ABS Mounting Bracket
February 28, 2024
Mauro has been painting the ABS mounting bracket for our 1987 Mercedes 500SL.
Projects
Now Available To Win
February 27, 2024
Our 1976 MG Midget 1500 is now live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website. It has a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that is capable of
Pre Delivery Inspection
February 27, 2024
Our 1982 Bedford HA has been undergoing its pre-delivery inspection with technician Jonn. While doing this, he put the jack and wheel brace in the
Spitfire Repairs
February 27, 2024
Jonn has been working on our 1978 Triumph Spitfire in preparation for it to be won very soon through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions. Here’s what
A Rare Vehicle Returns
February 27, 2024
Our very special one of one 1905 Riley 9HP has returned to the workshop after being handpainted. As you can tell from the photos, it
C – Type Refit
February 27, 2024
Classic car technician Jonn has been refitting our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica. He polished the exhaust heatshield and riveted it to the body. He then
Wheel Tubs
February 27, 2024
Clinton has been repairing the driver’s side rear wheel tubs on our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4
Bulk Head Repair
February 27, 2024
Our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe has been in the fabrication bay with technician Christian as he has been repairing the bulkhead. He also
Spitfire Rear Carpet Piece
February 27, 2024
The piece of carpet for the rear shelf that was supplied with the kit for our 1976 Triumph Spitfire was incorrectly finished and didn’t fit.
Collecting An E-Type
February 27, 2024
Tony recently picked up an old friend of ours, our 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5. It is now safely parked up in the workshop ready
Coming back together
February 26, 2024
The transport team at Bridge Classic Cars have been out and about to collect some important pieces for our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup. Firstly, the
Handbrake for our 1982 Bedford HA
February 26, 2024
Our restoration technician Steve has carried out the final job on our 1982 Bedford HA before it heads off to its new home and its
Carrying out repairs
February 26, 2024
Our technician Jon has been working on getting our 1978 Triumph Spitfire ready for its live draw tomorrow! After refiting the nearside door panel he
Rover 216 is going home
February 26, 2024
Work is now complete on the hood of our Rover 216 so only one more job for Tony to complete, that’s returning the car back
From the Brits to Bridge, meet Joby, the man with the Golden Touch
February 24, 2024
As we continue to see the amazing progress being made on our 1905 Riley 9HP, meet Joby Carter, the incredible talent behind the colour transformation.
Inspection and repairs
February 23, 2024
Jonn has been looking at our 1978 Triumph Spitfire. His notes are below: Finish as much of the inspection as possible on the floor. Carry
It’s Big, It’s Fast, And It’s Full of Style
February 23, 2024
Our 1993 Bentley Turbo R is now live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website. For just £9.00, you have the chance of becoming the
Alfa Repairs
February 22, 2024
Jonn has been repairing our 1989 Alfa Romeo Spider. Here are his notes on the work completed: Check digital clock not working in centre console.
Spitfire Bodywork
February 22, 2024
Mauro has been polishing the bonnet of our 1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500. He has repaired the chips and cracks along with completing some light welding
Front Crossmember Overhaul
February 22, 2024
The front suspension crossmember of our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 has been stripped and overhauled. New bearings and seals were fitted to the main part,
Bentley Polyfan
February 22, 2024
Our 1963 Bentley S3 Continental has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop with technician Chris. He finished the panel levelling before masking the
Spitfire Bushes
February 22, 2024
Classic car technician Neil has been working on the rear bushes of our 1968 Triumph Spitfire.
DB2/4 Bulkhead
February 22, 2024
Christian has been repairing the bulkhead of our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe.
Finished Hood
February 22, 2024
The hood of our 1999 Rover 216 Cabriolet is finished, cleaned and ready to go. Clinton made the side tension cables for Lydia, as these
A Rare Non-Starter
February 22, 2024
Our 1965 Aston Martin DB5 has recently returned to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. It has come back to us so we can investigate a
A Word From Stephen Norman
February 21, 2024
Former Vauxhall MD (amongst many other influential positions), Stephen Norman recently reached out to us after seeing the arrival of our 1976 MG Midget. This
Sound Deadening And Brakes
February 21, 2024
Lydia recently covered the gearbox tunnel of our 1956 Jensen 541 with sound-deadening material. Paul has also made and fitted the brake pipes from the
Hood Going Together
February 21, 2024
Lydia has fitted the hood to our 1999 Rover 216 Cabriolet, as far as she can take it without some vital parts that she is
It’s All Coming Together
February 21, 2024
It was all hands on deck to get the headlining fitted to our Ford Transit MKII Tipper in an afternoon before the windscreen fitters arrived
Overdrive And Alternator
February 21, 2024
The overdrive on our 1980 Volvo 245 GL was not working. After investigating, Steve found that the connector under the gearbox tunnel had pulled out
ABS Mounting Bracket
February 28, 2024
Mauro has been painting the ABS mounting bracket for our 1987 Mercedes 500SL.
Now Available To Win
February 27, 2024
Our 1976 MG Midget 1500 is now live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.
It has a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that is capable of delivering a driving experience that is both exciting and enjoyable. Paired with a four-speed manual gearbox, the Midget offers a fun and reliable drive.
Designed as a small, affordable sports car, the MG Midget was a popular choice for those seeking the thrill of open-top driving without sacrificing practicality, and now you can own this one!
All the information you need is available on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.
Pre Delivery Inspection
February 27, 2024
Our 1982 Bedford HA has been undergoing its pre-delivery inspection with technician Jonn.
While doing this, he put the jack and wheel brace in the van ready for it to be delivered to its new owner.
Spitfire Repairs
February 27, 2024
Jonn has been working on our 1978 Triumph Spitfire in preparation for it to be won very soon through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
Here’s what Jonn did:
- Drain oil and filter
- Strip and fit new offside front wheel bearing
- Fit new oil filter and refit sump bung
- Fill with oil, run and test
- Check and top up oil
- Use electrical contact cleaner on the hazard switch and work back and forth until all working ok
- Adjust both mirrors
- Lube throttle and choke linkages
- Carry out tracking, check and adjust
A Rare Vehicle Returns
February 27, 2024
Our very special one of one 1905 Riley 9HP has returned to the workshop after being handpainted.
As you can tell from the photos, it looks very different to how it did when it left, but there’s no denying it looks as good now as it would have done over 100 years ago.
C – Type Refit
February 27, 2024
Classic car technician Jonn has been refitting our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica.
He polished the exhaust heatshield and riveted it to the body. He then polished the exhaust silencer and tailpipes and mounted them to the car. Finally, he positioned and tightened the clamps.
Wheel Tubs
February 27, 2024
Clinton has been repairing the driver’s side rear wheel tubs on our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4
Bulk Head Repair
February 27, 2024
Our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe has been in the fabrication bay with technician Christian as he has been repairing the bulkhead.
He also braced the suspension mounts.
Spitfire Rear Carpet Piece
February 27, 2024
The piece of carpet for the rear shelf that was supplied with the kit for our 1976 Triumph Spitfire was incorrectly finished and didn’t fit. It required a complete remake to make it sit in the vehicle as it should. Lydia cut out the new piece of carpet and shaped it in the vehicle, before adding pleats to improve fit. She then glued this to the car and secured the new edging under the carpet piece which sits on top.
Collecting An E-Type
February 27, 2024
Tony recently picked up an old friend of ours, our 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5.
It is now safely parked up in the workshop ready for the team to look at.
Coming back together
February 26, 2024
The transport team at Bridge Classic Cars have been out and about to collect some important pieces for our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup.
Firstly, the team headed to Coltech to collect the freshly rebuilt engine which will find its way underneath the carefully restored bodywork currently in our fabrication bay at our Pettistree HQ.
Then the team headed out once more to go and collected the recently powdercoated bed frame which make up the rear end of our 1950s pick up truck.
Handbrake for our 1982 Bedford HA
February 26, 2024
Our restoration technician Steve has carried out the final job on our 1982 Bedford HA before it heads off to its new home and its excited new owner – the handbrake cable.
Carrying out repairs
February 26, 2024
Our technician Jon has been working on getting our 1978 Triumph Spitfire ready for its live draw tomorrow! After refiting the nearside door panel he then continued with some work on the offside exterior door handle.
Jon fit the new striker screw to the catch mechanism and refit the handle under load from the striker. After securing and testing, the handle perfectly hits striker earlier and opens the door fine now. All that was left was to the refit door panel and tidy the area.
Afterwards, Jon then managed to finish the final inspection on our classic Spitfire. He then went on to strip, clean and inspect brakes all round. During the inspection, Jon discovered some wear makes on the rear brakes so deliped the rear drums and adjust rear shoes/handbrake. He could then move on and grease all points. Once all of the mechanical jobs were complete, he then wired in the switch to the map light and mount in the dash where he could then refit all the neccesary trims before removing the nearside door panel and attempting to adjust the window angle which required spacing out the runners at the bottom of the door with washers
Rover 216 is going home
February 26, 2024
Work is now complete on the hood of our Rover 216 so only one more job for Tony to complete, that’s returning the car back home looking lovely in our covered transporter.
From the Brits to Bridge, meet Joby, the man with the Golden Touch
February 24, 2024
As we continue to see the amazing progress being made on our 1905 Riley 9HP, meet Joby Carter, the incredible talent behind the colour transformation.
Joby is a traditional sign-writer, decorative artist, restoration specialist, author and teacher. He’s a master craftsman with his heritage decorative art skills including signwriting and the endangered craft of fairground art. As well as hosting signwriting courses, Joby is an artist in his own right, having had signwriting commissions for the Brit Awards, the English National Opera and Jools Holland, amongst others. He was also involved as a guest curator for Peter Blake’s curation in the Museum of Everything.
Up until 2022 Joby was the proprietor of Carters Steam Fair, the world’s largest travelling vintage funfair which toured from 1977 to 2022. Our award-winning vintage funfair was famous for its beautifully restored, authentically decorated fairground rides which dated from the 1890s to the 1960s.
Our very own Lily is a huge fan of Joby Carter’s work having followed him on social media for some time.
Joby has kindly sent through some photos to keep us up to date on the progress being made on our iconic 1905 Riley 9HP.
Inspection and repairs
February 23, 2024
Jonn has been looking at our 1978 Triumph Spitfire. His notes are below:
Finish as much of the inspection as possible on the floor. Carry out repairs. Sort connections to nearside reverse lights. Remove offside door handle and inspect. Strip apart and clean components. Lubricate and reassemble and test. Works fine. Refit to drivers door and test. Still the same. When it has to release the pressure of the lock it slips past p clip inside handle. Requires new handle.
It’s Big, It’s Fast, And It’s Full of Style
February 23, 2024
Our 1993 Bentley Turbo R is now live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website. For just £9.00, you have the chance of becoming the new owner of this beast of a car.
When the Turbo R was first introduced in 1985, it redefined what it meant for a car to be elegant and stylish, while still being able to excite the driver with its performance on the road.
Our Tubo R is finished in Racing Green with a Magnolia Hide interior and comes with a history file of past invoices, service records, and its owner’s manual.
You can find out more information and enter the draw here.
Alfa Repairs
February 22, 2024
Jonn has been repairing our 1989 Alfa Romeo Spider. Here are his notes on the work completed:
Check digital clock not working in centre console. Connections good, face illuminates but no digits visible. Refit and leave as requires new clock. Adjust alternator belt. Look into steering issues. James fitted new top arms and springs to front and adjusted tie rods for an even wheelbase front to rear. Disconnect centre track rod and adjust so idler pointing slightly inwards to give more lock to the right. Adjust lock stops so from centre position steering turns 1.4 turns each direction. Fit new lock stop bolt to nearside. Refit track rods and wheels. Lower to ground and carry out basic tracking adjustment.
Top up clutch reservoir and lubricate linkage. Strip and fit new rear springs. Refit wheels and lower to ground. Stance is much better on standard springs.
Torque all wheel nuts and inflate tyres. Start pdi whilst in workshop. Take outside and run up to temp. Idle speed stumbles upon overrun but recovers. Adjust idle speed and test. Steering still pulls to the right when driving straight ahead. Recheck wheel base by measuring wheel centre to wheel centre front to rear. Offside front wheel appears to be further back in the arch ( caster angle ), but we have no way of checking this. Adjustable tie rods to front top adjustable arms set at different lengths on car. Requires 4 wheel alignment.
Spitfire Bodywork
February 22, 2024
Mauro has been polishing the bonnet of our 1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500. He has repaired the chips and cracks along with completing some light welding next to the headlights.
The car was then prepped and primed.
Front Crossmember Overhaul
February 22, 2024
The front suspension crossmember of our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 has been stripped and overhauled. New bearings and seals were fitted to the main part, then the steering idler was stripped and new parts fitted. Now it has been masked up for a clear coat with the other aluminium parts, this will stop any future corrosion and protect the parts for the future.
Some parts of the suspension were also painted in black satin.
Bentley Polyfan
February 22, 2024
Our 1963 Bentley S3 Continental has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop with technician Chris. He finished the panel levelling before masking the car up and applying polyfan.
Spitfire Bushes
February 22, 2024
Classic car technician Neil has been working on the rear bushes of our 1968 Triumph Spitfire.
DB2/4 Bulkhead
February 22, 2024
Christian has been repairing the bulkhead of our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe.
Finished Hood
February 22, 2024
The hood of our 1999 Rover 216 Cabriolet is finished, cleaned and ready to go. Clinton made the side tension cables for Lydia, as these could not be sourced online and appear to not exist! As soon as the tension cables were fitted, Lydia could commence with finishing off the hood installation.
A Rare Non-Starter
February 22, 2024
Our 1965 Aston Martin DB5 has recently returned to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. It has come back to us so we can investigate a non-starting issue.
Here are Jonn’s notes for the work completed:
Strip carbs and clean pistons. Use a micrometre to set jet depths to approx 1.6mm. Remove float bowl tops and floats and remove old petrol from carbs and replace with new petrol. Refit float and tops and reassemble. Attempt to start and car fired straight away. Disconnect fuel pipe and use pumps on car to empty tank. Refit pipe and fill with 10ltrs of E5 petrol. Run up outside and carry out road test. Return to workshop and adjust idle speed. All ok.
After Jonn had finished with our DB5, Tony delivered it back home to its owner,
A Word From Stephen Norman
February 21, 2024
Former Vauxhall MD (amongst many other influential positions), Stephen Norman recently reached out to us after seeing the arrival of our 1976 MG Midget. This is what he said:
“The MG Midget went out of production in 1978, two years earlier than the MGB and MGB GT [and coincidentally the Triumph Spitfire 1500].
The Sandglow example that you have in is not only a good-looking car but recalls to my memory that Sandglow – a staple BL colour of the mid to late ‘seventies and painted both at Cowley and in Longbridge, as witnessed on countless Minis, Allegros, Marianas and Princesses was a rare order on an MG.
That it was offered at all is down to the production of MG bodies at Pressed Steel Fisher in Cowley and their painting at Morris; specific MG colours had disappeared long before.
But Sandglow, like Tundra, was a rare colour choice on a sports car and always stood out for its rarity as much as its perception.
Mainstream on a humdrum BL Austin or Morris [or Wolseley], rare on an MG.
So typically British Leyland!
Stephen Norman“
While our MG Midget has been with us, Chris has been repairing and painting the wing.
Sound Deadening And Brakes
February 21, 2024
Lydia recently covered the gearbox tunnel of our 1956 Jensen 541 with sound-deadening material. Paul has also made and fitted the brake pipes from the master cylinder to the main pipe connector.
Paul then went on to build up the engine bay ready for the engine and gearbox. He also fabricated the rear brake wheel cylinders backing plate and fitted it in place before fitting the gearbox tunnel, and bonnet hinges. He then cleaned and painted the servo valve.
Hood Going Together
February 21, 2024
Lydia has fitted the hood to our 1999 Rover 216 Cabriolet, as far as she can take it without some vital parts that she is waiting for.
A set of tension cables was sent, but although the correct ones were ordered, we received a set for a MK5 Ford Escort!
Christian from the body shop is going to help Lydia fabricate something that will fit, and hopefully be better than what we could have ordered.
It’s All Coming Together
February 21, 2024
It was all hands on deck to get the headlining fitted to our Ford Transit MKII Tipper in an afternoon before the windscreen fitters arrived the next day. Luckily this didn’t take too long as it’s only a small roof section.
The headlining fits very crudely, being simply tucked up into a channel to secure it, without the need for glue or additional fastenings. The front is then glued on and also held in with the windscreen rubber, which is why it had to be done before the screen was fitted.
Prior to this, Lydia took the time to add some sound deadening to the roof to try and keep the cab as comfortable as possible.
Steve has also been working on our classic transit by fitting the rear lights and the newly fabricated mounts. The original gearbox has been refurbished and refitted to the van and the front bumper, end caps, door mirrors, and bonnet have all been fitted too.
Overdrive And Alternator
February 21, 2024
The overdrive on our 1980 Volvo 245 GL was not working. After investigating, Steve found that the connector under the gearbox tunnel had pulled out so he soldered a new connector on.
The alternator from our classic Volvo has returned from specialists after being refurbished. This is now ready to refit to the car.
