC Spitfire Watch

This Just In – Alfa Romeo 1750 Spyder

January 13, 2022

Patiently awaiting its space in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop at our Suffolk HQ, is this stunning Alfa Romeo Spyder.

This car was part of the shipment of cars we had come in from South Africa, along with some other very interesting vehicles.

This car will be fully inspected by our in-house restoration teams to find out just what this stunning Spyder needs to be in useable and reliable condition.

Piece and Quiet – Patching the Floors and Sound Deadening in the 1977 MGB Roadster

January 13, 2022

Our senior technician, Dave, has been working on the 1977 MGB Roadster that is in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop for restoration. This time, the job is to sort out some of the small holes and issues in the floor pan of the 1970s convertible.

After assessing the area, Dave only removed the material which had been affected. Then, with the patch piece trimmed down to size, Dave could weld the piece into the floor of the car. After it had been welded in and ground back to be perfectly smooth, Dave then could seam-seal the piece into the car.

Now that the floors were rock solid,Dave could replace the sound deadening on the floor so that when this amazing convertible is out on the open road, its very luckily owner just gets to enjoy the sound of the wonderful 4 cylinder rather than the road noise.

Catch a Leak – Fixing Leaky Carburettors on the 1973 MGB GT V8

January 13, 2022

Paul, one of our in-house restoration technicians at Bridge Classic Cars, has been getting to the bottom of a fuel leak on the 1973 MGB GT V8 we currently have in our Suffolk workshop.

After investigating, Paul found the seal around the needle within the carburettor was weeping and allowing fuel to leak out. After carefully taking apart the carbs (making sure not to damage or warp any of the gaskets) Paul replaced the seal and rebuilt the units to go back on top of the V8. After they were back on, Paul checked for any leaks and everything was nice, clean and dry.

The Perfect Fit – Making the Rear Seat Cover for the 1956 Jensen 541

January 13, 2022

Our in-house trim expert Lydia has been busy remaking the rear seat for the 1956 Jensen 541 that we are currently in the process of restoring at Bridge Classic Cars.

Lydia used what was left of the original rear seat as a rough guide to create a specially made template for the classic GT car. Carefully, Lydia could transfer this template onto the chosen leather to begin the process of cutting out the individual pieces that will be joined together, edged and then fitted around the seat base.

The attention to detail that our trim-shop have is what truly sets them apart in their field. Every aspect of the seat is taken into consideration when creating these custom pieces from scratch.

In the Spotlight – Stripping Down the Lamps for the 1934 MG PA

January 13, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration team have been carefully stripping down the new lamps for the 1934 MG PA Midget in our workshop.

These units have been completely taken apart in preparation to be sent off to a specialist to be entirely refurbished before coming back to us and put back on the stunning pre-war sports car. Every bolt, screw and catch has been carefully removed and catalogued for this process.

We’re looking forward to seeing them when they come back and get them back on the car.

All in Order – Cleaning and Organising Parts from the 1987 Mercedes 500SL

January 13, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration team have been busy cleaning and cataloguing the parts for the 1987 Mercedes 500SL which is in with ourselves for restoration. Our in-house restoration technician Tamas has been meticulously going through every component which was removed from the car to evaluate and note its condition and part number if needed.

Some of these pieces will be sent out to specialists for refurbishment or refinishing but others will have particular treatments and processes done to them in-house.

To see all of the parts our technician has gone through, see the gallery below!

In Need of a Clean – Send 1905 Riley 9hp Parts for Rebrassing

January 13, 2022

The brass parts of the 1905 Riley 9HP are in need of a clean and refurb. So, these are being carefully catalogued and packaged to be sent off to a specialist to come back as good as new.

These parts are over 100 years old so special care is needed with the refurbishment of them. Bridge Classic Cars works closely with a series of trusted and well-respected specialists for jobs such as this to ensure the best long-lasting results on the parts that are sent away from us here.

In The Right Direction – Aligning the 1990 Mini 30

January 13, 2022

Our in-house restoration technician Jon has been working on the front end of the 1990 Austin Mini 30 before it is transported to its new owner. As part of its check over, Jon had to make some tracking adjustments to get the Mini’s steering spot on.

With a few small tweaks, Jon managed to get the Mini’s steering completely dialled in and nicely balanced. Making sure everything under the car was torqued and secure, the car went for its final road test.

This little 1990 Austin Mini 30 will soon be off to its very lucky new owner.

Starting from New – Continuing Body Repairs on the 1987 Daimler Double Six

January 13, 2022

Our in-house fabrication shop at Bridge Classic Cars has been working its way through the rust issues on the 1987 Daimler Double Six.

Monty, one of our amazing fabricators, has carefully removed the affected areas on the sills of the luxury saloon. Monty has worked through the sills and replaced them with brand new metal which will perfectly match the original piece. The piece is as close to the original material thickness as to perfectly blend with the existing panel and when it comes to colour and bodywork, it is easier to paint match.

The work will continue on the 1987 Daimler Double Six so keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars newspage.

Ready for Brightwork – Ready for Chrome on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

January 13, 2022

The team at Bridge Classic Cars have begun work on the stunning bonnet of the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster we have built for a client. With all of the weatherstripping installed into the headlight surrounds, they can now begin with the final brightwork.

All of the chrome for Fern Grey was sent off to a specialist, Wyatt Polishing, for refurbishment and polishing to make sure it looked as good as the rest of the incredible car. Now Paul, one of our in-house technicians, will start the meticulous task of getting the chrome back onto the headlights ready for when the bonnet is finally installed onto the car in the coming weeks.

Expect to see a lot more on the progress of the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster here on the Bridge Classic Cars newspage.

In Colour – Painting the 1977 MGB Roadster

January 13, 2022

The first layers of colour are now on the body of the 1977 MGB Roadster in the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint shop.

Our head painter Chris has spent hours, along with our other painter Alan, getting the MGB Roadster’s body ready for its first coats of colour. It looks absolutely fantastic and these results only come with the extensive and meticulous prep work done by our in-house restoration teams. The colour sits nice and evenly across all the panels to give a beautiful uniform look on the 1970s convertible.

Next, Chris and Alan will prepare and begin the next stage of getting this 1977 MGB Roadster looking better than new.

From the Ground Up – Installing the Carpet Set into the 1970 Porsche 911T

January 13, 2022

Brian, our head trimmer here at Bridge Classic Cars, has been working his magic and skill alongside our other incredibly talented trimmer Lydia to install the new carpet set into the 1970 Porsche 911T currently in the Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop.

Brian carefully began working on the kick panels at the front before moving his way around the edges of the car to the rear. All of the carpet set has to be put down in a very specific order to ensure the best fit and finish for the car. Brian carefully prepared each piece and each panel to be put into the car so it was securely glued down into the cockpit of the car. Once all of the major pieces were safely in place, Brian then began work on carpeting the floor pan of the 911. Finished in black, the carpets look absolutely brilliant in this classic 911.

Check Over – Inspecting the 1929 Dodge Brothers DA

January 13, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars have got this incredible pre-war 1929 Dodge Brothers DA in our Suffolk workshop to begin the inspection of this beautiful dark blue tourer.

Our in-house restoration technician Paul has been busy giving this classic a full check over to highlight any areas that will need attention for it to be safely driven and mechanically reliable. Paul noted that the fuel system will need attention along with the brakes. Apart from that, the Dodge is in remarkable condition for its age.

With this, our in-house teams are currently sourcing either new parts or specialists at the top of the field in refurbishing units needed.

Latest Draw – 1976 Mercedes Benz 350SL

January 12, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars Competitions have revealed the latest prize! This absolutely stunning 1976 Mercedes Benz 350SL is finished in Aztec Gold with a tan and brown interior. Also, it comes with a very useful and matching removable hardtop.

This particular 1976 Mercedes 350SL has also only covered 75,000 miles in its lifetime! It has been fully inspected by our in-house restoration teams and had some work done with a local Mercedes Benz marque specialist to ensure it runs as good as it looks.

You can pick up your tickets right now for just £5 at the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website by clicking the link below.

Click to enter the draw for the 1976 Mercedes R107 350SL

Stop & Go – New Handbrake Cable of the 1975 MGB GT V8

January 12, 2022

Mauro, one of the restoration technicians here at Bridge Classic Cars, has been working through the list of jobs we have been asked to complete for the owner of the 1975 MGB GT V8.

The next item on the list to get sorted is the handbrake cable. After many years, the cables do stretch so we’ve been asked to replace the old one. Mauro made sure it was safely installed into the car and it didn’t bind or was twisted in anyway to make sure that when it is need, it is always there.

Fresh and Clean – Painting the Hubs for the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1

January 12, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint team have just finished working on the hubs for the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1.

Chris, our head painter, has delivered the freshly refinished hubs for the Aston Martin to Scott, our restoration technician, in our workshop for when final assembly calls for the hubs to be fitted up to the car.

Finished in a stunning satin black, the hubs look better than new!

Extra Touches – Creating New Bags for the 1974 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

January 12, 2022

Lydia, one of our incredible trimmers here at Bridge Classic Cars, has been busy handmaking the extra pieces for Fern Grey. Fern Grey is of course the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster that our in-house restoration teams have been working on rebuilding from the ground up for a client of ours.

Lydia began by remaking the original tool wrap that was supplied originally with the car. It had seen better days and was not befitting of such a creation as the mighty Fern Grey. So, using the original as a template, Lydia remade the piece by hand to fit the same fit and finish as the car it will belong to.

Then, with the E Types new tonneau cover completed, Lydia began to hand make the bag which the cover folds into to be stowed away. Much like the tool wrap, Lydia has made it to the same extraordinary standards as the rest of the car.

This Just In – 1995 Dodge Viper RT/10

January 12, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars have the honour of welcoming a 1990’s hero into our workshop in Pettistree, Suffolk. The legend that is the 1995 Dodge Viper RT/10.

This classic American supercar will go into our workshop for our restoration teams to assess and report on the car.

Keep your eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more on this incredible car.

Trimmed – Working on the Trim Pieces for the 1956 Jensen 541

January 12, 2022

Our head trimmer here at Bridge Classic Cars, Brian, has been working on finishing up the interior trims for the 1956 Jensen 541 which is in with us for a full ground-up restoration.

Brian has methodically worked through the trims around the doors of the little known sportscar to ensure that each piece is repaired (if needs be) and then prepared and recovered in the beautiful red leather chosen by the lucky owner.

Each piece of hardware has also been refinished by Brian and the trim team to give even the smallest screw or bolt the same level of finish as the pieces they secure.

Another key piece that Brian has been working on is the beautiful rear seat centre console. Brian made up a new metal piece that creates the skeleton and the recovered in soft, durable foam and capped in that deep red leather.

There will be more updates on the 1956 Jensen 541 restoration by Bridge Classic Cars very soon.

Final Fitment – Fitting the Exhaust to the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

January 12, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration technicians have finished up the custom-made exhaust on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster that we refer to as Fern Grey.

Paul has been working on getting the new exhaust safe and secure underneath the iconic sports car. From the exhaust collector to the stunning, bright double-tipped outlet which perfectly follows the line of the bottom of Fern Grey.

With the new exhaust fitted underneath the E Type, our in-house restoration technicians can move forward wit the final assembly of this stunning classic Jaguar.

This Just In – 1929 Dodge DA

January 12, 2022

This beautiful 1929 Dodge Brothers DA is the latest arrival into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.

This car is due to be inspected and assessed by our in-house restoration teams to bring this stunning pre-war Dodge up to scratch. The teams will go through each aspect of the car and report back on their findings.

Keep a look out on the Bridge Classic Cars newspage for more updates on the 1929 Dodge Brothers DA.

Prep and Paint – 1977 MGB Roadster Begins Paint

January 12, 2022

The 1977 MGB Roadster that is currently in the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint shop is moving along quickly!

Whilst Alan is busy preparing the body for its turn in the paint booth, Chris is working on getting the first layers of colour onto the front wings and doors of the sports car. The entire body has been sanded back down to make sure the shape of each of the panels flows perfectly.

The colour on the wings and doors will have its colour slowly built up to get the correct depth of colour.

Fixing The Leak – Leak from the Rear End of the 1975 MGB GT V8

January 12, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration technician, Mauro, has been investigating a leak from the rear differential of the 1975 MGB GT V8.

Mauro found the seal/gasket on the rear end had deteriorated over time and was allowing the rear end to weep slightly. So, with a new gasket ordered as well as the correct spec and weight of gear oil, Mauro got to work on sorting out the issue and getting this fantastic deep red sports car back to perfect running and driving for its new owner.

New Home – The 1989 Austin Mini Safe at Her New Home

January 12, 2022

The beautiful 1989 Austin Mini is safe and sound at her new home in Scotland. Also, she seems to have got some company for her life up north.

The new owner of the straight cut gearboxed 1989 Austin Mini also has a very nice 1275GT which will be sharing its stable with the little blue car. The 1275GT was given the name of Little Floorie by its owner, who has decided that the name of the 1989 Austin Mini will be Little Lottie.

We wish Ken and his wife many happy miles with our little Mini and look forward to seeing more of Little Lottie on her adventures in years to come.

Coming Soon – 1998 Mazda MX5

January 12, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars hopefully will be welcoming this absolutely stunning 1998 Mazda MX5 into our secure classic and collectable car storage facility, The Hangar, very soon.

This 1998 MX5 is finished in stunning dark green with a matching interior and has been adored by its owner who has kept the car in incredible condition while also making sure it has been enjoyed like every sports car should be.

Hopefully you will see more on the MX5 very soon here on the Bridge Classic Cars newspage.

Safe and Secure – Exhaust Mounts on the 1990 Mini 30

January 12, 2022

Jon, one of our amazing Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration technicians, has been working on getting the last few bits and pieces done on the 1990 Austin Mini 30 before it heads off to its very lucky new owner.

The last job to complete underneath this fantastic Mini is to install a new exhaust mount onto the car. The old one had become loose and wasn’t in the best state so our workshop ordered up a replacement piece and got it into the car. This particular clamp also acts as a hang and is secure to the gearbox, so it’s crucial in keeping the exhaust spaced far enough away from the gearbox as to not rattle or chafe.

With this done, it will have its pre-delivery inspection and very soon be off to its new home!

This Just In – 1975 Volkswagen Beetle

January 12, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars have welcomed this 1975 Volkswagen Beetle into our Pettistree workshop recently for our in-house restoration teams to assess and report on the condition of the car for its owner.

After the team has assessed the car and thoroughly inspected it, they will come up with a list of jobs that need to be undertaken on the classic aircooled Volkswagen to get it back into safe and running order.

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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