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TVR Grantura in paint

April 1, 2019

The colour has now been chosen. The original idea of a Chevrolet Laguna Blue has now changed to a lighter, brighter alternative and she looks

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2003 BMW M3 Makeover

March 30, 2019

Arriving this weekend to our Woodbridge workshops we have our 2003 BMW M3. A full assessment will be carried out soon to determine what work

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MGB preparing for paint

April 5, 2019

We are now preparing our 1964 MGB Roadster for it’s sympathetic respray. The colour will remain original and we are just looking to tidy the exterior of the car to give it a new lease of life.

You may recognise this very car as one that we marketed for sale earlier in the year. The current owner, like so many others we took calls from, fell in love with the car, hence why the car was only for sale for 24 hours with us. The current owner was keen to get her in our paint shop as soon as we could find space to have the exterior tidied.

Fitting up the heat shield.

April 4, 2019

John is currently cutting and shaping the new heat shield for the front section of our Jensen 541S, chassis 328.

TVR Grantura ready for assembly

April 4, 2019

Final job to do in the paint shop before our 1962 TVR Grantura can head back next door to the assembly shop; refitting the bonnet.

Ready now for assembly.

1955 Austin Healey Re-assembly

April 4, 2019

We are busy piecing together our new and newly refurbished parts as we continue to re-assemble our 1955 Austin Healey.

The wing to bonnet trims are now in position, as is the front and back bumpers and badges. The fuel tank is also now secured.

1978 Triumph Stag: MOT and remedial work

April 4, 2019

Our 1978 Triumph Stag, one of the amazing classics available to rent from Blue Sky Classic Car Hire. We keep on top of the maintenance of all of the collection and with the summer season drawing closer and the bookings now coming in she returns for the annual MOT and service.

Failing on a few minor issues which we have quickly resolved including the excessive play in the radius arm bushes. However we are currently having problems releasing one of the rear hubs. A 20 tonne press has been unable to free it so we have now called in assistance from our good friends at Scholar Engines to see whether we can borrow a 30 tonne press. We are hoping with a little heat and 30 tonnes of pressure we may finally get it released so we can get back to work in time for next week’s bookings.

1977 MGBGT: Epoxy Primer

April 4, 2019

Chris is now masking up our 1977 MGBGT ready for the application of Epoxy primer. Epoxy Primer is used to seal and prepare surfaces prior to painting. It absorbs into the existing substrate, cures strong and seals effectively. By using an epoxy primer you improve the coverage on quality of your top coat. Epoxy primer adheres extremely well to epoxy based paints as well as polyurethane resin systems.

Sneak peak through the window as the Epoxy primer is being applied.

The car is now currently heating in our ovens (hence the lack of light) at a temperature of 60′. This will set the shell ready for Chris to work on the next stage of paint preparation.

Refurbishing the Healey steering wheel

April 3, 2019

As we continue to work our way through the numerous parts that require refurbishment, here is the original steering wheel and horn push for our 1955 Austin Healey; cleaned and stored away for assembly.

More plating for our XK150S

April 3, 2019

Tony from Wyatt Polishing is now working on the final few pieces of our 1961 Jaguar XK150S re-chroming. We should hopefully see everything returned to us in a matter of days for refit.

1955 Austin Healey Power Steering

April 3, 2019

Introducing EZ Power Steering

Enjoy driving your classic car, but do you (or your partner) find the steering to be too heavy?

Would you like to cure this without changing the steering characteristics of the car? We can now offer you a solution: an EZ Electric Power Steering system that is completely hidden underneath the dashboard.

The existing steering rack or box remains unchanged and thus retains the standard steering ratio and setup. The amount of assistance is fully adjustable and is sensitive to speed and load. When we install the EZ system, we use CNC laser cut bespoke brackets designed to fit the original mounting points of your car. As no holes are drilled, with no cutting or welding to the chassis or body, the car can always be converted back to its original steering column. Under the bonnet there are no changes, everything remains as original. The advantages of an electrical system opposed to a hydraulic system are numerous. The electric motor only uses power when steering assistance is necessary whilst a hydraulic pump is continously operating when the engine is running. A hydraulic setup generally uses around 4 bhp and therefore consumes extra fuel, even when driving straight ahead.

Because the electric power steering system is truly speed sensitive, it will steer light at low speeds and not become lighter at high speed. The amount of assistance can be selected by turning a potentiometer, so that the driver can select the desired feel (i.e. more assistance with wider tires and/or a smaller sports steering wheel’. With a classic hydraulic system there is usually little feel and no possibility to adjust this at all.

In the unlikely event that the electric power steering system has a defect, the car would steer exactly like it did prior to power steering conversion. If a car fitted with an hydraulic system would have a fault the car would steer extremely heavy.

The EZ Electric Power Steering works without making a sound. It can not leak and is completely maintenance-free. When will you turn around with an EZ Power Steering conversion?

We have fitted the EZ Power Steering system to a number of our restorations now, including our recent 1960 Jensen 541S project. Our 1955 Austin Healey is now equipped with the new system and will make many many years of driving much more pleasurable for one very proud owner.

One for the future: Mercedes 190SL Interior

April 3, 2019

Recently purchased by the current owners from auction. Later in the year we are hoping to welcome a sympathetically restored Mercedes 190SL into the trim shop for a complete new interior refit and hood.

1961 Francis Barnett Trials

April 2, 2019

The tank is now straightened up and ready for dull chrome. The bottom had to come out which is just as well as it was full of all sorts.

You wheels are currently with the wheel builder and will hopefully be rebuilt with galvanised spokes.

At present the bike is completely stripped and the identification is being worked on. Parts and their existence are now being researched, things like the headlamp, front number plate brackets, rear number plate and centre stand. A lot of these parts will need to be re-produced.

JAL Restorations are currently working on the bike for us and Steve from JAL has managed to find an of a trials 85. The lights are not standard but you can see the headlamp brackets, rear plate and centre stand.

Fitting up the new XK150 Exhaust

April 2, 2019

We have now fitted up the brand new exhaust system to our Jaguar XK150, supplied to us by SNG Barratt.

Introducing SNG Barratt

“SNG Barratt is trusted and valued by Jaguar owners all over the world, and has been for over 30 years. Our knowledge and experience can help to keep your car on the road. Whether it is a classic Concours saloon, restoration project or a modern everyday family car – our unrivalled range of parts spans vehicles from 1949 through to current models.

Through our skilled in-house manufacturing team we produce thousands of parts that are no longer available anywhere else, safeguarding the future of many historically important vehicles. We own Sovy, original equipment manufacturer for Jaguar and other British marques. You can access these and over 100,000 more via our four branches (UK, USA, Holland & France), meaning that there isn’t a corner of the globe that we cannot reach.

You can be assured of our commitment to quality by our ISO 9001 accreditation and genuine Jaguar Parts Dealership Authorisation. At the same time you can still expect the highest customer service driven by our core family values, as established by the Barratt family all those years ago. As Jaguar owners ourselves we understand your needs and are committed to continual reinvestment, housing dedicated Research & Development facilities. The opportunity to fit and fully test new parts allows us to develop solutions and paves the way for future enhancements.

Not just a faceless company, we’re on the road throughout the year at a range of events where you can take advantage of our popular pre-order collection service and chat to our knowledgeable team. Our open door policy allows us to regularly welcome visitors; whether it is to our in-house shop counters or guided tours of our workshops and warehouses.”

TVR Grantura in paint

April 1, 2019

The colour has now been chosen. The original idea of a Chevrolet Laguna Blue has now changed to a lighter, brighter alternative and she looks stunning. The bonnet and doors have been treated in blue primer ready for top coat to be applied.

And here she is; first pictures of our incredible 1962 TVR Grantura painted and currently in our ovens being heated.

1970 Mercedes 280SL – Restoration

March 30, 2019

1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL auto Pagoda in with us for complete restoration.

We have been on the look out for some time for a model with this specification. This is a very rare, original, UK, right hand drive car and with a new home already lined up this will be a very exciting future project for us.

These images have been supplied to us from the current owners; LHD in Surrey. We are due to collect the car and parts later this week.

2003 BMW M3 Makeover

March 30, 2019

Arriving this weekend to our Woodbridge workshops we have our 2003 BMW M3. A full assessment will be carried out soon to determine what work will be required but certainly paint issues will need to be addressed. Originally, the wheels would have been diamond cut so we may explore the possibilities of refurbishing back to original.

We will also take a look underneath to identify if any of the running gear or underside will need attention.

Two for the future: 1953 Mercedes 220 and 1997 Bentley Turbo

March 29, 2019

Due in later in the month for a full engine rebuild we have our 1953 Mercedes 220 W187. The car will be with us for a short time having the engine removed before heading back home until the engine is rebuilt and ready to be refitted. Stay tuned for more images, coming soon…

Secondly we have our beautiful 1997 Bentley Turbo in need of some TLC on many of the lower panels. This may look to be a full ‘below the line’ respray to get it back to looking its best.

1955 Austin Healey: ready for rebuild

March 29, 2019

With a fresh new look our 1955 Austin Healey is out of the paint shop and now back in our assembly room as we start to fit back up the bright work, badges, exterior and interior components etc.

The new wheels, supplied to us from MWS are now in our possession but will not be fitted until nearing completion.

1957 Triumph TR3 – Service and MOT

March 29, 2019

Returning to our workshops today we have our stunning 1957 Triumph TR3; getting ready for the summer shows with a service and MOT.

Passed with flying colours…

1959 Morris J Type

March 28, 2019

Welding work is now underway on our 1959 Morris J Type. We are working alongside the current owner on this one as we look to present back to him a completely restored empty body shell; welded, shaped and freshly painted.

The rest of the project will be completed by the owner as he looks to put his own stamp on the restoration journey of getting this wonderful Morris back on the road in time for a family wedding later in the year.

Uncovering more rust on our Mercedes SL

March 26, 2019

It seems that whichever way we turn at the moment we are uncover more areas that desperately need our welders touch. It’s great that we are finding the issues and addressing them but I’m sure Tommy is looking forward to being able to sit back having passed the car on to the paint guys for preparation and paint.

Here are the floors that we are now about to replace.

Jensen 541S: Custom Cover

March 26, 2019

In order to manufacturer our bespoke Jensen 541S fitted car cover we have called upon the experts at Protec Covers in Bradford. They took a trip down to our workshops to measure up for the cover which we should hopefully see with us with a week or so. Whilst on site, they have also taken measurements for the Jensen 541R which is approximately 2 inches smaller than the 541S.

Now the templates have been drawn up, for anyone who owns a Jensen 541R or S Protec Covers will soon be able to provide a fitted car cover in a choice of colours.

Protec Covers is built on the principles of making quality products and providing reliable service. Their diversified product range continues to grow by following market trends, improving their standard products, and listening to the customer. Although they specialise in caravan covers, motorhome covers and car covers, they have made covers for practically everything.

Having been in the vehicle cover business for over 15 years and having manufactured thousands of covers they have an extensive database of patterns enabling them to convert each order into an excellent fitted cover.

Every element of their covers are made within the UK, from the fabric to the thread they use. They believe in supporting UK business.

During their time they have been blessed enough to provide items for such people as Martin Clunes, Jay Kay (Jamiroquai) and Jamie Oliver. As well as providing covers and show covers for many leading vehicle manufacturers.

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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