Coming Soon: 1960 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite MkI
December 24, 2018
Arriving in to our workshops in the early part of 2019 we have our 1960 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite MkI. We will wait for the
Projects
Arrived in time for Christmas: 1969 Pontiac Firebird
December 24, 2018
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]’It was the night before Christmas…’ …when we received the phone call from Ian at Schumacher Cargo Logistics to confirm the arrival of our 1969 Pontiac Firebird
Preparing our Jaguar E-Type racing bodyshell
December 24, 2018
Work on preparing the bodyshell of our 1967 racing E-type is well underway by our friends at Simon Morris Commercial Vehicle Paintshop and Repairs. They are
Work progressing on our 1971 Jaguar E-Type
December 21, 2018
Dave has now successfully re-instated the air intake to filter set up within the engine bay compartment. The radiator surround has also been fitted into
1975 MGB Interior Re-Trim
December 21, 2018
We have managed to salvage the original seat frames of our 1975 MGB. They were in quite a bad state but we have successfully repaired
Jensen 541R – Resizing the big ends on con rod
December 20, 2018
Our 1960 Jensen 541R (#328) will have ungraded and improved con rod bolts, supplied to us by ARP Automotive Racing Products, California. We are now in the
New in for the new year
December 20, 2018
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This morning, bright and early we welcomed one of our new projects for 2019, our 1977 MGBGT. One owner from new, our little MGBGT has
Our Jensen chassis have now been painted
December 20, 2018
Both of our Jensen 541R chassis’ have now been painted in POR15 Top Coat Chassis Coat Black. In the new year we will be able to
Refurbishing our MGB steering column
December 18, 2018
The original steering column has now been removed of it’s wheel and clean down, treated and painted ready for refit.
Making up a number plate bracket
December 18, 2018
The car came in to us with some after-market number plate surrounds but with the car being so beautifully original we wanted to try and
Marrying the gearbox to the engine
December 17, 2018
With the engine and gearbox now completed Ady is able to reconnect the two.
Cleaning up our 1939 Packard 120
December 15, 2018
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We managed to secure another day with Paul Johnson Valeting this weekend so he spent the day detailing our 1939 Packard 120. Although we are yet to
1965 Amphicar: the rebuild
December 15, 2018
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the engine now successfully refitted into position we can now look to rebuild the car with all of the brand new and refurbished components.
1975 MG B Bodywork nearing completion
December 15, 2018
The bodywork of our 1975 MGB is nearing completion. We are hoping to have the welding work wrapped up this week so we can then
Standard Flying 14 Clogged Oil Filter
December 14, 2018
We believe the oil filter of our 1947 Standard Flying 14 may not be working to the best of it’s ability. Compared alongside a new
More pictures of our E-Type body
December 14, 2018
Due to popular demand we have taken some more images of our 1969 Jaguar E-Type Series 2 Roadster body shell.
Tidying the engine bay of our 1961 Jaguar XK150S
December 13, 2018
Apart from needing a thoroughly clean and some certain area detailed and freshened up, our 1961 Jaguar XK150S engine is running and driving wonderfully. With
Jaguar E-Type Roadster: Slave Cylinder
December 13, 2018
Just as we thought our work was complete and the car can be returned we discover a slight leak coming from under the car. Upon
Completing the Austin Healey BN1 Engine Rebuild
December 12, 2018
Ady has now completed the rebuild of our 1955 Austin Healey 100M engine. We have replaced with a full set of gaskets throughout, refitted with
Fitting the refurbished brake calipers
December 12, 2018
We have now had our brakes returned from the manufacturers Zeus Engineering having undergone an overhaul. Pete is currently fitting up so we can test
Repairing the S2000 underseal
December 10, 2018
We are now underneath the car to inspect the under seal for any signs of wear that need to be addressed. Tackling this job sooner
Replacing the S2000 timing chain tensioner
December 10, 2018
First job of the day is to replace the timing chain tensioner on our 2002 Honda S2000. As well as this, we are looking at
2002 Honda S2000: Winter Preparation
December 10, 2018
In our workshops today we have our 2002 Honda S2000. The main objective today is to replace the timing chain tensioner but as well as
Final stages of our 1960 Jensen 541S restoration
December 7, 2018
We are now into the very final stages of our 1960 Jensen 541S restoration. This very special and very unique car was one of only
Re-fitting the Amphicar engine
December 7, 2018
With so many projects currently being worked on our very own 1965 Amphicar as taken somewhat of a back seat recently. With the new year
Preparing the bodyshell
December 6, 2018
One of the first projects to be painted in the new year, we are now finishing off the preparation of our Mini bodyshell.
Front conversion of Austin Healey
December 6, 2018
Today, Ady has carried out a front conversion, also known as a lip seal conversion. The lip seal conversion takes out the existing felt seal.
Balancing the carburettors
December 6, 2018
Work is now complete on our 1965 Aston Martin DB5. The points and condenser have been replaced, we’ve tweaked the mixture and balanced the carburettors
Refurbishing the Jensen 541R (#328) dials
December 5, 2018
The dials that arrived in our Jensen 328 were not correct and the customer wished to have them changed for this set. These will now
Aston Martin DB5 running rich
December 5, 2018
Our stunning 1965 Aston Martin DB5 is in the workshops today fine tuning the engine to look at getting her running smoother. When warm, the
Coming Soon: 1960 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite MkI
December 24, 2018
Arriving in to our workshops in the early part of 2019 we have our 1960 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite MkI.
We will wait for the arrival before deciding what the future holds for our little Frogeye but always a favourite amongst classic car lovers we have absolutely no doubt that one way or another she’ll be back on the roads enjoying the summer nights once more.
Arrived in time for Christmas: 1969 Pontiac Firebird
December 24, 2018
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]’It was the night before Christmas…’
…when we received the phone call from Ian at Schumacher Cargo Logistics to confirm the arrival of our 1969 Pontiac Firebird into Felixstowe docks.
She had been at sea for a number of weeks taking the trip over from Canada but a couple of days prior to the phone call we were expecting the ship to be arriving. Once the containers had been offloaded and signed in we were able to collect the car.
She fired up first time and if it wasn’t for the fact that the nearside rear tyre was completely flat we would have driven her back from the docks to our Pettistree workshops. Instead we loaded up the trailer and took a de-tour to the local garage to get some air.
It was then we were able give her a good run out on the A14 and A12.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”24834,24835,24836,24837,24838,24839,24840,24841,24842,24843,24844,24845,24846,24847,24848,24849,24850,24851,24852,24853,24854,24855,24856″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Preparing our Jaguar E-Type racing bodyshell
December 24, 2018
Work on preparing the bodyshell of our 1967 racing E-type is well underway by our friends at Simon Morris Commercial Vehicle Paintshop and Repairs.
They are working on the preparation before handing her back to us, here at Bridge Classic Cars, to be painted in our paint shop.
We aim to have our body shell returned early 2019.
Work progressing on our 1971 Jaguar E-Type
December 21, 2018
Dave has now successfully re-instated the air intake to filter set up within the engine bay compartment.
The radiator surround has also been fitted into position.
…and the rubbers are also now being fitted up around the door.
1975 MGB Interior Re-Trim
December 21, 2018
We have managed to salvage the original seat frames of our 1975 MGB. They were in quite a bad state but we have successfully repaired and re welding the frames before blasting and re-coating.
With the frames now complete we have fitted the brand new MGB Autumn Leaf interior trim, including new seat foams and diaphragms.
Jensen 541R – Resizing the big ends on con rod
December 20, 2018
Our 1960 Jensen 541R (#328) will have ungraded and improved con rod bolts, supplied to us by ARP Automotive Racing Products, California.
We are now in the process of resizing the big ends on the con rods to give the smooth finish required. This task will be completed by tomorrow and ready to be fitted.
New in for the new year
December 20, 2018
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This morning, bright and early we welcomed one of our new projects for 2019, our 1977 MGBGT. One owner from new, our little MGBGT has been barn stored since the 80’s with little to no attention but 2019 will be the year she’ll be back on the road.
The car will remain as original as possible, we’ll be restoring as much of the original components as we can as the car will remains as it should…with the exception of the brakes possibly.
She will remain Flamenco red with pinstripe interior. The interior is in exceptional condition which is fantastic news so we will certainly be removing these, wrapping well and preserve them.
The car will undergo no ‘re-imaging’, the bumpers will remain rubber, the chrome will be restored where possible and the car will remain original and most importantly, useable.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”24754,24755,24756,24757,24758,24759,24760,24761,24762,24763,24764,24765,24766,24767,24768,24769,24770,24771,24772,24773,24774,24775,24776,24777,24778,24779,24780″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Our Jensen chassis have now been painted
December 20, 2018
Both of our Jensen 541R chassis’ have now been painted in POR15 Top Coat Chassis Coat Black. In the new year we will be able to start work on reassembling the chassis’, to get them back on their wheels.
POR15 Top Coat in Chassis Black (was Chassis Coat Black) is a direct to metal coating designed to work incredibly well in all applications where there is a need to preserve substrates susceptible to corrosion
Chassis Coat Black paint has a smooth, satiny semi-gloss finish, and is probably more correct as original for under hood and chassis components for cars produced in the USA from the early 1950’s to today.
POR15 Top Coat can be applied directly to metal substrates, with no need for a primer or undercoat, and is formulated to form a robust barrier that sheds moisture to provide long lasting protection.
POR-15 Top Coat has excellent adhesion and when used over POR15 Rust Preventive Paint the products create a system works to provide a permanent barrier to corrosion.
- Non porous and will not crack, chip, or peel
- Amazing scratch and abrasion resistance
- Not sensitive to UV light
- Can be applied over POR-15 or other paints.
Refurbishing our MGB steering column
December 18, 2018
The original steering column has now been removed of it’s wheel and clean down, treated and painted ready for refit.
Making up a number plate bracket
December 18, 2018
The car came in to us with some after-market number plate surrounds but with the car being so beautifully original we wanted to try and keep the car exactly how it came in to us.
At the time, the surrounds were only mounted on the back so we have fabricated a bracket to hold the front number plate surround and we have also used the existing plates. These could be replaced with the pressed silver black plates which the new owner may choose to do.
Marrying the gearbox to the engine
December 17, 2018
With the engine and gearbox now completed Ady is able to reconnect the two.
Cleaning up our 1939 Packard 120
December 15, 2018
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We managed to secure another day with Paul Johnson Valeting this weekend so he spent the day detailing our 1939 Packard 120.
Although we are yet to complete the engine works on the car (due to a couple of valves having to be made) we are almost complete with the rest of the project so she’ll soon be ready for a new home.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”24702,24701,24700,24699,24698,24697,24696,24695,24694,24693,24692,24691,24690,24689,24688,24687,24686,24685,24684,24683,24682,24681,24680,24679,24678,24677,24676,24675,24674,24673,24672,24671,24670,24669,24668″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
1965 Amphicar: the rebuild
December 15, 2018
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With the engine now successfully refitted into position we can now look to rebuild the car with all of the brand new and refurbished components.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”24664,24663,24662,24661,24660,24659,24658,24657,24656,24655,24654,24653,24652,24651,24650,24649,24648,24647,24646,24645,24644″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
1975 MG B Bodywork nearing completion
December 15, 2018
The bodywork of our 1975 MGB is nearing completion. We are hoping to have the welding work wrapped up this week so we can then get the shell ready for paint preparation at the beginning of the new year.
Standard Flying 14 Clogged Oil Filter
December 14, 2018
We believe the oil filter of our 1947 Standard Flying 14 may not be working to the best of it’s ability. Compared alongside a new oil filter you can see just how clogged up the existing filter has become.
This will be replaced with a brand new one which will certainly move us one step further forward with improving the running of the car.
More pictures of our E-Type body
December 14, 2018
Due to popular demand we have taken some more images of our 1969 Jaguar E-Type Series 2 Roadster body shell.
Tidying the engine bay of our 1961 Jaguar XK150S
December 13, 2018
Apart from needing a thoroughly clean and some certain area detailed and freshened up, our 1961 Jaguar XK150S engine is running and driving wonderfully. With that in mind we concentrate our efforts on perfecting the look rather than re-writing the rule book.
The once black areas have been cleaned of surface rust, masked up and coated in a new coat of high temperature black finish.
Jaguar E-Type Roadster: Slave Cylinder
December 13, 2018
Just as we thought our work was complete and the car can be returned we discover a slight leak coming from under the car. Upon closer inspection we can see that the slave cylinder of our 1968 Jaguar E-Type has failed dropping oil onto the workshops floors but more importantly causing the brakes to work incorrectly.
We had a new slave cylinder on the shelf so this was a relatively quick fix and the car is now ready to go once more.
Completing the Austin Healey BN1 Engine Rebuild
December 12, 2018
Ady has now completed the rebuild of our 1955 Austin Healey 100M engine.
We have replaced with a full set of gaskets throughout, refitted with new studs, plugs, leads. The water pump and oil pump have been replaced, new cover assembly, piston assembly, pulley, big end bearing set, main bearing set and thrust washer set. The engine has been detailed in silver, black and the original green finish you would expect to see from new on the Austin Healey 100M. All of the nuts and bolts throughout have also been replaced with new to give the full set up a new and fresh look.
Fitting the refurbished brake calipers
December 12, 2018
We have now had our brakes returned from the manufacturers Zeus Engineering having undergone an overhaul.
Pete is currently fitting up so we can test them and hopefully ahve some good news to report back to the owner with.
Repairing the S2000 underseal
December 10, 2018
We are now underneath the car to inspect the under seal for any signs of wear that need to be addressed.
Tackling this job sooner rather than later is hugely beneficial, to keep on top of the maintenance rather than letting it slip.
Replacing the S2000 timing chain tensioner
December 10, 2018
First job of the day is to replace the timing chain tensioner on our 2002 Honda S2000.
As well as this, we are looking at getting the car ready for the winter with a gearbox oil replacement, differential oil replacement, under seal check over, brake fluid change and a coolant change.
2002 Honda S2000: Winter Preparation
December 10, 2018
In our workshops today we have our 2002 Honda S2000. The main objective today is to replace the timing chain tensioner but as well as this we will be replacing the fluids and oils throughout the car and getting her prepared for the winter weather.
Final stages of our 1960 Jensen 541S restoration
December 7, 2018
We are now into the very final stages of our 1960 Jensen 541S restoration. This very special and very unique car was one of only 3 prototypes produced by the Jensen brothers and was the only prototype to hold the automatic transmission which Jensen then went on to mass produce.
In theory, this is the very car that started the production of the Jensen 541S and this is the very car that can be seen across the majority of the Jensen marketing campaigns.
Unfortunately we have been unable to reunite the car with the original UK registration 750 CEA, due to the it being owned by an individual elsewhere…however the vehicle will be residing in Belgium and the current owner has now received confirmation that he able to use the original number of 750 CEA there which is fantastic news for the car and the history.
The final stages are now being completed with only the paint imperfections now to address.
The car will be leaving the UK early January to be introduced to her new home in Belgium.
Re-fitting the Amphicar engine
December 7, 2018
With so many projects currently being worked on our very own 1965 Amphicar as taken somewhat of a back seat recently. With the new year just round the corner our aim is to somehow squeeze our Amphicar into the projects list and get her back on the Suffolk roads (or water), hopefully by next summer.
The engine was completed some time ago so this week Pete, with the assistance of Dave and Brian when required has been able to re-instate the engine.
Preparing the bodyshell
December 6, 2018
One of the first projects to be painted in the new year, we are now finishing off the preparation of our Mini bodyshell.
Front conversion of Austin Healey
December 6, 2018
Today, Ady has carried out a front conversion, also known as a lip seal conversion.
The lip seal conversion takes out the existing felt seal.
Balancing the carburettors
December 6, 2018
Work is now complete on our 1965 Aston Martin DB5.
The points and condenser have been replaced, we’ve tweaked the mixture and balanced the carburettors and the spark plugs have been cleaned out.
We’ve discovered a lot of play in the carburettors so a complete overhaul will be the next sensible step to take but for now, the car is running and sounding much sweater than it was previously. off home for the Christmas break and maybe returning in the new year for the carburettor overhaul.
Refurbishing the Jensen 541R (#328) dials
December 5, 2018
The dials that arrived in our Jensen 328 were not correct and the customer wished to have them changed for this set. These will now make their way to Speedy Cables to join the many other sets of ours they currently have to be fully stripped down and rebuilt.
Aston Martin DB5 running rich
December 5, 2018
Our stunning 1965 Aston Martin DB5 is in the workshops today fine tuning the engine to look at getting her running smoother.
When warm, the Aston is running nicely but does require a lot of choke to keep her running and when idling does have the tendency to cut out. Ady is on the case to investigate the issues. We first noticed that the carbs were running with no oil which will be one of the issues to address.
The point and condenser will be replaced with new to go with the relatively new plus and coil.
We will then turn our attention to the triple carbs to see whether we can get them balanced better.
We’ve noticed some slight play on the carburettor spindles which may be a good idea to address at some point in the future. This will simply be a case of stripping the carburettors down for a full refurbishment. For now, we are looking to tweak the carbs as they are to see how we can get the car to perform.
