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Craig Ranson

Managing Director – Bridge Classic Cars

2022 Bridge Classic Cars – Classic & Sports Car Show

January 12, 2022

The classic British summertime. Those barmy few weeks of fabulous sunshine, warm weather and the chance to get out and show off your classic.

Returning for another year of celebrating our classics, the Bridge Classic Cars Classic & Sports Car & Bike Show is back and set to be an exciting one!

Sunday 31st July 2022.

A get together of like-minded enthusiasts to meet up; eat, drink, show off and look around the wonderful world of classic cars, sports cars and motorbikes.

Every make, model and year is welcome at our show. From obscure, turn of the century machines to the latest and greatest from the pages of the newest magazines.

2022 is no exception. This year we are welcoming everyone back!

It’s completely FREE to attend. For you and whoever else you can fit in the car!

Join us for our two part event; the show starts off at 9am at The Hangar, located in the beautiful RAF Bentwaters, Rendlesham, IP12 2TZ for a quick catch up.

At 10am we make our way over, in convoy, to the Bridge Classic Cars Workshops, Main Road, Pettistree, Suffolk, IP13 OHH for drinks and lunch! Arriving at 10:30am.

Check out the route map here!

Or check out the site map here!

At our restoration workshops, take the opportunity to speak with our teams about their particular craft and skill, or how we can help you with your classic no matter how big or small. And, make sure to stop in and have a chat with our trusted specialists who will be there on the day to talk through any questions you might have about your pride and joy.

Join us at either site and come and go as you please!

For regular updates and photos from previous events check out the main show page. Also, to keep up to date or to join the community, check out our Facebook event specifically for the show! 

Sailing Away – The Glastron Sea Ray is Up For Sale

January 11, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars have just delivered the Glastron Sea Ray to local specialists Clarke & Carter where it will be sold.

As many who read the blog know, we have done extensive work on this fantastic speedboat (and its trailer) to make sure it’s not only easily useable but also is currently at the very highest safety standards.

We wish whoever owns the boat next, many happy and safe miles out in the sun

One in, One Out – Arrivals and Departures at Bridge Classic Cars

January 11, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars recently welcomed this new arrival to our workshop in Pettistree, Suffolk. A 1995 Dodge Viper RT10. But, in the same breathe we also said goodbye to an old friend of ours.

Recently we had been offered the chance to purchase the Viper from its previous owner in Scotland. An iconic piece of supercar history, we jumped at the chance. The Vipers owner also mentioned how he had always liked the Mini 850 we had as our competition car which was owned by Keith Aldous. After putting the two in contact, it was decided. We would own the Viper and the previous owner of the Viper would be the lucky new owner of the straight cut gearboxed Mini due to Keith debating on selling the car soon anyway.

So with that, the Mini is now on its way up to Scotland to be loved and enjoyed by its new owner and the Viper made an appearance in Woodbridge when our director took the 8 litre V10 powered supercar to pick up his son from school. Surely the envy of the entire car park!

Going Forward – Sending the 1972 Chevrolet El Camino for a Transmission Rebuild

January 11, 2022

This 1972 Chevrolet El Camino has been stored at our secure storage facility, The Hangar, for some time now. But today it was time to get the classic American muscle car out and off to a local automatic gearbox specialist to have a look into why it won’t select any gears.

The customer had been taking the car to a show locally when all of a sudden the car just lost all forward and reverse gears. It was bought to us to investigate why this has happened so we have got a local specialist who works with all of our automatic gearboxes to help out on this project.

Coming Soon – 1975 Jensen Interceptor Mk3

January 11, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars will soon be welcoming this 1975 Jensen Interceptor Mk3 for an aesthetic restoration by our in-house teams.

Our paint and body teams will assess and report on the condition of the classic GT car which will then put together a plan to get the car sorted out.

Expect to see much more on this Interceptor very soon here on the Bridge Classic Cars newspage.

Handling the Pressure – Oil Pressure Gauge and Wiring Issue with the 1973 MGB GT V8

January 11, 2022

Progress is continuing on the 1973 MGB GT V8 that is currently in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Our technicians have been going through to check all the systems required for its testing and found a couple of issues.

Paul has been looking into an issue with the oil pressure gauge and some peculiar issues with the wiring. Look into the gauge to begin with, Paul has cleaned out and rewired the pressure sender which he believes has sorted the problem but it will be reevaluated during the cars tests.

The wiring was some issues down to the routing of certain wires through the engine bay which was causing the car to blow fuses during the cars fire up. Paul went through each of the wires in the engine bay and behind the dash in order to trace back any problems to get them fixed. After this and a couple of repairs to the wiring, Paul is moving forward with his checks on this amazing 1973 MGB GT V8.

This Just In – 1970 Porsche 911T

January 11, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars have welcomed this iconic 1970 Porsche 911T into our in-house trim shop at our Pettistree, Suffolk HQ. The car, which belongs to a local customer has been brought to us for a special job.

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim team will be fitting a complete 911 carpet set into the cockpit of one of the most recognisable sports cars of all time. As you can see, there isn’t a lot on the inside of the car but all around the car is filled with massive amounts of character. There are so many pieces on the car that give it a personality all of its own.

Expect to see lots more on this car here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.

Mounted Up – Refreshing the Subframe Mount on the 1990 Mini 30

January 11, 2022

Jon, one of our Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration technicians, has been working on getting our 1990 Mini 30’s subframe mount all sorted out.

The old mount appears to have been damaged previously so as these are a safety item, we have sorted the issue out. The original mount was in a position were Jonn had to drill out the original mountings and then fabricate a new spacer and bracket for the mount to align to. With this done, it’s time to move onto the other jobs with this brilliant little Mini!

Building Update – Next Stage of the Workshop Extension Floor is Complete!

January 11, 2022

The new floor for the workshop extension at Bridge Classic Cars Pettistree HQ in Suffolk is entering it’s final phase!

The flooring has had a special treatment and polishing regime down to it to allow for a very high gloss finish which looks absolutely incredible. The new flooring makes the whole area feel bigger and lighter, which is perfect for its use. The next stage of the flooring is when the specialist teams come back into to finish the expansion joints in the floor and then its one final treatment and the new floor will be ready for use!

Held in Suspense – Refitting the Front Suspension to the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1

January 11, 2022

Work on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 continues with Bridge Classic Cars as our in-house restoration technician Scott begins to put together the front suspension of the DB2 back into its freshly powdercoated frame.

Scott has been carefully refitting the newly refurbished pieces into the DB2 so as not to mar either the frame of the piece itself. Scott has taken the time to even test fit mounting bolts before installation to see whether the powdercoating will need to be taken down to allow the bolt to neatly and securely go into its allotted place.

With so many newly refurbished parts, Scott has methodically worked through the front end of the car so as not to have to remove any components to install others around it. The first piece, is the stunning cast steering rack.

There will be more very soon on the progress of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.

Coated – Exhaust for the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

January 11, 2022

The 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster, Fern Grey, is getting closer to completion by the day. Recently our in-house restoration technicians have been working on completing the exhaust for this amazing project.

Our technician Paul has been working on cleaning, preparing and coating the exhausts for the 5 litre V12 that sits at the heart of this E Type. Paul carefully cleaned and prepared the original headers for the car before applying several coats of glossy black exhaust paint. This paint is specific for the use on exhausts as it can withstand incredible high temperatures and the environment.

Paul also worked on cleaning and painting the exhaust brackets for Fern Grey to match the rest of the immaculate underside of the car.

Way out Back – Replacing the Rear Pinion Seal on the 1954 Jaguar MkVII

January 11, 2022

Dave, one of our most experienced technicians here at Bridge Classic Cars has been working on replacing the rear pinion seal of the 1954 Jaguar MkVII.

We noted the seal was leaking during an inspection and with the newly refurbished gearbox soon to be back in the car, Dave took this opportunity to get the rear pinion seal into the rear end before the gearbox is fitted and the driver shaft installed.

Keep a look out on the Bridge Classic Cars newspage for more updates soon on the 1954 Jaguar MkVII.

A Flash of Colour – Primer and Guide Coat on the 1977 MGB Roadster

January 11, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint shop have been busy getting the 1977 MGB Roadster we have in for restoration ready for its first coats of colour.

Chris, our lead painter, has been working on getting the body panels just right for the next phase of painting the MGB Roadster. Hours of sanding, filling and more sanding to ensure that each panel sat correctly with its bodylines and also in terms of its curve down and across the body. Then, the body and all its panels had several coats of epoxy primer.

Once the primer had cured enough, it was time to begin working on the first coat of colour on the roadster. A Light guide coat for the car in preparation for its full colour coat which will be going on very soon.

Starting Over – Inspecting and Rebuilding the Carburettors on the 1934 Riley 9 Lynx

January 11, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration teams have been working on getting the beautiful 1934 Riley 12/4 Lynx running properly.

Our technician Jon, has been heading up the project. After the Riley had been fully serviced, Jonn noted the engine wasn’t running the best it could. With that, he removed the SU Carburettors and began to inspect and assess each and every component. There was quite a build-up of sediment inside the bowls of the carbs so Jon began to clean out both of the carburettors. Still, the car wouldn’t run right.

Our parts department managed to get hold of a set of rebuild kits for the SU’s and Jon began to take them apart in order to fully rebuild the carbs. After rebuilding the units and then getting them adjusted just right, the Riley Lynx ran perfectly!

Piece by Piece – Body Panels for 1977 MGB Roadster Ready for Paint

January 7, 2022

Our Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint and body technician Alan has been working on getting more of the 1977 MGB Roadster panels in primer ready for the first coats of colour to go on very soon.

Alan has been carefully preparing each of the panels to make sure they are perfect before the first coat of primer was applied. Then, after prepping and checking he shot each one with several coats of epoxy primer to build up a good base for the eventual colour to adhere to and have the best finish possible.

This Just In – 1963 Morris LD

January 7, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars in Pettistree, Suffolk have welcomed this amazing 1963 Morris LD Van into our workshop recently.

The van, which is local to us, belongs to a heritage builder who wants an authentic vintage van to go along with his up and coming business. We have been asked to do a full inspection on the vehicle which has been noted as having brake drag and having an issue with the clutch.

Our in-house restoration teams will also check all the chassis and body for safety and all other components as well throughout the van including the lighting and wiring systems.

This is going to be a very exciting experience on such a unique and interesting project!

Make sure to check in on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates very soon on the 1963 Morris LD.

Coming Soon – 1995 Dodge Viper R/T10

January 7, 2022

Soon Bridge Classic Cars will be welcoming this amazing 1995 Dodge Viper R/T10 to our workshop in Pettistree, Suffolk.

This rare and unique muscle car will be inspected and assessed by our in-house restoration teams over the coming weeks to check over the entire car. The V10 powered Viper is one of the most iconic supercars of the early 1990s and a rare sight in England so we’re excited to see it in our workshop.

Keep checking in on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates on the Viper in the near future.

Fresh Finish – 1951 Riley RMB Chassis off to Sandblasting and Powdercoat

January 7, 2022

Since finishing the repairs on the chassis of the 1951 Riley RMB by our fabrication team, the whole chassis has been loaded up to head off to a local specialist to be media blasted in preparation for the whole frame being powerdercoated.

The frame is being media blasted to remove any surface rust that has built up during its time with us. Since coming back from the chemical treatment, any form of rust prevention has been stripped away from the piece so rust will build up on the surface. The best way to ensure it is all gotten rid of is to send it away for media blasting.

After this, the frame will be powdercoated to protect the piece for many years to come as it is hard wearing and durable, perfect for a classic car so loved by its owner.

Like New – Renewing the Steering Column and Dash Wiring on the 1962 Jensen 541S

January 7, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration technicians are not new to the world of Jensen 541’s, after restoring several of the 541, 541S and 541R’s we have some experience in doing jobs on them.

This particular 1962 Jensen 541S came into us to have a few jobs carried out on it.

Firstly it was the job of our technician Tamas to remove the old steering column from the car as the customer had requested it be replaced in favour of a new power steering unit. Carefully and with the old wiring harness out of the way, Tamas worked on getting the new unit fitted up to the dark green, luxury GT. After that, Tamas made sure that everything fit up to the car with the new harness in place to ensure nothing caught or bound up on the new column and also to check the column-mounted shifter all worked seamlessly.

Then it was time to get the new wiring harness fitted to the car. Our workshop manager John, began with completely removing the old harness from the car and preparing each piece for the brand new harness to be put into the car. Then, it was the turn of our restoration technician Tamas to get the new harness entirely installed into the car. He began by wiring up the new harness into the back of the dashboard and gauges whilst on the work bench. Then with this, he carefully refit the original dash back into the making sure to drape the specific wires through the dash structure to keep them all neat and organised. Then, he systematically went through the harness to connect it into the relevant systems of the car and began testing. Everything worked perfectly!

A Flick of a Switch – Fitting the Battery Cut Off to the 1930 Packard 740

January 7, 2022

The 1930 Packard 740 Waterfield Convertible has been in with Bridge Classic Cars recently for several jobs to be completed on the stunning prewar tourer. One of those jobs was to fit a battery cut off switch to the car which is exactly what our in-house restoration experts have done.

Our technician Tamas worked on getting the killswitch into the right place where it is easily accessible but also somewhere it isn’t easily knocked or damaged. This was going to be under the dashboard between the dash and the floorboards.

Carefully, Tamas moved the carpet to get access to the firewall where the switch would be mounted. Then, using a template he carefully made a tight-fitting hole in the firewall. After firing the component through the firewall and secured in place, Tamas then began wiring up the killswitch to the battery and then onto the ignition switch. The wiring for this component is crucial, so Tamas used high-quality wire and connectors with the appropriate shielding as it came near the exhaust manifold.

Once in place, Tamas checked that the cut off switch was working correctly and all fit nicely on the inside of the car. Another level of security and safety on this icon of pre-war American engineering and design.

Finishing Touches – 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

January 7, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house have been finishing the final pieces for the interior of Fern Grey, the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster before it goes into the main workshop for final assembly.

Brian, our head trimmer, has got the cars handmade seats back into the car to complete that part of the interior and they look absolutely fantastic. This car is intended to be a true GT car so they are comfortable and well-padded to add to that sense of comfort while covering huge distances.

Next, Brian began fitting up the Hardura padding underneath the dashboard. Hardura is a vinyl wrapped sound deadening material used in place where it is remained exposed and is also close to the original style material used on the car.

Then, for the final piece Brian fitted the chrome stalks from the old sun visors onto the new pieces. These were then fitted up into the car and really finish of the dash and windshield surround.

This Just In – 1974 MGB GT

January 7, 2022

Just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Pettistree, Suffolk is this beautiful 1974 MGB GT.

This particular car has been owned by the same gentleman for the last 25 years and every single day the car has been enjoyed by its loving owner. This wonderful classic sportscar will be going into our workshop where it will be assessed and inspected by our in-house restoration teams.

Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates on this particular 1974 MGB GT.

Following Along – Wiring and Light Issue with the 1934 Riley 9 Lynx

January 7, 2022

This 1934 Riley Lynx we have in at Bridge Classic Cars has got a few issues. Mainly electrical and involving the lights. So, our restoration technician Jonn has started to dig a bit deeper into it.

Upon inspection, Jonn found that the rear lights in the car had been wired in using what appeared to be an old household cable. Not the correct way of doing things. Jonn inspected all of the wiring for the Riley and found that a lot of it would need to be replaced in order for the car to be safe and to find out why the rear lights had not been working.

Jonn began by replacing the wires individually and testing their continuity as he want. Wire by wire he remade the harness for the rear lights in the proper way and ensured they were all safe and secure, once he began testing the lights he found that the rear lights that were fitted still did not work. Replacement ones were ordered and once they have arrived, Jonn fitted them to the car.

Once he tested the new lights, he found they had a dead short inside and kept blowing fuses in the car. So, Jonn took the new units apart and fixed the problem easily. Then, once they were working we noted they only intermittently worked. Jonn traced the issue back to some wiring issues at the front of the car and a faulty switch.

After the wiring at the front and the switch had been replaced and resolved, everything worked! now, it was time for Jonn to have a look into the leak carburettors.

Inspection – Checking the Glow Plugs and Fuel Pump on the 1970 Land Rover Series IIA

January 7, 2022

Our restoration technician Paul has been working on inspecting and assessing the running of the 1970 Land Rover Series IIA that is at Bridge Classic Cars for restoration.

Before any further work is carried out, Paul wanted to check and see whether the diesel engine that has been fitted is running properly and safely. We have previously replaced the injector pump, so following on from that Paul checked the glow plugs located in the engine block.

Under The Arches – Rust Repair Begins on the 1987 Daimler Double Six

January 7, 2022

Monty, one of our incredible in-house bodywork experts here at Bridge Classic Cars, has begun the process of repairing any rust on the 1987 Daimler Double Six that is currently in our Bodyshop.

Beginning with the inner arches, Monty has carefully cut out only the affected area, leaving as much of the original, solid metal as possible. All of the area was then rust treated before Monty began making a template for a new piece to be grafted into the 1980s super saloon. Using the template, Monty rough cut a new piece of metal of the same thickness and began to work on refining the shape and the fitment for the best fit and ultimately the best result for the client.

Once happy with the fitment of the new piece, Monty began to carefully weld it into the car. Ensuring the piece has enough time to cool evenly for the best finish. Although this is for the inner wheel arch, it’s the attention to detail our body shop and all of our restoration teams give to each project that we believe sets us apart. After the new patch piece had been fully welded, Monty carefully smoothed down the welds so that when the area has its paint/treatment, you will never even know it’s there.

Protected – Lacquering Parts for the 1955 Aston Martin 2/4 Mk1

January 6, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint booth has been busy working on several projects that we currently have in. One of those is some of the components from the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4.

After the pieces have come back from their various cleaning treatments, our paint shop has finished them all in matte lacquer in order to protect them from any moisture or contaminants. Once the lacquer had completely cured, they could then safely be handled and given over to our restoration technicians to put back on the car during its assembly.

Building Update – Workshop Extension Floor Progress

January 6, 2022

The new floor in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop extension is now in place and looks absolutely incredible.

This is just one of the stages that need to be done in order for the new building to look as good as the plans we have for it. Once this stage is complete, the flooring technicians will begin the next process and we should be well on our way to getting the new extension finished.

Coming Soon – 1974 MGB GT

January 6, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars is welcoming this beautiful 1974 MGB GT to our workshops very soon. This car has been owned by the same gentleman for the last 25 years who has clearly adored and enjoyed the car.

It will be coming into our workshop soon for our in-house restoration teams to begin assessing the car and coming up with a plan of what to do next.

Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars newspage for more on this fantastic MGB.

Moving Forward – Update on the 1973 MGB GT V8

January 6, 2022

The team here at Bridge Classic Cars have been busy working on getting the 1973 MGB GT V8 that is currently in our workshop all finished up. Some of the final jobs to be completed involved renewing some of the trims.

The original chrome bumpers had seen better days, and with good quality replacement readily available the restoration teams made the decision to replace them with all new pieces. As with most classic cars, the original brackets for the new bumpers caused a slight issue. They weren’t allowing the bonnet to close completely and securely. So, our technician Paul fabricated a new set of brackets which allowed the bumpers to sit in their original position along with having the space for the bonnet to shut entirely.

Also, Paul removed the tarnished and pitted original MG BGT badge from the back of this iconic sports car so it could be replaced with a new, shiny reproduction piece we had ordered.

Lifting the Cover – Tonneau Cover for the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

January 6, 2022

Our head trimmer here at Bridge Classic Cars, Brian, has been perfectly tailoring a tonneau cover to protect the interior of Fearn Grey. The 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster we have been restoring in-house.

Brian has masterfully created the new cover entirely from scratch using his wealth of knowledge and experience to produce a tight, elegant fit on the cover. Just like every piece on Fearn Grey, our restorations teams have tailored everything around the car and for the lucky owner of this stunning roadster.

There are a couple more jobs to do in our trim shop on the E Type and then it will be going into the workshop for the team to begin final assembly.

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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