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New Arrival – 1966 Austin Gipsy

February 3, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Arriving in with us today, our 1966 Austin Gipsy. Spent many years right here in Ipswich with original receipts from Firman’s Garage on Norman Crescent

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Work is now underway on our new offices and customer toilets

February 22, 2017

At the beginning of February 2017 Bridge Classic Cars took over the reigns of one of Ipswich’s longest running MOT and vehicle repair workshops.

MD Thorp has been occupying the site on Deben Road for many many years and over those years the premises has offered various different services.

As Derek Smalley on Facebook shared with us recently, he “used to live in Castle Rd, took my 1936 Morris 8 to have new king pins fitted for the new fangled MOT about 1963 at MDThorpe who l think where the Proprietors then where you are now ! Used to buy petrol of the forecourt on Norwich Rd at 2/6 (13p) a gallon, going back a bit now 😉. Bought it for £2 off a work colleague who needed the money for insurance on his new (old)car, a 1940’s Vauxhall?. Wish l still had tie old Morrie now, finished its life pushed in a farmers pond!”

In more recent years you may know the garage as Thorp’s Garage, run by Peter and Andy. Peter and Andy are contuing to work with us but Thorp’s Garage will now trading as Bridge MOT Centre.

It’s business as usual in the workshop but if you come up to see us you’ll see work is now underway on refurbishing the entire premises to give us the opportunity to give you much more.

Here we have the current toilets being ripped apart to make way for our new customer toilets.

And behind the scenes we’ll have two new offices too

 

Insurance Valuation – 1974 De Tomaso Pantera

February 21, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In the Bridge Classic Cars workshop this afternoon we welcomed a stunning 1974 De Tomaso Pantera for an insurance valuation assessment.

Quite often insurance companies require advise from an independent valuer, this can be a Car Club Official, Restorer, Valuer or Specialist Dealer. With the classic car market changing so rapidly it is important for insurers to understand the true value of the vehicle, not only for themselves but for the vehicle’s owner too.

There’s many different scenarios to be aware of. This example isn’t the only one but it’s a simple one to understand:

If your car is very rare, you know yourself it is worth £30,000 but the only one that is found on the internet in a search sold 2 years ago for £20,000. An insurance company only has this information to go on, therefore they may consider your car to have a market value of £20,000. An independent valuer will be able to assess it on it’s current condition and the current market value of similar vehicles and will be able to provide a more accurate and trusted valuation.

Our 1974 De Tomaso Pantera has arrived today for an insurance valuation. A full inspection has been carried out by the team and all findings have been recorded. This information will now be relayed to the insurance company and a more accurate figure can be agreed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10154,10155,10156,10157,10158,10159,10160,10161,10162,10163,10164,10165,10166,10167,10168,10169,10170,10171,10172,10173,10174,10175,10176,10177,10178,10179,10180,10181,10182,10183,10184,10185,10186,10187,10188,10189,10190,10191,10192,10193,10194,10195,10196″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I think it’s safe to say this De Tomaso Pantera made a lot of people very happy today as it drew quite the crowd; with the guys at Wilco and FastFit popping by to say hello, even Andy and Pete came down from Bridge MOT to have a little look too.

The crowd seemed to gather before the car even arrived but I guess they knew it was coming, I think the fact we heard it from around the Asda area helped!!

…and by the way, if you own a De Tomaso Pantera yourself and are wondering it’s worth, don’t worry, the hypathetical story above does not relate in any way.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

1924 Riley 10.8HP 11/40 Sports Tourer coming soon…

February 21, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Previously owned by Bridge Classic Cars back in 2012, we are very pleased to reveal that our stunning 1924 Riley 10.8HP 11/40 Sports Tourer will be returning later in the month.

A brief history of the Riley 10.8HP 11/40 Sports Tourer ‘Blue Belle’: from H&H Classics website

Riley’s sporting 11/40 model was introduced at the Olympia show of 1919. By 1925 its detachable head side-valve engine had risen in capacity to 1645cc, increasing output from the initial 35bhp to 42. A variety of bodystyles were offered, many of which were the work of Midland Motor Body, while a number of other cars were exported in chassis form – not least to the Antipodes, where demand for the 11/40 was strong.

‘DS 9184’ is an example of the latter, having been shipped to Australia in 1925 and clothed in a local four-seat Touring body.

For the war years it was apparently transformed into a Ute, before being laid up in a country garage for the ensuing 40 years. Enthusiast Bernie Jacobson was evidently the man who awoke the Riley from its slumbers, whereupon it was totally stripped and fitted with a new hand-crafted all-alloy body courtesy of Coachcraft of Melbourne. The original engine, gearbox, rear axle and running gear were all attended to at the same time, and the Tourer treated to fresh interior leather trim and a brand new soft top. The estimated cost of the work undertaken is £80,000 to £100,000.

This delightful little veteran features Deep Prussian Blue bodywork paired with Black wings, the design of which is notably minimalist. The smart interior boasts Light Blue hide upholstery and matching carpets, and the 11/40 rides on colour-keyed wire wheels. Inclement weather can be excluded by a large Black mohair hood that is memorable for its Rileyesque diamond-shaped rear window. The vendor informs us that the overhauled engine is ‘beautifully detailed, in excellent order, starts instantly, and pulls strongly and smoothly through the gears’. ‘DS 9184 has apparently travelled few miles since all the work was completed and is now offered complete with a comprehensive file detailing the restoration, plus a variety of magazine articles featuring the car.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”1546,1545,1544,1543,1542,1541,1540,1539,1538,1537,1536,1535,1534,1533,1532,1531,1530,1529,1528,1526,1524,1523,1520,1518,1517,1516,1515″ title=”Images of original content only: @BridgeClassicCars taken in 2012.”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

A great day out at Olympia Historic Automobile Fair and Auction

February 20, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Gordon and Craig had an amazing day out in Kensington for Olympia Historic Automobile Fair and Auction and it was lovely to see a selection of the Bridge Classic Cars collection there on the day.

All of our cars received great reviews with lots of visitors enjoying them on the day as we saw on later Instagram posts from around the world.

Here are a few images of the fantastic collection of cars and a £46,000 Rolex watch too![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10114,10115,10116,10117,10118,10119,10120,10121,10122,10123,10124,10125,10126,10127,10128,10129,10130,10113,10112,10111,10110,10131,10132,10133,10134,10135,10136,10137,10138,10139,10140,10141,10142,10143,10144,10145,10146,10147,10148,10149,10150,10151″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Assessing the Jaguar E-Type Chromework

February 20, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]All of the chrome and bright work has been completely removed from the car and gathered together ready for assessment.

A lot of the items can be replaced with new, however some components are better to have re chromed, to keep the originality. Others are very difficult or very expensive to source new.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10399,10400,10401,10402,10403,10404,10405,10406,10407,10408,10409,10410,10411,10412″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Reaching 46,000 thanks to the Instagram love at Olympia

February 19, 2017

We’ve had an amazing weekend at Olympia Historic Automobile Fair and Auction.

With our 1956 Jensen 541 taking pride of place beside the auction area, our 1972 Jaguar E-Type V12 attracting the largest crowd, our 1972 Fiat 500L seemed to get the most photographic attention and our 1959 Austin Healey Sprite getting the best feedback from auctioneer Guy, the weekend couldn’t have been better for Bridge Classic Cars.

Not only did we receive fantastic feedback over the weekend but a quick search on Instagram showed that our cars were potentially seen by over 46000 Instagram followers. We can not thank the visitors of Olympia and the Instagram members enough for their amazing photos.

It’s lovely to see our cars being photographed and enjoyed by many others…

A special thank you to:

@kateenters – 475 followers

@dbizzle_ – 4542 followers

@irelo89 – 248 followers

@pistonheads_speedmatters – 24500 followers

@itslenf – 15900 followers

@fsalusbury – 113 followers

@jeebc – 189 followers

@mailhp – 42 followers

@annaambroz – 113 followers

Removing the paint from our Jaguar E-Type roadster

February 17, 2017

This week, the task of removing the paint from our 1971 Jaguar E-Type roadster didn’t come without its dramas.

With the car in position, the compressor all set up and ALL of the correct PPE in place ? Lauren got to work on he job of painstakingly removing every inch of the excess paint from the body shell…

 

…that was until disaster struck and Lauren found herself with a spec of 46 year old Jaguar dust in her eye. Even though her mask was on, her goggles were securely fastened that little time still managed to find its way in.

So with an afternoon spent in A&E and a good flush of the eye Lauren was back to work and back tackling the E-Type body.

Off to Olympia Historic Automobile Fair and Auction

February 16, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Apologies to anyone on Norwich Road in Ipswich this morning as we unexpectedly slowed down the traffic whilst loading our fantastic classics ready for the trip to Olympia, Kensington for this weekend’s Olympia Historic Automobile Fair and Auction.

It was lovely to see so many people come out of their homes to take a look at the cars being loaded…hopefully it wasn’t to shout at us for causing disruption.

Here we have our Jaguar E-Type V12 and Jensen 541 waiting patiently for the sign from Robin at Russell’s Transport to load on. As you can see the Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite and the Fiat 500L got the top bunk.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10030,10029,10028,10027,10026,10025,10024,10023,10022,10021,10020,10019,10018,10017,10016,10015,10014,10013,10012,10011,10010,10009,10008,10007,10006,10005″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hopefully we’ll see some of you this weekend at Olympia, we’ll probably be somewhere around the The Whisky Exchange Masterclasses.

Thanks again if you were along Norwich Road today. If you were late for work, just blame Bridge Classic Cars.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The seamless work continues on our Jaguar E-Type Racing Bonnet

February 16, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve just had confirmation from SNG Barratt that our missing headlight diaphragm is now in stock and will be shipped to us very shortly. Once this has arrived the bonnet preparation will be complete and ready for paint preparation.

This is a very unique project as we are pushing the boundaries of design. A lot of the ideas are bespoke and therefore require our skilled team of technicians to manufacture parts rather than relying on the traditional method of purchasing ‘off the shelf’.

As you can see from the latest pictures, the bonnet has really taken shape. The seams have been removed. These seams act as strengthening in certain places so extra enforcement has been introduced where necessary. Everything is hidden to give this beautiful smooth look.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10079,10080,10081,10082,10083,10084,10085,10086,10087″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

First glimpse of the new Maserati Merak door cards

February 15, 2017

I couldn’t resist posting a few pictures of our ‘almost’ complete Maserati Merak door cards.

I’m sure there’s not many cars on the road today with red leather stitched in green but then again, there’s not many cars on the road today with both a Maserati and a Merak badge.

Making our Jaguar E-Type Racing Series Seamless

February 15, 2017

Work is now underway removing the seams on our 1967 Jaguar E-Type Racing Series bonnet.

Breaking the mould of a traditional Jaguar E-Type we are building a racing specification model. All of the chrome that you would normally find on the exterior will be removed.

Here’s one we prepared earlier, our 1966 Jaguar E-Type in our workshops ready to be collected.

The chrome that you see on the car above will be removed from our racing edition.

The seams and holes will be removed to give a completely smooth finish and anywhere where chrome would normally be found will now be naked.

Preparing for installation of the Merak fuel tanks

February 15, 2017

A task that would be made a whole lot harder if the interior was already installed. Here we are applying rivets to the outer shell of the fuel tank compartments. This is a view from behind the seats prior to the fuel tank insulation and tanks themselves being fitted later this week.

A view from under the rear arches of the Maserati Merak fuel tank outer housing.

Getting ready for Coys Of Kensington

February 14, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]She’s out of hiding and today, we welcome into the Bridge Classic Cars workshops our 1956 Jensen 541.

A quick once over to make sure she’s tip top ready for the trip to Kensington for this weekend’s Olympia Historic Automobile Fair and Auction.

Wherever she goes she draws quite the crowd and today is no exception.

Amongst the spectators was film producer Paul Dolden from Paul Dolden Details. Great to meet Paul and hopefully we’ll see much more of you and your work in the future.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”10099,10100,10101,10102,10103,10104,10105,10106,10107″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Jaguar E-Type V12 roadster ready for paint

February 13, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The body work reshaping is now been completed on our 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 roadster.

The body will now be prepared for the new black finish to be applied.

It was a huge task correcting the body of this roadster because of the alterations that had been made previously but Tommy has done an incredible job. He has barely turned his head away from this project since returning from Christmas but now we have reached the light at the end of the tunnel.

The very final piece before she goes off into our paint shop, we will remove all of the excess paint that is still remaining on the shell.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”9963,9962,9961,9960,9959,9958,9957,9956,9955,9954″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Repair Work on Land Rover Series 1 Body Panels

February 13, 2017

We have had a visit today from Peter with a collection of Land Rover Series 1 body panels in need of repair. The panels are manufactured using Birmabright, one of the toughest materials to work with.

We accept the challenge…

Olympia, Kensington – February 2017

February 6, 2017

Three of our vehicles feature in the Olympia Historic and Automobile Fair and Auction 2017 official brochure.

Our 1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite, 1972 Jaguar E-Type V12 and 1956 Jensen 541

For those passionate about discovering,  investing in, enjoying and racing fine historic automobiles from around the world, the Olympia Historic and Automobile Fair and Auction is being held at the Olympia, Kensington, London on Friday 17th February through to Sunday 19th February 2017.

To book tickets click here

 

Polishing the Jensen 541S Copper

February 3, 2017

We posted earlier this week images of the bumpers finished in copper. They have now been polished ready for the chrome plating process.

Dismantling the front grille

February 3, 2017

The final few sections of the bright-work have now gone off to be chromed at Wyatt Polishing in Thetford

The front grille has been completely stripped back to individual sections. This is best way to achieve the ultimate results. If someone tells you they can re-chrome something like this as one piece be very cautious. It will be very difficult to polish in between the individual sections with it in one piece. It can be done but it will not give you the best results.

Templates have been drawn up to ensure that each section goes back in the correct place.

Here we have the separate components all as individual pieces.


Fresh paint on our 1965 Jaguar E-Type

February 3, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The first glimpse of our 1965 Jaguar E-Type fresh out of the paint shop.

Bob was busy working on it as I took the photos so I didn’t want to distract him too much.

The first panel to paint was under the number plate section at the back.

We still have the front valance to paint and once this is completed Bob will assess the finish to ensure that he is happy.

The new rubbers have arrived for the areas affected by the removal process so once the paint has undergone a first polish we’ll start to rebuild the car.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”9897,9898,9899,9900,9901,9902,9903,9904,9905″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

New Arrival – 1966 Austin Gipsy

February 3, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Arriving in with us today, our 1966 Austin Gipsy.

Spent many years right here in Ipswich with original receipts from Firman’s Garage on Norman Crescent dating back to 1982.

This 4×4 utility vehicle was originally manufactured in 1962. It is one of four that were originally built for Heathrow Airport to transport VIP’s to and from the planes.

It was not registered for the UK roads until 1st December 1966.

Comes with lots of fantastic, local history and even the original workshop manual. The previous owner drove her daily and it came to us still with 7 months MOT.

As with all of the wonderful classics on the road today, it comes with it’s own unique and intriguing story. There are images online of The Beatles being transported in one of the four Gipsy’s used by Heathrow Airport but unfortunately no one has been able to identify which of the four was used.

Maybe one day, someone somewhere may be able to find out the truth![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”9874,9875,9876,9877,9878,9879,9880,9881,9882,9883,9884,9885,9886,9887,9888,9889,9890,9891,9892,9893,9894,9872″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Work continues on our Jaguar E-Type bonnet

February 2, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The front underpin is now fitted, as is the front light diaphragms. Just a few more welding issues to tackle and Laura will be done with our bonnet.

The styling for our racing series will be seamless. The chrome bonnet trims will be removed and the bonnet will have a completely smooth finish.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”9936,9937,9938,9939,9940,9941,9942,9943,9944,9945,9946,9947,9948,9949,9950″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Fabricating the new Jensen 541S chassis

February 2, 2017

The first site of our newly formed 5″ Jensen 541S chassis, moments before it was fitted to the beautiful 1960 Jensen 541S prototype that we are currently restoring.

Asa has been busy fabricating the piece to replace the rotten component that unfortunately we had little option but to remove.

I am hoping tomorrow that I will be able to update you with images of the chassis being pieced back together. We are now at the stage where everything has been removed that needs to be and now Asa is busy building it all back up ready for the paint preparation to take place.

Our 1971 Jaguar E-Type roadster outside Bridge Classic Cars HQ

February 2, 2017

Our 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 roadster finally got given some fresh air today as we let her outside for a bit.

Here we are outside the Bridge Classic Cars headquarters on Deben Road in Ipswich.

It was a little nippy out but the sun was shining.

The Jaguar E-Type, one of the most admired classics. Even in the restoration stages the Jaguar E-Type roadster is still a stunning site and brought a smile to everyone who passed by the doors today.

We often get a few looks in as we are working away during the day but when we park something up outside it’s always lovely to hear people’s comments.

EXCITING NEWS: Opening Monday – Bridge MOT Centre

February 2, 2017

We are very excited to announce that from Monday 6th February we’ll be taking over one of Ipswich’s longest servicing vehicle maintenance workshops as we expand the Bridge family.

Formerly known as Thorp’s Garage on Deben Road in Ipswich it will be business as usual on Monday morning but with a new look and a new name.

And it is with great delight we can also confirm that both Peter Church and Andy Frost will remain with us and they’ll continue to run the workshop on a day to day basis.

The location and phone number remain the same so basically you don’t need to do anything, other than tell your friends!

Bridge MOT Centre, formerly Thorp’s Garage on Deben Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 5EN.

Telephone 01473 743033

Our services will continue to include:

• MOT

• SERVICING

• TYRES

• BRAKES

• AIR CONDITIONING

• REPAIRS AND CAR CARE

• BATTERIES

• DIAGNOSTICS

…plus much more to reveal soon.

Stay tuned as we launch a brand new website and lots of new incentives for our loyal customers.

From everyone at Bridge Classic Cars, we wish David and his team at Thorp’s Garage all the best for the future and welcome to the Bridge team Peter and Andy.

Bridge MOT Centre, Deben Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 5EN opening Monday morning at 8am.

Meet Guy, Claire and ‘Exy’, their beloved Bertone X1/9

February 2, 2017

Fantastic story, written by Andy Russell on the Ipswich Star website from January 2017

Guy and Claire Ransom with the Bertone X1/9 they have ownee since 1990. Picture supplied by Guy Ransom

Guy Ransom, Commercial Director of Finn Geotherm bought his Bertone X1/9 in 1990 and this ‘bella’ Italian sports car is still a big part of his and wife Claire’s lives.

“Having finished university in 1990, and recently married, my wife and I had been using a car kindly provided by my mother-in law – a respectably boring, grey Mark II Ford Escort.

One bright summer morning, however, I was driving past a motor dealership at Thorpe, near Norwich, when a beautiful little metallic blue, wedge-shaped sports car caught my eye – an X1/9.

Generally known as being a Fiat, the car was actually designed by Lucio Bertone in Turin. In 1989 Fiat ceased making the X1/9 and Bertone, still being in love with his ‘bambino Ferrari’, purchased the rights to manufacture it for one more year. This car was one of the Bertone X1/9s. To emphasise the shape of the car, the registration number even ended WEG – what more could I ask for.

With a 1,500cc engine and a twin Webber carb, the X1/9 has ample power to let it skip through the country lanes. As the engine is mounted in the middle of the car, the weight distribution is ideal, allowing superb road holding. The X1/9’s greatest design features however lie in the single panel roof which removes quickly, and easily, to safely stow under the bonnet, still leaving ample space for two large holdalls. In case this isn’t sufficient for your travels, the car has an additional boot behind the engine which holds the two specially-designed X1/9 canvas travel bags.

Exy the Bertone X1/9 finally made it to Le Mans after a engine fire scuppered an earlier trip. Picture supplied by Guy Ransom.

When I purchased my beloved ‘Exy’, she was only a year old and had a mere 14,000 miles on her clock. Despite becoming far more sensible as time moved on, and acquiring various family cars, I have stubbornly held on to my X1/9, keeping her garaged throughout each of the past 26 winters. The result is that she is still the same gleaming testament to the brilliance of Bertone’s design skills that she was when I bought her.

Over the years we have suffered a few challenges – including her engine overheating while warming up in my garage before driving to Le Mans in France. This was not a normal overheat however. Walking into the garage, I noticed the engine had stopped and found flames and smoke coming from under the bonnet.

The Bertone X1/9 in Monte Carlo as part of a tour of Italy and France. Picture supplied by Guy Ransom.

The consequence was missing the Le Mans trip but, more seriously, having an engine bay refit with all pipes and wires – plus other consumable plastic items – being replaced. The engine however remained fine.

In the main, however, Exy has given us many years of brilliant motoring. It has included taking her on a circuit of France, complete with tent, cooking equipment, food and clothing for two weeks – and, yes, we did eventually reach Le Mans.

We’ve also taken her, as a classic car more than 25 years old, on the London to Brighton car rally twice. Our most recent trip this summer was to take her on a 4,000-mile journey through France, Switzerland and Italy – including a stop-off at the Lucio Bertone factory in Turin (now owned by Maserati). Over the 16 days of our journey, including driving over the Alps, through traffic jams in Turin and mile after mile of beautiful vineyard-bordered roads in Provence, she didn’t miss a beat. Indeed, my wife and I were still competing for whose turn it was to drive on the last day of our travels.

The next major journey we’re planning is of a similar length, but this time starting in Santander in Spain, getting there by ferry, and travelling round the circumference of Spain to include as many of the must-see spots of ‘real Spain’ en route.

For us, the X1/9 remains one of the best-designed, yet most under-rated examples of Italian sports cars. As we had called to us several times as we drove through Turin – “Bella, bella!”.

The Ipswich Star are keen to hear from you about your first car and the adventures and scrapes you had – email your motoring memories with a picture of the car to motoring@archant.co.uk or post it to Andy Russell, motoring editor, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1RE.

And why not cc us in on the story too info@bridgeclassiccars.co.uk The original story can be found at Ipswich Star online. Further permission has been granted by Guy Ransom for the use of images and content by Bridge Classic Cars.

Is it best to buy new or re-chrome?

February 2, 2017

We get asked this a lot, is it best to buy new or re-chrome original parts? Let’s look at the facts:

Original chrome taken from a 1949 MG YT

Buying New

Who is the supplier of the new products? Are they a reputable company and do they specialise in your particular vehicle? I guess the last part isn’t crucial but it is something we consider when working on our projects at Bridge Classic Cars. The way to look at it, if you find a company that has been trading for many years and they specialise in a particular make or group of vehicles then it’s certainly more reassuring that the chrome they supply will fit. At the end of the day, it’s all about reputation, if you are good at what you do then you get known for being.

With new, more often than not the parts are produced of a lesser quality material. Because we live in a world of tight budgets products have to be produced cheaper, this way they can be sold more competitively.

People are often put off by the ‘Chinese’ market but it’s no longer the case that something made in China is no good, it is. If you are sold into the idea that a product produced in Germany is better than one from China then unfortunately you may be missing out on a great product.

Buying new is often the cheaper alternative to re-chroming the existing products and this is really important. If the part is small and considered less significant then buying new is totally the way to go. Why waste money on the most expensive option?

To sum up, buying new is fantastic, everything is shiny and perfect and with modern tooling it is safe to say that it will most likely fit how it should. There is however one key thing to consider…

Using Existing

…it isn’t original.

Original is great, it has a story. The car came with it on, it belongs on the car, therefore, if it can be refurbished then it should remain.

Having said that, it can often be the most expensive option so you do need to sit down and really assess the importance of original against cost.

Secondly, do you have a good chromer and polisher? There is an art to rechroming so do ensure the company you use are good and that you’ve seen their work. We use a company in Thetford, Wyatt Polishing, they are fantastic and have been doing it for many years. They undertake all kinds of metal restoration on classic, custom cars and bikes. Basically anything that needs plating they can provide a triple service which involves copper, nickel and chrome. They offer a repair service for damaged items such as rusty and holed car bumpers, damaged trims, badly pitted mazak can repaired before plating.

Original chrome taken from a 1949 MG YT

Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we do not limit our options. We consider both options on every occasion. Some parts are nearly impossible to get hold of which therefore means our only option is to repair. Other’s are so much cheaper to replace with new so it makes sense to do it that way. There really is no right or wrong answer to this question.

This is our 1949 MG YT chrome, we have purchased some parts new but the majority has gone over to the platers to be refurbished ready to be refitted.

Original chrome taken from a 1949 MG YT

Original chrome taken from a 1949 MG YT

Original chrome taken from a 1949 MG YT

Original chrome taken from a 1949 MG YT

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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