News

Rebuilding the dash

Having had our dials stripped, cleaned, repaired and rebuilt by our good friends at Speedy Cable in Swansea, Brian has been able to complete the

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2017 Volvo V90

Sure, you are right to question the authenticity of this 2017 Volvo V90’s ‘classic status’!! Occasionally we like to help out our friends and having

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1934 SSII: The Sun’s Out

With the sun beaming down on Pettistree this morning we thought it was only right to get some pictures of a wonderful piece of British engineering.

Our 1934 SSII will soon be heading home having been serviced by us here at Bridge Classic Cars but we had time for a quick internal photo-shoot.

Triumph Dolomite Tank Corrosion

Our 1937 Triumph Dolomite is still struggling to run so is back in our workshops for some further investigations.

As you can see, the tank is full of rust and corrosion which is causing the fuel lines to clog up and subsequently the car to run badly and break down. The tank has been removed and although we would be able to clean out the tank it will inevitably continue to corrode so we have no alternative other than to manufacture and fit a new tank.

One for the future: 1998 BMW Z3 M

Visiting our workshops today in the hope of the not too distant future being able to offer this incredibly rare car to market. Here we have our 1998 BMW Z3 M. One of only 3 to have been registered in the UK in this stunning colour combination, this very low mileage example is a collectors dream. The car is beautiful and due to the owner’s relocation plans this car will soon be available to own.

1934 SSII (SS2) – Full Service Check

In our workshops today we our very special 1934 SSII for a full service and general check over.

As part of the service we are stripping and rebuilding the brakes all round due to a slight error with a previous fit up. This is a small alteration but is essential to keep the car as perfect underneath as it is on top. Whilst the brakes are being worked on we can look to make any improvements to them prior to the car being back on the road.

We have also been gifted with a fantastic lubricant point diagram to ensure all areas are covered.

Jaguar E-Type Full Re-Trim

It’s not always about re-inventing the wheel. When it comes to full re-trims sometimes we have no options but to re-produce the interior from scratch. Either the patterns are not readily available or the colour options that we intend on using are not standard. Other times however, full interior kits are available to purchase and when the choice of colour combination is standard this is more often than not the most cost effective way of working.

When buying any trim that has not been produced especially for your vehicle please be aware that they are produced using a generic template so it is not simply a case of buying them and they fit perfectly first time. You may still require an expert with the tooling and skills to manipulate the shapes to fit a specific area.

Our 1972 Jaguar E-Type interior will be finished in a standard Jaguar colour of Cinnamon. With this in mind, we have called in the assistance of Aldridge Trimming to supply us with a full Cinnamon kit for us to work with and this kit has now arrived in our workshops.

Aldridge Trimming:

Aldridge Trimming Ltd, is a family run business that has been established for well over half a century and three generations. The business was founded in the 1930’s and initially provided a local general trimming service for cars of the 20’s and 30’s era. Over the years, the business has evolved and expanded and we now employ 28 staff and have gained a world-wide reputation for quality British made interior trim, to original standards.

As well as our mail order side of the business, we also provide a bespoke trimming service for owners who bring their vehicles on-site. With a large workshop covering 20,000 sq ft and twenty skilled trimmers and machinists, we have the capacity to provide trim fitting services for well over 100 classic cars per annum. 

Whilst mainly focusing on the Jaguar Marques (specifically from the 1950s onwards), we also support Austin Healey, Triumph, Mercedes (from 1964 onwards) and Ford cars from the 60’s and 70’s era. We can manufacture anything from a sunvisor to a complete interior trim set for virtually any classic car including many modern vehicles (if the customer can supply original patterns) and we are constantly adding to our product range. 

Recently featured on National Geographic’s “Car S.O.S.”, we were involved in restoring 5 cars to their original condition. 

We provide an extensive range of trim kits for local and international mail order as well as being a supplier to some of the major Jaguar, Triumph and Ford Restoration companies both in the UK and Worldwide.”

Austin Healey: Tyres and Wheels

The brand new MWS 72 spoke stainless steel wheels have now been fitted to the 165 R15 tyres. As always, a huge thank to the guys at WeFitAnyTyresAnywhere, you never let us down.

MWS Full Stainless Steel wire wheels are manufactured using state of the art technology. Special processes were developed after long years of Research and Development in making these wheels. Full stainless steel wheels are made of superior Austenitic grade stainless steel that has excellent protection against corrosion.

The Stainless Steel rims and shells are polished to a superior natural finish in special purpose machines. The hand polishing by highly skilled craftsmen compliments this.

The Stainless Steel spokes and nipples are electro polished to match the lustre and colour of the rims and shells.

The Wheels are specially treated as a final process to retain the lustre and colour.

100% inspection on finish on all the parts ensures only the best quality products are passed out.

Repairing the Jaguar MkII Speedo

Our Jaguar MkII has developed a fault with the wiring connecting the speedometer. Due to a loose connection the speedo was only working intermittently so we have removed the unit, re-routed the wiring before connecting back up.

The car has now been tested and the speedo works as it should.

Removing our Consul windows

The front and rear screens have now been removed from our 1956 Ford Consul in preparation for the works to start.

MGB: Brakes and Exhaust refit

The front and rear brakes have now been rebuilt and fitted. The front wheel bearings have also been replaced.

The newly refurbished radiator is back in position, as is the new steering rack and steering column.

The front sub frame and rear axle have been replaced, complete with new bush kits.

Front and rear shocks have been replaced along with new leaf springs.

We have replaced all brake pipes throughout and today, fitted the brand new exhaust, complete with fitting kits.

1977 MGBGT Body Panels In Paint

First glimpse of the freshly painted MGBGT body panels. We are restoring our 1 owner MG to the original specifications, the interior remains untouched (albeit cleaned) and the finished exterior is Flamenco Red.

The car has been off the road since the 1980’s but very soon will be completed and before we know it, back out enjoying the Suffolk roads and a well deserved road trip or two!!

Classics at The Unruly Pig

This weekend Gordon enjoyed a meal out at The Unruly Pig in Bromeswell, Woodbridge and was greeted in the car park by two stunning classics…a 2009 Morgan 4/4 and 1983 Mercedes 230SL. Summer is coming…

Rebuilding the dash

Having had our dials stripped, cleaned, repaired and rebuilt by our good friends at Speedy Cable in Swansea, Brian has been able to complete the rebuild of our Austin Healey dash.

The dash itself was stripped and re-covered by us in house, the buttons have also been cleaned up here but we like to bring in the specialist skills of Speedy Cable for refurbishing dials as they always make such a beautiful job and have the tooling to make the job much easier.

Modern Classics Car Club

As they quite rightly say, the Jaguar F-Type “The Spiritual successor to the most beautiful car ever made, the E Type and to be honest it is a pretty good sequel to something that, in many peoples’ eyes can’t be beaten.”

Modern Classics is a Car Rental Company specifically for people who love older or special cars but don’t like the running costs, insurance and servicing that comes with them.

Cars from the 80’s 90’s and early 00’s which as well as being cool or iconic are also cars which are increasing in value due to them reaching classic status.

Not too old to be a liability or boring to drive but not too new to be like everything else on the road!

Modern Classics have sports cars, GT cars, convertibles and fun cars, things that will put a smile on your face and other peoples.

As we briefly mentioned previously, our good friend Jack spends his time travelling the world as Chief Officer on board luxury superyachts. As a member of the Modern Classics Car Club, when he is back in the UK he gets the opportunity to experience some of their amazing collection. This week he has been behind the wheel the Jaguar F Type. A car that makes you smile. It looks special from the outside and feels special on the inside. Add the 3.0 V6 with its ever present urgent exhaust note and you just want to get on and drive it.

The snappy gearbox, compliant suspension, sharp turn in and confident handling all make this car into a fun package.

The car you keep looking back at as you walk away!

Jack and Arabella have been out visiting the beautiful sites of The Isle Of Purbeck and Swanage.

Bridge Classic Cars and Donald’s Mazda at Ipswich Town

The result may not have been great for Ipswich Town but we had a fantastic day none the less. Thank you to Donald’s Mazda for their hospitality allowing us to enjoy the match from the David Johnson suite.

Ipswich Town 0 – 1 Swansea City

Source: ITFC online – Steve Pearce Review

Routledge strike proves the difference for Swans

Will Keane hit the post and Collin Quaner was denied by a terrific save from Kristoffer Nordfeldt as Swansea took the points at Portman Road.

Wayne Routledge’s strike just before the hour after Swans’ highly-rated Daniel James had hit the post proved the difference.

Dean Gerken denied James a second with a fingertip save while Nordfeldt produced an even better effort when Quaner was clear on goal as Blues suffered a second defeat of the Easter fixtures.

Town made seven changes to the side that went down at Preston on Friday, Callum Elder returning to the line-up, with Will Keane leading the line and Dean Gerken in goal.

The visitors had a gilt-edged chance to open the scoring inside five minutes, James racing clear on goal but the Wales international was way off with his finish.

Town responded, Alan Judge had a shot blocked, Keane crowded out inside the penalty area, then George Byers went down under Gerken’s challenge but picked up a yellow card rather than a penalty. 

Jay Fulton tested Gerken with a drive from the edge of the box, Ollie McBurnie almost getting on the end of James’ pass, then Toto Nsiala was booked for hauling down the rapid James.

Routledge deflected Fulton’s shot over the bar from close range, Gwion Edwards blocked off as he tried to get his shot in, then Swansea broke with men  over but McBurnie’s cross was cleared by Elder.

Edwards and Flynn Downes combined well down the right to force a corner, Swansea failing to deal with the delivery and Keane jabbed the ball against the post, Trevoh Chalobah just wide with the follow-up.

Gerken saved low down from Connor Roberts after Routledge had released him down the right, while at the other end Downes had a shot blocked, Nsiala heading over from the corner to bring a first-half of few chances to an end.  

McBurnie was forced away from danger as the second-half got underway, Gerken at full stretch to tip away from James’ curler, then Routledge ran out of room as he looked to cross.

Swansea pressed for the breakthrough, Chalobah denying McBurnie from James’ cross but on 57 minutes the deadlock was broken,  James the provider with a shot that cannoned back off the post and Routledge fired the rebound into the roof of the net.  

Kayden Jackson and Collin Quaner replaced Andre Dozzell and Keane in a double change for Blues midway through the half, Nathan Dyer on for Routledge.

James’ dancing feet created another chance for the Welshman but his shot was off radar, McBurnie heading over from James’ cross, then at the other end Downes sent Quaner in on goal but Kristoffer Nordfeldt stuck out a left hand to make an excellent save.

Teddy Bishop replaced Chalobah in Paul Lambert’s final shuffle of his pack, James Bree seeing a shot blocked on the edge of the box as Blues searched for an equaliser that just wouldn’t come.  

Town: Gerken, Bree, Chambers, Nsiala, Elder, Edwards, Chalobah (Bishop 78), Downes, Dozzell (Quaner 66), Judge, Keane (Jackson 66). Subs not used: Bialkowski, Skuse, Nydam, Ndaba. Booked: Nsiala, Bree.

Swansea: Nordfeldt, Van der Hoorn, McBurnie, Routledge, Carter-Vickers, James (Rodon 90), Grimes, Roberts, Naughton, Fulton (Fer 84), Byers. Subs not used: Benda, Dyer, McKay, John, Baker-Richardson. Booked: Byers, Fulton, Dyer.

New arrival: 1998 BMW M3 Evo Coupe

Arriving today from London we have a very rare modern classic. This E36 BMW M3 Evo Coupe in Techno Violet was first registered in 1998 and has the potential to be very special car. This low mileage and more importantly un-molestered M3 has been untouched, standing outside, on concrete, for a number of years and the current owner is looking to get her back on the road.

At this stage we have not fully assessed to what extent the work will need to be but first impressions look very good. The usual places the E36 deteriorates look good so once we have got the engine running and given her a full valet we can then look at compiling a list of what is required.

Triumph Dolomite – Cleaning out the carbs

Not all projects come in and go out without a hitch. You may see from our previous post that the recommissioning was complete and the car was ready to go home. Unfortunately this is not the case as the car has developed running issues which we believe is caused by a clog in the fuel system.

We are now working on cleaning out the carbs and removing the build up from inside.

Failing this, it looks as though we may have to unfortunately remove the tank to remove the build up from inside there.

MGB: Building up the rear axle

The rear axle of our 1975 MGB roadster is now rebuilt and ready for refit. Pete is currently working his way through the rebuild of the car so now we are at the stage where the car will really start to take shape and you’ll see the progress pick up pace.

Driving home in our 1973 BMW 2002

The 1973 BMW 2002 Targa, our new addition to the Bridge Classic Cars family has now arrived and we’ve taken her home for the evening.

Believed to be one of only 94 RHD models produced for the UK market, the history file includes confirmation letter from BMW dated 1981, various MOTs dating from 1990s until 2017 when last issued, older V5s, service receipts, handbook and wallet. The mileage is recorded at 28,877.

Will soon be brought to market but for now, we’ll give her a few runs out and you may see her at various shows this summer.

Re-instating the MGB engine

We have now successfully re-instated our newly refurbished 1800cc engine for our MGB roadster. The engine has been completed rebuilt by our in-house engine builder Ady and is once again looking stunning alongside the Tundra Green paint finish.

Running issues on our 1966 Jaguar MkII

In our Pettistree workshops this week we have our 1966 Jaguar Mk II 3.8 with running issues. The car is struggling to stay running but is also running very rich when we can keep her going. Ady will need to delve deeper into this one to find out what is causing the issues and look to resolve it.

2017 Volvo V90

Sure, you are right to question the authenticity of this 2017 Volvo V90’s ‘classic status’!!

Occasionally we like to help out our friends and having our own paint shop is a huge bonus as we can often slip in the odd job between re-sprays on classic cars.

Here we have our 2017 Volvo V90 looking to have some modifications done to the external colour scheme.

Due in with us very soon, we are looking to remove the silver from the trim finishers all round and give it a sleeker, more stealth like black finish.

A familiar face: 1978 Mini Clubman 1100

We bumped into a familiar face this morning on our travels. Tucked away safely and securely in the deepest depths of Suffolk is our 1978 Mini Clubman 1100.

Great to see her again…

Coming soon: 1972 MGBGT

Coming soon we have our 1972 MGBGT for a full body preparation and respray. Originally finished in Harvest Gold, the car has been with the current family some time and as you can see from the images, some of it’s life has been spent in Falminco Red. The current owner is carryign out a lot of the work himself and certainly has the skills to do so but has called on us to carry out the full respray in Aston Martin silver.

This will be a stunning combination and we can’t wait to start…

Painting the front end of our TR7 V8

We are currently in the process of repainted the front end of our 1981 Triumph TR7 V8 where a couple of stone chips are apparent.

The colour match was a bit of a challenge but we have managed to secure a match using our camera technology and the car is fineshed and ready for collection.

1998 Daimler Super V8: MOT time

Our 1998 Daimler Super V8 has returned to the workshops today for the annual MOT.

The current owner very rarely uses the Daimler so with very little miles between tomorrow’s MOT and last years we are hopefully for a nice clean run on this one.