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In Place – Fitting the Straight-Six into our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica

July 19, 2022

The team in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop have begun to put the straight-six into the nose of our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica. Jon worked alongside Josh, during his work experience, to install the gearbox onto the engine before hooking it up to our engine hoist to begin the process of getting the whole assembly into the car.

The team masked up and covered over any freshly painted pieces to avoid damaging them while also making sure anything needed to be removed for the installation was taken off the engine or the car before-hand. During the lowering process, the team discovered the oil pump would need to be changed to the alternative ”bowl” style in order to clear the frame. So, the engine came back out once more for the team to make the changes and try again.

After the oil pump was changed, the team could begin the process again of getting the engine into its final place. Inch by inch, the engine and gearbox were brought forwards toward the engine bay. Jon made the slightest of adjustments to the chains that suspended it above the delicate frame.

After the gearbox had slipped past the firewall, the team got together to slowly lower the engine block down into place. In order to get enough angle for the engine to sit perfectly in place, Jon had removed the gearbox mounts in the cockpit of the classic Le Mans car. The team then had to remove one engine mount in order to slip behind the steering column and then rebolt and tighten the bracket into place.

Finally, the help of a few sets of hands and some careful pushing and pulling, the glorious heart of our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica was firmly in place.

With the engine now firmly in place on the C-Type Replica, our workshop and fabricators could begin work on getting the brakes and electrical system into the car for a test fit. But, it wouldn’t be complete without trying the beautiful new manifolds on the engine just to get a feel for what the engine bay of this incredible project will look like when finished.

We can’t wait to bring you more very soon on the build of our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica!

Fitting Up – Final Welding of the Door Supports and Mocking Up the Suspension on the 1956 Jensen 541

July 19, 2022

The restoration workshop at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ have been working on the 1956 Jensen 541.

This time, our technician Rob has been finishing up adjusting and finish welding the door supports for the car. With all of the supports and brackets perfectly in place to get the door gaps and alignment right, Rob could then finish welding all of the pieces into place including the all-important A pillar post.

With that now complete, the team could get the front suspension mocked up and into place. To begin with, the team worked on aligning the front tower in just the right place to then be spot-welded to the new frame and the controls arms mocked up into place to check measurements.

Stripped – Tearing Down the Seats of the 1958 Jensen 541R

July 19, 2022

The trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars have begun work on stripping back the rear seats of the 1958 Jensen 541R in with our team for paint and trim work.

Lydia, one of our trimmers, has carefully unpicked the covers to expose the foam core underneath. All of these pieces are being used for reference as part of the work, so are carefully organised and stored for the time being.

Once the covers had been taken off, Lydia could then begin piecing together and shaping out the new foam which will make up the core of the new rear seat of the 541R.

This Just In – 1936 Lagonda Rapier

July 18, 2022

Just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop at our Suffolk HQ is this beautiful 1936 Lagonda Rapier.

The classic pre-war tourer has arrived for our restoration technicians to look into an issue with the car’s dynamo which charges the battery. The workshop technicians will work on troubleshooting the exact cause of the fault to get this beautiful piece of history back to running perfectly again.

As it arrived, it was noted the exhaust was also hanging very low which the Bridge Classic Cars workshop team will have a look at too and see if it can be repaired. The team will also do a full inspection of the car as well.

We’re excited to show you more about the classic Lagonda Rapier very soon.

Nostalgia – History of the 1971 MG B Roadster

July 18, 2022

Every car has a story. The series of events from the day its first owner stared wide-eyed at their new car to the teary-eyed day they said goodbye, a cycle that repeats throughout the years, decades and generations. So, when we find an extensive and in-depth history file in the car it always makes for amazing reading.

In this case, it’s the story of the 1971 MG B Roadster. Its previous owner has meticulously catalogued his work with the car but also did something we find utterly beautiful.

The previous had managed to track down the car’s original owner! The car was collected from a local MG dealer in Colwyn Bay in Wales on the 1st of January 1971, a British Racing Green with black interior 2-seater sports car. The first owner kept the car for a few years before then selling it to a friend who also adored the car for several years before selling it on.

Inside of the history folder is several handwritten letters between the previous owners to fill in the gaps in the car’s history.

There’s also a wonderful leather-bound photo album that documents the car’s aesthetic restoration in 1989/1990.

Again, it all goes to add to the incredible history of the car and show that each and every one of our classics has a story beyond our own with our cars.

The Gentle Touch – Having the Grille of the 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica Chromed

July 18, 2022

The front grille of our C-Type Replica is so iconic. It immediately screams classic road and race cars because of its shape and form. It’s almost like a piece of sculpture on its own.

This will be sent off to a local specialist to be finished in dazzling chrome, befitting the care and passion being put into this very special car. The flowing nature of this particular piece of the car is just beautiful to look at and hold.

We’ve had this component specially made for us for the project using the original, traditional methods. And it’s the perfect jewel in the crown of C-Type Replica.

Changing Places – Swapping the Number Boards on the 2017 Ducati Scrambler 800 Cafe Racer

July 15, 2022

The team at Bridge Classic Cars are beginning the process of replicating the original design of the number boards on the 2017 Ducati Scrambler 800 over to the new number boards.

The original graphics on the silver number boards, which came as standard on the Cafe Racer versions of the Scrambler 800, will be copied and taken over to the aftermarket Carbon Fibre pieces which are currently on the bike.

Somewhere to Sit – Making the Seats for the 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica

July 15, 2022

Brian, our lead trimmer at Bridge Classic Cars, has been making the seats for our latest project – the 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica.

Brian has been on trying to make the seats fit exactly as they would have on the original car it is based on. Handmaking each of the pieces that will make up the seats for our C-Type Replica is what truly makes our in-house trim shop, what we believe, the best in the business.

As the project moves forward, we’re excited to see the car take shape.

With the Grain – New Veneers on the 1987 Daimler Double Six

July 15, 2022

The trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars have been replacing the wooden veneers in the 1987 Daimler Double Six as part of its restoration.

The team have gone through and replaced the wooden trim pieces of the car with brand new pieces which were supplied for the car. The team have carefully then reinstalled them back into the car making sure to get the perfect fitment to get the whole interior to fit and sit perfectly.

Close Contact – Inspecting the Hoses and Exhaust of the 1954 Jaguar MkVII

July 15, 2022

The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars have been looking into a couple of issues with the 1954 Jaguar MkVII which is in at our Suffolk HQ.

Firstly, the team have discovered the radiator hose was making very light contact with the lower crank pulley. It has left a few very small witness marks on the hose itself.

After that, the team look into an issue with the exhaust. Upon inspection, they found the exhaust bracket and the inner parts of the silencer had broken apart. These pieces have been put on order for the car.

Finally, the team have adjusted the air vent linkage which didn’t allow the vent in the scuttle panel to seal correctly which now works as it should.

Behind the Scenes – Live Draw of the 1969 Sunbeam Rapier

July 15, 2022

Last night, the Bridge Classic Cars team found out who the lucky new owner of our stunning 1969 Sunbeam Rapier was! Let’s take a look behind the scenes with Craig, Freddie and Nick.

The Sunbeam Rapier Fastback is one of the best-kept secrets in the classic car world. Gorgeous styling, good performance paired with sturdy and reliable engineering. Our beautiful vibrant Red Rapier Fastback proved to be hugely popular, by the time the competition ended at 7:10 PM last night, only 900 of the 7750 tickets remained. And, it was our lowest ticket price ever at just £3! But it was a lot of car for a very small outlay.

As the team went live on our Facebook page at 7PM, everyone began to join in with the comments section coming alive with greetings and messages of luck to each other.

After the introduction, Craig handed over to Nick for a quick tour with Freddie around the workshop to take a look at some of the work the Bridge Classic Cars workshop team have been doing over the last week. Then, at 10 past 7, the entries closed.

Whilst the team waited for the final entry list to be posted up online (which is done with all of our competitions) they took along around some of the other cars in the competitions building, some of which you will see more of very soon…

Then, it was time for the live draw. As always, we used a Google Random Number Generator to choose a winner from everyone who entered randomly. After a quick test to make sure the number generator was working correctly and messages of ”all clear” flashed away on the live stream, Craig input the numbers to be chosen between. 1 and 7750.

One final word of good luck from the team, and with a single click the future of the Rapier Fastback was confirmed. It would be heading to its new home with Chris. Who’s winning ticket of 5993 was selected by the random number generator.

As always the team give the winner a call. After a few rings, Chris answered. Although having your dinner interrupted isn’t always ideal, when Craig told him he was now the proud new owner of our 1969 Sunbeam Rapier, you could hear the excitement in his voice.

Delicate Work – Repairing and Refitting the Chromework on the 1984 Jaguar XJ

July 15, 2022

A few months ago, we repainted the bonnet and boot of the 1984 Jaguar XJ for its owner.

A couple of days ago the car came back to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop to have the team here repair and refit the chrome work to the classic XJ.

Scott, one of our technicians, carefully cleaned up and reshaped some of the delicate pieces to get them fitting just right into the recesses and curves of the car. He also had to repair several of the mounts needed to secure the trim pieces to the car. But, with gentle work, Scott managed to get all of the trim pieces looking spot on and fitted back onto the car for its owner.

Fitting Up – Washer and Wipers in Place on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4

July 15, 2022

The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars are continuing with the refit of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 in for total restoration.

Our technician Scott has been working on getting the various pieces for the washer bottle and wiper mechanism in place as part of its rebuild. With the bottle and mount in place, Scott could begin to make the various lines needed to run up the firewall of the classic GT car but also work around the wooden framing which lies behind and above it.

First Steps – 1987 Volvo 240GL at Pettistree to Begin Work

July 14, 2022

The amazing all-original 1987 Volvo 240GL has been brought over from The Hangar to our restoration workshop for the teams to begin work on.

The classic Volvo will be handed over to the paint and body team to have some issues taken care of and then be repainted in its original white. Preserving the originality of the car for many years to come.

Keep a look out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page very soon for more updates on the 1987 Volvo 240GL.

From the Ground Up – Making Seat Backs for our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica

July 14, 2022

Brian, our lead trimmer at Bridge Classic Cars, has been working on creating the seatbacks for the 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica.

The pieces have been made by Brian and are being entirely trimmed and fitted by hand to the very highest specification for this very special project. The padding for the bolsters on the C-Type Replica is trimmed, shaped and folded onto the seats to perfectly fit under the new covers which are also being worked on.

Just wait until you see the covers…

Readied – Priming the Doors of the 1986 Daimler DS420

July 14, 2022

After their metal repairs were completed by the fabrication shop, the doors for the 1986 Daimler DS420 have been taken into the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop to be primered.

The doors were first thoroughly cleaned down before the team set them onto the door jigs to be sprayed. The first stage is to get the panels into Epoxy Primer to stop any rust from forming on the bare metal doors. These will then go on to be reworked by the team until perfect and keep going through various sanding and priming stages until they’re ready for paint and then reunited with the body.

Preparations – Removing the Centre Console and Dashboard from the 1987 Daimler Double Six

July 14, 2022

The trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars have been carefully removing the veneered pieces from the interior of the 1987 Daimler Double Six.

Brian, one of our trimmers, has been removing the centre console pieces along with the dashboard to prepare them for being reveneered. For this, he had to remove all fittings and trim pieces from each panel in order to safely remove them from the car.

Once out, he could get then tear them down further in order to expose the edges of the veneer to be carefully removed and prepared.

Inch by Inch – Repairing the Doors on the 1986 Daimler DS420

July 14, 2022

As part of the restoration of the 1986 Daimler DS420, the team have been carrying out various metal repairs to the doors of the classic limo.

Our fabrication shop has made multiple patch pieces for the car which all have to be perfect fits to work around the complex compound curves which make up door jams and recesses, while also having the correct orientation to fit into the door openings on the body once closed.

The fabrication team have also replaced the bottom corner of the door due to quite heavy corrosion.

With all of the metal repairs done on the doors, it was time to get them moved over to our paint and body shop for the team to continue the restorative work.

Front End – New Calipers, Polished Indicators and Sorting Out the ABS on the 1998 Honda Integra Type R

July 14, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars are working on the front end of the 1998 Honda Integra Type R.

The team have fitted the newly repainted front brake calipers onto the knuckles of the iconic DC2 Integra. From there, the team began to bleed the brake system. But, there was a small issue.

While looking into the problem, the team also removed the indicators from the front bumper to have them polished. They have come as good as new and been reinstalled back into the bumper.

The issue with bleeding the brakes was traced back to the ABS pump. It is believed the system inhale air and caused an air pocket which wasn’t allowing the system to be completely bled.

So, Jon carefully and gently released the ABS lines from the pump in order to ”burp” the system and release the air pocket. With this now done, the team can top up the system with the specific brake fluid for the Integra and bleed the entire system completely.

Straight & Narrow – Suspension Bushes and Alignment on the 1955 Triumph TR2

July 14, 2022

The 1955 Triumph TR2 has had a few bits of suspension work carried out by the Bridge Classic Cars team.

The team have replaced the offside-front upper arm bushes due to a bit of play in the bush itself and also replaced the outer track rod end on the same side of the car. Jon, one of our technicians, carefully removed the old bushes from the car to make way for the new replacements.

Because the team had unbolted and moved components from the front suspension, it is crucial to have the car realigned. So, Jon millimetre by millimetre adjusted the toe of the classic Triumph until it was perfectly within spec and even on both sides of the car. After road test, all was ok.

Check – Checking Door Clearance on the 1956 Jensen 541

July 14, 2022

The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars are in the process of getting the doors aligned and adjusted to the body of the 1956 Jensen 541.

To begin with, our technician Rob welded in the A-pillar bracing fully before offering up the door frame. Once in place, he could then begin to check throughout the opening and the door for any interference or clearance issues which needed to be adjusted out before the door skin is test fit and the process done again to double-check.

All of these parts of the build are crucial to the final fit and finish of the car.

From the Inside – Painting the Battery Box on the 1970 Bristol 411

July 13, 2022

While the 1970 Bristol 411 was in the Bridge Classic Cars paint booth, the team finished off the painting jobs by finishing the battery box, hidden away in the inner wing.

The floor of the battery base had been replaced by the team previously as part of some corrosion repairs. This was then prepared and primed by the paint and body team, before being finished in deep hard wearing black to finish off its look.

Keep a look out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page very soon for more updates on the 1970 Bristol 411 very soon.

This Just In – 1981 Alfa Romeo Giulietta

July 13, 2022

Just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration in Suffolk is this absolutely beautiful bright blue 1981 Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

The classic Italian saloon car has come in to be inspected and assessed by the Bridge Classic Cars restoration teams who will compile their reports, so we’re excited to bring you an update very soon on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.

Keep a look out very soon!

Inside the Workshop – 1958 Jensen 541R in Primer

July 13, 2022

Check out the latest video from Bridge Classic Cars! We go into the paint booth as the team get primer on the 1958 Jensen 541R.

This is the first stage of getting the fibreglass-bodied GT car in perfect condition before its Ice Blue Metallic paintwork.

This Just In – 2008 Bentley Continental GT Speed

July 13, 2022

Just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ is this absolutely stunning 2008 Bentley Continental GT Speed.

The luxury GT car has come in for our various teams to look over, inspect, assess and report back any findings they have for the car. Once they have compiled their report, we will bring you an update very soon on the legendary Continental GT Speed.

The Continental GT Speed was the fastest and most powerful option that could be specified by Bentley for its original owner. The 6-litre twin-turbo W12 makes a shade over 600BHP with an earth shuddering amount of torque, which was able to push this Flying B all the way past the 200MPH mark.

Perfect Fit – Shaping and Trimming the Seats for Our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica

July 13, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop has been working on a new set of seats for our incredible 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica.

Lydia and Brian, our in-house trim experts, have worked their magic on creating these replica buckets to exact specifications and shape for an early racing bucket seat. Finished in bright, vivid red, these seats will form the centrepiece of the cabin of the C-Type Replica and really show off just how good our trim shop really is.

There’s going to be a lot more on the C-Type Replica very soon here at Bridge Classic Cars.

Crossing Over – New Door Skin and More Roof Framework on the 1956 Jensen 541

July 13, 2022

The 1956 Jensen 541 has had some new parts and pieces fitted during its build-up in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop at our Suffolk HQ.#

The team have test fit a new door skin to the frame to make sure everything lines up and fits as it should before then fitting the door to the frame to check for any interference from the door to the bodywork or the various pieces of the framework on the classic 1950s GT car.

Once the door had been checked, Rob, could begin working on the roof frame on the other side of the car. This was offered up and any adjustments needed to make sure it had a correct tight fit up to the roof panel while still being squared and aligned to the other side of the car.

Update – Refitting the 1987 Daimler Double Six

July 13, 2022

The trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars has been working on getting some of the key trim pieces back into the 1987 Daimler Double Six while removing some smaller pieces to be refinished by the team.

To begin with, Brian fit the new bonnet insulation under the hood of the classic Daimler. This is a noise and heat protector which is cut to shape and rollered on to get the best contact and fit into the recesses under the bonnet.

From there, the team could get the headliner and sunroof for the car finished off. The edges of the opening were finished and glued back neatly into place before the necessary pieces of trim were fitted.

Finally, the team moved to the centre console of the classic Daimler in order to remove switchgear and fittings from the car. This was to then completely remove the weathered panel’s wooden veneer which is being worked on by the team as part of the restoration of the car.

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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