[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” […]
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 […]
[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 […]
[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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
[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 […]
[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 […]
[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 […]
[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 […]
[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 […]
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 […]
[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 […]
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 […]
[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. […]
[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 […]
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 […]
[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 […]
[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 […]
[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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Last month we told you how delighted we were to feature in the May 2016 edition of the EADT’s Suffolk Magazine with a fantastic piece on our very own Jensen 541S restoration. On Wednesday 25th May we received a lovely email into the office from a Mr and Mrs Smith: “I was thrilled to see […]