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Our Jaguar XK150 has been resprayed

January 28, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This Saturday, Chris completed the respray of our 1961 Jaguar XK150. Finished to match the factory specification, the original early log book lists it simply

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1987 Rover Vitesse

January 24, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We have our 1987 Rover Vitesse in the workshops today to carry out some general maintenance work. A recently new purchase for the current owner

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1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 engine running

January 24, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our rebuilt V12 engine can now be seen in the heard running and sounding stunning in the car…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3N1F7eTyao” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Jaguar XK150 in primer

January 23, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Epoxy primer is used to seal a non-porous finish. It is recommended as the first base coat over any bare steel like on our 1961

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Rescuing an MGBGT from Orford Garage closure

January 30, 2019

Friends Garage was one of the treasures of Orford.

It was more than a supplier of motor fuels, transport associated services and a retail outlet for sweets, ice creams, DIY and gardening supplies. It provided a vital service to the local community, surrounding areas and visitors from further afield as was recognised by the award of the British Empire Medal in 2012 to the garage manager, Laura Gillespie, for services to the local community.

It was announced in December 2018 that the garage was to close and the site redeveloped for housing with a small commercial building and automatic fuel pump. As of Thursday 31st January 2019 the business has ceased to function.

On Wednesday 30th January 2019 we received instruction to collect, from site, a 1974 MGBGT that had fallen into severe disrepair.

The car is now with us as we await a decision on the future of this British classic. Will it be beyond repair for its current owner or will she be back on the Suffolk roads some time in the future.

Jaguar E-Type: Project Sofa – blasted and ready for repair

January 29, 2019

Unfortunately, due to our current workload, our 1967 Jaguar E-Type has taken a bit of a back seat (pardon the pun) so we can concentrate on various projects we are currently working on.

At some stage in the not to distant future the repair works will begin on our E-Type body shell as we start to bring the idea of a 1-off sofa to life.

1962 TVR Grantura: Cylinder Head Porting

January 29, 2019

We are currently in the process of porting the cylinder heads of our 1962 TVR Grantura. Porting refers to the process of modifying the intake and exhaust ports to improve the quality and quantity of the air flow. Porting the heads provides the finely detailed attention required to bring the engine to the highest level of efficiency. More than any other single factor, the porting process is responsible for the high power output of modern engines.

This process can be applied to a standard racing engine to optimise its power output as well as to a production engine to turn it into a racing engine, to enhance its power output for daily use or to alter its power output characteristics to suit a particular application.

Our very own Ady has been porting heads for many many years and is now somewhat of an expert in the field.

Polishing and Re-painting our Austin Healey Fuel Tank

January 29, 2019

Next up for Brian is to strip, clean and polish our 1977 Austin Healey radiator. The top looks to have been hand painted at some point in the past so we need to remove the paint before looking at options of polishing.

Sendimentation found in the Rover’s fuel

January 29, 2019

As feared, we have discovered sediments in the fuel system of our 1987 Rover Vitesse Sd1. It is a very very fine deposit but never the less we need to explore why this has occurred and rectify the problem.

Mr White – Ipswich, Suffolk

January 28, 2019

“Dear SVEC members.

I wish to compliment the services I have received from Bridge Classic Cars Restorers. I arranged to meet Gordon (Owner) at the Bridge Classic and Sports Car Show at Pettistree on the 26th August 2018. (As was advertised on a flyer in a summer newsletter) The upholstery on my 30 year old BMW 635CSi was in need of repair. The leather on the driver’s seat had perished and both front seats were in need of refurbishing and various pieces of trim within the cabin needed refitting.

I arrived at the show and parked in the Classic Car area and walked toward the showroom to find on-route, a replica of Dave Pearce’s 320 Superstock! That made me smile! I then walked to the showroom and was immediately impressed by not only the quality of the prestigious cars being restored, (XK, E Type Jag’s, Aston Martin’s…) but the immaculate state of both the showroom and workshops. The floors are spotless! And they did a good job!

The replacement biscuit coloured leather in my Beema has matched well with the original colour, it all fits well and although one of my requests to refit the upholstery to the driver’s door had been overlooked, my car was re-collected, the work was undertaken, returned to me and at no further cost. Honest business men!

I would also like to compliment Gordon’s son Craig who markets the company and has introduced updates on work being undertaken to your car online. Modern technology put to good use!

David White”

Our Jaguar XK150 has been resprayed

January 28, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This Saturday, Chris completed the respray of our 1961 Jaguar XK150. Finished to match the factory specification, the original early log book lists it simply as ‘cream’

The car has had the weekend in the oven to settle, set and harden before Chris returns to it on Tuesday.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”25673,25674,25675,25676,25677,25678,25679,25680,25681,25682″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

ZeyyKayy and the Chevvy

January 27, 2019

…no it’s not a group from the 70’s. it’s our good friend Zey, owner of Blue & Berry Cafe in Felixstowe and her new chosen ride!

She is currently on her travels and has messaged me with a picture of the stunning Chevrolet you see here. Zey loves her classic cars so no wonder it didn’t take her long to find this one…

Let’s just hope Zey is on her holidays and this is not another Thelma and Louise moment…

And check out the amazing reviews on @tripadvisor of Blue & Berry Cafe in Felixstowe and when you go, tell her Craig sent you…

 

Tom Hartley Junior – World’s Greatest Car

January 26, 2019

Source: Instagram @tomhartleyjunior

Supercar dealer Tom Hartley Junior today revisited an iconic moment in Motorsport history and reflected on one of the many highlights of his amazing career.

“61 years ago today, Phil Hill and Peter Collins piloted the @ferrari250TR #0704 to a 1st place finish at the 1,000kms of Buenos Aires, the first round of the 1958 World Championship. I sold this unrepeatable car 5 years ago and I don’t think it will ever be surpassed as the highlight of my career, I truly think it’s the greatest car in existence. To give you an idea of its originality, If you look at the rear of the car in the first photo you will notice some small damage, in the last photo you will see the patch repair that’s still evident today! #250TR #0704 #Hill #Collins#buenosaires #61YearsAgoToday#WorldsGreatestCar

 

Restoring our 1955 Austin Healey carbs

January 25, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1955 Austin Healey carbs have now undergone a full restoring rebuild.

The manifold has been blasted and rumbled, they have been rebuilt using new and refurbished parts. They have been set up and balanced and now they are ready to be fitted back up.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”25616,25615,25614,25613,25612,25611,25610,25609,25608,25607,25606,25605″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Cleaning up the Mercedes 500SL ready for rebuild

January 25, 2019

As previous pictures show, our 1987 Mercedes 500SL engine bay was not looking too pretty when it arrived at our workshops. Due to a recent timing chain issue which resulted in the engine having to be removed we can now tidy up the engine bay and engine before refit.

We have fitted up the new timing chain guide rail.

Restoring the E-Type centre console and ashtray

January 25, 2019

As you can see, the ashtray is in desperate need of some TLC. A restoration of the ashtray is a necessity with this one. Brian is busy stripping down, clean and getting ready to apply the crinkle finish paint.

And here is the end result, after a few hours of hard work.

Unleaded conversion on our 1962 TVR Grantura

January 24, 2019

We have now carried out the unleaded conversion on our 1962 TVR Grantura.


To carry out an unleaded conversion first we have stripped the cylinder head and checked for any imperfections wear. The existing seat have been bored out to remove.

Our new inserts (above) have been fitted into the original seat with a 6 thou interference. A very thin layer of oil has been applied before a three angle profile is machined into the valve seat.  The new seat is checked for concentrically and is ready for the valve to be fitted.

Stripping and painting the MG alternator

January 24, 2019

Next job in our 1977 MGBGT restoration project is to test, strip down and paint the alternator.

Now complete, the alternator can be stored away ready for the refit process to begin.

1987 Rover Vitesse

January 24, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We have our 1987 Rover Vitesse in the workshops today to carry out some general maintenance work. A recently new purchase for the current owner the car requires some little bits of attention in places get her back up and running perfectly:

  • A slight misfire when engine is up to temperature.
  • Suspension trailer arm has worn.
  • Small oil leak needs identifying.
  • Small area requires welding.
  • Power steering is slightly noisy with a possible leak.
  • Speaker cover in boot area needs repairing and some chrome needs refreshing.

We are also looking to under seal the underneath and apply some sound deadening around the bulkhead.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”25576,25577,25578,25582,25579,25580,25581,25583,25584″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Jaguar XK150S ready for paint

January 24, 2019

Our 1961 Jaguar XK150S has had a guide coat and primed and is now ready for paint.

The respray of the body shell and body panels will commence this weekend.

 

1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 engine running

January 24, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our rebuilt V12 engine can now be seen in the heard running and sounding stunning in the car…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3N1F7eTyao” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Refitting the MGBGT engine…

January 23, 2019

Our 1977 MGBGT engine is now cleaned and painted and ready for refit.

The engine bay was originally black from the factory but over years has started to show signs of wear so with the engine out we have cleaned up and refinished the engine bay.

Jaguar E-Type Parts Ready For Blasting

January 23, 2019

We are now starting to prepare our racing E-Type running gear ready to put her back on her wheels.

Pete and Gordon are currently on their way to Stuart and the guys at Agriblast in Stanton to collect various parts as well as deliver our racing E-Type parts for blasting.

Jaguar XK150 in primer

January 23, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Epoxy primer is used to seal a non-porous finish. It is recommended as the first base coat over any bare steel like on our 1961 Jaguar XK150. These base coats or epoxy primers can be used over fiberglass, plastic or the black iron phosphate coating.

This primer can also be used on cracks and dents. Its bonding capacity is excellent and produces a good surface finish. Epoxy primers not only offer excellent adhesion to metals, but also serve as a proper base for extra undercoat products, top coats and paint.

A two-part epoxy primer contains zinc phosphate, which acts as corrosion-inhibiting pigment. Epoxy primers can be used to waterproof materials that consequently protect the bare metal from oxidation. A dry, very clean surface is needed before applying epoxy primer. Two-part epoxy primer needs to be mixed thoroughly before applying.

Since paints in the automobile and marine industries are very important for resisting corrosion (rusting), epoxy coatings are widely used as primers to improve the adhesion of the metal surface. Epoxy primers are also used in structural steel coatings for high-build thickness with the application of only one or two coats.

A two-part epoxy primer is known as structural steel primer. It needs two components that are cured chemically through cross-linking. This two-part epoxy primer produces a film that is resistant to abrasion, chemicals and moisture. It is very suitable for use on properly prepared steel and concrete. This primer is also recommended for power plants, marine applications, water treatment plants and tank exteriors.

Further advantages of this primer include:

  • Water resistance
  • Corrosion inhibiting
  • Excellent adhesion

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”25497,25498,25499,25500,25501,25503,25504,25505,25506,25507,25508,25509,25511,25512″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Primers are the most common undercoats used when refinishing car body shells.

They are great for building up and levelling areas or surfaces.

They provide a smooth surface for paint and they are great for adhesion as they provide a strong bond between the sheet metal or old paint and the new paint. Primers are rust resistance so they resist the formation of rust where they adhere to the sheet metal. They are able to fill sanding and grinding marks in old paint, sheet metal and fillers and can be sanded smooth or levelled quickly and easily. They act as a protective barrier to prevent the paint from soaking in and a good high-build primer should be ready to sand in as little as 30 minutes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”25514,25515,25516,25517,25518,25519,25520,25521″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Refurbishing our original MGBGT exhaust

January 22, 2019

The original exhaust of our 1977 MGBGT is in exceptional condition underneath, just with a little surface rust to deal with.

The car has been owned from new by one person and was stored away in the 80s not to be used again…until now.

With very little use the car has remained in considerably good condition and as the original exhaust has not suffered from the lack of use we have cleaned back and stripped off the surface rust to reveal what’s underneath.

The exhaust has now been primed and coated in our high temperature paint.

Our V12 comes to life after many years in storage

January 21, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1972 Jaguar E-Type restoration project is now well underway and with the V12 engine loaded on the test bed Ady has managed to get it up and running and up to temperature.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sMVNHb1kFA” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Confetti and her world travels…

January 19, 2019

Source: Instagram @Confetti_5

‘Travel, Beauty, Lifestyle’ – @Confetti_5 seems to live the life that others can only dream of, as she travels the world visiting some of the world’s most beautiful places.

Her daily occurrences are followed by over 25,700 followers.

…and we love the fact she has a passion for her classic cars!

Her latest venture has taken her to Havana, Cuba and standing beside a classic Ford Mercury.

 

Follow her adventures on Instagram @Confetti_5

New Arrival – 1963 Jaguar E-Type

January 18, 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1963 Jaguar E-Type has now arrived in our workshops. Today, it came up from Somerset but having recently arrived in from the US.

We are looking to carry out a full restoration on the vehicle to transform her back into the original 1963 model that would have left the factory but we will have a better idea once we have fully assessed the vehicle.

The engine runs fine but we have already established an issue with the carbs that will certainly need address.

The car will head into our workshops this afternoon to be checked over and under so we can get a better idea of what work will be required.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”25416,25417,25418,25419,25420,25421,25422,25423,25424,25425,25426,25427,25428,25429″][/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.