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Projects

Fitting up the new ceiling cloth

January 10, 2018

The reproduction of the new ceiling cloth is now complete and Kim is currently fitting back up to our 1960 Jensen. Apart from one piece missing from the front which will tighten up the cloth it is in position and looking amazing.

Manufacturing the Jensen’s new stainless exhaust

January 10, 2018

Being a rare car to start and with the unusual set up of a single down pipe to a double exit it is not the kind of exhaust system that is readily available on the shelf so we have called upon the help of our friends at Demand Engineering in Stonham, Suffolk to re-manufacturer a stainless exhaust system.

Source Demand Engineering:

“Demand Engineering was started in 2011, by our current Managing Director, Exhaust Guru and Engineering Graduate, Dan Dew.

Ever since then, we’ve been on an epic ride to become one of the industry’s most innovational and inspired businesses. We love what we do.

At our premises in Stonham Aspal, Suffolk we have made exhausts and components that have ended up all over the world. Our workers are passionate skilled people with an eye for detail.

Dan’s vision from the beginning was a range of hand crafted products based on a strong foundation of knowledge – the science behind an exhaust. To this end, you don’t just get an exhaust when you come to Demand, you get quality advice on exhaust design, always based on your requirements. Just don’t get him started on the theory of scavenging and wave reflection. If you need a manifold, he’s your guy.

Since the beginning we’ve had strong links with Longlife Exhausts, and we spearhead their brand throughout East Anglia. We can custom build an exhaust for almost anything, and through the Longlife Network, the products we turn out are backed up by a forever warranty. They’re the only guys that do this.

From the Mandrel Bender we have a strong line of Stainless Steel Mandrel Bends that are sold through our online shop, and have always got stock ready to be shipped out to trade or public.

Currently we are on a mission to develop our own Production exhaust systems, which will be sold fitted or not. Concentrating initially on the Land Rover Marque, with a unique Demand twist, the first few systems are nearly ready for market.”

 

They have already done wonders on the original exhaust flange. Rather than re-manufacturing the flange they have managed to strip back and clean the original. It’s always best to keep original as much as possible so well done guys.

We can’t wait to see the new exhaust system in position.

1971 Ford Capri arriving for a respray

January 6, 2018

Arriving with us this week, our 1971 Ford Capri in for a full ‘engine-out’ respray.

Before we collected the car, the engine had been removed so we have been assigned to strip, prepare and paint the body and return to the customer for reassembly.

Preparing the XJR for the underside treatment

January 5, 2018

With the underside now fully stripped and certain areas cleaned back to metal it’s time for Pete to mask up the areas in preparation for the underside treatment.

The treatment will will be applied once the cleaning is fully complete and will not only freshen up the look but will protect the areas that are most exposed to the elements. It is beneficial for all vehicles on the UK roads to have a treatment applied to the underside of a vehicle. It is a very cost effective way of prolonging the life of your vehicle.

Stripping back the underneath

January 4, 2018

Pete has started to strip back to bare metal the areas underneath to fully clean up, repair, treat and repaint the underside ready for the new suspension components to be fitted up.

Fitting the new hood

January 4, 2018

With a very minor tear in the vinyl roof we decided to replace the entire hood for new but this time we upgraded the material to Mohair.

As this is a rarer option on the MG Midget we arranged for hood specialists Don Trimming to manufacture the hood.

Here we are mid way through the refit.

Having now completed the re-fit of our soft top roof we have left her inside under the heat to settle the hood and ensure no creases develop.

Founded in 1958 Don Trimming are the UK’s most experienced manufacturer of replacement car hoods.

As the leading manufacturer of traditional car hoods for both pre and post war vehicles, Don Trimming use original manufacturing methods to replicate to the original specification.

Work begins on our 1996 Jaguar XJR Supercharged

January 3, 2018

The strip down process has now begun on our 1996 Jaguar XJR Supercharged.

The rear axle, front suspension, shocks, springs have all been removed and stripped down to reveal the corroded fuel pipes running through the underside. With the rear axle out of the way the fuel pipes can fully replaced with new but that’s not before the underside has perfected.

The exhaust system has also been removed.

The underside will undergo and full and thorough clean down with new components being fitted up where necessary.

It’s obviously early days on this project but Pete has made great progress over the last two days and let’s hope it continues.

Fighting off the cold over the Christmas period

December 24, 2017

One way to escape the cold weather this Christmas is with the fantastic CarCoon Airflow System. Our 1949 MGYT is now safely tucked away keeping warm and secure.

The EVO model is probably the most versatile CarCoon of all. This model comprises of a base mat and a separate top cover.

Simply drive the car onto the base mat, place the top cover over the car, connect the zipper and plug in the 12 Volt power supply.

The beauty of the EVO CarCoon is that it can be accessed from any side. This model can also be custom made to accommodate any vehicle size, including extra tall vehicles. Even reduced height units can be custom made.

 

Our 1949 MG YT photo shoot at Fynn Valley Golf Club

December 22, 2017

We were first introduced to our beautiful 1949 MG Y Tourer (YT) back in September 2016. She was then on a ship heading to the UK from Cyprus where she had spent the majority of her life in the hands of just one family. Daniel McDonald had dreamt of owning a MGYT, having owned a Y in his younger years but ‘not being able to afford the YT’ he came across a very rare right hand drive model available for sale.

Unfortunately she arrived looking somewhat different to what we were all expecting but even in this condition it was clear to see how stunning this little gem would become.

We even had visits from some renowned MG enthusiasts and specialists who had heard of her imminent arrival.

It was with great sadness that Daniel passed away in December 2016 but by special request from his family we were asked to continue with the restoration and give Daniel the car he always dreamed of.

And here we are…a little under a year later we are thrilled to hand over one of the most beautiful projects we have had the pleasure in building. As Daniel was a very keen golfer it was only fitting for the final photo-shoot to be held on the final hole of one of Suffolk’s most beautiful golf courses – Fynn Valley Golf Club.

Fynn Valley Golf Club is set in the rolling countryside of rural Suffolk in Witnesham, near Ipswich and is a friendly, family run Club.

A huge thank you to General Manager Ryan Parfett and the staff at Fynn Valley Golf Course, Jason at Sugar and Spice Photography and the McDonald family for their continued support.

On Friday 17th November  2017 on a crisp winter’s morning we completed our photo-shoot and here are the fantastic photos that I’m sure you’ll see for many years to come.

 

It’s not what you think…

December 21, 2017

Different but very impressive.

We recently spoke to Steve. Steve lives in Manchester and he contacted us after reading up on our Maserati Merak project online.

Steve owns an early golf and it just so happens that it is fitted with Maserati Merak wheels so he sent through some pictures for us to see.

I think you’ll agree, it looks fantastic with the Merak wheels on.

Steve, we love them! And a special mention to Mark Rodway and Cameron Russell for the amazing photos from London Cartel.

The newly rebuilt engine is set up and running

December 20, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

We have successfully set up the engine and carbs of our 1967 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 Series 1 and here we have her running for the first time.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLdZKg9oVKM”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This afternoon, Tommy was also successful in setting up the clutch and braking system.

Whilst Pete was kept busy reassembling the bonnet ready to be fitted up.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Inside Bentley: A Great British Motor Car

December 18, 2017

Last week we attended the Annual Christmas Classic Auction held at Sandown by Barons Classic Car Auctioneers. Also in attendance were the production crew from Channel 4’s new documentary Inside Bentley: A Great British Motor Car.

We were thrilled to hear that they were there to film our 1949 Bentley Special Mk VI and were keen to talk to us about the car.

Inside Bentley: A Great British Motor Car aired on Channel 4 on the 17th December 2017, it offered an insight into the British car manufacturer. The company opened its doors to the cameras, providing exclusive access to the creation of one of the company’s newest models, the Bentayga.

The program looked at the Crewe-based historical factory, its workforce and the craftman-ship that goes into making a luxury car.

“Even if we could never afford one, many of us have a fascination with what goes into the design and manufacture of a luxury car,”  said editor Ian Dunkley, in a statement. “This documentary lifts the bonnet on an iconic British brand whose assembly line remains proudly located in the North West of England.”

Here are some screenshots from the episode featuring the car itself and Gordon appeared too! (He’s now just waiting for the call from Strictly Come Dancing or Celebrity Big Brother)

…even Craig and Jack appeared in the background too!

Tidying under the bonnet

December 15, 2017

The underside of our 1980 MG Midget bonnet was in need of a little tidying up. Although in generally good condition once the layer of dirt and dust was removed we felt it could benefit from being re-sprayed.

With the engine gleaming under our workshop lights it’s nice to have the bonnet above looking just as pretty.

Sourcing a broken spring

December 14, 2017

Sounds like a simple task but it is very much the opposite.

Our 1967 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 door catch may look the part having been fully refurbished but upon closer inspection you’ll see the small spring is a broken. Typically, this spring is probably the most important aspect of the mechanism and is almost impossible to source on it’s own without buying a completely new unit.

Tommy has managed to reproduce the spring, strong enough to withstand the strains that is required. It is times like this where the talents of a classic car restorer really shine through. It may be simpler to buy a new one to fit but it’s much more cost effective to utilise the skills that you have available to you.

Our 1971 Cadillac Eldorado restoration project

December 14, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Source: Wikipedia

The Cadillac Eldorado is a personal luxury car that was manufactured and marketed by Cadillac from 1952 to 2002 over ten generations. Competitors and similar vehicles included the Lincoln Mark series, Buick Riviera, Oldsmobile Toronado and Chrysler’s Imperial Coupe.

The Eldorado was at or near the top of the Cadillac line during early model years. The original 1953 Eldorado convertible and the Eldorado Brougham models of 1957–1960 were the most expensive models that Cadillac offered those years, and the Eldorado was never less than second in price after the Cadillac Series 75 until 1966.

The Eldorado carried the Fleetwood designation from 1965 through 1972, and was a modern revival of the pre-war Cadillac V-12 and Cadillac V16 roadsters and convertibles.

Our Cadillac Eldorado is an early seventh generation model which was manufactured between 1971 and 1978.

The Eldorado was substantially redesigned for 1971, growing two inches in length, six in wheelbase and featuring standard fender skirts. Door glass remained frame less, and the hardtop rear quarter windows were deleted, replaced by a fixed “opera window” in the widened “C” pillar. A convertible model rejoined the line-up. This 126.3-inch (3,210 mm) wheelbase version Eldorado would run through 1978, receiving face lifts in 1973 and 1975. Sales in 1971 set a new record at 27,368.

In 1972 sales rose to 40,074.

Performance was not competitive with contemporary premium personal luxury cars.

In early 2018 we will begin the full restoration of our 1971 Cadillac Eldorado which has been tucked away in a workshop for over 8 years before we were introduced to her as a possible restoration project.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”16803,16804,16805,16806,16807,16808,16809,16810,16811,16812,16813,16814,16815,16816,16817,16818,16819,16820,16821,16822,16823,16824,16800″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Our Jensen FF bonnet is now resprayed

December 13, 2017

Our work is now complete on the 1969 Jensen Interceptor FF front respray.

The bonnet and wings were completely stripped back to metal and the areas in need of attention have been fully addressed and preventive measures have been put into place to avoid any future issues.

The paint has now been matched and built back up to reveal a beautiful finish once again.

Preparing the body of our 1965 Amphicar

December 13, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are well on with the preparation of our 1965 Amphicar body ready for the full respray which we have planned for early next year.

As the entire body was built from fibre-glass from new it was never perfect to start with but we aim to make it better than the day it was new which will take a lot of time and effort but we feel will be worth it in the end.

The paint, where thick, has been removed and a very fine layer of filler has been applied in certain areas.

The engine bay and boot area have been stripped back ready to be re-coloured.

As the car was originally white and in it’s life has been changed to red it is our intention to bring her back to life in white.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”16835,16836,16837,16838,16839,16840,16841,16842,16843,16844″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

1949 Bentley Special ready for auction

December 7, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A couple of small additions to add to the Bentley with some new history plaques to fit but overall, our work is now complete and she’s ready for next week’s auction.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”16635,16636,16637,16638,16639,16640,16641,16642,16643,16644,16645,16646,16647,16648,16649,16650,16651,16652″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Tidying up the Bentley wiring

December 7, 2017

We found a wire under the engine bay that hung lower than the rest so we tidied it up but fitting a rubber covering to hold it in place.

Dry-fitting the wheel arches

December 6, 2017

Due to age some related damage to the front wheel arches of our 1960 Jensen 541S we have been temporarily refitting and removing the panels to make minor adjustments.

This process is to help us perfect the fit of the arches but not only are we having to refit the arches prior to paint, we are also having to coincide this with fitting up the sill covers to ensure everything fits as snug as it should.

Here are the wheel arches being fitted up for the first time before any alterations have been made to the arches and/or the sills.

Once we are happy with the fit they will be returned to the paint shop to be prepared and painted.

 

 

1960 BSA Sunbeam – Ready For Auction

December 6, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The entry of the BSA group into the scooter field was announced by Edward Turner in October 1958. The 250cc model would have a cruising speed of 55 to 60 mph.

This superb little scooter has been totally restored and is ready to show or rally. The BSA Sunbeam is a very rare scooter and was also sold as the Triumph Tigress. It was a scooter designed to have good performance and handling for the motorcycle enthusiast.

The scooter comes with large restoration history file, with pictures and copies of all upgrades that have been carried out. These scooters ride very well and are much more reliable than the fragile Italian 2-strokes. Ride a different type of scooter, ride a BSA!

Our 1960 BSA Sunbeam will be featured in this year’s Annual Christmas Classic auction, hosted by Barons Auctioneers at Sandown Park. Tuesday 12th Dec 2017 starting at 1:00pm[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”16584,16585,16586,16587,16588,16589,16590,16591″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The small jobs that’ll make a big difference to our Bentley Special

December 6, 2017

Work continues this week on our 1949 Bentley Special as we get ready for next week’s Annual Christmas Classic auction, hosted by Barons Auctioneers and being held at Sandown.

It starts at 1pm on Tuesday 12th December and our Bentley is set to be one of the star cars on the day.

We also have our 1967 Austin A35, 1957 Morris 1000, 1991 TVR SEAC and 1960 BSA Sunbeam featured in the auction.

Getting back down to business, here we have a slection of smaller tasks we’ve completed on our Bentley. The air filter and spare wheel cover have been glossed up ready to be refitted.

The freshly polished side step has now been fitted. As always, credit to Tony and the guys at Wyatt Polishing for doing a great job on all of the polishing.

The underside has been cleaned up, prepared and blackened.

We’ve also cleaned down and re-finished the brake drums in silver, heat resistant, paint.

The polished fuel tank has now been secured back into position, followed then by the spare wheel and we’ve replaced the modern indicators for age related components.

As you can see, the number plate screws have not yet been changed but we’ve made up the new bumper fixing covers. We decided to remove the front bumper completely as the majority vote seemed to say that the Bentley looked more appealing without the bumper. We have kept the original bumper in vcase the new owner disagrees.

Bentley Special Polished Aluminium

December 5, 2017

Thanks to Tony and the guys at Wyatt Polishing for doing an amazing job on the aluminium components of our 1949 Bentley Special.

The bonnet, fuel tank, side steps and various smaller items have been polished up beautifully and are now being fitted back up.

Cleaning out the air filter

December 5, 2017

The running issues were due to a blocked air filter on our 1960 BSA Sunbeam scooter. John has now removed the filter, stripped and unblocked.

She now runs perfectly and starts first time, every time.

Time to put her back together ready for next week’s Annual Christmas Classic auction, hosted by Barons auctioneers, being held at Sandown Racecourse.

Running issues on our BSA Sunbeam

December 1, 2017

Our BSA Sunbeam arrived into our workshops with slight running issue. When running she ran beautifully but it took a spray of easy start to get her going. That’s not ideal when you want to go out for the afternoon!

So John is getting to work on diagnosing the issues and getting them resolved ready for next week’s auction.

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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