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Product Training

February 12, 2019

Here at Bridge Classic Cars we encourage our team to take time out and learn. Learning, understanding and practising with the products you use is

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Refurbishing the MGB and TVR dials

February 12, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1975 MGB and 1962 TVR Grantura dials have all been stripped, cleaned and polished ready for refit.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”26423,26438,26437,26436,26435,26434,26433,26432,26431,26430,26429,26428,26427,26426,26425,26424″ title=”1975 MGB Roadster Dials”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid”

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New Arrival: 1964 MGB Roadster

February 9, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For Sale MGB Roadster 1964. This car has been upgraded and it looks and drives superbly. The “Good”: It has been professionally fitted with a five

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Refurbishing a collection of dials

February 4, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our Jaguar E-type dials are amongst a large collection of dials currently en-route to our good friends Speedy Cables to be refurbished. Authorised distributor of Smiths,

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Machining the SS100 head

February 1, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Work starts on replacing the head gasket of our 1963 Jaguar SS100. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”25808,25807,25806,25805,25804,25802,25801,25800″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve called upon the assistance of our good friends at Scholar

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Repairing the MGB bootlid

February 13, 2019

In order to repair the affect areas of the boot lid we have removed the outer skin, cleaned off the surface rust before repairing, treating, sealing. The outer skin has then been re-applied to complete the task. The boot lid is now ready to be prepared alongside the bodyshell

 

Repairing the corrosion on our 1977 MGBGT.

February 13, 2019

Tommy is now working on our 1977 MGBGT body. Certain areas, particularly the sills are heavily corroded and will need both repairing and replacing.

The front valance and outer sills will be replaced with new parts supplied by our good friends at Moss Europe. The centre sill will be cut out, the affected areas are cleaned up and repaired with new metalwork being fitted and secured in place.

Moss are one of the world’s oldest and largest sports car parts and accessories specialists.

Cleaning or Re-covering our TVR dash and centre column

February 13, 2019

Brian spent a short while cleaning up the TVR dash and centre column to assess whether it would be acceptable enough to be refitted without re-covering.

As much as it has brought life back into the tired looking parts we feel it is best to re-cover for maximum impact. Against the newly painted body shell it is just not quite good enough to be refitted as is.

Uncovering signs on rust on our 1972 Jaguar E-Type

February 13, 2019

From a far, the paintwork on our 1972 Jaguar E-Type looks lovely. The light blue finish is striking but upon closer inspection there are a lot of imperfections that we knew we needed to address.

The car was painted approximately 10 years ago but unfortunately it looks as though the car may have been repaired and painted with moisture in the air. The body has signs of micro blistering all over which is not good news.

Many causes of micro-blistering occur when vehicles are repaired or painted under adverse conditions.

You can minimise the chances of blistering by ensuring your paint area is kept clean and dry. During paint application, you need to use the correct thinner with each and every coat of paint.  It is certainly not advised to apply cheap quality thinner where the moisture content is often above specified levels.  You should apply sufficient primer and topcoat in even coats.  Ensure a sufficient primer film is left after sanding followed by a similar film weight of topcoat.  Low film build of either or both weakens the paint structure and can very easily lead to blistering. Spot or localised repairs are very noticeable as the feather edge part of the area would undoubtedly have a low film weight.  Low film weight is one of the most common causes of blistering, combined with adverse environmental conditions.

The car will now be stripped back bare as we see signs of rust appearing and this will need to be addressed as a matter of urgency. Painting and preparing without correcting issues first will result in a similar effect happening within a matter of months.

 

Work begins on our Jaguar E-Type full re-trim

February 12, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A familiar face returns to Bridge Classic Cars as we welcome back our 1965 Jaguar E-Type Fixed Head Coupe for the interior transformation.

Kim is busy stripping the interior to individual component level ready for the fit out to begin.

We are replacing like for like so the colour combination will remain the same as the original specification; finished in Old Beige.

We are aiming for completion at the beginning of March as the car is due to experience the track for a Jaguar day out at The Goodwood Motor Circuit.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”26116,26117,26118,26119,26120,26121,26122,26123,26124,26125,26126,26127,26128″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Arriving today: 1983 Bedford HA Van

February 12, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Arriving today we have our 1983 Bedford HA van.


Delivered to Butlins holiday camp in 1983 in company colours it is now believed to be the only one left in existence.

It is also a very rare four seater model.

Currently stripped, sand blasted, etch primed, there is nothing hidden and its ready for our technicians to start extensive welding on this ultra rare 1983, 1256cc 4 seater rarity.

It will require lots of welding, a full engine rebuild, new interior, re-wiring, re-chroming and everything else to convert this very special van back to it as new condition or better.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”26073,26074,26075,26076,26078,26079,26080,26081,26082,26083,26084,26085,26086,26087″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here is the car is its current state, before we start to get to work…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”26088,26089,26090,26091,26092,26093,26094,26095,26096,26097,26098,26099,26100,26101,26102,26103,26104,26105,26106″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Product Training

February 12, 2019

Here at Bridge Classic Cars we encourage our team to take time out and learn. Learning, understanding and practising with the products you use is vital to be able to produce the best quality work.

As Richard Branson once said “Don’t think what’s the cheapest way to do it or what’s the fastest way to do it, think ‘what’s the most amazing way to do it.”

Chris has been away from the business for 2 days learning more about the paints we use from the manufacturers themselves. He has been given the opportunity to test new methods, try new products and share different techniques with others that have a similar skill set to himself.

Refurbishing the MGB and TVR dials

February 12, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1975 MGB and 1962 TVR Grantura dials have all been stripped, cleaned and polished ready for refit.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”26423,26438,26437,26436,26435,26434,26433,26432,26431,26430,26429,26428,26427,26426,26425,26424″ title=”1975 MGB Roadster Dials”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”26439,26440″ title=”1962 TVR Griffith Dials”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

New Arrival: 1964 MGB Roadster

February 9, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For Sale

MGB Roadster 1964. This car has been upgraded and it looks and drives superbly.

The “Good”:

  • It has been professionally fitted with a five speed type 9 gearbox, upgraded shock absorbers, new interior, Mota Lita wooden steering wheel, alternator, coil, distributor and a new battery.
  • It drives absolutely faultlessly, in fact I am yet to drive an MGB that drives as well as this does.
  • Superb soft-top.
  • Fully functional dials.
  • Great oil pressure.
  • Underneath the car has been under-sealed and is in excellent condition.
  • Chrome wire wheels.

The “Bad”: (we prepare concours cars so we are very critical but…)

  • The body is generally good with great paint but it does have small areas of unbroken paint corrosion.
  • This is all on the outside. The engine bay and boot area are lovely.
  • I personally think this could easily be a £15k + car with a respray, two new re-chromed or replacement bumpers, two new back lights, chrome air scuttle.

The “Not so good”:

  • It has had a stereo fitted and the head unit is good. The speakers however are not to ‘my’ taste. They are very big. There are too many and they stick out the door cards in a hideous way. That is just my opinion, the previous owner installed them and was happy with them. So everybody is different.
  • Two new door cards are cheap to rectify.
  • Front and rear valances look a but cruddy. Again cheap to rectify.

Because this was a part exchange and our current workload is so manic, we have decided to sell this lovely car as is and cheap enough for the new owner to sort all of the above if they want to.

We estimate that a £3,000 spend and you will definitely have that £15,000+ car.

This car is perfectly presentable as is and can really be enjoyed.

This is a 1964 car, chrome bumper and is a proper car.

She also comes with her original gearbox and all the original parts that have been modified.

We also have an original hardtop that can be purchased at extra cost. It needs a repaint but again is very serviceable.

Viewing by appointment only. Finance can be arranged by a third party. Office hours are Monday to Friday (Saturdays and Sundays can be arranged) 8am to 5pm. To arrange a viewing please call Craig on 01473 742038 or email info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk

Click here to join us as we take you on a tour of the vehicle.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”26020,26182,26181,26180,26179,26178,26177,26176,26175,26174,26039,26038,26037,26036,26035,26034,26033,26032,26031,26030,26029,26028,26027,26026,26025,26024,26023,26022,26021″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

TVR Grantura bodyshell arrives at Bridge Classic Cars

February 7, 2019

As you can see from previous posts, Ady is well on with rebuilding and upgrading our 1963 TVR Grantura engine.

We are now in a position to bring in the body shell and to prepare for paint. The majority of the body shell has been restored a number of years ago, elsewhere, and the work has been carried out beautifully so very little preparation is required to get this up to acceptable standard for paint.

MGB Roadster – Getting ready for paint

February 6, 2019

A small piece of welding to complete and the car is now ready for Chris to take control in our paint room. Our 1975 MG B shell is ready and in position for body shaping and preparation to commence.

It won’t be long now til we see her finished once again in the original Tundra Green and ready for the rebuild and assembly to take place.

 

MGBGT Rostyle wheels refurbished

February 5, 2019

Wheelcare have carried out an incredible job on our original 1977 MGBGT Rostyle wheels. Reknowned for not being an easy wheel to refurbish they take time and patience but the results are amazing.

Fitted with brand new Continental tyres.

Coming Soon: 1959 Morris J Type

February 5, 2019

Arriving soon, our 1959 Morris J Type has a very special engagement in 2020 and needs to be back on the road in time.

We’ll be collected the vehicle within the next couple of months to prepare the body and give it a full re-paint. Once the paintwork is complete the van will return to the owner for the rebuild to commence.

A lot of reshaping and lining up will be required so once the shell is stripped back to metal we can get to work on perfecting the lines.

Our Amphicar wheels restored.

February 5, 2019

Our 13″ wheels have now returned from our good friends at Wheelcare in Colchester having been welded, repaired, stripped and painted. They are now ready for the tyres to be fitted so the car can go back on it’s wheels.

Wheelcare repair all makes and sizes. It doesn’t matter whether they are polished, painted or machined. They also offer bespoke custom painting, powder coating, polishing and wet-spraying to further enhance the look of your car.

Our Austin Healey engine now fitted

February 5, 2019

Our 1955 Austin Healey 100M engine is now complete and refitted.

The body shell in now in for preparation ready for the respray to commence.

Correcting the parcel shelf catching issues

February 5, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Over time, the moulded speaker covers have warped due to age and the ever changing weather conditions. The bottom of both sections have started to flare  out at the bottom which has resulted in the parcel shelf catching and not rising with the boot lid.

We looked to purchase replacement but with no joy so we considered whether to remove, repair and strengthen or to strengthen in position. We opted to fix in them situ and to increase the fixings in them so that they do not bow again. This quick fix has separated the covers from the parcel shelf and now everything in the boot area works as it should.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

MG B Preparation and Paint

February 4, 2019

We begin on the next big stage of our 1975 MG B restoration tomorrow when work commences on the paint preparation.

The welding has been completed and the car is now in the hands of Chris to prepare the shell ready for paint. All of the lines will be perfected and every inch of the body will be assessed to ensure it is absolutely right.

Electrical issues on our 2005 Smart Roadster

February 4, 2019

Our 2005 Smart Roadster Brabus has returned with some electrical issues that need addressing. We believe there to be a loose connection somewhere within the system as the car loses all electrical power with no prior warning.

We’ll get it in the workshops tomorrow to investigate.

Looks to be a loose connection around the main feed. We have assess as much as we can and tightened where we could see.

Refurbishing a collection of dials

February 4, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our Jaguar E-type dials are amongst a large collection of dials currently en-route to our good friends Speedy Cables to be refurbished.

Authorised distributor of Smiths, CAI and VDO products 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.

The market sectors in which the company operates is varied. Historically it was predominantly automotive including replica cars, classic cars, classic motorcycles, taxis, kit cars, motor sport and military, whilst they continue to serve those sectors they also serve the agricultural, industrial and security sectors.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”25878,25876,25890,25889,25887,25886,25885,25884,25883,25882,25881,25880,25879″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Machining the SS100 head

February 1, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Work starts on replacing the head gasket of our 1963 Jaguar SS100.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”25808,25807,25806,25805,25804,25802,25801,25800″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve called upon the assistance of our good friends at Scholar Engineering for the use of their machining tools to skim the head.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7yP_7RDuto” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Our Jaguar E-Type primed and ready for paint

January 31, 2019

Colours have been chosen, designs have been finalised and Monday 4th February 2019 is the day we’ll see our 1967 Jaguar E-Type racing car enter the preparation room ready for paint.

This is a very exciting project for us being our own car for us all to drive and enjoy. bring on the summer!!

Swimwear Designer Kimberley Garner

January 31, 2019

English swimwear designer, model and actress Kimberley Garner travels the world, enjoying life and showing off her fantastic taste in cars…most of which are classics!

Kimberley boasts over 135,000 followers on Instagram, every photo is as amazing as the one before and we love the fact that a lot of them are the incredible cars she gets to work around.

Shop: Kimberley London Ltd

Kimberley London is a luxury beachwear brand founded in 2013 by Kimberley Garner. The pieces are delicate and flatter the female body, made from luxury Italian fabric, double lined to create structure. Each piece includes 18 carat Gold Plated pendants and trims, made in Paris and heat protected for the beach.

All pieces are Made in England and cut by hand in London, for unmatched quality.

Source: Instagram @kimberleygarner

Coachella Valley


Filming in Hollywood

Ariel Atom

Enjoying time out at Goodwood Revival where we’ll be ourselves later this year.

Looking exquisite on the bonnet of the iconic classic Porsche roadster.

The modern classic Morgan.

 

Cleaning, Stripping and Undersealing our Rover Vitesse

January 31, 2019

Pete has prepared the area ready to clean up and under seal our Rover Vitesse. We have chosen to use the black Waxoyl on this application.

Wazoyl is a fantastic product and is worldwide to kill off old rust and prevent new rust from appearing. Slightly different to the regular black stone chip which dry coats the area, the waxoyl forms a flexible weatherproof skin that remains sticky to touch.

 

 

When Ed Sheeran’s in town…

January 31, 2019

We love it when Ed Sheeran is back in town and I bet Framlimgham Fish Bar did too.

We are so immensely proud to say we share our home county with one of the biggest stars on the planet so it’s always great when he shares his adventures with us all here in Suffolk.

Ed posted this on his Instagram page to his 27.5 million followers and within minutes he had generated interest by nearly 80,000 people. I bet Framlingham Fish bar had a busy night that night!!

Keep up the great work Ed Sheeran and we’ll see you in concert in Chantry Park, Ipswich in August.

MG welding work almost complete

January 31, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It has been a huge task correcting the body of our 1975 MG B but Tommy is now on the very final stages of the welding work before he can hand the shell over to Chris to be prepared and painted.

New wings, half wings, new outer and inner sills, new front valance have all been fitted and shaped.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”25763,25764,25765,25766,25767,25768,25769,25770,25771,25772,25773,25774,25775,25776,25777,25778,25779,25780,25781,25782,25783″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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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© Bridge Classic Cars Holdings Ltd, T/ as Bridge Classic Cars. Registered in England and Wales with company number 5047706.