Rob Harvey

Marketing Manager - Bridge Classic Cars

An E-Type Arrives

Tony recently collected our 1969 Jaguar E-Type Roadster. When it arrived, James carried out a service/appraisal. He put the battery on charge and carried out

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More Jensen Progress

The heat shield on our 1956 Jensen 541 has been finished and the throttle pedal has been fitted. The vacuum valve and heater pipes were

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1968 Jaguar 240

Appraisal

Workshop manager John recently conducted an appraisal of a 1968 Jaguar 240. Now that the car has been assessed by John, we look forward to

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Now Available To Win

Our 1976 MG Midget 1500 is now live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website. It has a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that is capable of

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Pre Delivery Inspection

Our 1982 Bedford HA has been undergoing its pre-delivery inspection with technician Jonn. While doing this, he put the jack and wheel brace in the

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Spitfire Repairs

Jonn has been working on our 1978 Triumph Spitfire in preparation for it to be won very soon through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions. Here’s what

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C – Type Refit

Classic car technician Jonn has been refitting our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica. He polished the exhaust heatshield and riveted it to the body. He then

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Wheel Tubs

Clinton has been repairing the driver’s side rear wheel tubs on our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4

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Bulk Head Repair

Our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe has been in the fabrication bay with technician Christian as he has been repairing the bulkhead. He also

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Shipment To South Africa

Recently, we have packed up a container with various car parts ready for it to be taken to London docklands. It’s final destination…South Africa

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Alfa Repairs

Jonn has been repairing our 1989 Alfa Romeo Spider. Here are his notes on the work completed: Check digital clock not working in centre console.

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Spitfire Bodywork

Mauro has been polishing the bonnet of our 1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500. He has repaired the chips and cracks along with completing some light welding

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Bentley Polyfan

Our 1963 Bentley S3 Continental has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop with technician Chris. He finished the panel levelling before masking the

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Finished Hood

The hood of our 1999 Rover 216 Cabriolet is finished, cleaned and ready to go. Clinton made the side tension cables for Lydia, as these

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A Rare Non-Starter

Our 1965 Aston Martin DB5 has recently returned to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. It has come back to us so we can investigate a

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A Word From Stephen Norman

Former Vauxhall MD (amongst many other influential positions), Stephen Norman recently reached out to us after seeing the arrival of our 1976 MG Midget. This

Read More »

A New Competition Car

We have recently welcomed another car into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. This time it is our 1964 Ford Zephyr 4, which will soon go live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.

Jonn has been looking at our new arrival and here are his notes:

Top up gearbox and axle oils. Strip brakes and inspect. Remove offside front calliper.

Thoroughly degrease calliper and clean all components. Remove piston from calliper and found it badly pitted and unserviceable. Check rear brakes to find cylinders weeping, shoes contaminated and hub seals weeping. Order parts….. refit wheels and drums until parts arrive. Remove fuel tank sender. Strip and lubricate and free off. Refit and test, ok. Tidy wiring under bonnet.

Remove air filter and fixed throttle linkage. Cut small pieces of wood to use as battery security. Make small strap from alloy to hold down battery and cover in sticky back foam. Drill out inner wing and bolt up strap. Clean out washer bottle and top up and test. Adjust washer aim. Test dynamo charging. Remove dynamo and regulator to send for repair. Remove exhaust completely and take to Fab shop for repair. Suck out old fluid from both master cylinder reservoirs and top up with new.

An E-Type Arrives

Tony recently collected our 1969 Jaguar E-Type Roadster.

When it arrived, James carried out a service/appraisal. He put the battery on charge and carried out a full inspection of the car. All the brakes and tyres were checked, including the pressure of the spare. The brakes were all good so James removed the carpet and inspected the plug to check the gear oil. This was ok, as was the rear diff oil.

James noticed slight oil leaks from the engine, high up and the rocker covers are showing signs of weeping. He checked all of the lights, washers, wipers, and signals. The horn was not working.

There was a small drop of oil on the rear diff and gearbox. The spare tyre was flat but the tyre and wheel rim were new with no visible puncture.

James went on to grease the rear suspension and drive shafts. The offside rear outer suspension arm was cracked slightly and the grease nipple was loose. The exhaust front pipe was slightly damaged on the lower edge which James thinks could be due to height.

The oil and filter were drained/replaced along with the air filter and spark plugs. Then James investigated the horn not working. The relay that controls the horn was checked, and the horns worked when powered separately. The earth from the steering wheel switch was checked as ok, but there was a live feed missing from the relay. This was traced back to the fuse box, there was no continuity through the fuse despite it looking to be in good condition. A replacement fuse was fitted, and the horns worked, the old fuse was found to be broken internally despite its external appearance.

He then moved on to the oil leak. Both rocker covers were removed, along with the camshaft end plates (these can leak too). All residue of excess sealant was removed from the old seals and mating areas, and then the correct sealant was added to the cylinder heads and rocker covers. New gaskets were fitted, the the covers were installed with new copper sealing washers and tightened. The oil residue was cleaned from the engine, and then new oil was added and the car was run up to recheck for leaks from the rocker covers area and new oil filter.

All maintenance points were greased and levels checked and topped up, tyres checked for pressure and depth, and lights and wiper operation confirmed ahead of an MOT test. The battery was charged but appears low still, so replacement is recommended. Visual inspection of brake and suspension components was all ok.

Inspection And Repairs – E-Type

Classic car technician has been taking a look at our beautiful 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5

While working on the car he refitted the nearside front bumper trim and swapped the spare wheel with the offside rear and knocked it up tight. He then cleaned and reglued the boot seal.

Jonn also tightened the nearside rear front shock absorber top bolt before checking all fluid levels (these were fine).

He went on to fit new exhaust nuts to the downpipe flange. After adjusting the washer jets, Jonn fitted O rings to the bonnet rear grille and secured them.

The road test of our E-Type went very well and Jonn was happy with the result.

More Jensen Progress

The heat shield on our 1956 Jensen 541 has been finished and the throttle pedal has been fitted. The vacuum valve and heater pipes were also fitted.

Paul removed the handbrake mounts before painting and refitting them.

Paul made a finishing strip for the rear shelf of our 541 to hide some holes where the suspension mounts poke through. Lydia used foam built up in layers to graduate the slope to the wooden bar. She also applied a very thin layer of foam to the shelf to smooth over any imperfections in the fibreglass. Next, this was covered with a layer of black leather. 

Appraisal

Workshop manager John recently conducted an appraisal of a 1968 Jaguar 240.

Now that the car has been assessed by John, we look forward to welcoming it back into the workshop to complete the necessary work very soon.

Remembering Dave Myers: A Tribute To A Culinary Legend

The TV culinary world has lost one of its most beloved figures, Dave Myers, at the age of 66. Best known as one half of the duo, The Hairy Bikers, Myers’ died two years after announcing his diagnosis with cancer. His death is not only the loss of a great chef but also a loved television personality and family man.

A Life Well Lived

Born in Barrow-in-Furness, Myers’ early life was influenced by his mother’s cooking and his father’s love for fishing. This later turned into a deep passion for food. Despite facing the challenge of becoming a young carer, when his mother developed multiple sclerosis, Myers found a positive outlet in cooking, a skill that would later define his career and personal life.

After studying fine art at Goldsmiths in London, Myers had a somewhat unique career path that led him to become the BBC’s first male make-up artist, a role he would hold for 23 years. His work on shows ranging from Doctor Who to period dramas showcased his artistic talent beyond the kitchen. However, it was his meeting with Si King, on the set of a TV adaptation of Catherine Cookson’s ‘The Gambling Man’, that would change his life in a big way.

The Hairy Bikers’ Adventure

Myers and King’s partnership led to the creation of the Hairy Bikers. Their television journey began over 20 years ago when they hit the road on their motorbikes for adventures across the UK and around the world. From the roads of Portugal to the landscapes of Namibia, they shared their love for food and travel, becoming household names in the process.

Their series, such as The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook, Mums Know Best, and Asian Adventure created entertaining television as well as showing the vast range of cuisine around the world.

Tributes and Memories

Earlier today, Si King posted on X:

“I’m afraid I bear some sad news. Most of you will know Dave has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years.

“Last night, on 28th February 2024, with Lili, Dave’s wife, his family, close friend David and myself by his side, he passed away peacefully at home. All who knew Dave are devastated at his passing. His beloved wife brought him such happiness as did her children, Iza and Sergiu who Dave loved like his own.

“Personally, I am not sure I can put into words how I feel at the moment. My best friend is on a journey that for now, I can’t follow.

“I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime. I wish you God’s speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. See you on the other side. Love ya.”

He also said:

“I know Dave and his family would want me to thank all of you who sent messages of support in recent times. It meant the world to him, his family and all The Hairy Bikers team. I am sending you all much love and gratitude for those simple acts of kindness, generosity and spirit. We are eternally grateful for them.

“May I ask you all for one further kindness and allow Lili, his wife, his family, close friends and I some time and some peace to process our huge loss. I am sure I will see you all soon.”

BBC chief content officer Charlotte Moore said:

“Everyone at the BBC is incredibly sad to hear this news.

“Dave made cooking a truly joyful adventure and he shared that joy with millions. The public loved him and his unique partnership with Si.

“Together they made every viewer feel like a friend. More than that he was simply a lovely man. Our thoughts go out to his family and many friends.”

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Now Available To Win

Our 1976 MG Midget 1500 is now live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.

It has a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that is capable of delivering a driving experience that is both exciting and enjoyable. Paired with a four-speed manual gearbox, the Midget offers a fun and reliable drive.

Designed as a small, affordable sports car, the MG Midget was a popular choice for those seeking the thrill of open-top driving without sacrificing practicality, and now you can own this one!

All the information you need is available on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.

Pre Delivery Inspection

Our 1982 Bedford HA has been undergoing its pre-delivery inspection with technician Jonn.

While doing this, he put the jack and wheel brace in the van ready for it to be delivered to its new owner.

Spitfire Repairs

Jonn has been working on our 1978 Triumph Spitfire in preparation for it to be won very soon through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.

Here’s what Jonn did:

  • Drain oil and filter
  • Strip and fit new offside front wheel bearing
  • Fit new oil filter and refit sump bung
  • Fill with oil, run and test
  • Check and top up oil
  • Use electrical contact cleaner on the hazard switch and work back and forth until all working ok
  • Adjust both mirrors
  • Lube throttle and choke linkages
  • Carry out tracking, check and adjust

A Rare Vehicle Returns

Our very special one of one 1905 Riley 9HP has returned to the workshop after being handpainted.

As you can tell from the photos, it looks very different to how it did when it left, but there’s no denying it looks as good now as it would have done over 100 years ago.

C – Type Refit

Classic car technician Jonn has been refitting our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica.

He polished the exhaust heatshield and riveted it to the body. He then polished the exhaust silencer and tailpipes and mounted them to the car. Finally, he positioned and tightened the clamps.

Bulk Head Repair

Our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe has been in the fabrication bay with technician Christian as he has been repairing the bulkhead.

He also braced the suspension mounts.

Spitfire Rear Carpet Piece

The piece of carpet for the rear shelf that was supplied with the kit for our 1976 Triumph Spitfire was incorrectly finished and didn’t fit. It required a complete remake to make it sit in the vehicle as it should. Lydia cut out the new piece of carpet and shaped it in the vehicle, before adding pleats to improve fit. She then glued this to the car and secured the new edging under the carpet piece which sits on top.

Collecting An E-Type

Tony recently picked up an old friend of ours, our 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5.

It is now safely parked up in the workshop ready for the team to look at.

Shipment To South Africa

Recently, we have packed up a container with various car parts ready for it to be taken to London docklands.

It’s final destination…South Africa

Inspection and repairs

Jonn has been looking at our 1978 Triumph Spitfire. His notes are below:

Finish as much of the inspection as possible on the floor. Carry out repairs. Sort connections to nearside reverse lights. Remove offside door handle and inspect. Strip apart and clean components. Lubricate and reassemble and test. Works fine. Refit to drivers door and test. Still the same. When it has to release the pressure of the lock it slips past p clip inside handle. Requires new handle.

It’s Big, It’s Fast, And It’s Full of Style

Our 1993 Bentley Turbo R is now live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website. For just £9.00, you have the chance of becoming the new owner of this beast of a car.

When the Turbo R was first introduced in 1985, it redefined what it meant for a car to be elegant and stylish, while still being able to excite the driver with its performance on the road.

Our Tubo R is finished in Racing Green with a Magnolia Hide interior and comes with a history file of past invoices, service records, and its owner’s manual.

You can find out more information and enter the draw here.

Alfa Repairs

Jonn has been repairing our 1989 Alfa Romeo Spider. Here are his notes on the work completed:

Check digital clock not working in centre console. Connections good, face illuminates but no digits visible. Refit and leave as requires new clock. Adjust alternator belt. Look into steering issues. James fitted new top arms and springs to front and adjusted tie rods for an even wheelbase front to rear. Disconnect centre track rod and adjust so idler pointing slightly inwards to give more lock to the right. Adjust lock stops so from centre position steering turns 1.4 turns each direction. Fit new lock stop bolt to nearside. Refit track rods and wheels. Lower to ground and carry out basic tracking adjustment.

Top up clutch reservoir and lubricate linkage. Strip and fit new rear springs. Refit wheels and lower to ground. Stance is much better on standard springs.

Torque all wheel nuts and inflate tyres. Start pdi whilst in workshop. Take outside and run up to temp. Idle speed stumbles upon overrun but recovers. Adjust idle speed and test. Steering still pulls to the right when driving straight ahead. Recheck wheel base by measuring wheel centre to wheel centre front to rear. Offside front wheel appears to be further back in the arch ( caster angle ), but we have no way of checking this. Adjustable tie rods to front top adjustable arms set at different lengths on car. Requires 4 wheel alignment.

Spitfire Bodywork

Mauro has been polishing the bonnet of our 1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500. He has repaired the chips and cracks along with completing some light welding next to the headlights.

The car was then prepped and primed.

Front Crossmember Overhaul

The front suspension crossmember of our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 has been stripped and overhauled. New bearings and seals were fitted to the main part, then the steering idler was stripped and new parts fitted. Now it has been masked up for a clear coat with the other aluminium parts, this will stop any future corrosion and protect the parts for the future.

Some parts of the suspension were also painted in black satin.

Bentley Polyfan

Our 1963 Bentley S3 Continental has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop with technician Chris. He finished the panel levelling before masking the car up and applying polyfan.

Finished Hood

The hood of our 1999 Rover 216 Cabriolet is finished, cleaned and ready to go. Clinton made the side tension cables for Lydia, as these could not be sourced online and appear to not exist! As soon as the tension cables were fitted, Lydia could commence with finishing off the hood installation.

A Rare Non-Starter

Our 1965 Aston Martin DB5 has recently returned to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. It has come back to us so we can investigate a non-starting issue.

Here are Jonn’s notes for the work completed:

Strip carbs and clean pistons. Use a micrometre to set jet depths to approx 1.6mm. Remove float bowl tops and floats and remove old petrol from carbs and replace with new petrol. Refit float and tops and reassemble. Attempt to start and car fired straight away. Disconnect fuel pipe and use pumps on car to empty tank. Refit pipe and fill with 10ltrs of E5 petrol. Run up outside and carry out road test. Return to workshop and adjust idle speed. All ok.

After Jonn had finished with our DB5, Tony delivered it back home to its owner,

A Word From Stephen Norman

Former Vauxhall MD (amongst many other influential positions), Stephen Norman recently reached out to us after seeing the arrival of our 1976 MG Midget. This is what he said:

The MG Midget went out of production in 1978, two years earlier than the MGB and MGB GT [and coincidentally the Triumph Spitfire 1500].

The Sandglow example that you have in is not only a good-looking car but recalls to my memory that Sandglow – a staple BL colour of the mid to late ‘seventies and painted both at Cowley and in Longbridge, as witnessed on countless Minis, Allegros, Marianas and Princesses was a rare order on an MG.

That it was offered at all is down to the production of MG bodies at Pressed Steel Fisher in Cowley and their painting at Morris; specific MG colours had disappeared long before.

But Sandglow, like Tundra, was a rare colour choice on a sports car and always stood out for its rarity as much as its perception.

Mainstream on a humdrum BL Austin or Morris [or Wolseley], rare on an MG.

So typically British Leyland!

Stephen Norman

While our MG Midget has been with us, Chris has been repairing and painting the wing.

Sound Deadening And Brakes

Lydia recently covered the gearbox tunnel of our 1956 Jensen 541 with sound-deadening material. Paul has also made and fitted the brake pipes from the master cylinder to the main pipe connector.

Paul then went on to build up the engine bay ready for the engine and gearbox. He also fabricated the rear brake wheel cylinders backing plate and fitted it in place before fitting the gearbox tunnel, and bonnet hinges. He then cleaned and painted the servo valve.