Projects

Pre MOT Check

Our 1985 Mercedes SL280 has been undergoing a pre-MOT check with technician Jonn. After sucking out the coolant from the header tank and replenishing the

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Almost There

Our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica is getting closer and closer to being finished and ready to get out on the road. Jonn has been continuing

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Daimler Repairs

Classic car technician Jonn has been completing some repairs on our 1989 Daimler Double Six. Here are his notes: Finish inspection and start repairs. Top

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More Welding

Our 1951 Austin Devon has continued its start in fabrication with Chris. He has welded in the floor corners and seat base frame. He also

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SS100 Progress

Technician Julian has been working on our 1939 Jaguar SS100. He has fitted new rear leaf springs as well as the reconditioned shock absorber. He

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Cobra Chassis

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

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Catching Up

Craig recently received an email from Mike who used to own one of our former projects – a 1961 Ford Consul. Mike was kind enough

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Aston Paint Work

Paintshop manager Chris has been prepping the interior and exterior of the body of our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 ready for epoxy primer and paint.

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Polishing A C-Type

Jonn has been looking after our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica. Here are his notes: Continue to work through list of jobs. Drill,dash and fit passengers

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MGA In Paint

Our 1960 MGA has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop. After being stripped to bare metal, Mauro applied epoxy primer to the front wings,

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Double Six Progress

As our 1989 Daimler Double Six is being prepared to be won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, Jon has been completing some repairs. Here is

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PDI And Road Test

In preparation for our 1979 Triumph Spitfire to be delivered to its new owner (who won it through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions), Jonn has been

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Valance Repairs on the 1960 MGA

The fabrication shop have been working their skills on the rear valance and wing of the 1960 MGA.

Chris, one of our fabricators, has been working on getting the new rear valance to fit onto the car. After the original had been removed from the car, and the new piece test fitted, Chris discovered a conflict between the rear valance and the right-hand rear wing.

The right hand rear wing shows signs of previous repairs and this had distorted the panel, making the finish of the new panel challenging. Chris used his skills to manipulate and gently reshape the panels to work together and a new flange area on the valance to work with the wing and make the cars profile flow perfectly.

Recommissioning our 1958 Austin-Healey 100/6

Julian has been hard at work recommissioning our 1958 Austin-Healey 100/6 for the road.

The 100/6 is on the ramp at our Suffolk HQ after being off the road for several years. To begin with, Julian carried out a full service on the classic sports car which involved a full fluid, filter and plug change along with several new hoses which had deteriorated whilst the car had stood. Whilst the hoses were off the car, it was the perfect opportunity to flush out both the radiator and engine block before fitting the hoses and then renewing the antifreeze.

After that, Julian could turn his attention to the underside of the car. New front brake pads were fitted and then the rear brakes were cleaned and adjusted after the fluid had been flushed and changed. Whilst the car was up on the ramp, the team could take the opportunity to replace perished bushes in several areas such as the front anti-roll bar and the rear panhard bar, whilst also replacing the inner and out track rod boots.

We could also then go through the process of draining any old fuel out of the petrol tank before inspecting and refilling with a few fresh litres and then begin the process of waking the car back up before beginning to remove and align parts of the bodywork and trim ahead of its transfer to the body shop.

Workshop Walkaround – A Few Projects

With the team here at Bridge Classic Cars always working on something, whether that be the restorations technicians in the various departments, the marketing team or the leadership teams, we are all focused around our incredible workshop.

We’re all incredibly lucky to be able to be surrounded by these cars on a daily basis and every day is different as each project is unique and individual.

For example, the cars which are currently in the workshop – span nearly 115 years between them. From our 1905 Riley 9HP which Steve has been preparing ahead of its first drive all the way up to our 2022 Bridge C-Type which is also being readied for its maiden voyage in its period-correct trim. In between those extremes, is our 1939 Jaguar SS100 which Julian has been working on reassembling after a spring change and our 1958 Austin-Healey 100/6 (which was recently removed from a local barn) is being recommissioned and shown a bit of TLC.

Pre MOT Check

Our 1985 Mercedes SL280 has been undergoing a pre-MOT check with technician Jonn.

After sucking out the coolant from the header tank and replenishing the anti-freeze, a new rear exhaust mount was fitted to the rear silencer before all of the tyres were inflated to the correct pressure.

Front End Repairs – Fibreglass Repairs on our 1960 Jensen 541R

The paint and body team have been working full steam ahead on our 1960 Jensen 541R formerly known as ‘Lilac’.

Alan, one of our incredible technicians here at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ, has been working on getting the bonnet of this fibreglass GT car back into one piece… Over years of use, and the material itself, the bonnets of these cars can become very fragile and are prone to cracking in certain areas. Thankfully, with over a dozen of these fantastic cars having been restored by the team we know where they need to be reinforced and strengthened which is exactly what Alan has been working on. As well as strengthening known weak spots, he has also been building up layers in certain areas to give the entire panel a uniform thickness on the top side and also to build up areas in order to give it the correct panel gaps when the car goes back together.

New Arrival – 1971 Triumph GT6

Another recent arrival at the workshop, is this beautiful 1971 Triumph GT6!

Another car which we came across at the recent auction at H&H Auctions, but this one we just couldn’t let get away… so we’ve bought it. This GT6 Mk3 will be a future Bridge Classic Cars Competitions car so keep an eye out for news very very soon about how you could win this classic Triumph sports car for just a few pounds.

New Arrival – 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupe

We’ve just had several new arrivals at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ, one of them is this truly stunning 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupe.

This one has a funny connection to us! We recently were at H & H Auctions for there most recent auction and actually saw this car. As it went across the block, it had been bought by an enthusiast overseas. Well, the very next day when the team got in the office – the owner had contacted us to recommission the car ready for road use.

It’s always a pleasure to work on these automotive icons, and we’ve recently been doing a lot of them but thankfully with our world class restoration teams – we’ll have this early back on the road in no time!

Almost There

Our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica is getting closer and closer to being finished and ready to get out on the road.

Jonn has been continuing his work recently. Here are his notes:

Trim and fit under dash cover. Modify slightly as brantz wiring interferes with fit. Secure in place. Fit seat runners to drivers seat mountings and space up accordingly. Fit passengers seat. Mock up and remove to drill fixing holes in case. Elongate holes to allow room for alignment with floor. Again, space up accordingly. Fit drivers seat. Elongate front holes to match runner mounting points and secure. Slide seat backwards and adjust mirrors close to final position. Make small grub screw for gear knob. Polish gear knob and fit and secure.

Spitfire Transport

Our 1968 Triumph Spitfire has been loaded into our trailer and is on its way home.

Daimler Repairs

Classic car technician Jonn has been completing some repairs on our 1989 Daimler Double Six. Here are his notes:

Finish inspection and start repairs. Top up rear axle oil.strio front brakes. Remove pads and clean all,parts. With assistance from Julian. Work each caliper piston in out to free off. All freed off reasonably well. Refit pads and repeat process for other side. Strip front upper ball joints and fit new rubbers. Use lockwire to secure. Refit front wheels.

Remove exhaust downpipes section and heatshiels. Clean flanges and nuts. Fit new sealing rings to manifold flanges and refit. Work into position along with heatshiels. Secure at manifold and downpipe to front section with new nuts and bolts.

Strip and fit new front shock absorber bushes. Repair vacuum solenoid on nearside engine bank. Uut small,pieces of brake pipe and stickminto place. Refit vac pipe. Run and test for exhaust blow. Nearside ok now but offside blowing also. Strip and fit new gearbox mount bush. Strip offside exhaust downpipe and remove for cleaning and resealing.

Clean exhaust flanges and fit new sealing rings. Refit downpipe and heatshield. Strip offside front subframe bush and remove. Clean and fit new bush and secure.

More Welding

Our 1951 Austin Devon has continued its start in fabrication with Chris. He has welded in the floor corners and seat base frame. He also welded in the right-hand step before sorting out the door gaps and modifying the step to fit the door profile.

More Interceptor Fabrication

Christian has continued to work on our 1975 Jensen Interceptor MK 3 in the Bridge Classic Cars fabrication bay.

He repaired the holes in the boot lid frame and fabricated a battery tray. He also repaired some holes and areas of rust.

SS100 Progress

Technician Julian has been working on our 1939 Jaguar SS100.

He has fitted new rear leaf springs as well as the reconditioned shock absorber. He has also fitted the lower side panels ready to be painted.

Royal Enfield Single Work

Our 1960 Royal Enfield Single has continued to make progress with technician Paul. He fitted the fuel cap, started the bike and test rode it. He found that the clutch was dragging slightly so the clutch cable was removed and shorten to enable adjustment.

Transit Lights And Exhaust

Steve has been continuing his work on our Ford Transit MKII Tipper.

The rear fog light switch wasn’t working due to dirty internal contacts. Steve removed the switch and cleaned the contacts to rectify the issue.

He also temporarily fitted the exhaust to check the fitment before welding on a new rear box mount and spraying system.

Cobra Chassis

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.

Bridge Van Check-Up

The Bridge Classic Cars 2005 Mercedes Vito recently came into the workshop so Jonn could give it a health check. Here’s what he did:

  • Check lights and levels
  • Secure loose trim under the nearside front bumper and check gear linkage etc
  • Adjust the park brake via cable
  • Refit nearside sliding door rubber

Catching Up

Craig recently received an email from Mike who used to own one of our former projects – a 1961 Ford Consul. Mike was kind enough to send us some photos of the car during his ownership and we think it looks great!

Aston Paint Work

Paintshop manager Chris has been prepping the interior and exterior of the body of our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 ready for epoxy primer and paint.

Our Riley Returns

Tony recently collected our 1905 Riley 9HP and transported it back to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.

Now that it is back with us, we can continue getting it ready for its first drive!

A Rare Modern New Arrival

We have recently welcomed a more modern arrival into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop – our 2010 Renault Wind Collection.

Only 200 of these were made so it’s great to see one in the workshop with us for a little while.

Polishing A C-Type

Jonn has been looking after our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica.

Here are his notes:

Continue to work through list of jobs. Drill,dash and fit passengers grab handle. Secure all wiring under dash. Mask up areas around interior and polish alloy inside. Work slowly through car around inside panels visible when interior installed.

Continue to polish interior. Go over each panel a few times to get to a desired finish.

Finish polishing interior panels. Clean and hoover out. Fit gear lever cover and gaiter. Fit tunnel cover and mats to front.

Suspension, Glovebox, And More

Both Paul and Lydia have been working on our 1956 Jensen 541.

Once Paul had changed over the rear suspension leaf springs to the correct ones, he carried on fitting the door trim.

Lydia then made a glove box for our classic Jensen. It’s small in size as it has to fit into the dash around an air duct and wiper motor linkage. Lydia fitted the box she had previously made, then covered the front panel with red leather.

Unfortunately, due to the unique nature of the Jensen, the passenger seat didn’t fit next to the tunnel. Because it was made so long ago before the tunnel was ever fitted, we could not envisage this problem occurring. Lydia has test-fitted the seat into the vehicle and made alterations so that it will no longer fall on the gearbox tunnel, even when it is in its most forward position.

The door surrounds were then finished and the dash and extra wiring were also fitted for the fan motor and screen washer pump.

Power Steering Box

Steve has removed the power steering box of our 1988 Mercedes 300SL. Once it was removed, it was stripped and cleaned ready for new seals before being reassembled.

MGA In Paint

Our 1960 MGA has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop.

After being stripped to bare metal, Mauro applied epoxy primer to the front wings, rear wings, bonnet, and boot.

Double Six Progress

As our 1989 Daimler Double Six is being prepared to be won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, Jon has been completing some repairs. Here is what he has been up to:

Reassemble after paint job. Refit boot trims and panels. Remove battery and charge. Reassemble removed parts from paint job. Clean battery tray and paint black. Fit modified battery hold down brackets and fit battery and secure. Help Lydia refit sunroof. Particularly awkward to get aligned. Lubricate and keep adjusting until satisfied with operation. Leave in the shut position to settle new seal in place. Refit wiper arms and wipers and test.

Investigate horn not working when refitting steering wheel centre push. Trace to earth fault but leave for now. Carry out full inspection and report. Grease all points. Reposition nearside driveshaft covers to gain access to grease nipples.

A Future Competition Car

Our 1958 Austin Healey 100/6 has just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.

Once it has been inspected and assessed, with any repairs being made, it will go on to be available to win through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.

This classic already looks great so we can only imagine how incredible it will look as it leaves the workshop in the near future.

Transporting A Classic Land Rover

Tony recently transported our 1965 Land Rover Series 2a from our secure storage facility back to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop before delivering it to Cult 4×4.

PDI And Road Test

In preparation for our 1979 Triumph Spitfire to be delivered to its new owner (who won it through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions), Jonn has been conducting a pre-delivery inspection and road test.

Here are his notes:

Finish pdi and carry out road test. Choke not picking revs up enough when operated. Adjust quadrant bolts on throttle spindle and retry, ok. Drives ok when warmed up properly. Throttle pedal a bit stiff again like before. Remove cable and lubricate. Refit and test, better. Just waiting for spare tyre yo be fitted to spare wheel and the ready to go.

Jonn also stripped and adjusted the nearside front wheel bearing before refitting the wheel and torquing it to spec.