News

Mercedes 220 Engine work

Our objective is to investigate the poor running of our 1953 Mercedes 220 engine. Already, we have discovered a defect in the carburettor. As you can see from the images below, we have laid a flat edge across the top and one edge shows a slight concave whereas the other shows a convex. This should be completely flat and these are very minor but enough for the carburettor to be operating with a weakness.

We have now stripped the carb and flattened the edge all over to remove the imperfections before rebuilding.

Re-routing the pipework

During this weekend’s Ipswich to Felixstowe run an unusual noise had appeared whilst driving.

Now in our workshops to be investigated we have diagnosed it to be coming from the crankshaft breather pipe knocking against the exhaust.

Having now re-routed the pipework the noise seems to have gone and the car is now back at home.

Building up our new rear diff

John is currently rebuilding the up-rated rear diff for our 1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.

We are fitting new groove and drill up-rated discs, pads and calipers. We are fitting a Series 3 set up and installing new easy bleed pipework.

The Turks Head Beer, Cider & Gin Festival

This weekend saw the fourth year of The Turk’s Head Beer, Cider and Gin Festival. We were there with our good friends Jack and Arabella on Sunday to experience first hand the amazing selection of ales, real ciders and unusual gins in the marquee.

Thank you as always and we’ll see you next year.

The Turk’s Head is an award winning proper country pub serving perfectly kept local real ales. We are well known for our extensive gin selection and wine list, from our wonderful house Merlot to a fragrant Chablis from our fine wine list, with many available by the glass. We also have a fabulous restaurant and use the finest local ingredients to create menus offering beautifully executed seasonal dishes.We welcome dogs in the bar and the snug and they can often be found curled up in front of one of our log fires on a chilly afternoon, after a long walk in the beautiful Suffolk countryside. Our ‘Indulgent Brunch’ is available on Saturdays from 10am until 2pm. You can enjoy a bowl of porridge with caramelised apples, a full English breakfast or huevos rancheros along with many other dishes. There is an indulgent drinks list to accompany it with teas and coffees, juices and smoothies, brunch cocktails and fizz.

We are extremely proud of our team and our pub. We have been named ‘Best Pub in Suffolk ‘ for the last two years and we have been in the finals of the Great British Pub Awards every year since we reopened in 2015. Please take a look at all the delicious options. We look forward to offering you a warm welcome at The Turks Head.”

Modifications to our 2017 Volvo V90

In our paint shop this weekend we have our 2017 Volvo V90 for some subtle modifications.

To tie in with the black wheels the owner would like all silver/chrome trims to be blackened.

After masking up the areas in question Darren gets to work applying the black finish.

The finished results are incredible. A very simple yet effective modification.

BMW M3 Evo Recommission

Peter is working on getting our 1997 BMW M3 running. Having been stored up for many years first impressions suggest that the car is immobilised and that the fuel pump is not working.

Franics Barnett Tank Badge Template

The new badges are currently being re-manufactured by the guys at Pamela David Enamels. The initial template has now been drawn up to replicate the existing design.

We have now approved the designs and the manufacturing process can now begin.

Pamela David Enamels: “Established in 1971 our family-run business has been the only one to specialise in the complete restoration and manufacture of one-off glass enamelled badges to original specifications using traditional glass enamels. Over our many years of unique experience we have developed working techniques which enable us to carry out every step of the involved process in-house. With satisfied clients all around the world our records show that three people from two generations of the family have restored over 15,000 badges and manufactured over 10,000 new badges as one-offs or small quantity batches. These new badges are usually to replace missing emblems which are no longer manufactured but can also be to clients’ own designs. Unfortunately we do not restore or manufacture plastic, painted or white metal badges.”

Three for the future: 1974 Jaguar XJ6, 2003 Mazda MX5, Mercedes 280SEL

1974 Jaguar XJ6 will be visiting our paint shops very soon for some repair work. The bonnet hinge at the front requires some attention where age and weather has gotten to it. This has resulted in the nearside hinge becoming weak so will need cutting out and replacing.

Some bubbles have also started to appear around the doors which we will repair whilst in the paint shop. Addressing these points sooner rather than later is certainly for the best so that they do not deteriorate any further.

Next up we have a modern classic in our body shop, our 2003 Mazda MX5 requiring new sills.

Finally our Mercedes 280SEL W108. Requiring a full restoration, we will be working alongside the current owner to restore this wonderful car back to its former glory. We will receive the car once everything has been removed and we will be given just a body shell for welding work to commence.

1966 Riley Elf: getting ready for Ipswich to Felixstowe run

In our workshops this week we have our wonderful little 1966 Riley Elf.

With the annual Ipswich to Felixstowe classic car run looming we are looking at repairing an oil leak which has recently developed as well as carry out a full service ready for the run.

The Ipswich to Felixstowe Car Rally is an annual event in the English county of Suffolk. Up to 500 vehicles can participate in the event, starting in Christchurch Park, Ipswich. The vehicles make a 10-mile (16 km) journey to the promenade of Felixstowe, where they line up and remain there for a large part of the day.

This event, traditionally held on the first Sunday in May, is organised by Ipswich Transport Museum and are helped by volunteers from the museum. The Mayor of Felixstowe is invited to lead the procession of vehicles as a passenger in one of the historic vehicles. The event is well attended and the success is due to the hard work of Ipswich Transport Museum’s volunteer force and the enthusiastic participation of the vehicle owners – many of whom travel long distances to attend.

The vehicles assemble in Christchurch Park at Ipswich from 8.30 to 10.30am, then start to leave for Felixstowe at 11.00am, where they are displayed along the promenade during the afternoon (from about 12.00pm onward).

Please contact Ipswich Museum through their website https://www.ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk/ for further information.

This event will be taking place on Sunday 5th May 2019.

BBC Radio 1’s Mollie King Experiencing the Land Rover Experience

Source: Instagram @mollieking

BBC Radio 1‘s Mollie King showing off her impressive skills to her 830k followers in the driving seat of the new Land Rover Evoque at the Land Rover Experience Eastnor.

Welcome to the Land Rover Experience Eastnor

“Experience the true spirit of adventure in its purest form. 66 miles of carefully managed trails in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the grounds of Eastnor Castle. Land Rover Experience Eastnor provides a unique adventure that encourages drivers to push both the vehicle and themselves to the limit. The terrain here is so varied and challenging that it has been used for decades as a secret test facility to refine and test the off-road capability of every new Land Rover. Featuring steep slippery inclines, articulation tracks, ruts, open ground and deep water, you really will have a true-to-life driving experience.

So whether you are looking at organising an event, professional driver training for your company, adventure days or a gift voucher for that special someone in your life. Land Rover Experience Eastnor is a truly unforgettable experience.”

1997 Bentley Turbo R in primer

Having etch primed the exterior sections of our Bentley we are now in the stages of final high build primer. The car has now been smoothed down and masked ready for top coat to be applied.

1952 MG TD: remedial works to be carried out

Prior to our 1952 MG TD heading off to it’s new home, we need to carry out a few small but very important improvements to the car.

The battery has become tired over time. Having checked the performance of the current battery we will be required to fit a new one in order for it to keep charge and consistency.

Under the bonnet and within the engine bay the paint has started to bubble where it has met with some toxic substance.

The leak has been detected and repaired, the area surrounding has been cleared of all components. We have removed all of the paint back to bare metal and treated the area in order for it to dry and remain uncontaminated.

1956 Ford Consul: Strip down and body repair

The strip down and repair of our 1956 Ford Consul is now well underway with Mauro concentrating his efforts full time on the project.

Everything removed has been carefully wrapped,documented and accounted for and is now in storage awaiting refurbishing and/or refitting.

The welding work is currently on going and we would expect to hand over to our painters for preparation in around a week’s time.

1997 Bentley Turbo R: Strip Down

Work on our 1997 Bentley Turbo R respray has begun. Chris is busy stripping the car down.

The bumpers have been removed and the top polished piece detached so we can look to remove the paint. At some stage, the top polished trim has been body colour matched but unfortunately the work has been carried out directly onto the polished area without any preparation so the paint has flaked off.

The bubbled areas around the windows will be cut out and/or properly treated all around the car prior to paint. The arches are showing signs of corrosion so these will be addressed.

The new window weather strip rubbers will be fitted as will the new speakers in the door cards.

All four wooden trims in the doors have been removed and sent away to be professionally refurbished.

Bridge Classic Cars visit AS Motorsport

Ady popped in to see his good friend Andrew at AS Motorsport this week.

Introducing AS Motorsport

David Brown had always set his sights on a win at Le Mans. This was to be achieved in 1959 together with victory in the World Sports Car Championship by the team of DBR1’s. This model proved to be highly successful, and along with the larger engined DBR2’s, scored many wins on both sides of the Atlantic. After achieving their goal, Aston Martin then concentrated on single seater racing. Only five DBR1’s and a pair of DBR2’s were ever constructed.

AS Motorsport recreates the glory of these cars with the production of the highly detailed ASM R1 Le Mans.

Each car is built to order with the customer having a range of options from which to choose.

Andrew Soar grew up on the Family Farm in Bressingham, South Norfolk, and was involved in the smooth operation of it from an early age. Finding the engineering aspect intriguing and enjoyable, he learnt skills ranging from Blacksmithing with ‘Billy the Smithy’, to electronics found on GPS harvesters; as well as how to siphon petrol from his father’s car to propel an old banger around the stubble fields, but that is another story!

Having completed an engineering apprenticeship and knowing that Agriculture would not provide sufficient income for all the generations involved in the running of the arable farm, Andrew found he liked the challenge of college life, and began lecturing in the Technical Department. He stayed there for ten years, teaching engineering and gaining the skills and experience that would stand him in good stead for the future.

Further diversification ensued, working as a consultant in the Construction and Engineering Sector, specialising in the safety and operation of heavy plant, with a worldwide, multinational company as a prime customer.

In between times though, the mid-nineties brought a brief spell of wanderlust which resulted in more engineering work, but this time in the Great Plains of the USA. It is probably here that the spark which was kindled, aged 11, with a Morris Minor on a stubble field, grew into the flame and roar of V8 muscle cars. On returning home, the building of kit-cars ensued, starting with a Cobra 427, which went through a series of V8 engines and gearboxes, each an improvement on the next, and various suspension developments.

However, working away from home all the time finally gave way to the wish to be ‘at home’ on the farm. With a new wife to support, an engineering business was started from the farm, undertaking specialist jobs on other Cobra’s. Cobras have remained a theme, with the 289 shape being the current example, sporting a custom designed chassis and suspension.

1975 MGB: new wiring loom

We are currently fitting up the brand new wiring loom, supplied to us by our friends at Autosparks.

Autosparks are the ‘go-to’ people when it comes to brand new wiring looms.

“The origins of Autosparks date back to around the 1920’s when it’s founder, Mr Henry Colomb, formed an electrical business in Beverley Road, Hull.

It is unclear when the progression from electrical to auto-electrical took place although we do have a certificate from the Trade Mark authorities dated July 1954 registering the original company logo as seen below.

Under the ownership of Henry and the management of Mr Cliff Dalton, Autosparks Ltd flourished and by the 1980’s was a well established and well respected company. With Mr Colomb, then retired, living in Malta, and Mr Dalton reaching retirement age, the running of the company was left to a younger family member and with growing competition, the company finally collapsed in August 1991.

Meanwhile I began my business, R D Components, in November 1977, initially manufacturing and selling spares for the legendary BSA Gold Star motorcycle. Within 12 months I was doing full restorations and one of the items I had to make myself was the Wiring Harness. From there I built virtually a full range of Harnesses for all Post-war British Motorcycles, even supplying the reborn Triumph Motorcycles at Meriden. By 1983 I had began producing harnesses for classic cars, as well as manufacturing original equipment harnesses for the prestigious Aston Martin Lagonda marque which continued until the models at the time, the V8 and Lagonda saloons, were phased out in 1990. The rate at which R D Components grew and the quality of its products soon undermined the strength of, and the then complacent attitude of Autosparks. In 1991 we bought and moved Autosparks down to our base in Sandiacre, Nottingham.

Over half of the 30 plus workforce that are with me today were around at the time of the takeover offering an unrivalled wealth of knowledge and expertise to ensure that the quality of everything we produce remains very high.

Today Autosparks produces a range of Harnesses for classic Motorcycles, Cars, Tractors and Commercial Vehicles as well as supplying original equipment Harnesses to smaller volume manufacturers including such diverse applications as some of the top British Sportscars, European Road Sweepers and a range of Emergency Vehicles.

Roger Davis

AUGUST 2012

Since writing the above, probably ten or eleven years ago, the company has moved forward again. I decided that it was time to bring some younger blood into the ownership of Autosparks so in November 2005 we formed a limited company once more introducing new directors and shareholders. Debbie Johnson, who has for many years ran the ‘business’ side of the company as well as building up a wealth of knowledge of the products joined me as director and shareholder as well as three of the long term staff as shareholders.

Our workforce remains solid with, apart from a few of retirements, the same core members of staff that have served us well for so long.

Roger Davis”

1962 TVR Grantura: polishing the brightwork

Rather than sourcing new, we have spent some time tackling the original chrome work to see how well the chrome work can be polished and the results are fantastic…

Martin Roper Photography

To mark the completion of our 1961 Jaguar XK150S sympathetic restoration we’ve called in the expertise of Martin Roper Photography to give it a well deserved photo shoot…this time, in our own grounds here in Suffolk.

Here we have some amazing photos of Martin in action.

New in this week: 1997 Bentley Turbo R

We welcome into our workshops this week our 1997 Bentley Turbo R.

In for some remedial work before the summer officially starts and the hire car bookings start to pour in. The car is being prepared and repainted from the windows down. The cracked painted chrome trims are being stripped of all paint and chrome and being repainted to match the rest of the car properly.

Whilst in our workshops the interior will get a little attention with some rattles that need addressing as well as all four wood door trims being refurbished.

A day out in Southwold

Gordon was enjoying a day out in Southwold, home of Adnams and as is quite often the case, wherever he goes a classic car is not too far away. He has spotted a stunning Bentley Azure parked up with the owners somewhere enjoying the sunshine.

Kersey Mill Drive It Day 2019

The cars are prepped and ready for this year’s Kersey Mill Drive It Day

We weren’t as fortunate with the weather as last year’s incredible sunshine but we still had an amazing day at Kersey Mill for this year’s Drive It Day.

“A showcase of spectacular Vintage & Classic Cars. A day out for all the family. Admire the beautiful vehicles, tour the historic water mill & gardens. teas, coffees & lunches available. BBQ, licensed bar. Various attractions for the whole family, pony rides, dog friendly (on leads) Display vehicles Free. Raising funds for the Roonah Faith O’halloran fund and the restoration of Kersey Mill.”


We took along 5 of our cars to showcase: 1969 Pontiac Firebird, 1968 Triumph Vitess, 1957 Mercedes 190SL, 1973 BMW 2002 Targa and our 1970 Mercedes 280SL Pagoda restoration project.

As always, we got to spend the day with many of our friends from all over Suffolk. Lovely to see Howard from Howard Watts Automotive, Tony from Wyatt Polishing, Richard Wilding from the ODX Group and a huge thank you to Steve and Alison De Lara-Bell for organising a great day.

1964 MGB Roadster: Preparing For Paint

Darren is working on the final preparation of our 1964 MGB Roadster. We are looking to get things ready and in time for paint next week. The finish will remain in the original Old English White specification but will be completely transformed once the new re-spray is complete.

Taking out the BSA

Although it was a bitterly cold morning we managed to get a quick ride out on the 1963 BSA trials.

1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster: Interior

We are now completing the refit of our bespoke interior trim in our 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster.

The rear storage unit is looking sensational in maroon carpet piped in maroon. This space underneath the panel behind the front seats is traditionally redundant but we have created two bespoke storage compartments which will be finished off with a leather covered lockable top. The storage units will house electrics to be able to power up small appliances such as refrigeration boxes or charging points for portable devices.

Replacing the bonnet locking mechanism

Two of the bonnet catches on our Triumph Dolomite are very weak so we have decided to replace all four with a brand new set, like for like.

For now, the catches are holding up but over time they will finally give so having a new set which look exactly the same will not deflect from the original look but will be a safer option.

Jaguar XK150 carbs are clogging up

Ady is currently working on some running issues we are having with our 1961 Jaguar XK150S. From image one you can see corrosion and dirty that has collected within the filter which depending on its position will affect the running of the vehicle. We are now stripping the carbs to give them a good clean and to remove all debris building up inside.