[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve just arrived back to the workshop having collected a 1968 MGBGT that requires a bit of attention. Our first assignment is to replace the
It’s been a while since we last saw this but this afternoon we finally fitted the wheels back onto the Merak so she can finally come
It’s been a while but as the suns out and she’s off the ramp we decided to work on fitting the chrome work, vents, suspension
We are often asked whether we only do full concours restorations and the answer is…absolutely not. In a nutshell, we can do anything you wish
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today, we were being reunited with a old friend of Bridge Classic Cars, our 1957 MGA that we restored last year. Mr and Mrs Fry
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Prior to Bridge Classic Cars collecting the keys to our lovely 1957 MGA, the previous owner had lovingly documented the work that had be carried
This is turning out to be one of our toughest challenges to date. One of our first tasks after collecting the vehicle was to send
With the final touches complete our 1966 MG Midget is now ready for paint. We are hoping to get her in this afternoon but failing
We all have different likes and dislikes, ideas of what is acceptable and what isn’t and there’s nothing wrong with that at all. When our
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are now well underway with the paint preparation. The bodywork needs to be stripped bare of all existing paintwork, any imperfections can then be
Here’s a collection of original Maserati Merak parts ready to go off to paint. Where possible, it is always best to use original parts providing
For the eagle eyed readers amongst us you may have noticed that our usually ‘completed project’ photo shoot was a little incomplete on this occasion. If
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It doesn’t take long to strip a car of it’s components. If you are new to restorations do ensure you document where certain parts you
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Work is underway today to fit the front suspension to the Maserati Merak. As we are used to so very often, a full classic car
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Not all of our projects end with a midnight completion followed by a 4am photo shoot scheduled but our 1966 Jaguar E-Type has not been a
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today we welcomed the a 1966 MG Midget, in with us for a few weeks undergoing a restoration ready for the great line up summer
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After a very long day and a fantastic team effort from the guys in the workshop our 1966 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 Series 1 is finally
It’s a race to the finish line now as we are working late into the final evening before the auction which takes place in Kings
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We expected the paintwork to be in slightly better condition that what we discovered so in true Bridge Classic Cars style…we’ll do it the way
It’s been a long time coming, with a long trip from Canada but our 1951 MGTD has finally arrived with us here at Bridge Classic
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Towards the end of a restoration is the best time to have that final look over the paintwork, really look into the detail of the
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The major task of refitting the interior is upon us. With all of the new components set out in the assembly workshop it was just
It’s all about the finishing touches…so when our original number plates arrived from Sheldrake and Wells in Ipswich, before we committed to fitting them onto
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With our 1966 Jaguar E-Type away for 24 hours to have the ceiling cloth and glass re-fitted it gave the team a small window to
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Now back from Car Glass and Trim, the ceiling cloth and glass are almost complete. We were hoping to have it turned round within the
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With our 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 safely out of the workshop and up the road with Car Glass and Trim in Ipswich, it gave
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today was a deadline that we couldn’t afford to miss! We had our time slot booked in with Car Glass and Trim in Ipswich to
The brand new multi-spoke EType wheels have been fitted to the original specification tyres: Michelin 185 VR 15 XVS (185/80R 15 93V)
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Although our schedule is tight our attention to detail will never suffer, it just means we may have some busier and longer days ahead but
It’s all go in the workshop this week as the pressure is on for Asa and John to finish the 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We’ve just arrived back to the workshop having collected a 1968 MGBGT that requires a bit of attention.
Our first assignment is to replace the sills before we discuss phase 2 of the work to be carried out.
Here we are arriving back at the Bridge Classic Cars workshops on Deben Road in Ipswich.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5316,5317,5318,5319,5320,5321,5322,5323,5312,5315″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
It’s been a while since we last saw this but this afternoon we finally fitted the wheels back onto the Merak so she can finally come off the dollies.
It’s been a while but as the suns out and she’s off the ramp we decided to work on fitting the chrome work, vents, suspension and braking system outside in the sunshine.
We are often asked whether we only do full concours restorations and the answer is…absolutely not.
In a nutshell, we can do anything you wish on your classic and vintage vehicle!
This is certainly something we have the skills and knowledge to be able to do but not everyone who owns a classic car wants or feels the necessity to have a classic in concours condition. In fact the majority of us would prefer to have a classic that can be enjoyed all year round.
We offer our services, large or small, in: restoration, engine rebuilding, service and repairs, paintwork and as Mrs H from Belstead village recently found out, we can help her with her interior, trim and upholstery enquiry too.
The driver’s seat was beginning to lose it’s shape and the back had started to collapse.
Our first task was to remove the seat in question and assess what work needed to be carried out.
A simple task but a task that will make driving her beloved car much more enjoyable for Mrs H. A new seat cushion was required.
24hrs later the seat has been repaired with new cushioning and webbing and it’s now back on the road.
And one very happy customer.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today, we were being reunited with a old friend of Bridge Classic Cars, our 1957 MGA that we restored last year.
Mr and Mrs Fry have reluctantly decided to sell her and thankfully for us we were notified prior to it being advertised to see whether we would be interested in taking back the keys…we were delighted.
So off up the A14 I went at 4am in the morning. Seems very early to be collecting a car from a customer’s house I know but they had some event they were keen to be at and wanted to be on the road for 8am. Apparently there’s something happening this weekend at Silverstone, some Formula 1 event!
So we welcome back the beautiful 1957 MGA that we lovingly restored back in 2015.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4996,4997,4998,4999,5000,5001,5002,5003,5004,5005,5006,5007,5008,5009,5010,5011,5012,5013,5014,5015,5016,5017,5018,5019,5020,5021,5022,5023,5024,5025,5026,5027,5028,4995″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Prior to Bridge Classic Cars collecting the keys to our lovely 1957 MGA, the previous owner had lovingly documented the work that had be carried out.
It is so good to see the history of these vehicles and even better to see the hair styles and clothing!!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4890,4891,4892,4893,4894,4895,4896,4897,4898,4899,4900,4901,4902,4903,4904,4905,4908,4909,4910,4911,4912,4913,4914,4915,4916,4917,4918,4919,4920,4921,4922,4923,4924,4925,4926,4927,4928,4929,4930,4931,4932,4933,4934,4935,4936,4937,4938,4939,4940,4941,4942,4943,4944,4945,4946,4947,4948,4949,4950,4951,4952,4953,4954,4955,4956,4957,4958,4959,4960,4961,4962,4963,4964,4965,4966,4967,4968,4969,4970,4971,4972,4973,4974,4975,4976,4977,4978,4979,4980,4981″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
This is turning out to be one of our toughest challenges to date.
One of our first tasks after collecting the vehicle was to send the wheels away to have them professionally refurbished. The wheels on the Maserati Merak were cast light alloy Campagnolo 7½J x 15″, fitted with Michelin XWX tyres measuring 185/70 at the front and 205/70 at the rear. Anyone who has refurbished wheels in the past will recognise just how difficult it is to work on repairing a wheel like this.
The tyres were special order too…nothing on this car seems to be easy but it’s all worth it in the end!
We have had two separate attempts on refurbishing the wheels but you do have to draw the line somewhere, as the more you try with this particular wheel, sometimes, the worse they can become.
The first attempt looked fantastic but did have a few imperfections to them so we worked on the imperfections that little bit more and went for a second attempt…the results are great. We decided to stop there rather than push our luck too far, striving for perfection on a set of original wheels that are over 40 years old.
With the final touches complete our 1966 MG Midget is now ready for paint.
We are hoping to get her in this afternoon but failing that it will be first thing in the morning so it should be ready for re-assembly in a couple of days time.
All of the parts, including the new and re-chromed components are all ready and waiting for the re-assembly.
We all have different likes and dislikes, ideas of what is acceptable and what isn’t and there’s nothing wrong with that at all.
When our lovely little 1951 MGTD arrived from Canada we were expecting to carry out a bit of paint work but once we had time to inspect and assess her we felt a full strip and spray would be what this car truly deserves.
It’s not everyday you see a car as rare as this one so she’s in safe hands now she’s with us at Bridge Classic Cars
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We are now well underway with the paint preparation. The bodywork needs to be stripped bare of all existing paintwork, any imperfections can then be worked on and straighten to ensure a perfect paint-job.
It is crucial to get the preparation absolutely right, this prevents any further work further along the journey.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5064,5065,5066,5067,5068,5069,5058″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Here’s a collection of original Maserati Merak parts ready to go off to paint.
Where possible, it is always best to use original parts providing they are in full working order.
For the eagle eyed readers amongst us you may have noticed that our usually ‘completed project’ photo shoot was a little incomplete on this occasion. If you look closely you’ll see the front headlight scoops are not fitted at the time of the photo shoot and that was a little disappointing for us but unfortunately when you deal with classic cars you expect a few products to be a little trickier to get hold of.
Better late that never the light scoops arrived and it was the the tough decision of whether to have them painted body colour or silver. The team were split on this but after a bit of research we found that originally they would have all been silver so this is the decision we made…and boy, were we right with that decision.
Here’s the results:
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It doesn’t take long to strip a car of it’s components.
If you are new to restorations do ensure you document where certain parts you have removed originally came from. It seems like a simple thing to remember but when you have a million and one things going through your mind, you might find, when it comes to rebuilding the car you have no idea where the piece you have in your hand actually goes…we’ve all been there.
Here is our 1966 MG Midget stripped of its external parts including all lighting and brightwork.
The next stage is to prepare the bodywork ready for paint.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5057,5058,5059,5060,5061″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Work is underway today to fit the front suspension to the Maserati Merak.
As we are used to so very often, a full classic car restoration is never as straight forward as the guys on the TV show you.
We are currently working from a very old but original Maserati Merak manual, the biggest problem being that the entire book is printed in Italian…makes life very tricky!
The diagrams are good though, here are a selection of images of the front suspension.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4771,4772,4773,4774,4768,4770,4769″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Not all of our projects end with a midnight completion followed by a 4am photo shoot scheduled but our 1966 Jaguar E-Type has not been a normal project.
As always, Jason from Sugar and Spice Photography in Felixstowe has done an absolutely incredible shoot for us.
Normally we like to take our restorations to a beautiful setting, somewhere in the heart of this wonderful county we live in but on this occasion time was against us so our assembly room became our studio…
…and we must say, it makes a pretty lovely setting!
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4744,4745,4746,4747,4748,4749,4750,4751,4752,4753,4754,4755,4756,4757,4758,4759,4760,4761,4762″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today we welcomed the a 1966 MG Midget, in with us for a few weeks undergoing a restoration ready for the great line up summer shows here in Suffolk.
She’s come in to us from Stowmarket and our plan is to strip her of all internal and external components.
The bodywork will then be prepared ready for a brand new full spray. The chrome work will then be assessed and a decision will be made as to whether to re-chrome or renew the various parts.
We expect the work to be completed within a 5-6 week time frame.
Here she is arriving at Bridge Classic Cars today.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”5046,5047,5048,5049,5050,5051,5052,5053,5054,5045″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After a very long day and a fantastic team effort from the guys in the workshop our 1966 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 Series 1 is finally complete.
A few slight alterations that need to be made but as it’s now 11pm and we’ve all been in since 6am this morning I think these alterations can wait til the morning.
See the images of her in position in our assembly workshop at the end of the night.
A 4am start tomorrow as Jason from Sugar and Spice Photography arrives to take some wonderful pictures.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4637,4638,4639,4640,4641,4643,4644,4645,4646,4647,4648″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwQ1WlKt5a8″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YgmndUQc_k”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
It’s a race to the finish line now as we are working late into the final evening before the auction which takes place in Kings Lynn tomorrow.
The number plate has now been fitted to the front and the great news is…it went on the first time of trying. Anyone who has fitted a self adhesive number onto a car before can appreciate that this is a great feeling!
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We expected the paintwork to be in slightly better condition that what we discovered so in true Bridge Classic Cars style…we’ll do it the way it should be done.
Today, Asa and John spent the day stripping the 1951 MGTD of it’s chromework and adjusted the position of the engine to ensure that the paintwork can be carried out to the condition that a car of this calibre should be.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4573,4574,4575,4576,4577″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]At Bridge Classic Cars, we find it very useful to take a lot of picture when working on a vehicle. Not only does this create a fantastic story for future owners so they can see exactly what work as been carried out and to what standard (exceptional I must add!). It also helps piece a car back together. It’s is easy to think you’ll remember where everything went but when you’ve slept on it for a few nights you may find yourself questioning a few things.
Keep a good record![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4578,4579,4580,4581,4582,4583,4584,4585″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
It’s been a long time coming, with a long trip from Canada but our 1951 MGTD has finally arrived with us here at Bridge Classic Cars.
Here we are collecting her from Felixstowe docks. It was a beautiful sunny day and a lovely trip back from Felixstowe. As I sure you can imagine, we got a lot of admirers along the way.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Towards the end of a restoration is the best time to have that final look over the paintwork, really look into the detail of the finish to make sure that everything is exactly how you want it to be.
As I am sure you already know, different lighting shows cars off in a different way. One minute the car looks completely spotless and perfect but then you take it into the daylight and you start to see the imperfections or slight blemishes.
Now is our time to do this and let’s also be frank…we’ve just spent the last week bolting bits back on so however hard we try, sometimes a screwdriver slips or a door isn’t perfectly straight on your first attempt. The point I am getting at is imperfections and slips happen, we try our best to avoid them but it happens.
So today, our 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 returns to the paintshop and with all of the imperfections masked up ready we set off for the final touching up.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The major task of refitting the interior is upon us.
With all of the new components set out in the assembly workshop it was just a matter of piecing together what parts go where before Asa and John got stuck in with the re-trim.
It’s always a huge task on any restoration but one that is so rewarding, you can be working hard for days on the exterior of the car, stand back and not really notice a progress with your efforts but once the interior starts to take shape it’s a whole different story.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4548,4547,4546,4545,4544,4543,4542,4541,4540,4539″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
It’s all about the finishing touches…so when our original number plates arrived from Sheldrake and Wells in Ipswich, before we committed to fitting them onto the vehicle we offered them up to the bodywork to see how they looked.
The front stickers looks fantastic but the rear just didn’t look right so it was back time to come up with a plan be.
We remembered from our previous experience with the Jensen 541S restoration that oversized number were available on the market so we looked into what size these were produced in.
Luckily the oversized number plates that are produced for the classic vehicles are 520mm x 150mm which was the perfect size for what we required so we decided to get them re-produced.
Original Raised Number Plate Ordered
New Oversized Number Plate Ordered
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With our 1966 Jaguar E-Type away for 24 hours to have the ceiling cloth and glass re-fitted it gave the team a small window to crack on with the next restoration.
The 1971 Jaguar E-Type convertible is well on it’s way to being stripped but with the paint shop ready and waiting we just needed to remove the final few pieces and get her ready for her full respray.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4485,4486,4487,4488,4489,4490,4491,4492,4493,4494,4495,4496,4497,4498″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Once the entire body has been stripped and everything that needs to be removed has been you are left with a very naked shell.
Here we are loading it up ready to take it to Trevor at Needham Market ready for it’s full respray.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4499,4500,4501,4502,4503,4504,4505,4506,4507,4508,4509,4510,4511,4512,4513,4514,4515,4516,4517,4518,4519″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Now back from Car Glass and Trim, the ceiling cloth and glass are almost complete. We were hoping to have it turned round within the 24 hour window we had but unfortunately not everything can go according to plan.
Only a few alterations that need to be made so all should be complete within the next few days.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4482,4480,4479,4478,4477,4476,4475,4474″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Whilst Asa and John were working on the ceiling and glass Gordon was able to cover the boot area with sound deadening pads.
We do like to use sound deadening pads on our restorations where possible as helps to create a nicer sound and feeling when you drive the car. It’s not a huge job to do but one well worth doing.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With our 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 safely out of the workshop and up the road with Car Glass and Trim in Ipswich, it gave John the afternoon to get on with stripping the 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Convertible, ready for paint.
And has it was such a lovely day today, we set the car up outside so John could top up his tan at the same time!!
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today was a deadline that we couldn’t afford to miss!
We had our time slot booked in with Car Glass and Trim in Ipswich to have the new ceiling cloth and glass fitted. With only a matter of days to go until our 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 appears in the classic car auction held on Saturday 18th June at Anglia Car Auctions, it is vital, now more than ever, for us to meet all deadlines set out.
Full restorations, at the best of times, can be challenging and pressured but when you add strict time scales to the mix it makes our jobs that bit harder…but hopefully that bit more rewarding if and when its complete.
We uncovered a slight problem first thing this morning when we noticed a small water leak from behind the dash. Normally this would be something we could work on when she returns from the glass fitting but when the leak could be from behind the dash this is not a risk we were willing to take.
None the less, the fault was found and resolved and we could once again set off up the road to see Kevin and the guys at Car Glass and Trim.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4351,4352,4353,4354,4355,4356,4357,4358,4359,4331″ title=”Leaving for Car Glass and Trim in Ipswich”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”4360,4361,4362,4363,4364,4365″ title=”Arriving at Car Glass and Trim in Ipswich”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
The brand new multi-spoke EType wheels have been fitted to the original specification tyres: Michelin 185 VR 15 XVS (185/80R 15 93V)
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Although our schedule is tight our attention to detail will never suffer, it just means we may have some busier and longer days ahead but that’s what makes the team at Bridge Classic Cars so great!
It’s the beginning of our final full week and still lots to do in our Ipswich workshop.
If all goes well we have a daily and hourly schedule to adhere to but it’s not always as simple as we hope.
Today was the start of the chrome re-fit. It’s at this time of the restoration where we start to see the finished product taking shape.
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It’s all go in the workshop this week as the pressure is on for Asa and John to finish the 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 restoration, ready for the auction the week after next.
And quite often the case with restoration projects, just as you think things are on track you meet an unwelcomed problem.
Today, we discovered that the back axle was not in full working order and that can only mean one thing, remove the entire back section, diagnose the cause of the problem and find a solution.
Whilst the back axle was off the vehicle we felt it was only right to dismantle the individual components and give it a full refurb, including new springs, shocks as well as freshly painting the casing and exposed areas.
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