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Hidden Bluetooth Amplifier

March 21, 2018

Ideal for hidden audio solutions! Our hidden Bluetooth amplifier allows you the option to retain the appearance of your vehicle interior whilst offering a quality

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1981 Alfa Romeo Spider

March 15, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Battling through the ‘Beast From The East‘, our 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider has finally arrived in our Suffolk workshops from the stunning setting of Tigh

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Our 1973 Jaguar V12 on its way to East Lothian

March 28, 2018

Ronnie from Karr Solutions arrived this evening already pre-loaded with a Porsche that he was due to deliver on his return to Scotland. He had space for one more as he took away our 1973 Jaguar V12 to join her new owners Lorna and Roddy in East Lothian, Scotland.

Perfect timing to enjoy the E-Type…ready for the summer!

Heat-proofing the Jaguar E-Type Manifolds

March 26, 2018

When purchasing new manifolds for the Jaguar E-Type they typically come already enamelled from the supplier, unless you opt for the more expensive option of stainless steel.

Our customer wished for us to purchase un-enamelled manifolds as he wanted to coat his with a heat proof alternative.

They are readily available without the enamel coating so we have sourced some and are ready to treated them.

There is a special procedure to applying the heat resistant paint with think layers having to be applied over a period of time and baked at 160’C.

The work has now been carried out and the results are fantastic.

Cleaning The Daimler Carpets

March 26, 2018

The seats are currently in the process of being freshened up to help disguise the age related wear that is starting to appear. Whilst the seats are out we have taken the opportunity to deep clean the full carpet throughout.

Preparing the underneath of our Daimler Super V8

March 26, 2018

As part of the re-commissioning project of our 1998 Daimler Super V8, we have been instructed to strip back and treat the underneath of the car and get her weather proof and protected after years of wear and tear.

Here is what we are faced with underneath prior to any work being started.

The car will now be cleaned back to remove all dirt, grime and surface rust that has built up over the years. Once stripped back we will start the process of sealing the underside.

Our process is very thorough and we use the very best products to ensure the life of the protection is maximised. These components are most exposed to the Suffolk roads so need good protection and weather proofing.

Jaguar XK8 – Electric Window Issues

March 26, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The electric windows are in need of some attention. The windows are falling slightly to enable the door to open and close without any glass shattering. This is exactly what should happen but the issue we are faced with is that the windows do not rise again when the doors are closed. They, in fact, continue to keep dropping.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18733,18734,18735,18737,18730″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It looks to be a relatively simple fix with the battery being at fault. The battery is not holding the voltage as it should. The low output means the windows are not operating as they should.

Having fitted a new battery and resetting the factory settings the windows are now operating as they should. This also means the hood is able to lift on and off with no issues. With the windows at fault the computer was not able to tell the hood mechanism to work.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18740,18739,18738″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Delivering our freshly painted 1971 Ford Capri

March 24, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The 1971 Ford Capri respray is now complete. The fresh looking Tawny Brown finish has totally transformed the exterior of the car and with the engine out being detailed by the car’s owner we can’t wait to see her at some upcoming summer shows.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18699,18700,18701,18702,18703,18704,18705,18706,18707,18708,18709,18710,18711,18712″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Recommissioning our 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1

March 24, 2018

Having recently purchased this original right hand drive 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1, the new owner has called upon our services to get her up and running and back on the road.

This 1966 model is believed to have left the UK in 1967 to spend its life in California. Being imported back in to the UK a few years ago the car has since been standing with its previous owner.

We have been informed that she has been running so that’s a great sign but we have already discovered that the brakes will certainly need some attention. The brake fluid is rock solid and has crystallised.

Our objective is to get her back on the road and through an MOT. At that stage, her new owner will look to enjoy her over the summer period and look to carry out some work when the weather starts to turn for the winter.

Hidden Bluetooth Amplifier

March 21, 2018

Ideal for hidden audio solutions!

Our hidden Bluetooth amplifier allows you the option to retain the appearance of your vehicle interior whilst offering a quality sound from your mobile phone or other portable music devices either via Bluetooth or via the headphone jack.

There is no need to have a radio installed in your vehicle, however, you will require at least two speakers or one of our dual voice coil single speakers. The amplifier can be hidden away behind the dashboard, under the seat or even in the boot and is capable of powering 2 or 4 speakers.

Specifications

Maximum output @ 4 ohms 4 x 250 watts
RMS output @ 4 ohms 4 x 60 watts
Frequency Response 0 HZ – 20 KHZ
Fuse Rating 5 Amps
Power Supply 10 to 16 volts
Sensitivity 150 MV
Channel Separation > 50 DB
THD < 0.1 %

Dimensions – 113 x 80 x 45mm

And due to air conditioning system installed we have a lack of room to play with in our 1967 Jaguar E-Type 2+2.

With that in mind we have manufactured our speaker boxes to house the hidden speakers which will be strategically placed throughout the car.

Discovering and rectifying more bodywork issues

March 21, 2018

We have now completed the final sill repair work on our 1996 Jaguar XJR Supercharged. We’ve cut out, repaired and replaced the inner and outer sills on both sides of the car and now we are only days away from getting her in to our paint-shop to be prepared and painted.

Manufacturing a new set of Morgan carpets

March 20, 2018

Our 1990 Morgan 4/4 is one of the most choices for weddings in the Blue Sky Classic Car Hire portfolio of classic cars.

Unfortunately, one of the main areas that suffer with wear and tear is the foot-well carpets.

Having searched high and low for a new set of carpets with little results we put a call in to the guys at Krazy Horse who we very useful indeed. Krazy Horse are an authorised Morgan dealer, their Deco House Showroom is the perfect environment to browse leather, colour swatches and wood veneer samples.

Krazy Horse explained that no two Morgans are the same, therefore the generic carpets online are not the same as the ones we have.

It means we needed to manufacture the carpets new and this time, we included a selection of hidden fixings that would resist the movement created by the bride’s heels and would help keep the carpets looking better for longer.

 

Uncovering more rotten areas on the XJR Supercharged

March 20, 2018

Just as we thought we had addressed the rotten areas ready for paint we uncovering more behind the inner sills.

Not a huge task but one that was unexpected so Tommy is busy working on correcting the areas.

Repairing the Morgan’s seat recliner

March 16, 2018

At some stage recently the seat reclining mechanism had been wound up too much and has broken the internal operation. Having stripped the seat back to reveal the mechanism Pete has been able to resolve the issue. Now the seat reclines as it should.

Inspecting the underneath of our 1937 International

March 15, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve managed to get our 1937 International C1 over the pit this morning to inspect the underneath and to assess the work that will need to be carried out.

The brakes have now been stripped and will be completely overhauled.

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1981 Alfa Romeo Spider

March 15, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Battling through the ‘Beast From The East‘, our 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider has finally arrived in our Suffolk workshops from the stunning setting of Tigh An Eilean, Ross-shire, Scotland.

Although having been dry stored, in a garage, for over 10 years, the car has suffered from the ever changing Scottish temperatures. The body has unfortunately deteriorated heavily over the years and will require a considerable amount of attention.

On the positive side, the hood has been down ever since the car was put away but has survived the test of time and is superb condition.

We are looking at this being a big project with a full strip down restoration needed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18432,18433,18434,18435,18436,18437,18438,18439,18440,18441,18442,18443,18444,18445,18446,18447,18448,18449,18450,18451,18452,18453,18454″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Running up the International engine for the first time

March 14, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Peter has spent the morning preparing the 1937 International engine ready for it’s first run up.

It has been sitting in a field under cover for a number of years and it is our intention to look at getting her back up and running and hopefully back on the road someday.

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Correcting the exhaust rubbing

March 14, 2018

We noticed whilst on our ramps that the exhaust seemed very close to the tyre and upon closer inspection it was evident that it had been rubbing against the inner wall of the tyre.

This was due to the bracket being bent the wrong way. It was a great find by Peter and a quick fix that has saved a lot of money in unnecessarily worn tyres.

 

1960 Jensen 541S painted and being polished

March 13, 2018

Our 1960 Jensen 541S is once again back in the original Pearl Grey finish as it was when new.

The final polishing is yet to be completed and we should see her return to our Ipswich workshops sometime later this week.

Refurbished GT6 Gearbox in and ready to go

March 13, 2018

The Triumph GT6 engine and gearbox refurb is now complete and fitted back in. The car is now on its way back to Stowmarket and is now ready for the summer.

We can’t wait to see this little beauty at a few of the Suffolk car shows this year.

Replacing the inner sills of our 1996 Jaguar XJR Supercharged

March 12, 2018

The new wheel arches are now fitted up and ready for shaping.

Tommy is now removing the inner sills and fabricating new as a direct replacement. As you can see, the sills have suffered hugely over the years and the metalwork needs to be cut out at the source and replaced with new. Not tackling these problems correctly will result in the affected areas deteriorating even more.

 

Out in the sunshine after 14 years in storage

March 12, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After 14 years being tucked up in a garage in Shieldaig, Scotland, our 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider has once again seen the daylight.  We have spent the morning freeing her up and getting ready for the long trip down to Suffolk.

W have called upon the help of our good friend Ron from K.A.R.R Solutions who has agreed to transport the car down to our workshops.

Having stopped up here over night we are sad to be saying goodbye to this stunning setting but we can’t wait to get our Alfa back into our workshops for a full inspection and assessment.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18750,18751,18752,18753,18754,18755,18756,18757,18758″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

1990 Morgan 4/4 – getting summer ready

March 12, 2018

We have now taken in the first of the fantastic collection of cars on offer at Big Sky Classic Car Hire. With a diary full of summer bookings, the cars have been off the road for the winter and have come in now for a general check over and to correct any minor issues that have developed over the season.

First up, we have our 1990 Morgan 4/4. One of only 42 1990 4/4’s and one of 3,560 4/4’s of all ages currently licensed or SORNd in the UK.

The 4/4 (stands for ‘four wheels and 4 cylinders’) model was launched in 1936 and is still the smallest and lightest of the Morgan 4 wheel cars in production.

In 1936 the engine was an 1100 cc Coventry Climax unit and since then a variety of engines and transmissions have been used but in more recent years Ford 1600 or 1800 engines and gearboxes have dominated. A total of 5448 versions of this particular model were made between 1968 and 1993 in both 2 and 4 seater options.

 

Collection day – 1937 International, 1957 Ford F100

March 10, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This morning we successfully completed the removal of 1937 International and 1957 Ford F100 for their current position.

Both vehicles have been left in storage for many years, in a yard, right here in Suffolk. Due to a bereavement we have acquired the vehicles with a view to recommissioning them.

Once back at our workshops we will fully assess the work required and try to get them up and running.

1937 International[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18396,18395,18394,18393,18392,18391,18390,18389,18388″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7azVjN2XM-4″ align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz8NHzc8dYo” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Next up we have our 1957 Ford F100. Luckily this one has been sitting on concrete rather than wet gravel for many years should was certainly easier to move.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18406,18405,18404,18403,18402,18401,18400,18399,18398,18397″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au3DNMA7g9c” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Replacing the rear wheel arch

March 8, 2018

Tommy has made real progress over the last few days removing the existing wheel arches, repairing the internals and replacing with new.

From leaving the factory, the Jaguar XJR inner arch was sealed using a second layer to help position the panel as well as act as extra protection in the form of a special adhesive. This is not a common method but to stick to originality we wanted to replicate this when fitting the new panels.

For now, we have removed the outer arches and lined up the new panels ready to be fitted up.

 

The E-Type Interior Refit

March 8, 2018

We are now on to the final stretch of the full restoration of our 1967 Jaguar E-Type 2+2. John is fitting up the black interior with all of the modern additions including the bespoke Air Conditioning panels and the fully concealed blue-tooth audio set up.

Refurbishing the Bentley’s Master Cylinder and Slave Cylinder

March 8, 2018

A trip down the A14 for us as we look to get the Master Cylinder and Slave Cylinder refurbished by the guys at Past Parts.

Past Parts specialise in the supply and re-manufacture of braking and clutch parts for a range of older vehicles including older and classic cars, classic motorcycles, commercial and agricultural vehicles, and industrial plant machinery.

The brake cylinders have been refurbished ready to be fitted back up.

1971 Ford Capri Engine Respray

March 7, 2018

The engine was removed prior to the car arriving in our workshops. With the engine out we were able to respray in and around the engine bay.

1983 Ford Capri 2.8 Injection – Body Prep for Paint

March 6, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are now at the final stages of the paint preparation for our 1983 Ford Capri.

It was a huge task welding up the affected areas but now the work has been completed it has made the preparation far easier.

Next time we see the car she’ll be looking fantastic with her new gleaming exterior.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18259,18260,18261,18262,18263,18264,18265,18266,18267,18268,18269,18270,18271,18272″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Under-sealing our 1991 Nissan Figaro

March 6, 2018

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]One final task to be carried out on our 1991 Nissan Figaro is to take a look at any areas underneath that require a clean down and under-seal.

Once on the ramp it is evident that no under-seal is currently present and there are a few areas in particular that require attention prior to any sealing being carried out.

Pete is on the case to rectify the issues at hand before a full clean down operation ready for the sealant to be applied.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18244,18245,18246,18247,18248,18249,18250,18251″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lP0AGUZQ2HM” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The results speak for themselves. Not only does the underside now look fantastic but all of the affected areas have now been addressed and a full application of under-seal is now present. This will help prevent future deterioration and prolong the life of the car.

Here’s to many many more years of driving![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18252,18253,18254,18255,18256″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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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