Cleaning our MGBGT Gearbox
January 17, 2019
Pete has begun work on cleaning up the original gearbox housing. …and what a difference a good clean has made.
News
Refurbishing more MGBGT parts…
January 17, 2019
We are now working on the refurbishment of the under-bonnet parts. Brian is busy stripping back the parts to remove any excess surface rust before
Jaguar E-Type rear end, now complete
January 16, 2019
The rear end of our 1971 Jaguar E-Type roadster is now complete. The rubbers have been fitted up around the bumpers, the over riders have
Fitting a retro stereo with modern technologies…
January 16, 2019
We are now fitting up our 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 with its new in-car entertainment system. We have kept with the original look installing a
1963 Mini Bodyshell Repainted
January 14, 2019
Work is now complete on our 1963 Mini respray. Almond Green: GN37 – ICI Variant Code: 3483 Old English White: WT03 – ICI Variant Code:
Our 1960 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite engine running…
January 13, 2019
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We have life in our 1960 Austin Healey engine…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1Ljo2o4nxI” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Coming soon: 1956 Ford Consul
January 13, 2019
Coming in soon we have our 1956 Ford Consul for a full re-paint.
More Amphicar pictures…
January 12, 2019
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We say this time and time again but if you are restoring (or even working) on your own projects it is so beneficial to take
Painting the Mini bodyshell
January 12, 2019
The Almond Green finish is looking now on our 1963 Mini bodyshell as we now head into the final stages of our respray.
Jaguar XK150S – Body Preparation
January 12, 2019
Chris has made more progress on our 1960 Jaguar XK150S body as we prepare for a full external respray. The front wings have been fully
Triumph Stag Engine Block – Drinks Holder
January 12, 2019
From time to time we like to have a little fun with spare parts we find at Bridge Classic Cars – take the 1967 Jaguar
Arrival of our 1960 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite
January 12, 2019
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1960 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite has now arrived in our Woodbridge workshops, thanks as alwasy to KARR solutions for their brilliant transportation services. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery
The removal of our 1977 MGBGT engine
January 11, 2019
A successful operation, our engine is now out of the car and ready to be recommissioned by Ady. Pete’s efforts can now be concentrated to
Building our bespoke storage compartment
January 11, 2019
We are currently in the process of manufacturing a bespoke storage compartment in the rear of our Jaguar E-type roadster. The compartment will be hidden
MGBGT Clutch Plate Seized
January 11, 2019
As we expected, our MGBGT’s clutch plate has seized solid to the pressure plate. We recommended fitting a new clutch as part of the project
Coopercraft International – Uprated brakes for our Jensens
January 11, 2019
Established in 1991, Coopercraft very quickly earned an excellent reputation for restoring and maintaining classic cars, in particular Jaguars. In the mid 1990′s, with his
Stripping our 1977 MGBGT
January 11, 2019
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The restoration journey of our 1977 MGBGT is now in full swing with the car being stripped of all external components as well as the
Walking Around our 1969 Pontiac Firebird 350 V8
January 11, 2019
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Fresh in the UK from Canada our 1969 Pontiac Firebird is now available for sale. Join us as we walk around the car…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxQikH44_Is” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
MGBGT engine running
January 10, 2019
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After 30 years of being dry stored and untouched we have successfully brought the engine back to life on our 1977 MG BGT. This is
Re-covering the Austin Healey dash
January 10, 2019
We are now working on refurbishing the dash of our 1955 Austin Healey. The existing covering has been removed and the surface has been cleaned
Our Jensen’s Corvette engine with up-rated camshaft
January 8, 2019
We are progressing very well with our 1957 Jensen 541R’s Corvette engine as we dial in the camshaft. Our engine is having an up rated
1969-70 – 355 Small Block Chevrolet Engine, 5.8 litres
January 8, 2019
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Fully refurbished 355 cid small block Chevrolet engine, originally 5.4 litres. 1969-1970 cylinder block, 327 cid rebored .030″, decks milled .060″, ARP main cap bolts.
Re-manufacturing our Francis Barnett badges
January 8, 2019
Our original 1961 Francis Barnett badges are now in the hands of our good friends at Pamela David Enamels to be reproduced. Pamela David Enamels was established in
Stripping the rear axle and suspension
January 8, 2019
Our 1975 MG B restoration is progressing nicely with the rear axle now stripped and ready for refurbishment. The brake drums and suspension components are
Refurbishing the MG window frames
January 8, 2019
Our window mechanisms are now stripped, cleaned, galvanised and ready for paint.
Cutting the Packard valves
January 8, 2019
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ady has been cutting a 45′ seat with a Mira. We have also made a new valve guide. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
1963 Mini Paintwork
January 8, 2019
The underneath and inside of our 1963 Mini is now finished in Almond Green as work continues on the full respray. The car is in
Jaguar E-Type V12 parts to be blasted
January 7, 2019
Work has now begun on the rebuild of our 1972 Jaguar E-Type. Brian is sorting through the components that will need to be media blasted,
Our 1971 Jaguar E-Type, now with bonnet.
January 7, 2019
With the iconic Jaguar E-Type bonnet making up almost half of the exterior of the car, the day we are able to fit up the
Jaguar E-Type parts ready for blasting
January 7, 2019
More parts removed and ready for blasting and repainting.
Cleaning our MGBGT Gearbox
January 17, 2019
Pete has begun work on cleaning up the original gearbox housing.
…and what a difference a good clean has made.
Refurbishing more MGBGT parts…
January 17, 2019
We are now working on the refurbishment of the under-bonnet parts. Brian is busy stripping back the parts to remove any excess surface rust before re-painting in Simoniz VHT Black.
“Simoniz has been around for over 100 years and with all this experience, we understand paint. Guaranteed to get pretty much any job done, Simoniz has a range of best selling paints which can be used to refinish or protect just about anything…bodywork, wheels, engines, roof racks, scaffolding, pallets, BBQs and much more.
Need a high temperature paint that protects, then look no further than this specially formulated VHT paint. For use on parts such as exhausts and manifolds that are subject to intense heat, this paint is guaranteed to protect up to 800’C. Can be used on brake calipers, BBQs and more. Other colour also available; Blue, Red and Silver. N.B. temperature varies depending on colour.”
Jaguar E-Type rear end, now complete
January 16, 2019
The rear end of our 1971 Jaguar E-Type roadster is now complete. The rubbers have been fitted up around the bumpers, the over riders have also been added so now we can move forward to concentrate on the bespoke storage compartment we are manufacturing.
Fitting a retro stereo with modern technologies…
January 16, 2019
We are now fitting up our 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 with its new in-car entertainment system.
We have kept with the original look installing a retro fascia but with amazing capabilities. Our Autosound set up comes complete with all of the latest technologies, RDS FM, DAB, DAB+, iPhone, Bluetooth music streaming, Bluetooth hands free calling and much more…
Full specification also includes; rear USB input, rear Phono aux input, subwoofer output, amplifier output, iPhone and iPOD compatible (earlier 32pin iPods will play but not charge), DIN-D size, 4 x 45 watts output, ISO connector, 12V negative earth, Non volatile memory – retains radio memory presets even when all power is disconnected.
As well as this, the car will house four hidden speakers to create a full surround sound effect. The rear speakers will be hidden behind the rear side panels and the fronts will be under the front foot well.
We are also installing two addition USB charging points in the front and within our specially designed rear compartment will be power to operate any additional external devices: refrigeration, tablet devices, lighting etc.
1963 Mini Bodyshell Repainted
January 14, 2019
Work is now complete on our 1963 Mini respray.
Almond Green: GN37 – ICI Variant Code: 3483
Old English White: WT03 – ICI Variant Code: 2379
Images of the car, now rebuilt.
Our 1960 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite engine running…
January 13, 2019
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We have life in our 1960 Austin Healey engine…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1Ljo2o4nxI” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Coming soon: 1956 Ford Consul
January 13, 2019
Coming in soon we have our 1956 Ford Consul for a full re-paint.
More Amphicar pictures…
January 12, 2019
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We say this time and time again but if you are restoring (or even working) on your own projects it is so beneficial to take lots of photos. At the time, it may seem like a fruitless exercise but months down the line when it is time to rebuild what you have taken apart you may find these photographs a life saver.
Here are more images of our 1965 Amphicar.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”25389,25390,25391,25392,25393,25394,25395,25396,25397,25398,25399,25400,25401,25402,25403,25404,25405,25406,25407,25408,25409,25410,25411,25412,25413″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Painting the Mini bodyshell
January 12, 2019
The Almond Green finish is looking now on our 1963 Mini bodyshell as we now head into the final stages of our respray.
Jaguar XK150S – Body Preparation
January 12, 2019
Chris has made more progress on our 1960 Jaguar XK150S body as we prepare for a full external respray. The front wings have been fully stripped of existing paint as have the doors, boot lid and bonnet.
The doors, boot lid and bonnet have also been primed and are now waiting for paint when the rest of the car is ready.
We should hopefully be in a position next week where the rest of the car is stripped of existing paint and we can then look at priming the body shell ready for paint.
Triumph Stag Engine Block – Drinks Holder
January 12, 2019
From time to time we like to have a little fun with spare parts we find at Bridge Classic Cars – take the 1967 Jaguar E-Type sofa.
We are currently working on something different with our 1978 Triumph Stag V8 engine block.
Designs are yet to be finalised but for now, we have media blasted the block to remove all excess dirt and debris…
Arrival of our 1960 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite
January 12, 2019
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1960 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite has now arrived in our Woodbridge workshops, thanks as alwasy to KARR solutions for their brilliant transportation services.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”25220,25221,25222,25223,25224,25225″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Having organised all of the parts, components and boxes we now have a better understanding of just how complete the car actually is and now we can get on with the task at hand.
One of our first tasks will be to see whether the engine is free and whether we can get her running.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”25193,25192,25191,25190,25189,25188,25187,25186,25185,25184,25183,25182,25181,25180,25179,25178,25177,25176,25175″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
The removal of our 1977 MGBGT engine
January 11, 2019
A successful operation, our engine is now out of the car and ready to be recommissioned by Ady.
Pete’s efforts can now be concentrated to the engine bay area as he now has more space to strip, clean and improve the area, to make it look lovely once again.
Building our bespoke storage compartment
January 11, 2019
We are currently in the process of manufacturing a bespoke storage compartment in the rear of our Jaguar E-type roadster.
The compartment will be hidden by a lid that will be finished in the style of the front seats.
It will be fully lined and have power facilities built in.
The manufacturing process has now begun, the lids have been made up and we are now waiting on the arrival of our leather so we can start to piece it all together.
Here are some more pictures of the car in position…
MGBGT Clutch Plate Seized
January 11, 2019
As we expected, our MGBGT’s clutch plate has seized solid to the pressure plate.
We recommended fitting a new clutch as part of the project and now, having found this issue, we a glad that this part of the plan.
Coopercraft International – Uprated brakes for our Jensens
January 11, 2019
Established in 1991, Coopercraft very quickly earned an excellent reputation for restoring and maintaining classic cars, in particular Jaguars.
In the mid 1990′s, with his life long passion and expertise for all things Jaguar, including preparing and racing his Jaguar 420 with great success, Peter Cooper was conscious that the braking performance of these classics was inadequate for modern-day use. This led to the design and development of specially manufactured uprated braking systems for Jaguars and other marques.
Coopercraft pioneered this concept and continue to be market leaders with a quality product which is endorsed worldwide.
It was Jaguar in the 1950′s who introduced the disc brake system, stealing a march on the competition at Le Mans where they enjoyed a superiority over formidable opposition to win this historic race in 1953 with the C type, following this with a hat trick of wins in 1955, ’56 and ’57. 40 years on and the link between Jaguar, disc brakes and racing proved to be the catalyst which has led to many safer Jaguars and other classics being enjoyed by their discerning owners, across the globe!
Now known as Coopercraft International the business is owned and managed by Peter and Debbie Cooper, who continue to research, develop and produce new products to add to their popular range of uprated braking products. We offer a full fitting service in conjunction with our classic maintenance and competition preparation.
This brake kit has been designed to replace the original Dunlop cylinder assemblies, easily fitted to the original carriers and retaining your original handbrake mechanism. The cylinders incorporate a modern style seal and piston and are designed to work in conjunction with our uprated front brake kits.
They are available in steel with a smart zinc plated finish and stainless steel pistons, also available as anodised billet aluminium cylinders and pistons for competition use, complete with a set of pads.
Braided stainless steel brake hoses and higher friction brake pads are also available to further increase the performance levels.
These kits will be fitted to both our 1960 and 1957 Jensen 541R projects.
Stripping our 1977 MGBGT
January 11, 2019
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The restoration journey of our 1977 MGBGT is now in full swing with the car being stripped of all external components as well as the interior.
Having been dry stored for 30 years the majority of the car is very solid so other than the obvious places there are not too many major tasks to carry out to prepare the body for paint.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”25205,25206,25207,25208,25209,25210,25211,25212,25213,25214,25215,25216,25204,25203,25202,25201,25200,25199,25198,25197,25196,25195″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Walking Around our 1969 Pontiac Firebird 350 V8
January 11, 2019
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Fresh in the UK from Canada our 1969 Pontiac Firebird is now available for sale. Join us as we walk around the car…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxQikH44_Is” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
MGBGT engine running
January 10, 2019
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After 30 years of being dry stored and untouched we have successfully brought the engine back to life on our 1977 MG BGT.
This is fantastic news to begin our restoration journey but we still have a long way to go. The engine can now be worked on with the knowledge that it has successfully been run up.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TlIhCDs2Tc” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Re-covering the Austin Healey dash
January 10, 2019
We are now working on refurbishing the dash of our 1955 Austin Healey. The existing covering has been removed and the surface has been cleaned up.
We have now re-covered the dash in brand new vinyl and high temperature auto adhesive.
Our Jensen’s Corvette engine with up-rated camshaft
January 8, 2019
We are progressing very well with our 1957 Jensen 541R’s Corvette engine as we dial in the camshaft. Our engine is having an up rated camshaft fitted so Ady is currently working on rebuilding with the new upgraded specifications.
Here we are adjusting the valve timing.
1969-70 – 355 Small Block Chevrolet Engine, 5.8 litres
January 8, 2019
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Fully refurbished 355 cid small block Chevrolet engine, originally 5.4 litres.
1969-1970 cylinder block, 327 cid rebored .030″, decks milled .060″, ARP main cap bolts.
Cylinder heads “041” castings, unleaded exhaust valve seats, bronze guide liners.
Uprated oil pump, pickup, drive shaft.
Sump modified with windage screen and crank scraper, debris magnets.
Oil galleries and drainbacks enlarged and smoothed, oil jets added to timing gears and distributor gears.
Lightweight Corvette water pump, chrome pulley, brass core plugs.
Small diameter crank damper, ally pulley, flex plate with ARP bolts.
Eagle crankshaft, Eagle connecting rods, APR bolts, longer stroke giving 355 cid , 5.8 litres.
Keith Black Hypereutectic pistons, uprated rings, Cloyes True-Roller timing set.
Chevy L-79 camshaft (classic cam for this build), uprated cam followers and pushrods.
Rocker studs uprated to threaded items, high ratio rocker arms, Comp Cams valve springs, keepers, collets.
Manley stainless steel valves, exhaust valves increased to 1.60″, valve pockets gas flowed.
Uprated rocker covers, timing cover, fasteners, timing tab, breather and oil cap, stainless exhaust headers.
Lightweight uprated starter and alternator, Mallory billet distributor, MSD ignition and coil, 8mm plug leads.
New engine wiring loom, refurbished Edelbrock carburettor and inlet manifold (modified with plenum divider).
Estimated torque 380 lb.ft. at 3,800 rpm, bhp 360 bhp at 5,400.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”25033,25032,25031,25030,25029,25028,25027″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Re-manufacturing our Francis Barnett badges
January 8, 2019
Our original 1961 Francis Barnett badges are now in the hands of our good friends at Pamela David Enamels to be reproduced.
Pamela David Enamels was established in 1971 as family-run business. It has been the only one to specialise in the complete restoration and manufacture of one-off glass enamelled badges to original specifications using traditional glass enamels. Over our many years of unique experience they have developed working techniques which enable them to carry out every step of the involved process in-house. With satisfied clients all around the world their records show that three people from two generations of the family have restored over 15,000 badges and manufactured over 10,000 new badges as one-offs or small quantity batches. These new badges are usually to replace missing emblems which are no longer manufactured but can also be to clients’ own designs.
Stripping the rear axle and suspension
January 8, 2019
Our 1975 MG B restoration is progressing nicely with the rear axle now stripped and ready for refurbishment.
The brake drums and suspension components are also stripped and ready for media blasting.
The metalwork from within the rubber bumpers are also separated and ready for media blasting.
Refurbishing the MG window frames
January 8, 2019
Our window mechanisms are now stripped, cleaned, galvanised and ready for paint.
Cutting the Packard valves
January 8, 2019
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ady has been cutting a 45′ seat with a Mira.
We have also made a new valve guide.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
1963 Mini Paintwork
January 8, 2019
The underneath and inside of our 1963 Mini is now finished in Almond Green as work continues on the full respray.
The car is in with us for body preparation and paint and we then hand back to the owner to be rebuilt.
Jaguar E-Type V12 parts to be blasted
January 7, 2019
Work has now begun on the rebuild of our 1972 Jaguar E-Type. Brian is sorting through the components that will need to be media blasted, painted and refurbished to get them ready and on the shelf for the refit stage.
The rear cradle is ready for blasting and the rear wishbone assembly is ready for dismantling.
Our 1971 Jaguar E-Type, now with bonnet.
January 7, 2019
With the iconic Jaguar E-Type bonnet making up almost half of the exterior of the car, the day we are able to fit up the bonnet is the day an E-Type restoration really starts to take shape.
With the bonnet off and the full engine on display the car looks relatively incomplete but now you can see just how beautiful she looks and how striking the Golden Sands with red interior combination is.
Jaguar E-Type parts ready for blasting
January 7, 2019
More parts removed and ready for blasting and repainting.
