AC Cobra Wiring
November 14, 2024
Classic car technician Steve has been looking at the wiring of our 1975 AC Cobra replica.
1975 Cobra Project
Brake Routing on the 1975 Cobra Replica
November 4, 2024
Our technician Steve has been working his magic on the 1975 Cobra project in our workshops ahead of its inspection and tests. This time, Steve
Cobra IVA rules…
October 25, 2024
IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) is edging closer and closer for our Cobra project. Every step of the way it is vital that the rules are
Update on the 1975 Cobra Replica
October 21, 2024
Our technician Steve has been working on the 1975 Cobra Replica, checking off the jobs needed to get the ready for its inspection and certification.
Priming Our AC Cobra
October 9, 2024
Our 1975 AC Cobra replica has been primed in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop.
In Primer
September 18, 2024
Chris and Mauro have been prepping our 1975 AC Cobra replica for painting. After Mauro prepped the car, Chris masked the car and panels up
A Cobra Taking Shape
August 12, 2024
Mauro has continued his work on our 1975 AC Cobra Replica and it is now really starting to take shape.
Reprofiling the Rear Arch on the 1975 Cobra Replica
July 26, 2024
Our body shop team have been working on the 1975 Cobra Replica which is going through its restoration journey at the Bridge Classic Cars workshops.
Fit Up – Getting Everything Lined Up on our 1975 Cobra Replica
July 25, 2024
Our paint and body team have been working their magic on the 1975 Cobra Replica currently in at the Bridge Classic Cars workshops here in
Another Piece of the Puzzle – Exhausts for our 1975 Cobra Project Are Back
June 27, 2024
The exhaust for our 1975 Cobra project are back at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ after being sent off to a specialist for coating. With
Body on and progress with our 1975 Cobra Replica
May 24, 2024
Our technician Julian has been hard at work with the rebuild of our 1975 Cobra Replica. With the engine back in the newly painted frame,
Cobra Chassis
April 26, 2024
The front suspension of our 1975 AC Cobra Replica is now complete with new coilovers and an anti-roll bar fitted. The differential has been rebuilt
Cobra Chassis
April 15, 2024
Classic car technician Julian has been building the chassis of our 1975 AC Cobra Replica. The front suspension has been painted and serviced and just
A Cobra In The Paintshop
April 11, 2024
Our 1975 AC Cobra Replica has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop recently. Chris has painted the engine bay while Mauro completed filler
Lots Of Cobra Progress
April 5, 2024
Our 1975 AC Cobra Replica has been undergoing quite a lot of week recently. It has had primer and raptor applied to the engine bay
Cobra Bits In Paint
April 4, 2024
Multiple components of our 1975 AC Cobra Replica have been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with Chris as he has been painting them in
Cobra Rear Axle
March 28, 2024
Mauro has been removing the rear axle from the chassis of our 1975 AC Cobra Replica. Once this was done, he also primed the engine
In The Fabrication Bay
February 8, 2024
Our 1975 Cobra Project has been in the fabrication bay with Christian. Chris has been working out the seat position and making a drill jig
Separate Parts
January 11, 2024
The paint and body team at our Suffolk HQ have been methodically working on separating the body from the frame of our 1975 AC Cobra
Painting Cobra Parts
January 8, 2024
Mauro has been painting various parts of our 1975 Cobra Replica in black.
Cobra Strip And Interior
December 21, 2023
Classic car technician Mauro has removed the gearbox and fuel line from our 1975 AC Cobra Project. Brian has also been working on the interior
A Change Of Plan
December 13, 2023
Work is well underway on our 1975 Cobra project. However, the plans have changed slightly as the owner of the car changed their mind about
Cobra Primed
December 8, 2023
The Cobra body, chassis and engine bay are now all primed.
Cobra strip down and preparation
December 7, 2023
Mauro is continuing to strip down the Cobra project in preparation for the primer stage. Whilst Terry is stripping down the front suspension and front
Cobra Strip Down continues
December 6, 2023
Mauro is still busy stripping down the car of it’s components ready for shape preparation.
Tear down – Stripping back our 1975 Cobra Project
December 6, 2023
The Bridge Classic Cars team have begun working on stripping down the internals and wiring of our 1975 Cobra Project. This has been headed up
Engine Out
September 4, 2023
After classic car technician Tom catalogued the components of our Cobra Project, he got to work removing the engine from this classic car. Now that
Cataloguing Components
August 30, 2023
Classic car technician Tom has been going through the long process of cataloguing the components of our AC Cobra project. His main focus has been
Cobra Test Run
July 12, 2023
We have recently started up our AC Cobra for its first test run. Anytime a project like this gets started, it’s always an exciting time
Work Begins
July 5, 2023
Work has begun on our very special Cobra projects! Classic car technician Jonn (with help from Nigel) has been taking a closer look at the
AC Cobra Wiring
November 14, 2024
Classic car technician Steve has been looking at the wiring of our 1975 AC Cobra replica.
Brake Routing on the 1975 Cobra Replica
November 4, 2024
Our technician Steve has been working his magic on the 1975 Cobra project in our workshops ahead of its inspection and tests. This time, Steve has been working on getting the brake hard lines routed safely throughout the engine bay of the replica.
After working out the best route for the lines, Steve could get them secured to the inner wings and the bulkhead while also mounting up the reservoir and its bracket.
Cobra IVA rules…
October 25, 2024
IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) is edging closer and closer for our Cobra project. Every step of the way it is vital that the rules are met in order for the car to pass. The front part of the wiring loom was very untidy and too long so we have now cut it down to length, run inside the conduit, taped and ‘P’ clipped every 25cm or less to meet with the IVA guidelines..
We’ve also made and fitted the side repeater indicator mounts to fit in wing vents to meet with IVA regulations.
The DVSA Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test is a UK requirement for particular vehicles to ensure they meet necessary safety and environmental standards before being registered for road use.
Vehicles requiring an IVA test include:
- Kit cars and amateur-built vehicles
- Imported vehicles
- Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and trailers
- Buses and coaches
- Taxis and private hire vehicles
During the IVA test, a certified inspector thoroughly examines the vehicle to confirm compliance with UK regulations. The inspection usually covers:
- Structural integrity
- Lighting and signaling
- Emissions and noise levels
- Braking and suspension systems
- Additional checks depending on vehicle type
Once a vehicle passes the IVA test, it receives an IVA certificate, which allows it to be registered and used on UK roads.
Update on the 1975 Cobra Replica
October 21, 2024
Our technician Steve has been working on the 1975 Cobra Replica, checking off the jobs needed to get the ready for its inspection and certification. At this point, Steve has been working on the throttle cable to control that thunderous V8 that lives under the bonnet.
After test fitting, Steve noted that the access hole for the cable in the bulkhead/pedal box doesn’t actually land anywhere near the accelerator pedal. So, Steve had to remove most of the pedal assembly to redrill a new access hole for the cable to run.
Whilst working under the dash, Steve has worked his magic on the heater for the car. After testing the unit and pressurizing the system, he could strip it all back down and paint it in matching black ahead of it being installed back onto the car.
Priming Our AC Cobra
October 9, 2024
Our 1975 AC Cobra replica has been primed in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop.
In Primer
September 18, 2024
Chris and Mauro have been prepping our 1975 AC Cobra replica for painting. After Mauro prepped the car, Chris masked the car and panels up before applying the polyfan.
A Cobra Taking Shape
August 12, 2024
Mauro has continued his work on our 1975 AC Cobra Replica and it is now really starting to take shape.
Reprofiling the Rear Arch on the 1975 Cobra Replica
July 26, 2024
Our body shop team have been working on the 1975 Cobra Replica which is going through its restoration journey at the Bridge Classic Cars workshops.
Whilst working on the panels gaps and line up, Mauro noticed that the relationship between the rear tyres and trailing edges of the arch was different from side to side. After checking that the axle was square in the chassis, which it was, the team found that it was an issue with the mold when the body was cast. So, Mauro had to carefully measure, cut and sections the rear part of the arch to make sure it was even on both sides of the car before fibreglassing it back into the body and then could continue his work on shaping the bodyshell.
Fit Up – Getting Everything Lined Up on our 1975 Cobra Replica
July 25, 2024
Our paint and body team have been working their magic on the 1975 Cobra Replica currently in at the Bridge Classic Cars workshops here in Suffolk.
Our technician Mauro has been on this project and at this stage, he’s been working on getting the panels onto the car (bonnet, boot and doors) in order to check and adjust to make sure the body lines are correct and all the panel gaps are exactly how we like them to be.
Another Piece of the Puzzle – Exhausts for our 1975 Cobra Project Are Back
June 27, 2024
The exhaust for our 1975 Cobra project are back at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ after being sent off to a specialist for coating. With these now back, the team can keep pressing on with getting with very exciting project back on the road and now, sounding absolutely sensational.
Body on and progress with our 1975 Cobra Replica
May 24, 2024
Our technician Julian has been hard at work with the rebuild of our 1975 Cobra Replica.
With the engine back in the newly painted frame, he could begin to get the various system test hit and then fully placed into the car such as the cooling system, as well as some of the various brackets and braces needed to support the bodywork and driveline. Then, the team carefully lowered the fibreglass body onto the frame making sure everything fit up as it should.
Cobra Chassis
April 26, 2024
The front suspension of our 1975 AC Cobra Replica is now complete with new coilovers and an anti-roll bar fitted. The differential has been rebuilt and the rear suspension and brakes are also complete with new brake discs and pipes. The fuel tank has been cleaned and fitted with new fuel lines and hose clips.
Mauro also painted various components of our Cobra Replica in dtm satin black as well as painting the gearbox, brake and clutch pedals, and the radiator cross member in silver.
Cobra Chassis
April 15, 2024
Classic car technician Julian has been building the chassis of our 1975 AC Cobra Replica. The front suspension has been painted and serviced and just the front coilovers and anti-roll bar are left to fit.
The differential is in place and the lower brackets have been fitted.
Mauro has also applied Raptor to the wheel arches.
A Cobra In The Paintshop
April 11, 2024
Our 1975 AC Cobra Replica has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop recently.
Chris has painted the engine bay while Mauro completed filler work on the bonnet and doors.
Meanwhile, technician Jonn got the chassis out of storage and placed it on stands ready for first assembly to begin very soon. He also cleaned and prepared various parts for refitting. He fitted the spindles to the front hubs and greased the poly bushes in the top arms.
Lots Of Cobra Progress
April 5, 2024
Our 1975 AC Cobra Replica has been undergoing quite a lot of week recently.
It has had primer and raptor applied to the engine bay as well as the inner wheel arches being prepped for raptor.
The chassis has been collected from powder coating and is now back in the workshop. The rear coilovers have been assembled and the engine bay is now ready for paint.
Cobra Bits In Paint
April 4, 2024
Multiple components of our 1975 AC Cobra Replica have been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with Chris as he has been painting them in dtm satin black, dtm gloss silver, and dtm clear.
Cobra Rear Axle
March 28, 2024
Mauro has been removing the rear axle from the chassis of our 1975 AC Cobra Replica.
Once this was done, he also primed the engine bay ready for paint.
In The Fabrication Bay
February 8, 2024
Our 1975 Cobra Project has been in the fabrication bay with Christian.
Chris has been working out the seat position and making a drill jig for the seat rails. He then cut and welded in the box section for seat placement before cutting out the hoop positions and test-fitting them. He then cut them down to a more reasonable height.
Separate Parts
January 11, 2024
The paint and body team at our Suffolk HQ have been methodically working on separating the body from the frame of our 1975 AC Cobra Replica.
The team have to be incredibly careful with this process on any car, but cars with fibreglass bodies take extra attention due to the nature of the material snapping/shattering if bound up on any fixings. With this in mind, our technician Mauro went through every inch of the car to make sure that nothing was still connected before a team of technicians separated the body from the frame of the famous replica roadster.
Painting Cobra Parts
January 8, 2024
Mauro has been painting various parts of our 1975 Cobra Replica in black.
Cobra Strip And Interior
December 21, 2023
Classic car technician Mauro has removed the gearbox and fuel line from our 1975 AC Cobra Project.
Brian has also been working on the interior of our Cobra. He has been making and working on the glovebox lid and the dashboard. Brian made good progress on the dashboard and was able to fit the dials and lights to the dash.
Lydia also made the cushion part of the seat base from tan leather.
A Change Of Plan
December 13, 2023
Work is well underway on our 1975 Cobra project. However, the plans have changed slightly as the owner of the car changed their mind about what colour they want their car finished in.
While, originally, our Cobra was going to be painted blue, its final colour will now be Candy Apple Red. Chris, from the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop, will now make a spray-out card and work will continue on the restoration of this incredible classic.
Mauro has also been looking at our Cobra as he has been removing the gearbox.
Cobra strip down and preparation
December 7, 2023
Mauro is continuing to strip down the Cobra project in preparation for the primer stage.
Whilst Terry is stripping down the front suspension and front brakes. He’s blasting off the dirt ready for paint.
Cobra Strip Down continues
December 6, 2023
Mauro is still busy stripping down the car of it’s components ready for shape preparation.
Tear down – Stripping back our 1975 Cobra Project
December 6, 2023
The Bridge Classic Cars team have begun working on stripping down the internals and wiring of our 1975 Cobra Project.
This has been headed up by our technician Mauro ahead of the body and paint team beginning to work on the car in our in-house paint and body shop. The team have carefully gone through each system in the car to make notes for the cars reassembly after the work has been completed, such as wiring connections, as well as to make a note of any missing items for the project.
Engine Out
September 4, 2023
After classic car technician Tom catalogued the components of our Cobra Project, he got to work removing the engine from this classic car.
Now that the engine is out, it will be refurbished before being returned to the car further along the restoration process.
As you can see from the photos below, it was quite a bit of work but, now that it’s done, things can progress for our Cobra project.
Cataloguing Components
August 30, 2023
Classic car technician Tom has been going through the long process of cataloguing the components of our AC Cobra project.
His main focus has been on the engine, as this will soon be removed from the vehicle so it can be refurbished before going back into the car at a later date.
This is a very exciting restoration project so we are very much looking forward to seeing it progress through its time here in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
Cobra Test Run
July 12, 2023
We have recently started up our AC Cobra for its first test run.
Anytime a project like this gets started, it’s always an exciting time and our Cobra is no exception. Progress will be continued to be made until our AC Cobra is ready to leave the workshop and get back out onto the road.
Work Begins
July 5, 2023
Work has begun on our very special Cobra projects!
Classic car technician Jonn (with help from Nigel) has been taking a closer look at the car and has begun making a list of things that will need to be addressed during its time in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
We are in the fortunate position to have an AC Ace, the predecessor to the Cobra also in the workshop. This has allowed us to compare the two models and, as you can see from the photos below, there are some clear similarities between the two.
The list of things to be done may be quite long but, like all of the restoration projects we are currently working on, once complete, the car will look very different to how it does now.
