Projects

New arrival today

New arrival to the Bridge Classic Cars HQ this morning, a 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Roadster. Our mission: to resolve the leaking master cylinder

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A friendly face is back

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Last month we introduced you to Mrs King’s pride a joy, her 1971 Triumph Spitfire. It was brought in to Bridge Classic Cars to

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Our 1951 MGTD Competition is taking shape

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5803,5804,5805,5806,5807,5808,5809,5810,5811,5812,5813,5814,5815,5816,5817,5818,5819″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Work is now well underway reassembling our 1951 MGTD Competition. Due to it’s rarity it is imperative that we make decisions that will

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The Midget Returns

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1966 MG Midget has returned to our Ipswich workshops late this afternoon from the paint shop and she’s looking absolutely lovely. The wheels have

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MG Magnette sets off home

After 14 years sitting in a garage, this wonderful 1958 MG Magnette has been fully re-commissioned by Bridge Classic Cars and now it’s time for her to go home and enjoy the sunny Suffolk weather.

Mr Gladwin Collecting His MG Magnette

1985 Mercedes 280 SL Braking Issues

Mr Butcher of Ipswich, Suffolk recently brought in his beautiful 1985 Mercedes 280 SL for a few niggling issues that he wanted us here at Bridge Classic Cars to take a look at.

The Mercedes SL is always a dream to work on as our team have a lot of experience with these. As we’ve mentioned beforeย Gordon was a former Benson and Hedges Classic Concours winner himself, with a Mercedes 230sl Pagoda roof and competitor on many classic rallies. So Mr Butcher…your car is in very safe hands!!

1985 Mercedes 280SL at Bridge Classic Cars

John discovered a fault with the braking system which needed to be resolved so we fitted brand new brake callipers, sender units and brake discs.

1985 Mercedes 280SL at Bridge Classic Cars

It had been reported to us of an issue with the passenger window not working when it should be, this normally results in a new window mechanism and motor. Luckily, head technician Asa was on hand to repair the fault with the mechanism and save a huge amount of money in not having to purchase a whole new motor.

The fault was found and fixed in no time at all.

As a team of passionate classic car enthusiasts, we enjoy working on classic cars. When you enjoy working on something you naturally go the extra mile. We hear all too often from customers that the ‘all round’ garages do not think of the smaller detail and do not often come up with the solutions. In this case, a new mechanism could have been used but would have cost well over ยฃ400 to the customer. As experts in our field we were able to repair the fault for a fraction of the cost. We are happy and our customer is happy!

1985 Mercedes 280SL at Bridge Classic Cars

1985 Mercedes 280SL at Bridge Classic Cars

As we had fitted a new braking system to the Mercedes we thought it was best to run her through a new MOT and full service just as extra piece of mind that the job was complete! We fitted new serviceable items throughout: spark plugs, oil filters, air filter, oil, leads, cap, rotor arm, shock absorbers, steering shock absorber and belts.

A very worthwhile and fulfilling project.

New arrival today

New arrival to the Bridge Classic Cars HQ this morning, a 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Roadster.

Our mission: to resolve the leaking master cylinder and work on getting her up and running.

Lucky for us the the brakes work, we were dreading having to roll her off the trailer. I don’t think it would be the lightest beast to try and catch.

1972 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Series 3 Arriving at Bridge Classic Cars

1972 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Series 3 Arriving at Bridge Classic Cars

1972 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Series 3 Arriving at Bridge Classic Cars

1972 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Series 3 Arriving at Bridge Classic Cars

N1972 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Series 3 Arriving at Bridge Classic Cars

1972 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Series 3 Arriving at Bridge Classic Cars

1972 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Series 3 Arriving at Bridge Classic Cars

1972 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Series 3 Arriving at Bridge Classic Cars

1976 Maserati Merak Engine

It is always pleasing when one of our engines is rebuilt. Here are the first pictures of our totally rebuilt 1976 Maserati Merak engine.

The engine has been totally stripped and has been rebuilt using original parts sourced from all over the world.

This is another challenging rebuild as parts are no longer available and when you work to such exacting standards it always stretches our team to the max.

The engine will be married to the refurbished gearbox and pictures of the finished unit will be posted in the next few days prior to it being married to the body.

We are well on with the trim which will be in vibrant red, stitched in green to match the body.

1976 Maserati Merak Engine

1976 Maserati Merak Engine

1976 Maserati Merak Engine

1976 Maserati Merak Engine

1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Arrives

Time to get on with the tasks in hand.

Our main objective on this project is to have her ready for Good Revival 2016 on Friday 9th to Sunday 11th September. As you can see, that gives us just 1 month.

A few slight problems reported to us but John is already well on the way with this one:

  • The brakes and handbrake needs checking as they can at times be a bit spongy.
  • The passenger’s lock is faulty which means the door does not shut as much as we would expect.
  • The wiring behind the dashboard needs to be investigated as the dials seems to be a little temperamental. Particularly the temperature gauge and the power supply to charge.
  • The bodywork has a few bubbles starting to appear so we need to look at repairing and respraying the areas. The main areas to concentrate on are the passenger’s door and the bonnet.

Jaguar E-Type Series 1 at Bridge Classic Cars

Jaguar E-Type Series 1 at Bridge Classic Cars

Jaguar E-Type Series 1 at Bridge Classic Cars

Jaguar E-Type Series 1 at Bridge Classic Cars

Jaguar E-Type Series 1 at Bridge Classic Cars

Jaguar E-Type Series 1 at Bridge Classic Cars

Jaguar E-Type Series 1 at Bridge Classic Cars

Having assessed the paintwork in more detail alongside the owner, we have decided that a bonnet and door repair and respray would not be good enough for a car of this grandeur.

Yes it can be done, we can strip the bonnet and door but painting just these two areas would make them look very fresh against the rest of the bodywork. When you have a series 1 Jaguar E-Type, you don’t want to be cutting corners. With a little more time and effort, you can make her 100% again.

So a full strip and respray is now on the board and I think that is absolutely the right decision. We are not rushing to get the job done we have all decided that the full respray will be carried out immediately after the Good Revival weekend. All other work is still scheduled to be completed in time but a full respray is not something you want to rush threw…and we certainly won’t be settling for ‘ok’.

Back on the road after 14 years

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our wonderful 1958 MG Magnette is finally back on the road.

Having been stored in a dry, air conditioned garage for over 14 years, it was initially brought in to Bridge Classic Cars with the main objective being to get her road worthy once again.

As with all recommissioning projects it is difficult to know exactly how easy a job can be until you start working on it. Although the car was fully restored 14 years ago it had not moved an inch since.

Luckily, nothing too serious to contend with but still more work than you think it is.ย Nevertheless, she’s up and running and looking lovely outside the Bridge Classic Cars workshops in Ipswich.

She’sย now ready for a trip back to Woodbridge to enjoy the summer shows for years to come.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5850,5851,5852,5853,5854,5855,5856,5857,5858,5859,5860,5861,5862,5863,5864,5865,5866,5867,5868,5869″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

MGTD Competition Engine Repaint

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today, John has been busy working on fitting up more of the 1951 MG TD Competition.

We had a visit earlier in the week from Mike, owner ofย NTG Motor Services Ltd (MGbits if you know them online), Mike is a great friend of ours at Bridge Classic Cars. As the owner of one of the largest MG parts suppliers in the UK as well as the owner of a beautiful MkII MG TD himself we wereย only too happy for him to come and see the car.

As you can see from the image gallery, today, John has managed to fit the front lights, the step rails have also been fitted and the engine bay has been detailed with the original MG engine paint.

The final job for today was to tighten all round.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5824,5825,5826,5827,5828,5829,5830,5831,5832,5833,5834,5835,5836″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

1971 Triumph Spitfire Stripped

Work is now well underway on the 1971 Triumph Spitfire. As you can see, we’ve stripped the car of it’s components before we repair and prepare the bodywork ready for paint.

1971 Triumph Spitfire Stripped at Bridge Classic Cars

1971 Triumph Spitfire Stripped at Bridge Classic Cars

1971 Triumph Spitfire Stripped at Bridge Classic Cars

1971 Triumph Spitfire Stripped at Bridge Classic Cars

Always take lots of pictures…

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s always a good idea and very useful to take lots of pictures before, during and after you have completed the work. Another great tip is to take inspiration from others.

As a team of enthusiasts ourselves, here at Bridge Classic Cars we all enjoy going to car shows and events. It’s at events and meetings that you see a lot of like minded individuals who enjoy speaking to you about their cars. If you are working on your own car and see one similar, or you like a particular style that someone else has used why not see if you can take some photos as future reference.

It’s easy when pulling a car apart to think you’ll remember exactly how it all came together but that’s not always the case. If you have a selection of images to refer back to this makes the job much easier.

We came across another Volkswagen T25 Camper earlier today and as we have a meeting scheduled tomorrow evening with Margaret on the interior of her T25, we thought now would be great opportunity to take a few pictures of what other people have done. It helps bring ideas to life.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5788,5789,5790,5791,5792,5793,5794,5795,5796,5797,5798,5799,5800″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Stripping the engine

Mark is settling in well here at Bridge Classic Cars, he’s been part of the family for 3 weeks now and seems to have adopted the VW camper engine as his project. Here are the first pictures of the engine being stripped and worked on.

VW Camper T25 Engine

VW Camper T25 Engine

The bodywork is still being worked on in preparation for paint but this is almost complete so we should see it returned to our workshops in around 2 weeks time.

We have also been working alongside new owner Margaret this week to discuss and get inspiration for the bespoke graphics we intend to use on the exterior.

A friendly face is back

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]1971 Triumph Spitfire

Last month we introduced you to Mrs King’s pride a joy, her 1971 Triumph Spitfire. It was brought in to Bridge Classic Cars to have work done on the driver’s seat. Over time, the base had started to sag (technical word) and was becoming a little uncomfortable to use.

1971 Triumph Spitfire

As with everything that is used regularly, these things do happen but it’s great that it does. It means this little beauty is being used for what she was built for. She’s not being stored away for years on end not enjoying the Suffolk roads.

This is a relatively simple task to carry out, if you have the skills and tools to hand that is. We re-upholstered the seat so she was once again as good as new.

1971 Triumph Spitfire Driver's Seat

But the story doesn’t end there.

When Mrs King popped in to our workshops on Deben Road to collect her car and discuss some future works that may need to be carried out she noticed the work that was being carried out on our 1966 MG Midgetย and that got her thinking!

A month later, our 1971 Triumph Spitfire returns for the extra work we discussed but also a few special alterations…

  • The fuel pipe clips are missing so replacements will be required.
  • Inlet manifold hose is believed to be incorrect and most likely not to be up to standard so a replacement will be required.
  • There is an engine oil leak and diff oil leak, these will need to be thoroughly cleaned up to assess the area and investigate where the leaks are coming from before we can fully commit to the work and parts that will be required.
  • The tappets need to be adjusted. A new rocker cover gasket will be fitted which MAY resolve one or all of your oil leaks.
  • Off-side and near side front chassis members, the rear boot floor and the off-side rear chassis itself all show signs of corrosion so these will need welding repairs to be carried out.
  • Finally, the off-side front track rod end gaiter has split and will require two new track rod ends.

But it doesn’t end there, we are very pleased to be taking the project that one step further and…

  • To strip car of components
  • Replace rotten areas of wheel arch, weld in new where necessary
  • Paint
  • Refit
  • Chrome-work including new bumpers
  • Sundries
  • New Hood
  • Replace carpets throughout

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Recommissioning work is underway

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So we’ve been hard at work this week on the 1958 MG Magnette.

Mark, our newest technician, joined us at the beginning of the week and has got stuck with this recommissioning project being his main priority.

1958 MG Magnette Engine Bay

So far on the MG Magnette Mark has worked on the following:

  • A full brake overhaul – linings, cylinders, master cylinder which incorporates the clutch master.
  • Brake pipes refurbishment.
  • Drained the age old fuel and replace with new fuel throughout the system.
  • A full engine service.
  • Fuel pumps have been test now the new battery has been connected.
  • The pedals have been taken out to investigate whether any work was required behind.
  • Lower half of the dashboard is now back in place but not securely fitted. The dash has however lit up which is a very promising result. A few safety checks have been carried out and we’ll see over the coming days whether anything else needs to be worked on before the dash gets tightened.

So far so good on a car that has been sitting dormant for over 15 years.

On Monday Paul Johnson – Professional Mobile Valeting arrives to work his magic on the bodywork.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Getting ready for Goodwood Revival

With only weeks to go until Goodwood Revival 2016ย Bridge Classic Cars has been given a beautiful 1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 with aย few remedial works needing to be carried out.

Time is of the essence with this project but as big fans and regulars of Goodwood Revival ourselves we know the importance of having this ready for the big event.

The first task with any project is to assess the work that needs to be carried out. Whether we visit the car in it’s current residence or they are brought down to our workshops on Deben Road in Ipswich, we fully assess and discuss what is required and of course, the timescale and budget that the customer would ideally like us to work to.

Jaguar E-Type Series 1

Jaguar E-Type Series 1

Jaguar E-Type Series 1

Jaguar E-Type Series 1

Jaguar E-Type Series 1

Our 1951 MGTD Competition is taking shape

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5803,5804,5805,5806,5807,5808,5809,5810,5811,5812,5813,5814,5815,5816,5817,5818,5819″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Work is now well underway reassembling our 1951 MGTD Competition.

Due to it’s rarity it is imperative that we make decisions that will compliment the car and preserve it’s history.

Some original components that were already fitted to the car when we collected her, although look aged, are so beautifully aged that it would seem crazy to replace with new.

Our original plan was to keep the hood and not do any work to the frame but now we have it back in our workshops, it’s looking stunning with it’s new paint job and it is quite clear to see that the hood will need to be replaced.

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VW Camper T25 – Work is now underway

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Work is now underway on our 1989 VW Camper T25.

Like so manyย classics we find nowadays, all too often they are found abandoned, forgotten about and left to sit outside for many years. As I’m sure you would too, being left to face the weather in all conditions for many years doesn’t do the bodywork any good.

As you can see from the images, in order to bring these beauties back to life it takes a lot of patience and attention to detail. In order to rectify the issues you first have to strip it back and identify the problems.

VW Camper T25 Restoration Project at Bridge Classic Cars

VW Camper T25 Restoration Project at Bridge Classic Cars

VW Camper T25 Restoration Project at Bridge Classic Cars

VW Camper T25 Restoration Project at Bridge Classic Cars

It’s now in safe hands, Bridge Classic Cars will now do what they do best.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It was a gorgeous sunny weekend last weekend and it was the day of the annual Felixstowe carnival. We took a trip down to the coast and stopped for a drink at The Ferry Boat Inn.

Everyone was sitting outside on benches enjoying the sunshine and a few beers when a Camper pulled up.

It wasn’t perfect, far from it in fact, but it was amazing. 4 youngsters got out, the guys went in and got the drinks whilst the girls opened up the back, pulled out a rug and sat beside us. For the rest of the afternoon they sat drinking and eating and basically having an awesome time. They didn’t need benches, they had a VW.

That’s what the VW Camper is all about.

And once Bridge Classic Cars have worked their magic on our 1989 VW Camper T25 she’ll be off up to Scotland to join her new owner Margaret for many many years of holidays and sunshine!

But first, let’s get down to business…

VW Camper T25 Restoration Project at Bridge Classic Cars

VW Camper T25 Restoration Project at Bridge Classic Cars

VW Camper T25 Restoration Project at Bridge Classic Cars[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

1966 MG Midget Restoration Collection Day

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So she’s been part of the Bridge Classic Cars family for 5 weeks but today’s the day our 1966 MG Midget restoration is finally complete and we’re ready to to send her home.

It’s been fun, a lot of highs and very little lows which we love.

We hope to be seeing this little beauty again for many years to come.ย It’s the Festival of Classic and Sports Cars at Helmingham Hall, maybe we’ll see her there.

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The finishing touches

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As our final full day comes to a close on our 1966 MG Midget, it’s a been a busy week but a very rewarding week.

And even after all these years in the business, we occasionally slip up too but luckily our slip up was only minor and we were able to resolve it in super quick time…the wheel spinners!

To finish off the freshly refurbished wheels we thought it would look stunning if we fitted brand new MG wheel spinners.

We’ve had them on the shelf since day one, when we first ordered all of the parts we thought we would need. It’s good to be prepared.

As they were one of the last components to fit we left them in their boxes to avoid them getting any damage.

Turns out, there are two types of MG wheel spinners available: 8TPI and 12TPI. Today we discovered that the earlier models of the MG Midget have 8TPI, guess what we had purchased all those weeks ago, and didn’t think to check…yep 12TPI. Wrong!

So a quick call to the guys at Moss Europeย and overnight delivery of the 8TPI spinners and she’ll be done and ready to go home.

As you’ll see from the image gallery, the roof is finally complete and works a treat. The original plinth that we had refurbished has now been attached to the front grille and is looking amazing on the car. The chrome B-Post plates have arrived and the wheels are on…not secure…but on!

One thing I forgot to mention yesterday was the door cards. The interior of this beauty was actually in very good condition so very little work was required. Once the car had been painted and we fitted the existing door card we felt that next to the brightness of the red they just looked tired. We called around and managed to secure a set or brand new doors cards, exactly the same style as the existing ones and they even had the white piping so we snapped them up! A great decision we feel.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5622,5623,5624,5625,5626,5627,5628,5629,5630,5631,5632,5633,5634,5635,5636,5637,5638,5639,5640,5641,5642″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Mastering the Midget Roof

It takes longer than you think to fit a brand new roof to an existing frame system.

But you can’t beat the look of a brand new roof so the efforts are well worth it!

Here we are working on doing just that. We’ve had the existing frame-work refurbished so it now looks as good as new. The hinges and mechanism needed a bit of freeing up but once we had added a little grease and gently worked on all of the moving components theย roof was ready to me measured out and fitted.

If you intend on fitting a roof yourself we strongly advise you get an extra pair of hands to help you. Two pairs of hands to stretch the roof and secure tightly into position is most definitely better than one pair trying to attempt it. It is important for the roof to remain tight at all times and a good eye to make sure it is straight and in position.


1966 MG Midget - Fitting the roof

1966 MG Midget - Fitting the roof

1966 MG Midget - Fitting the roof

The plinth looks amazing!

See..it pays to take risks!

After running out of options to replace the tired looking plinth we were forced to take a risk and see whether we could re-chrome the original part.

I am fairly confident when I say thatย there are no more original front plinths in existence and believe me, I have tried everywhere! And as yet, no one has been able to re-produce them either so having spoken to, what seems like, every single MG parts supplier in the world we had no choice but to see whether we could refurbish the existing plinth.

This is a very challenging exercise as the material used to produce these originally,ย not only dent and mark very easily but are very difficult to re-chrome.

Having repaired the imperfections we managed to re-chrome and polish the part up to a superb condition.

A special thank you as always to Tony and the guys at Wyatt Polishing in Thetford for their help.

I think you’ll agree, it looks amazing.

Now to fit the new MG badge to the front…

MG Midget Plinth

MG Midget Plinth

MG Midget Plinth

MG Midget Reassembly – Day 1

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Work is now underway on re-assembling our 1966 MG Midget. It’s been a very good, productive day so far. Everything is looking so lovely as it’s nice and shiny.

When re-building a car or components of a car it’s always best to loosely fit the parts. This way, if you find you need to adjust parts later down the line you can do it easier and without causing any damage. There’s nothing worse than getting this far and then causing slight damage, it is so disheartening. Loosely fitting the parts will reduce the risk of damage.

Just a couple of minor alterations we still need to do; the rear bumper and rear number plate light is not fitting quite how we want them too so we need to concentrate a little bit more of our time to these areas.

 

 

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VW T25 Ready for restoration

Our reputation is spreading. Margaret Langley of Hopeman, Scotland asked us to source her a camper.

We were lucky enough to be able to secure her a VW T25 that had just been painted. But guess what. We are going to paint it again.

1989 Volkswagen T25

Margaret has specific ideas for her camper so watch this space whilst we develop this lovely camper into something special and totally bespoke.

1989 Volkswagen T25

Back with us at Bridge Classic Cars

Work is now underway on reassembling our beautiful and very rare 1951 MG TD Competition.

We have already had lots of interest in the progress of this restoration but we’d love to hear from you, if you would like to know more about this wonderful car or have information on her that you think we may be unaware of then please get in touch.

Here we are, back in the dry and warmth of Bridge Classic Cars.

We have already had a few visitors to the workshops, eager to see the car, both Steve and Jack love it, we love

…we just can’t wait for her to be built and on the road where she belongs.

1951 MG TD Competition - Bridge Classic Cars

1951 MG TD Competition - Bridge Classic Cars

1951 MG TD Competition - Bridge Classic Cars

1958 MG Magnette, first site of sunshine

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It’s been over 15 years sinceย our incredible 1958 MG Magnette has seen the sunshine and been out on the road.

Here we are rolling it out for the very first time.

Amazingly she rolled effortlessly!

Now it’s time to head back to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop to start work on the recommissioning project.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5683,5684,5685,5686,5687,5688,5689,5690,5674″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The Midget Returns

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our 1966 MG Midget has returned to our Ipswich workshops late this afternoon from the paint shop and she’s looking absolutely lovely.

The wheels have now been removed and taken away for restoration and the new/old and re-chromed parts are all organised, ready to be fitted up.

Its the end of the day now, we’ve had a very busy day going here there and everywhere so a fresh start in the morning. First task: Asa and John to get stuck in with re-assembling this beauty.

We are now just waiting on the front plinth to come back from Wyatt Polishing. Craig has tried his hardest to source a new plinth but as a lot of you may be aware and according to our various MG contacts the plinths have not be produced for over 4 years so getting hold a new one is almost impossible. So off to Tony to see him work his magic and getting the plinth looking brand new again!

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Collecting our 1951 MGTD Competition from our Ipswich paintshop

It’s a beautifulย ย sunny day today here in Ipswich which is exactly what we wanted as today’s the day we collected our very rare 1951 MGTD from our paint shop in Ipswich and return her to our assembly workshop on Deben Road ready for the refit to begin.

1951 MG TD Competition Respray
1951 MG TD Competition Respray

1951 MG TD Competition Respray

1951 MG TD Competition Respray

1951 MG TD Competition Respray

1951 MG TD Competition Respray

1951 MG TD Competition Respray

Recommissioning a 1958 MG Magnette

Having been stored in a dry, air conditioned garage, completely untouched for over 15 years, Mr G of Capel St Mary has decided to get his father’s fully restored 1958 MG Magnette back on the road, hopefully in time for a few classic cars shows this year.

So he called upon the expertise of us here at Bridge Classic Cars.

1958 MG Magnette

1958 MG Magnette

1958 MG Magnette

1958 MG Magnette

1966 MG Midget returning from paintshop

We’ve just got back from the workshops in Needham Market where we had our first inspection of the new re-spray on the MG Midget.

We are due to see it back in the Bridge Classic Cars workshops tomorrow afternoon ready for re-assembly.

A few slight imperfections were found this afternoon on our visit so these will now get our full attention to keep us on track with our timings.

As you can see we have managed to rescue the original bonnet which is fantastic news as it keeps the car original. If replacement parts are required then this can be arranged but it’s always great to see original parts restored if at all possible.

Once the car is back with us at the Bridge Classic Cars workshops we’ll prepare her on the ramp ready for re-assembly. At this stage the wheels will be removed and refurbished ready for final installation.

This is where a car really starts to take shape.

 

1966 MG Midget undergoing a full re-spray

1966 MG Midget undergoing a full re-spray

1966 MG Midget undergoing a full re-spray

1966 MG Midget undergoing a full re-spray

1966 MG Midget undergoing a full re-spray

1966 MG Midget undergoing a full re-spray

1966 MG Midget undergoing a full re-spray

1966 MG Midget undergoing a full re-spray

1966 MG Midget undergoing a full re-spray

1966 MG Midget undergoing a full re-spray

1966 MG Midget undergoing a full re-spray

1966 MG Midget undergoing a full re-spray

Organising the bright-work ready for re-chroming

A trip up the A14 is due soon as we get our 1971 Jaguar E-Type 3 Roadster chrome work organised, ready for refurbishing.

When organising the chrome (or all parts in general) it is important to document what you have to start with so it helps when it’s returned; A. to check you have it all and B. it helps work out what each individual part is and where it belongs.

Aftermarket parts these days are wonderful. As time goes on original parts for classic cars are becoming harder and harder to find so there is absolutely a market for aftermarket parts but if you are lucky enough to have original parts that are repairableย then it’s best to do this if it is a cost effective solution.

Off we go to Wyatt Polishing in Thetford, Tony does wonders with chrome-work!

Jaguar E-Type Rechroming

Jaguar E-Type Rechroming

Jaguar E-Type Rechroming

Jaguar E-Type Rechroming

Jaguar E-Type Rechroming

Jaguar E-Type Rechroming

Jaguar E-Type Rechroming

Jaguar E-Type Rechroming

Our 1951 MGTD Competition has been painted

This Wednesday we are due to see the return ofย our 1951 MGTD Competition from the paint shop.

She has been completely stripped, perfected and undergone a full respray.

1951 MGTD Competition Stripped and Painted

1951 MGTD Competition Stripped and Painted

1951 MGTD Competition Stripped and Painted

1951 MGTD Competition Stripped and Painted

Fitting the fans

Things are starting to pick up pace on the 1976 Maserati Merak restoration. We’ve had a few quiet weeks on her as the workshops have been busy with other jobs but now the wheels and suspension are on, the car is starting to take shape.

Maserati Merak Radiator

As you can see, John has been working on fitting the radiator and twin fans today. Along with the Air Conditioning Radiator and Air Conditioning Separator.

Maserati Merak Fans