Fitting the refurbished brake calipers
We have now had our brakes returned from the manufacturers Zeus Engineering having undergone an overhaul. Pete is currently fitting up so we can test
We have now had our brakes returned from the manufacturers Zeus Engineering having undergone an overhaul. Pete is currently fitting up so we can test
Source: Aston Martin Club Spain, re-posted by Aston Limited The beautiful Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato, spotted in Zurich, Switzerland.
We are now underneath the car to inspect the under seal for any signs of wear that need to be addressed. Tackling this job sooner
First job of the day is to replace the timing chain tensioner on our 2002 Honda S2000. As well as this, we are looking at
In our workshops today we have our 2002 Honda S2000. The main objective today is to replace the timing chain tensioner but as well as
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Source: The Suffolk Punch Trust This weekend we took a trip to The Suffolk Punch Trust to visit Santa and his Elves in the Grotto
We are now into the very final stages of our 1960 Jensen 541S restoration. This very special and very unique car was one of only
With so many projects currently being worked on our very own 1965 Amphicar as taken somewhat of a back seat recently. With the new year
One of the first projects to be painted in the new year, we are now finishing off the preparation of our Mini bodyshell.
Today, Ady has carried out a front conversion, also known as a lip seal conversion. The lip seal conversion takes out the existing felt seal.
Work is now complete on our 1965 Aston Martin DB5. The points and condenser have been replaced, we’ve tweaked the mixture and balanced the carburettors
The dials that arrived in our Jensen 328 were not correct and the customer wished to have them changed for this set. These will now
Our stunning 1965 Aston Martin DB5 is in the workshops today fine tuning the engine to look at getting her running smoother. When warm, the
Source: Instagram/jemwolfie Check out the amazing artwork displayed outside The Brunswick Club in Melbourne, Australia. Social media superstar Jem Wolfie, took to Instagram recently to
The dashboard of our 1955 Austin Healey has now been stripped so that the dials can be sent away to Speedy Cables to be fully
We think we have now mastered the blending method we needed to use on the front panels of our 1964 Land Rover. The key to
With our 1961 Jaguar XK150S now externally de-chromed we have organised the bright work ready for Wyatt Polishing to begin the re-chroming process.
We are now in the final stages of the preparation on our 1967 Jaguar E-Type Racing prototype. the boot lid is now sealed. Within the
Both Jensen axles are now removed and ready for the trip up the A14 to Agriblast.
Coming soon we have our limited edition 2009 MG TF 85th Anniversary. Finished in Ice White with Aubergine leather. One of only 50 cars produced
We are not completely satisfied with the overall look and feel and this stage. It is very tricky to replicate the flaws in paintwork. It’s
As you can see, our Packard’s existing battery tray has seen better days so Pete has been busy making up and fitting a new one.
Currently in our workshops awaiting a full re-commission, here we have our 1947 Standard Flying 14. Work will commence once all of the parts have
Our Jensen 541S has returned to Graham Whitehouse Autos to have the gearbox set up. The gearbox was rebuilt by Graham Whitehouse Autos earlier in the project build
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Although the rear panel sections are covered in material, here at Bridge Classic Cars we insist on carrying out our work to the highest of
Work has now begun on our 1961 Jaguar XK150S. The chrome is currently being removed and will be handed over to Wyatt Polishing in Thetford
Work will now begin on recommissioning our 1947 Standard Flying 14. We also need to pay close attention to some wiring issues that have arisen.
Our brand new stainless steel fuel tanks for both the 1957 and 1960 Jensen 541R’s have arrived from the Jensen parts specialists at Richard Appleyard Parts.
Ady, with a little help from Pete has successfully removed our 1987 Mercedes SL500 engine ready for the rebuild to commence. This restoration project has
With all of the parts now either restored or newly purchased Ady can get to work rebuilding the BN1 Austin Healey engine. To start everything
We have now had our brakes returned from the manufacturers Zeus Engineering having undergone an overhaul.
Pete is currently fitting up so we can test them and hopefully ahve some good news to report back to the owner with.
Source: Aston Martin Club Spain, re-posted by Aston Limited
The beautiful Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato, spotted in Zurich, Switzerland.
We are now underneath the car to inspect the under seal for any signs of wear that need to be addressed.
Tackling this job sooner rather than later is hugely beneficial, to keep on top of the maintenance rather than letting it slip.
First job of the day is to replace the timing chain tensioner on our 2002 Honda S2000.
As well as this, we are looking at getting the car ready for the winter with a gearbox oil replacement, differential oil replacement, under seal check over, brake fluid change and a coolant change.
In our workshops today we have our 2002 Honda S2000. The main objective today is to replace the timing chain tensioner but as well as this we will be replacing the fluids and oils throughout the car and getting her prepared for the winter weather.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Source: The Suffolk Punch Trust
This weekend we took a trip to The Suffolk Punch Trust to visit Santa and his Elves in the Grotto
We had such an amazing time and it’s a great place to visit with the kids, with lots to see and do.
…and of course, as always, we managed to find a classic vehicle or two!
The Oldest English breed
The Suffolk Punch horse is the oldest English breed of working horse. The Suffolk Punch Trust was founded to help protect the critically endangered Suffolk horse through its established breeding programme, raising public awareness and training a new generation of professionals to work with these iconic heavy horses.
The Trust has two large buildings housing a magnificent collection of artefacts. They show various aspects of rural Suffolk life, mostly in relation to Suffolk horses.
Heritage Museum
This exhibition hall contains lots of small items, many now housed here after the sad closure of the Suffolk Horse Society’s museum. The hall is divided into areas, each illustrating a different theme. These sections include:
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We are now into the very final stages of our 1960 Jensen 541S restoration. This very special and very unique car was one of only 3 prototypes produced by the Jensen brothers and was the only prototype to hold the automatic transmission which Jensen then went on to mass produce.
In theory, this is the very car that started the production of the Jensen 541S and this is the very car that can be seen across the majority of the Jensen marketing campaigns.
Unfortunately we have been unable to reunite the car with the original UK registration 750 CEA, due to the it being owned by an individual elsewhere…however the vehicle will be residing in Belgium and the current owner has now received confirmation that he able to use the original number of 750 CEA there which is fantastic news for the car and the history.
The final stages are now being completed with only the paint imperfections now to address.
The car will be leaving the UK early January to be introduced to her new home in Belgium.
With so many projects currently being worked on our very own 1965 Amphicar as taken somewhat of a back seat recently. With the new year just round the corner our aim is to somehow squeeze our Amphicar into the projects list and get her back on the Suffolk roads (or water), hopefully by next summer.
The engine was completed some time ago so this week Pete, with the assistance of Dave and Brian when required has been able to re-instate the engine.
One of the first projects to be painted in the new year, we are now finishing off the preparation of our Mini bodyshell.
Today, Ady has carried out a front conversion, also known as a lip seal conversion.
The lip seal conversion takes out the existing felt seal.
Work is now complete on our 1965 Aston Martin DB5.
The points and condenser have been replaced, we’ve tweaked the mixture and balanced the carburettors and the spark plugs have been cleaned out.
We’ve discovered a lot of play in the carburettors so a complete overhaul will be the next sensible step to take but for now, the car is running and sounding much sweater than it was previously. off home for the Christmas break and maybe returning in the new year for the carburettor overhaul.
The dials that arrived in our Jensen 328 were not correct and the customer wished to have them changed for this set. These will now make their way to Speedy Cables to join the many other sets of ours they currently have to be fully stripped down and rebuilt.
Our stunning 1965 Aston Martin DB5 is in the workshops today fine tuning the engine to look at getting her running smoother.
When warm, the Aston is running nicely but does require a lot of choke to keep her running and when idling does have the tendency to cut out. Ady is on the case to investigate the issues. We first noticed that the carbs were running with no oil which will be one of the issues to address.
The point and condenser will be replaced with new to go with the relatively new plus and coil.
We will then turn our attention to the triple carbs to see whether we can get them balanced better.
We’ve noticed some slight play on the carburettor spindles which may be a good idea to address at some point in the future. This will simply be a case of stripping the carburettors down for a full refurbishment. For now, we are looking to tweak the carbs as they are to see how we can get the car to perform.
Check out the amazing artwork displayed outside The Brunswick Club in Melbourne, Australia.
Social media superstar Jem Wolfie, took to Instagram recently to show off the incredible piece to her 2.2m followers.
The dashboard of our 1955 Austin Healey has now been stripped so that the dials can be sent away to Speedy Cables to be fully overhauled.
Speedy Cables is an independent small company located in South Wales employing around 20 people with a variety of professional, engineering and craft skills engaged in the customisation and repair of instrumentation and the manufacture of custom control cables and custom drive cables.
Speedometer repair and restoration is a highly specialised skill and their technicians have many years experience to provide this service to a quality standard of the highest level.
They are able to manufacture replacement parts for many older speedometers which are now out of production as they have access to the original drawings and tooling of the Smiths Ranges of Instruments and a fully equipped workshop.
Their skilled instrument mechanics have the capability to re-calibrate speedometers utilising specialised equipment.
Each Speedometer needs to be individually assessed by the technicians in advance and you will be advised on the best options for restoring it to full working order.
We have decided to look at refurbishing the switches and knobs ourselves in house. These are readily available brand new but we felt it would be a nice touch to clean down and repaint the existing components to keep as close to originality as possible.
We think we have now mastered the blending method we needed to use on the front panels of our 1964 Land Rover.
The key to the blending was in the thickness of the paint and also applying it with a roller.
We needed to apply a further layer of watered down oil based colour with a roller and then once set we buffed the areas to bring back the colour variation from underneath.
This gave a weathered look and works very well against the existing panels that we have not touched.
With such a variety of colours used on the body it was always going to be difficult to colour match perfectly. The bonnet to the wing is noticeable, the wing to the door blends beautifully.
With our 1961 Jaguar XK150S now externally de-chromed we have organised the bright work ready for Wyatt Polishing to begin the re-chroming process.
We are now in the final stages of the preparation on our 1967 Jaguar E-Type Racing prototype. the boot lid is now sealed. Within the next few weeks we are able to accept the body shell into our paint shops ready for the transformation to begin.
Both Jensen axles are now removed and ready for the trip up the A14 to Agriblast.
Coming soon we have our limited edition 2009 MG TF 85th Anniversary. Finished in Ice White with Aubergine leather. One of only 50 cars produced this is a very unique and rare machine and with just 38000 genuine miles on the clock a great one for the collectors and investors.
Please excuse the wet weather and dirty marks on the car. It has just arrived from Sheffield to visit today but later in the month, when she is here to stay she will fully prepared, cleaned and detailed.
Autocar Review – MG TF 85th Anniversary by Richard Bremner
What is it?
This is the second limited-edition version of the reborn MG TF from SAIC-owned Nanjing’s MG Motor; the first was the TFLE500 that marked the rebirth of this ageing sports car and the resumption of car production at Longbridge.
The 85th anniversary being celebrated is of the MG marque itself, which continues to survive despite the traumas experienced by its multiple former owners and periods of dormancy.
A quick glance at this new TF, complete with fashionable stripes, assorted decals and new alloys is likely to have you concluding that this is yet another cynical limited-edition dress-up, but in fact, there’s a little more to this 50-model run.
What you get besides the stripes is a chassis that’s been revised to a surprising extent, this the key surviving element of a now-abandoned TF makeover that would have seen it receiving all-new skin panels, a new interior and very probably a relaunch as a new car.
Sadly this programme was killed by the recession (the only MG Motor project that Chinese owner SAIC has canned as a result of the downturn – but there are others under way) and the view that it would not have been possible to price this revised car high enough to recover the development costs. That’s a pity, because the TF still has strengths.
But what we are seeing are quite extensive chassis changes, which start with a switch to rear wheels that are an inch wider than the front pair, the first time the TF has run in this configuration.
The 215/40 16 rear rubber compares with 195/45 16 tyres up front, and combines with roll stiffness that has been increased by 40 per cent with the aim of improving the TF’s (already good) on-the-limit progression. Reducing roll better controls a quirk of the MG’s suspension geometry, its roll-centre migrating more than is desirable when body-roll builds up. So when it gets to the limit, says senior engineer Ian Pogson, ‘It strokes your cheek rather than slapping it.”
Thicker Eibach anti-roll bars and upgraded Bilstein dampers generate the extra roll resistance. There are no changes to the TF’s electric power steering, but the chassis alterations are claimed to improve feel, while SAIC’s Longbridge engineers reckon that the TF’s supple ride has largely been preserved.
What’s it like?
Better and worse, in truth. The MG’s primary ride over big bumps is tighter and more fluently controlled and its responses are a little sharper, but its previously above-average ability to soak up sharp shocks has been compromised.
So over the typical British B-road, where it has always excelled, there’s now some patter and crash over small bumps, and a bit of kickback through the steering wheel that wasn’t there before. These disturbances aren’t uncomfortable, but they do damage its refinement.
On the positive side, this TF is a sharper weapon in fast-charged bends, and on a track it’s likely to be more responsive, more progressive, better controlled and more fun. The steering responds more consistently too, although turn-in could still be sharper.
In other respects this is the TF that we know so well, with its odd and (for the tall) cramped driving position, low-rent furnishings, and lack of sophistication. That said, the feeling that you are conducting a machine, rather than a highly insulated transportation device, is part of its appeal, and a key reason why it provides surprising entertainment, especially given its grippy, capable handling, and willing engine.
Source: MGTF: Your guide to MG cars and the MG TF
There’s something to celebrate. Something exciting. Something fun. Something British. It’s the 85th Anniversary of the MG marque.
Yes, we’re doing it in true MG style. We’re honouring this milestone in motoring history, the incredible achievements on road and track, the beautiful iconic cars and the fact that MG cars are still made right here in the UK by MG Motor. We’re marking the occasion with the launch of a limited edition MG TF 85th Anniversary.
The MG TF 85th Anniversary is truly a driver’s car. A car for the connoisseur. For people who take their fun as seriously as they take handling and performance. Who love that wind-in-the-hair experience of top down driving.
The MG TF 85th Anniversary has the classic mid-engined rear wheel drive layout for near 50:50 weight distribution. And the 1.8 litre multipoint fuel injected engine. Of course, the MG TF 85th Anniversary has to be a really special car to mark the occasion. Which is why it benefits from a special suspension and handling package making it even more sure-footed and responsive through bends, more controlled and confident than ever.
It looks special too. Really special. There are 3 spectacular metallic body colours – Enigmatic Silver, Intense Cassis and Ice White. All 3 colours unique to the MG TF 85th Anniversary. And there are head-turning, rally-style asymmetric stripes running purposefully over the bumpers, bonnet and boot. And new breathtaking, boron finish “Twist of Pepper” alloy wheels. Plus “85” decals on both doors and on the rear. And that’s just the outside.
Inside are stunning Aubergine leather seats with matching door casings. “85” logos are to be found on the chunky alloy gearlever knob and sill tread strips. A windstop is thoughtfully provided too. Then when you want to ease back on the throttle and chill, you just flick on the air conditioning and that classy CD tuner ICE system. Cool music to your ears.
The MG TF 85th Anniversary. A real excuse for a celebration.
TF 85th Anniversary: Specifications
(Mid engine, rear wheel drive configuration)
Kerb Weight
1180 Kg
Heating and Ventilation
“On/off” air conditioning with recirculation control, 4 face vents and 4 speed fan
Interior
Aubergine Leather seat facings and bolsters
Silver finish/aubergine door inserts
Leather trimmed steering wheel
Silver alloy gearknob with TF 85 logo
Leather gearlever gaiter and handbrake grip
Driver’s heel mat and left footrest
Driver’s sunvisor, passenger’s sunvisor with vanity mirror
Armrest incorporating cubby box with lid, cup holders and sunglasses slot
Ashtray and cigar lighter in console
Carpeted boot
Windstop
MG branded floor mats
Electrical Features
Twin 70mm projector halogen headlamps
Electric windows with one shot down facility on driver’s side
Heated door mirrors with powered adjustment
Courtesy operated interior lights with switch-off delay
Glove compartment, boot and loadspace lamps
4-diode LED reading lights in mirror
Front fog lamps and twin rear fog guard lamps
Two-speed wipers with intermittent wipe
Panel light and console illumination rheostat
Instruments and Controls
Analogue clock, Speedometer with digital odometer.
Tachometer.
Fuel gauge.
Temperature gauges for oil and coolant.
Warning lights for: brake system failure/handbrake on; main beam; direction and hazard warning indicators; low coolant; low oil pressure; no charge; rear fog lamps; SRS airbag warning; ABS failure, EPAS fault, Coolant temperature overheat, service indicator display, gear change light and boot open warning; Orange illumination for instruments and CD/Tuner
Body and Exterior Trim Features
Enigmatic Silver, Intense Cassis or Ice White metallic paint finish85th Anniversary graphics on doors and brushed effect door sill finishers
Asymmetric striping to bumpers, bonnet and boot
Rear parking sensors
Body colour moulded front bumper with bright mesh
Body colour side intake grille surrounds with bright mesh
Body colour door handles and mirrors
Tinted glass
Large diameter twin stainless steel round tailpipes
Woven acrylic fabric black hood with tinted glass rear screen and heated rear window
Tonneau cover
Wheels
16″ “twist of pepper” alloy wheels in Liquid Boron finish manufactured by Rimstock®
Instant mobility system comprising sealant gel and electric pump
Front tyres: 195/45 R16
Rear tyres: 215/40 R16
In-car Entertainment
Clarion® single slot CD/Tuner with MP3 connectivity
2 front speakers and tweeters, 2 rear speakers
Rear mounted aerial
MG TF 85th Anniversary fuel consumption
mpg (L/100km): Urban: 25.4 (11.1), Extra Urban: 46.3 (6.1), Combined: 35.8 (7.9).
CO2 mass emission (combined) 185 g/km.
The fuel consumption figures were obtained in tests carried out in line with the Passenger Car Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emissions Information Regulations 2001 (Refl ecting EU Directive 80/1268/ EEC as amended by 2004/3/EC). However under normal use, a car’s actual fuel consumption figures may differ from those achieved through the test procedure, dependant on driving technique, road and traffic conditions, environmental factors and vehicle condition.
Mid engine, rear wheel drive configuration
Engine & Transmission
N Series, 1.8 16v 4 cylinder dohc
Engine Capacity: 1796cc
Power: 135PS/99.3kW @ 6,750rpm
Torque: (NM/rpm) 165 NM @ 5,000rpm
0-60mph: 8.4 secs
Top Speed: 127mph/205kph
Five speed manual gearbox
Brakes
Front: ventilated front discs and 4-pot callipers
Rear: solid discs and callipers
Electronic anti-lock braking system
Suspension
Independent suspension all-round
Coil springs and gas fi lled mono-tube Bilstein® dampers. Equipped with Eibach® uprated Sports anti-roll bar set
Double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension
Steering
Electronic speed sensitive power assisted steering
Tilt adjustable steering wheel
Safety
Driver’s airbag
Passenger’s airbag
Height adjustable head restraints
Door side intrusion beams
Seat belt pre-tensioners activated by airbag electronic control unit
High tensile steel tubes in windscreen pillars
Impact absorbing front and rear end structure
Laminated windscreen
Centre high mounted stop lamp
Locking and Security
Remote central door and boot locking with superlocking
Locking fuel filler cap
Key and remote operated boot release
Bonnet release located in boot
Thatcham category 1 perimetric/volumetric anti-theft alarm and immobilisor
Fuel
Recommended Fuel: 95 RON unleaded
Fuel tank capacity: 55 litres
We are not completely satisfied with the overall look and feel and this stage. It is very tricky to replicate the flaws in paintwork. It’s much easier to carry out a perfect paint job but when the car has years of battle scares that you are trying to preserve it takes time and effort to make it look and feel authentic.
The paint looks too fresh and there are too many brush strokes in it but it is a great base to work on. We are now looking to roll another thin layer on top to build up the layers and possibly then look to buff out the shine.
Different lights and different angles reveal different imperfections.
Imperfections on this project are actually seen as a positive but too fresh and too clean gives off the wrong impression.
Back to the drawing board on this one…
As you can see, our Packard’s existing battery tray has seen better days so Pete has been busy making up and fitting a new one.
Currently in our workshops awaiting a full re-commission, here we have our 1947 Standard Flying 14.
Work will commence once all of the parts have been sourced from the guys at the Standard Motor Club. The Standard Motor Club are a very exclusive club with parts only being made available to members of the club and owners of the Standard collection. Lucky for us, the owner of our 1947 Standard Flying 14 is a member and is able to assist with the parts required.
Our Jensen 541S has returned to Graham Whitehouse Autos to have the gearbox set up.
The gearbox was rebuilt by Graham Whitehouse Autos earlier in the project build but now we have it fitted back into the car and with the engine running we can now set up to maximise performance.
In order to reset the gearbox the bottom bell housing is removed along with the torque set torus cover bolts. The initial setting of the throttle control valve to gearbox is then reset. Once the car is road tested they then adjust the throttle valve linkage to give correct line pressure and kick down operation. A further road test is given with adjustments being made to fluid level to correct the settings. The torus cover bolts were re-torqued and then bell housing cover is refitted.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Although the rear panel sections are covered in material, here at Bridge Classic Cars we insist on carrying out our work to the highest of standards.
Breakages in the plastic moulding could be easily hidden up with a quick fix solution and then covered in vinyl or leather but as we have an expert plastic welder in the form of Brian, we use his skills to carry out amazing repairs on items that could be deemed as irreparable.
Brian is used to carrying out plastic weld repairs in the motorcycle racing scene with competitors coming from far and wide to utilise his skills. These skills can be easily transferred to the world of cars so our panels, in the hands of Brian, will soon be broken no more…
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Work has now begun on our 1961 Jaguar XK150S. The chrome is currently being removed and will be handed over to Wyatt Polishing in Thetford for the full re-chrome treatments.
Work will now begin on recommissioning our 1947 Standard Flying 14. We also need to pay close attention to some wiring issues that have arisen. A full and thorough check over is required to get her running and sounding like she should.
Our brand new stainless steel fuel tanks for both the 1957 and 1960 Jensen 541R’s have arrived from the Jensen parts specialists at Richard Appleyard Parts.
Ady, with a little help from Pete has successfully removed our 1987 Mercedes SL500 engine ready for the rebuild to commence. This restoration project has begun a little prematurely but with the engine not running and feeling right it was better to address the issue sooner rather than later.
With all of the parts now either restored or newly purchased Ady can get to work rebuilding the BN1 Austin Healey engine.
To start everything will be fitted up to ensure accuracy and fit before being secured into position. The nuts and bolts will all be renewed during this process to give a lovely, fresh looking engine to refit.
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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