Painting the front end of our TR7 V8
April 15, 2019
We are currently in the process of repainted the front end of our 1981 Triumph TR7 V8 where a couple of stone chips are apparent.
Projects
1998 Daimler Super V8: MOT time
April 15, 2019
Our 1998 Daimler Super V8 has returned to the workshops today for the annual MOT. The current owner very rarely uses the Daimler so with
Anglia Car Auctions – Saturday 13th April 2019
April 15, 2019
We had a fantastic day out at Anglia Car Auctions this weekend (13th April 2019). Great to see Rob, Lyn and the team putting on
1975 MGB Reassembly
April 12, 2019
We are now well on the way with our 1975 MG Roadster as we head into the reassembly stage. With brand new parts as well
Pontiac Firebird Barn Find
April 12, 2019
Amongst the Firebird paperwork from the US we have discovered an amazing photo of how the car was originally found.
Repairing the indicator fault
April 11, 2019
We have investigated the indicator fault and have discovered a burnt out relay and blown fuse due to incorrect earthing. We have now re-wired the
Corvette C2 Special Order: Manual Choke
April 11, 2019
We have now placed a special order for a manual choke for our 1967 Corvette C2. This will take between 4 to 6 weeks to
1955 Austin Healey Re-assembly
April 11, 2019
Brian has been working his magic on the refit of our 1955 Austin Healey. The re-assembly is progressing really well with freshly restored parts as
The bespoke boot over-mat
April 11, 2019
We are currently in the middle of producing a bespoke maroon over-mat for our 1971 Jaguar E-Type’s boot space. The over-mat will form an extra
Visitors to Bridge Classic Cars this week…
April 10, 2019
We’ve seen some familiar faces this week paying us a visit to our Pettistree workshops. Our 1974 De Tomaso Pantera popped in to say hello…
Triumph Stag ready for home
April 10, 2019
Finished and ready for next week’s hire. Blue Sky Classic Car’s 1978 Triumph Stag is now serviced, MOT’d and ready to go. There are endless
Land Rover panels; preparing for paint
April 10, 2019
Having had a reasonably long period of being untouched the land Rover Series 1 project is now back underway with the current owners. Our 1955
Strip, Clean and Test Carburettor
April 10, 2019
We have now stripped, cleaned and pressure tested our newly built carburettor so we are now ready to refit back at the owner’s home later
New Arrival: 1963 BSA Trials
April 9, 2019
Collected earlier today, our newest addition; 1963 BSA trials bike. She’ll sit proudly beside our 1961 Francis Barnett trials at the local summer shows later
1937 Triumph Dolomite: Recommission
April 8, 2019
In our workshops this week we have our beautiful 1937 Triumph Dolomite. The car has been inactive for some time but we are confident that
Corvette: starting issues
April 8, 2019
New to our workshops this week we have our 1967 Corvette C2 with running issues when cold. The choke is not operating as it should
Fitting the brand new 72 spokes
April 6, 2019
The brand 72 spoke wheels have arrived from MWS (Motor Wheel Service) Fitted on brand new tyres, supplied by the guys at We Fit Any
MGB preparing for paint
April 5, 2019
We are now preparing our 1964 MGB Roadster for it’s sympathetic respray. The colour will remain original and we are just looking to tidy the
Fitting up the heat shield.
April 4, 2019
John is currently cutting and shaping the new heat shield for the front section of our Jensen 541S, chassis 328.
TVR Grantura ready for assembly
April 4, 2019
Final job to do in the paint shop before our 1962 TVR Grantura can head back next door to the assembly shop; refitting the bonnet.
1955 Austin Healey Re-assembly
April 4, 2019
We are busy piecing together our new and newly refurbished parts as we continue to re-assemble our 1955 Austin Healey. The wing to bonnet trims
1978 Triumph Stag: MOT and remedial work
April 4, 2019
Our 1978 Triumph Stag, one of the amazing classics available to rent from Blue Sky Classic Car Hire. We keep on top of the maintenance
1977 MGBGT: Epoxy Primer
April 4, 2019
Chris is now masking up our 1977 MGBGT ready for the application of Epoxy primer. Epoxy Primer is used to seal and prepare surfaces prior
Refurbishing the Healey steering wheel
April 3, 2019
As we continue to work our way through the numerous parts that require refurbishment, here is the original steering wheel and horn push for our
More plating for our XK150S
April 3, 2019
Tony from Wyatt Polishing is now working on the final few pieces of our 1961 Jaguar XK150S re-chroming. We should hopefully see everything returned to
1955 Austin Healey Power Steering
April 3, 2019
Introducing EZ Power Steering Enjoy driving your classic car, but do you (or your partner) find the steering to be too heavy? Would you like
1961 Francis Barnett Trials
April 2, 2019
The tank is now straightened up and ready for dull chrome. The bottom had to come out which is just as well as it was
Mercedes 500SL – More parts to restore
April 2, 2019
More parts are now refurbished and put away safely ready for reassembly.
Painting the front end of our TR7 V8
April 15, 2019
We are currently in the process of repainted the front end of our 1981 Triumph TR7 V8 where a couple of stone chips are apparent.
The colour match was a bit of a challenge but we have managed to secure a match using our camera technology and the car is fineshed and ready for collection.
1998 Daimler Super V8: MOT time
April 15, 2019
Our 1998 Daimler Super V8 has returned to the workshops today for the annual MOT.
The current owner very rarely uses the Daimler so with very little miles between tomorrow’s MOT and last years we are hopefully for a nice clean run on this one.
Anglia Car Auctions – Saturday 13th April 2019
April 15, 2019
We had a fantastic day out at Anglia Car Auctions this weekend (13th April 2019). Great to see Rob, Lyn and the team putting on a great display once again. Some amazing cars on show too and a brilliant turn out. Here are just some of the cars we managed to photograph. This was probably only a 3rd of the cars that could be seen on the day…
And of course, we bagged ourselves a very rare little classic too…
Description from the auction: ‘In grey metallic with black leather, this five owner car is described by the vendor as driving very well. It is one of only 94 RHD models produced for the UK. The vendor advises that the engine has been professionally rebuilt and describes the bodywork as in very good condition and without rust. Very little use during last ten years and in storage a lot of the time. It was last MoT’d in 2017 although is MoT exempt. The history file includes confirmation letter from BMW dated 1981, various MoTs dating from the 1990s until 2017 when last issued, older V5s, service receipts, handbook and wallet. The front bumper and brackets are supplied with the car. Mileage recorded at 28,877.’
1975 MGB Reassembly
April 12, 2019
We are now well on the way with our 1975 MG Roadster as we head into the reassembly stage.
With brand new parts as well as refurbished parts on the shelves ready, John and Peter are busy working together to get everything perfectly and secure fitted back into position.
As you can see, the headlights, rear lights, boot fixings are all in position. John is fitting up the new wiring loom and Peter is busy building up the freshly restored running gear.
John loves a photo!!
Pontiac Firebird Barn Find
April 12, 2019
Amongst the Firebird paperwork from the US we have discovered an amazing photo of how the car was originally found.
Repairing the indicator fault
April 11, 2019
We have investigated the indicator fault and have discovered a burnt out relay and blown fuse due to incorrect earthing.
We have now re-wired the affected area and the indicators are now fully functioning.
That completes the recommissioning of our 1937 Triumph Dolomite. The points were the cause of the car not running so with no spark we removed the points, cleaned up and retested. The battery has been replaced, the tyre pressures have been check. The front and rear brakes have been adjusted and having been cleaned up she is now ready to go home.
Corvette C2 Special Order: Manual Choke
April 11, 2019
We have now placed a special order for a manual choke for our 1967 Corvette C2. This will take between 4 to 6 weeks to arrive with us so in the meantime, let’s draw breath and look at just how stunning this car truly is.
1955 Austin Healey Re-assembly
April 11, 2019
Brian has been working his magic on the refit of our 1955 Austin Healey. The re-assembly is progressing really well with freshly restored parts as well as brand new parts all being fitted back up to the car. The horns are now back in position, the chrome work is gradually being secured and the metal edge finished panels are looking amazing.
The bespoke boot over-mat
April 11, 2019
We are currently in the middle of producing a bespoke maroon over-mat for our 1971 Jaguar E-Type’s boot space. The over-mat will form an extra layer of protection for the beige boot carpet and will tie in perfectly with the car’s interior. The car would have originally come from the factory with a light coloured boot area which we have kept to the original style. we have now added the extra over-mat which will be more practical for everyday use.
Visitors to Bridge Classic Cars this week…
April 10, 2019
We’ve seen some familiar faces this week paying us a visit to our Pettistree workshops. Our 1974 De Tomaso Pantera popped in to say hello…
And our 1968 Jaguar E-Type returned to discuss a few little jobs he would like to see happen before the summer shows.
Triumph Stag ready for home
April 10, 2019
Finished and ready for next week’s hire. Blue Sky Classic Car’s 1978 Triumph Stag is now serviced, MOT’d and ready to go.
There are endless options and things to do around East Anglia. If you are looking for a classic car to hire, along with the fantastic and super popular 1978 Triumph Stag, Blue Sky Classic Cars Hire offer a great selection including; 1991 Figaro, 1990 Morgan 4/4 1600, 1997 Jaguar XK8, 1996 Morgan 4+4 4 Seater.
Land Rover panels; preparing for paint
April 10, 2019
Having had a reasonably long period of being untouched the land Rover Series 1 project is now back underway with the current owners. Our 1955 Land Rover panels have now returned to our paint shop to be prepared for paint.
Strip, Clean and Test Carburettor
April 10, 2019
We have now stripped, cleaned and pressure tested our newly built carburettor so we are now ready to refit back at the owner’s home later this week.
New Arrival: 1963 BSA Trials
April 9, 2019
Collected earlier today, our newest addition; 1963 BSA trials bike.
She’ll sit proudly beside our 1961 Francis Barnett trials at the local summer shows later in the year.
Over the coming weeks we’ll look to carry out a few sympathetic modifications but as she stands here today, she is ready to be ridden and enjoyed.
1937 Triumph Dolomite: Recommission
April 8, 2019
In our workshops this week we have our beautiful 1937 Triumph Dolomite. The car has been inactive for some time but we are confident that the recommissioning of this one will hopefully be fairly straight forward and she’ll be back on the road in no time.
Corvette: starting issues
April 8, 2019
New to our workshops this week we have our 1967 Corvette C2 with running issues when cold. The choke is not operating as it should and seems to be sticking during operation. We will look to investigate the issues and come up with a resolution.
Fitting the brand new 72 spokes
April 6, 2019
The brand 72 spoke wheels have arrived from MWS (Motor Wheel Service) Fitted on brand new tyres, supplied by the guys at We Fit Any Tyres Anywhere.
MWS Full Stainless Steel wire wheels are manufactured using state of the art technology. Special processes were developed after long years of Research and Development in making these wheels. Full stainless steel wheels are made of superior Austenitic grade stainless steel that has excellent protection against corrosion.
The Stainless Steel rims and shells are polished to a superior natural finish in special purpose machines. The hand polishing by highly skilled craftsmen compliments this.
The Stainless Steel spokes and nipples are electro polished to match the lustre and colour of the rims and shells.
The Wheels are specially treated as a final process to retain the lustre and colour.
100% inspection on finish on all the parts ensures only the best quality products are passed out.
MGB preparing for paint
April 5, 2019
We are now preparing our 1964 MGB Roadster for it’s sympathetic respray. The colour will remain original and we are just looking to tidy the exterior of the car to give it a new lease of life.
You may recognise this very car as one that we marketed for sale earlier in the year. The current owner, like so many others we took calls from, fell in love with the car, hence why the car was only for sale for 24 hours with us. The current owner was keen to get her in our paint shop as soon as we could find space to have the exterior tidied.
Fitting up the heat shield.
April 4, 2019
John is currently cutting and shaping the new heat shield for the front section of our Jensen 541S, chassis 328.
TVR Grantura ready for assembly
April 4, 2019
Final job to do in the paint shop before our 1962 TVR Grantura can head back next door to the assembly shop; refitting the bonnet.
Ready now for assembly.
1955 Austin Healey Re-assembly
April 4, 2019
We are busy piecing together our new and newly refurbished parts as we continue to re-assemble our 1955 Austin Healey.
The wing to bonnet trims are now in position, as is the front and back bumpers and badges. The fuel tank is also now secured.
1978 Triumph Stag: MOT and remedial work
April 4, 2019
Our 1978 Triumph Stag, one of the amazing classics available to rent from Blue Sky Classic Car Hire. We keep on top of the maintenance of all of the collection and with the summer season drawing closer and the bookings now coming in she returns for the annual MOT and service.
Failing on a few minor issues which we have quickly resolved including the excessive play in the radius arm bushes. However we are currently having problems releasing one of the rear hubs. A 20 tonne press has been unable to free it so we have now called in assistance from our good friends at Scholar Engines to see whether we can borrow a 30 tonne press. We are hoping with a little heat and 30 tonnes of pressure we may finally get it released so we can get back to work in time for next week’s bookings.
1977 MGBGT: Epoxy Primer
April 4, 2019
Chris is now masking up our 1977 MGBGT ready for the application of Epoxy primer. Epoxy Primer is used to seal and prepare surfaces prior to painting. It absorbs into the existing substrate, cures strong and seals effectively. By using an epoxy primer you improve the coverage on quality of your top coat. Epoxy primer adheres extremely well to epoxy based paints as well as polyurethane resin systems.
Sneak peak through the window as the Epoxy primer is being applied.
The car is now currently heating in our ovens (hence the lack of light) at a temperature of 60′. This will set the shell ready for Chris to work on the next stage of paint preparation.
Refurbishing the Healey steering wheel
April 3, 2019
As we continue to work our way through the numerous parts that require refurbishment, here is the original steering wheel and horn push for our 1955 Austin Healey; cleaned and stored away for assembly.
More plating for our XK150S
April 3, 2019
Tony from Wyatt Polishing is now working on the final few pieces of our 1961 Jaguar XK150S re-chroming. We should hopefully see everything returned to us in a matter of days for refit.
1955 Austin Healey Power Steering
April 3, 2019
Enjoy driving your classic car, but do you (or your partner) find the steering to be too heavy?
Would you like to cure this without changing the steering characteristics of the car? We can now offer you a solution: an EZ Electric Power Steering system that is completely hidden underneath the dashboard.
The existing steering rack or box remains unchanged and thus retains the standard steering ratio and setup. The amount of assistance is fully adjustable and is sensitive to speed and load. When we install the EZ system, we use CNC laser cut bespoke brackets designed to fit the original mounting points of your car. As no holes are drilled, with no cutting or welding to the chassis or body, the car can always be converted back to its original steering column. Under the bonnet there are no changes, everything remains as original. The advantages of an electrical system opposed to a hydraulic system are numerous. The electric motor only uses power when steering assistance is necessary whilst a hydraulic pump is continously operating when the engine is running. A hydraulic setup generally uses around 4 bhp and therefore consumes extra fuel, even when driving straight ahead.
Because the electric power steering system is truly speed sensitive, it will steer light at low speeds and not become lighter at high speed. The amount of assistance can be selected by turning a potentiometer, so that the driver can select the desired feel (i.e. more assistance with wider tires and/or a smaller sports steering wheel’. With a classic hydraulic system there is usually little feel and no possibility to adjust this at all.
In the unlikely event that the electric power steering system has a defect, the car would steer exactly like it did prior to power steering conversion. If a car fitted with an hydraulic system would have a fault the car would steer extremely heavy.
The EZ Electric Power Steering works without making a sound. It can not leak and is completely maintenance-free. When will you turn around with an EZ Power Steering conversion?
We have fitted the EZ Power Steering system to a number of our restorations now, including our recent 1960 Jensen 541S project. Our 1955 Austin Healey is now equipped with the new system and will make many many years of driving much more pleasurable for one very proud owner.
1961 Francis Barnett Trials
April 2, 2019
The tank is now straightened up and ready for dull chrome. The bottom had to come out which is just as well as it was full of all sorts.
You wheels are currently with the wheel builder and will hopefully be rebuilt with galvanised spokes.
At present the bike is completely stripped and the identification is being worked on. Parts and their existence are now being researched, things like the headlamp, front number plate brackets, rear number plate and centre stand. A lot of these parts will need to be re-produced.
JAL Restorations are currently working on the bike for us and Steve from JAL has managed to find an of a trials 85. The lights are not standard but you can see the headlamp brackets, rear plate and centre stand.
Mercedes 500SL – More parts to restore
April 2, 2019
More parts are now refurbished and put away safely ready for reassembly.
