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Projects

TVR Grantura in paint

April 1, 2019

The colour has now been chosen. The original idea of a Chevrolet Laguna Blue has now changed to a lighter, brighter alternative and she looks

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2003 BMW M3 Makeover

March 30, 2019

Arriving this weekend to our Woodbridge workshops we have our 2003 BMW M3. A full assessment will be carried out soon to determine what work

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Riley – ready to go home

March 22, 2019

Our 1936 Riley Merlin Nine is now complete. The running issues have been resolved and various test drives conclude successful. You’ll see our wonderful Riley

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Fitting up the new XK150 Exhaust

April 2, 2019

We have now fitted up the brand new exhaust system to our Jaguar XK150, supplied to us by SNG Barratt.

Introducing SNG Barratt

“SNG Barratt is trusted and valued by Jaguar owners all over the world, and has been for over 30 years. Our knowledge and experience can help to keep your car on the road. Whether it is a classic Concours saloon, restoration project or a modern everyday family car – our unrivalled range of parts spans vehicles from 1949 through to current models.

Through our skilled in-house manufacturing team we produce thousands of parts that are no longer available anywhere else, safeguarding the future of many historically important vehicles. We own Sovy, original equipment manufacturer for Jaguar and other British marques. You can access these and over 100,000 more via our four branches (UK, USA, Holland & France), meaning that there isn’t a corner of the globe that we cannot reach.

You can be assured of our commitment to quality by our ISO 9001 accreditation and genuine Jaguar Parts Dealership Authorisation. At the same time you can still expect the highest customer service driven by our core family values, as established by the Barratt family all those years ago. As Jaguar owners ourselves we understand your needs and are committed to continual reinvestment, housing dedicated Research & Development facilities. The opportunity to fit and fully test new parts allows us to develop solutions and paves the way for future enhancements.

Not just a faceless company, we’re on the road throughout the year at a range of events where you can take advantage of our popular pre-order collection service and chat to our knowledgeable team. Our open door policy allows us to regularly welcome visitors; whether it is to our in-house shop counters or guided tours of our workshops and warehouses.”

TVR Grantura in paint

April 1, 2019

The colour has now been chosen. The original idea of a Chevrolet Laguna Blue has now changed to a lighter, brighter alternative and she looks stunning. The bonnet and doors have been treated in blue primer ready for top coat to be applied.

And here she is; first pictures of our incredible 1962 TVR Grantura painted and currently in our ovens being heated.

2003 BMW M3 Makeover

March 30, 2019

Arriving this weekend to our Woodbridge workshops we have our 2003 BMW M3. A full assessment will be carried out soon to determine what work will be required but certainly paint issues will need to be addressed. Originally, the wheels would have been diamond cut so we may explore the possibilities of refurbishing back to original.

We will also take a look underneath to identify if any of the running gear or underside will need attention.

Two for the future: 1953 Mercedes 220 and 1997 Bentley Turbo

March 29, 2019

Due in later in the month for a full engine rebuild we have our 1953 Mercedes 220 W187. The car will be with us for a short time having the engine removed before heading back home until the engine is rebuilt and ready to be refitted. Stay tuned for more images, coming soon…

Secondly we have our beautiful 1997 Bentley Turbo in need of some TLC on many of the lower panels. This may look to be a full ‘below the line’ respray to get it back to looking its best.

1955 Austin Healey: ready for rebuild

March 29, 2019

With a fresh new look our 1955 Austin Healey is out of the paint shop and now back in our assembly room as we start to fit back up the bright work, badges, exterior and interior components etc.

The new wheels, supplied to us from MWS are now in our possession but will not be fitted until nearing completion.

1957 Triumph TR3 – Service and MOT

March 29, 2019

Returning to our workshops today we have our stunning 1957 Triumph TR3; getting ready for the summer shows with a service and MOT.

Passed with flying colours…

1959 Morris J Type

March 28, 2019

Welding work is now underway on our 1959 Morris J Type. We are working alongside the current owner on this one as we look to present back to him a completely restored empty body shell; welded, shaped and freshly painted.

The rest of the project will be completed by the owner as he looks to put his own stamp on the restoration journey of getting this wonderful Morris back on the road in time for a family wedding later in the year.

Uncovering more rust on our Mercedes SL

March 26, 2019

It seems that whichever way we turn at the moment we are uncover more areas that desperately need our welders touch. It’s great that we are finding the issues and addressing them but I’m sure Tommy is looking forward to being able to sit back having passed the car on to the paint guys for preparation and paint.

Here are the floors that we are now about to replace.

Jensen 541S: Custom Cover

March 26, 2019

In order to manufacturer our bespoke Jensen 541S fitted car cover we have called upon the experts at Protec Covers in Bradford. They took a trip down to our workshops to measure up for the cover which we should hopefully see with us with a week or so. Whilst on site, they have also taken measurements for the Jensen 541R which is approximately 2 inches smaller than the 541S.

Now the templates have been drawn up, for anyone who owns a Jensen 541R or S Protec Covers will soon be able to provide a fitted car cover in a choice of colours.

Protec Covers is built on the principles of making quality products and providing reliable service. Their diversified product range continues to grow by following market trends, improving their standard products, and listening to the customer. Although they specialise in caravan covers, motorhome covers and car covers, they have made covers for practically everything.

Having been in the vehicle cover business for over 15 years and having manufactured thousands of covers they have an extensive database of patterns enabling them to convert each order into an excellent fitted cover.

Every element of their covers are made within the UK, from the fabric to the thread they use. They believe in supporting UK business.

During their time they have been blessed enough to provide items for such people as Martin Clunes, Jay Kay (Jamiroquai) and Jamie Oliver. As well as providing covers and show covers for many leading vehicle manufacturers.

Building the Amphicar Dash

March 25, 2019

The Amphicar dash is starting to be built up today with the freshly painted dash being filled with the refurbished dials.

Making the E-Type storage surround

March 25, 2019

Great teamwork in the workshops today as Dave completes the work on his bespoke storage compartment surrounds.

The storage compartment is a unique piece to our 1971 Jaguar E-Type roadster, utilising the spare area behind the front seats. Our storage compartment will consist of two removable and lockable padded lids. Within the storage unit you’ll have access to a power supply for charging your devices of external refrigeration for road trips.

Our frame work has been produced in house to run around the outside of the compartment. Brian has taken control from Dave and has rounded the edges before highly polishing them to bring up the amazing finish.

Welding complete on our 1987 Mercedes SL500

March 25, 2019

The welding work is now complete on our 1987 Mercedes SL500 body. Parts of the floor have been cut out and replaced. The front nearside arch panel has also had work as has the rear box compartment beside the spare wheel carrier.

Tommy now has grinding and tidying to carry out before he can pass over the car to our painters to be stripped back to metal for a full respray.

1962 TVR Engine – Re-fit

March 23, 2019

Preparing the fibre-glass body of our 1962 TVR Grantura ready for repaint. The colour has not been 100% confirmed as yet but we are looking at the finish being in blue, similar to the Chevrolet Laguna Blue.

With the workshops being closed and limited staff in it was a great opportunity for Ady and Tommy to clear some space and get the newly built engine back into position.

New Arrival: For Sale: 1952 MG TD

March 22, 2019

Built in 1952 this is, without doubt, the nicest MGTD we have ever seen.

Finished in flawless maroon and trimmed in a superb biscuit leather.

The car was shipped new to a lady Professor in Alabama, and it stayed with her until she and the car expired around 1980.

About 2010 it was returned to the U.K. by Tom Wilkes, the then Chief Body Shop Engineer at P&A Woods for a 5 year meticulous personal renovation.

On completion Tom, sold the car to its current owner, as he had developed a knee problem.

It has done very little work since then.

The car comes with extensive history, with pictures of the find and renovation.

She comes complete with tonneau,  tool roll, period tools, side and aero screens.

The car has resided in the beautiful Suffolk town of Southwold (Adnams country) and is now being offered for sale by Bridge Classic Cars on behalf of its current owner.

Our 1952 MG TD enjoying some sunny days out here in Suffolk…

Balancing the Aston Martin’s carbs

March 22, 2019

We have hopefully cured the running issues on our 1965 Aston Martin DB5. To begin with the car was unable to start so we have replaced the faulty fuel pump, rewired the feed for the fuel pump. We have replaced the faulty solonoid which was causing a short on the fuel pump.

The car now starts as it should be is not running very nicely. We have re-balanced the carbs, fitted new spark plugs and run a compression test. the results showed a jetting problem in the 3rd carburettor. Now having worked to resolve the problem the car is running beautifully and able to return home.

Riley – ready to go home

March 22, 2019

Our 1936 Riley Merlin Nine is now complete. The running issues have been resolved and various test drives conclude successful.

You’ll see our wonderful Riley Merlin at The Ufford White Lion Car Rally in two weeks time on Saturday 6th April 2019; White Lion Inn, Lower St, Lower Ufford, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 6DW

1975 MGB in paint

March 22, 2019

First few pictures of our freshly painted Tundra Green MG B roadster.

Triumph TR7 V8 – MOT and remedial works

March 22, 2019

In our workshops today we see the return of our 1981 Triumph TR7 V8 for it’s annual MOT and service.

Whilst in, we are looking to paint the front panel where a couple of stone chips and appeared.

1967 Jaguar E-Type Racing Series 1: lined up for the paint shop

March 21, 2019

Our 1967 Jaguar E-Type Racing Series 1 will soon be rolled into the paint shop for the new colour transformation.

Colours have now been chosen, samples have been generated and we are happy to proceed with a bit more shaping and preparation before we can apply the top coat.

We estimate a week’s work left in preparation before paint.

1987 Mercedes SL500 – Body Repair

March 21, 2019

We are currently working on the body issues on our 1987 Mercedes SL500. A lot of areas require attention and a lot of metalwork is having to be removed before we can look to consider painting the car.

Unfortunately, due to the car being sat outside, untouched for many years, the areas where water has entered but but has been unable to escape has caused these areas to rot and corrode.

The affected metalwork is being completely removed and we are letting in new metal to correct the problem.

This will take time but once complete will give us a superb base to hand over to our painters for preparation and a respray.

1947 Standard Flying 14 – rewired

March 21, 2019

With a brand new wiring loom supplied to us from the guys at Autosparks, John has now successfully rewired the entire car from front to back. The existing wiring was questionable in places, patching up would not have been the solution and would certainly not have been the safest option so although we have had to wait 8 weeks for a new loom to be made, the car is now complete, safe and ready to return home.

Jaguar XK150S fit up

March 20, 2019

The freshly re-chromed bright work has now returned from Tony at Wyatt Polishing for us to fit back up.

We’ve also had a visit from Car Glass and Trim to refit the rear window for us.

Still a way to go but Dave has progressed well today with the refit today with the rear almost complete as we move forwards from there.

1936 Riley Merlin Nine – running issues

March 20, 2019

Having recently undergone a restoration, our 1936 Riley Merlin Nine has now come into us for us to look at a running issue.

At present, the car will only run on choke and will swiftly cut out when the choke is not engaged.

Having cleaned out the carbs, which were very dirty, we have also noticed a lot of play within the existing rotor arm.

A new set of points, condenser and rotor arm have been supplied to us from the Riley specialists at Blue Diamond Riley Services.

1958 MG Magnette: Service

March 20, 2019

Our 1958 MG Magnette has arrived in to the workshops for a full service and check over. Since the customer has owned the car it has not had a full service carried out. The car runs, sounds and drives beautifully but a little TLC never hurts anyone!

Jaguar Mark VII – leaving Canada

March 20, 2019

Our potential donor Mark VII has just left it’s Canadian home to start the long trip overseas, set to arrive here in the UK in 6-8 weeks.

Experimenting with colours…

March 20, 2019

This is a unique 3 stage colour we are testing and trialling. Most notably seen on the new McClaren, it is known as Volcano Orange and consists of a silver base coat followed by a top coat orange applied in varying levels.

Below, from left to right we have 2 coats, 3 coats, 4 coats and finally 5 coats. As you can see, the more coats applied, the deeper and more red the colour becomes.

We are also looking to experiment with a new glass beaded lacquer which is applied at the final stage to give an intense glass effect to the finished product.

Once the colour has been chosen, will will test it against the Magnetic Grey which is part of the desired two tone finish we are looking for.

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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