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Projects

Jet Wash – Fitting the Washer System to the 1969 Sunbeam Rapier

July 21, 2022

The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have finished up the final job on the 1969 Sunbeam Rapier ahead of the journey to its new home.

The washer system for the car has been completely cleaned through and tested before being refitted to the car. With this job finished, the transport team will soon load the classic Sunbeam into our enclosed trailer to head of to its new owner.

As It Should – Repairs on the 1969 Sunbeam Rapier

July 20, 2022

The 1969 Sunbeam Rapier Fastback has been on the ramp at Bridge Classic Cars to have the last few jobs finished on the car before it heads off to its new owner.

The workshop have been working through the car to rescue one of the seat mounts on the interior which is now fixed down firmly in place before moving on to the handbrake.

The workshop have fitted new handbrake cables to the underside of the classic Sunbeam as well as replacing all the rubber joints in the front suspension of the car.

Milestone – Test Fitting the Exhaust to the 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica

July 20, 2022

As part of the build-up of the 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, the team have test-fit the new side exit exhausts.

After fitting up the manifold through to the downpipe, the workshop team had to carefully and accurately open up the recess in the body for the new exhaust to fit through. The exhaust on the C-Type Replica runs along the side and is tucked up inside of a recess on the passenger side of the car. This took several stages, each time making the hole slightly wider to fit the exhaust through safely and within the original spec of the car.

From there, the team could fit up the exhaust hangers to the body and put everything together for its final test fit!

Hooking Up – Beginning to Wire Up the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1

July 20, 2022

The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars have begun working on wiring up the beautiful 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 in at our Suffolk HQ for full restoration.

Scott, one of our restoration technicians, has been working his way through the classic DB2 to get it to the stage where the team can begin to fit up the new harness and looms into the classic GT car.

Scott has been wiring up the various relays and lights throughout the car, and at the same time fitting the beautifully finished chromework onto the car. As well as that, Scott has been routing the harness through the dashboard and car all the way to the rear lights.

This project is moving along quickly so keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page very soon for more updates.

Finishing Touches – Final Dash Panels on the 1970 Bristol 411

July 20, 2022

The trim team at Bridge Classic Cars have been fitting up the final trimmed panels onto the dash of the 1970 Bristol 411.

Brian, one of our in-house trimmers, has been up new dash ends and corners to go along with the leather trimmed panels which cap the bottom edge of the dashboard in the classic Bristol. Each of these pieces has been entirely made and trimmed by hand by the in-house team and now installed on the car.

Coming Soon – 1950 Land Rover Series 1

July 20, 2022

Coming soon to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop at our Suffolk HQ is this wonderful 1950 Land Rover Series 1.

The classic off-roader will be coming in for our various restoration teams to inspect the whole car.

Keep a look out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page very soon for more on the 1950 Land Rover Series 1.

Behind the Scenes – Shooting the 2020 Triumph Street Twin

July 19, 2022

There is something wonderfully simple about riding a motorcycle. The direct, mechanical nature of a machine and its rider at one with each other on the open road. Some names are legendary within the pages of motorcycle history, such as this. Triumph.

Classically, the Bonneville series of motorcycles became synonymous across the world for steadfast engineering and superb performance. This bike is the modern interpretation of those principles. Our 2020 Triumph Street Twin. A modern take on the classical styling of the Bonnevilles, it works as a daily commuter or a knee-down warrior on a glorious Sunday afternoon.

Before the team began, the bike was checked over and inspected by the Bridge Classic Cars workshop who found the bike was in incredible condition covering just over 1200 miles in its life.

With the green light given for the team to go and film with it, it was off to our filming location to get what was needed. The water-cooled 900cc twin sang along the country roads on its way to The Hangar, our director Craig at the helm of the fantastic red and black bike. From there, the team could head out onto the old airforce base and begin to shoot.

The riding style and performance of the Street Twin make it not only comfortable for everyday use but gives the rider a confidence in the machine itself.

And all of this could be yours! This is now our latest competition prize as part of Bridge Classic Cars Competitions. Head over to the website using the link here and enter now for your chance to win this amazing 2020 Triumph Street Twin!

Or to check out the full gallery and video, take a look below:

In Place – New Universal Joint & Gearbox/Crossmember Bushes on the 1969 Sunbeam Rapier

July 19, 2022

The 1969 Sunbeam Rapier has been up on the ramp at the Bridge Classic Cars for its final inspection and to have the final jobs finished on the car.

On inspection, the team have replaced the universal joint to the front of the driveshaft on the classic Sunbeam Fastback. Jon replaced the joint before refitting it back into the car ready for its new owner.

Whilst the driveshaft was out of the car, the workshop took the opportunity to renew the gearbox and cross-member bushes/mounts with brand new replacements for the car.

With the final bits of work done on the car, it will soon be heading off to its new home.

Capped Off – New Dashboard Panels for the 1970 Bristol 411

July 19, 2022

The 1970 Bristol 411, which is in for a left-hand drive conversion by Bridge Classic Cars, has had its dashboard finished off by the in-house trim team.

The team have made new dashboard caps for the underside of the classic Bristol’s wood and leather dash. These were trimmed and shaped by Brian before being trimmed in matching black leather and fitted to the car. Also, the team have installed the glovebox light back into the car.

Update – New Console Plugs and Alarm Sensor Removal on the 1987 Daimler Double Six

July 19, 2022

The 1987 Daimler Double Six is having the last few pieces of its interior refit finished by the Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop.

The first task was for the team to retrim the centre console plugs of the classic Daimler. After being covered they were installed into the centre console of the car before the team could move onto the next job.

In the rear window, on the parcel shelf, is an alarm sensor for the car. This trim shop carefully removed the sensor from the parcel shelf before recovering the area with a capping.

Up on the Ramp – 1971 Bristol 411 Back at the Workshop

July 19, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars team welcomed back the 1971 Bristol 411 to our Suffolk HQ to carry out some more work on the car.

The classic Bristol will be having a new wiring loom fitted alongside being servicing and inspected ahead of its MOT.

Alongside this is a list of small jobs for our workshop team to carry out on the car for its owner.

Braking Point – Making Brake Lines for our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica

July 19, 2022

The team at Bridge Classic Cars have moved their attention to plumbing up the brake lines on the 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica.

Jon, one of our workshop technicians, has handmade all the various brake hard lines needed for the classic Le Mans racer. Each of these lines was measured, cut and bent to work around the various pieces of the frame and other systems within the engine bay of the car.

From the master cylinder out to the fittings, each pieces was made by hand and test fit into the car before the inner wings are to be removed and readied for their first stages of paint.

Preparations – Working on the Bonnet and Boot of the 1986 Daimler DS420

July 19, 2022

The paint and body team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on preparing the bonnet and boot of the 1986 Daimler DS420 for primer.

Both were removed from the car, which is in our fabrication department, to be moved to the body area for the team to finesse. The panels were carefully inspected before their hardware was stripped back and catalogued and the sanding could begin.

A guide coat was applied before sanding to highlight any low spots which could be addressed before the first stay of epoxy primer which will be done shortly.

Ready to Come Out – Preparing to Remove the Engine from the 1940 Morris C8 Gun Tractor

July 19, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars team have begun to prepare the 1940 Morris C8 Gun Tractor to remove its engine ahead of its rebuild.

Jon, one of our technicians, has been working through the various systems inside the engine bay to get them removed and stored. The shrowds and covers have also been removed from the car to make extra room when it comes to pulling the engine.

Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates very soon on the 1940 Morris Gun Tractor.

Up and Down – Sorting Out the Window of the 1954 Jaguar MkVII

July 19, 2022

The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars have sorted an issue with the window on the 1954 Jaguar MkVII which is in at our Suffolk HQ.

The classic Jaguar has developed an issue when winding the driver’s window down. The window glass would come off the runner attached to the regulator and then eventually drop to go back into the runner.

Our workshop carefully stripped back the door card and made the necessary adjustments to fix the issue before being put back together for the team to carry on with the other work on the car.

Repaired – Fixing the Exhaust Mount on the 1936 Lagonda Rapier

July 19, 2022

The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have tackled the first job on the 1936 Lagonda Rapier which recently arrived at our Suffolk HQ.

When the car arrived, the team noted the exhaust was hanging low and on inspection found the exhaust mount had broken allowing the exhaust to hang.

The team have modified the original mount to make sure it is now safe and secure under the classic pre-war tourer.

In Place – Fitting the Straight-Six into our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica

July 19, 2022

The team in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop have begun to put the straight-six into the nose of our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica. Jon worked alongside Josh, during his work experience, to install the gearbox onto the engine before hooking it up to our engine hoist to begin the process of getting the whole assembly into the car.

The team masked up and covered over any freshly painted pieces to avoid damaging them while also making sure anything needed to be removed for the installation was taken off the engine or the car before-hand. During the lowering process, the team discovered the oil pump would need to be changed to the alternative ”bowl” style in order to clear the frame. So, the engine came back out once more for the team to make the changes and try again.

After the oil pump was changed, the team could begin the process again of getting the engine into its final place. Inch by inch, the engine and gearbox were brought forwards toward the engine bay. Jon made the slightest of adjustments to the chains that suspended it above the delicate frame.

After the gearbox had slipped past the firewall, the team got together to slowly lower the engine block down into place. In order to get enough angle for the engine to sit perfectly in place, Jon had removed the gearbox mounts in the cockpit of the classic Le Mans car. The team then had to remove one engine mount in order to slip behind the steering column and then rebolt and tighten the bracket into place.

Finally, the help of a few sets of hands and some careful pushing and pulling, the glorious heart of our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica was firmly in place.

With the engine now firmly in place on the C-Type Replica, our workshop and fabricators could begin work on getting the brakes and electrical system into the car for a test fit. But, it wouldn’t be complete without trying the beautiful new manifolds on the engine just to get a feel for what the engine bay of this incredible project will look like when finished.

We can’t wait to bring you more very soon on the build of our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica!

Fitting Up – Final Welding of the Door Supports and Mocking Up the Suspension on the 1956 Jensen 541

July 19, 2022

The restoration workshop at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ have been working on the 1956 Jensen 541.

This time, our technician Rob has been finishing up adjusting and finish welding the door supports for the car. With all of the supports and brackets perfectly in place to get the door gaps and alignment right, Rob could then finish welding all of the pieces into place including the all-important A pillar post.

With that now complete, the team could get the front suspension mocked up and into place. To begin with, the team worked on aligning the front tower in just the right place to then be spot-welded to the new frame and the controls arms mocked up into place to check measurements.

Stripped – Tearing Down the Seats of the 1958 Jensen 541R

July 19, 2022

The trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars have begun work on stripping back the rear seats of the 1958 Jensen 541R in with our team for paint and trim work.

Lydia, one of our trimmers, has carefully unpicked the covers to expose the foam core underneath. All of these pieces are being used for reference as part of the work, so are carefully organised and stored for the time being.

Once the covers had been taken off, Lydia could then begin piecing together and shaping out the new foam which will make up the core of the new rear seat of the 541R.

This Just In – 1936 Lagonda Rapier

July 18, 2022

Just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop at our Suffolk HQ is this beautiful 1936 Lagonda Rapier.

The classic pre-war tourer has arrived for our restoration technicians to look into an issue with the car’s dynamo which charges the battery. The workshop technicians will work on troubleshooting the exact cause of the fault to get this beautiful piece of history back to running perfectly again.

As it arrived, it was noted the exhaust was also hanging very low which the Bridge Classic Cars workshop team will have a look at too and see if it can be repaired. The team will also do a full inspection of the car as well.

We’re excited to show you more about the classic Lagonda Rapier very soon.

Nostalgia – History of the 1971 MG B Roadster

July 18, 2022

Every car has a story. The series of events from the day its first owner stared wide-eyed at their new car to the teary-eyed day they said goodbye, a cycle that repeats throughout the years, decades and generations. So, when we find an extensive and in-depth history file in the car it always makes for amazing reading.

In this case, it’s the story of the 1971 MG B Roadster. Its previous owner has meticulously catalogued his work with the car but also did something we find utterly beautiful.

The previous had managed to track down the car’s original owner! The car was collected from a local MG dealer in Colwyn Bay in Wales on the 1st of January 1971, a British Racing Green with black interior 2-seater sports car. The first owner kept the car for a few years before then selling it to a friend who also adored the car for several years before selling it on.

Inside of the history folder is several handwritten letters between the previous owners to fill in the gaps in the car’s history.

There’s also a wonderful leather-bound photo album that documents the car’s aesthetic restoration in 1989/1990.

Again, it all goes to add to the incredible history of the car and show that each and every one of our classics has a story beyond our own with our cars.

The Gentle Touch – Having the Grille of the 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica Chromed

July 18, 2022

The front grille of our C-Type Replica is so iconic. It immediately screams classic road and race cars because of its shape and form. It’s almost like a piece of sculpture on its own.

This will be sent off to a local specialist to be finished in dazzling chrome, befitting the care and passion being put into this very special car. The flowing nature of this particular piece of the car is just beautiful to look at and hold.

We’ve had this component specially made for us for the project using the original, traditional methods. And it’s the perfect jewel in the crown of C-Type Replica.

Changing Places – Swapping the Number Boards on the 2017 Ducati Scrambler 800 Cafe Racer

July 15, 2022

The team at Bridge Classic Cars are beginning the process of replicating the original design of the number boards on the 2017 Ducati Scrambler 800 over to the new number boards.

The original graphics on the silver number boards, which came as standard on the Cafe Racer versions of the Scrambler 800, will be copied and taken over to the aftermarket Carbon Fibre pieces which are currently on the bike.

Somewhere to Sit – Making the Seats for the 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica

July 15, 2022

Brian, our lead trimmer at Bridge Classic Cars, has been making the seats for our latest project – the 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica.

Brian has been on trying to make the seats fit exactly as they would have on the original car it is based on. Handmaking each of the pieces that will make up the seats for our C-Type Replica is what truly makes our in-house trim shop, what we believe, the best in the business.

As the project moves forward, we’re excited to see the car take shape.

With the Grain – New Veneers on the 1987 Daimler Double Six

July 15, 2022

The trim shop at Bridge Classic Cars have been replacing the wooden veneers in the 1987 Daimler Double Six as part of its restoration.

The team have gone through and replaced the wooden trim pieces of the car with brand new pieces which were supplied for the car. The team have carefully then reinstalled them back into the car making sure to get the perfect fitment to get the whole interior to fit and sit perfectly.

Close Contact – Inspecting the Hoses and Exhaust of the 1954 Jaguar MkVII

July 15, 2022

The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars have been looking into a couple of issues with the 1954 Jaguar MkVII which is in at our Suffolk HQ.

Firstly, the team have discovered the radiator hose was making very light contact with the lower crank pulley. It has left a few very small witness marks on the hose itself.

After that, the team look into an issue with the exhaust. Upon inspection, they found the exhaust bracket and the inner parts of the silencer had broken apart. These pieces have been put on order for the car.

Finally, the team have adjusted the air vent linkage which didn’t allow the vent in the scuttle panel to seal correctly which now works as it should.

Behind the Scenes – Live Draw of the 1969 Sunbeam Rapier

July 15, 2022

Last night, the Bridge Classic Cars team found out who the lucky new owner of our stunning 1969 Sunbeam Rapier was! Let’s take a look behind the scenes with Craig, Freddie and Nick.

The Sunbeam Rapier Fastback is one of the best-kept secrets in the classic car world. Gorgeous styling, good performance paired with sturdy and reliable engineering. Our beautiful vibrant Red Rapier Fastback proved to be hugely popular, by the time the competition ended at 7:10 PM last night, only 900 of the 7750 tickets remained. And, it was our lowest ticket price ever at just £3! But it was a lot of car for a very small outlay.

As the team went live on our Facebook page at 7PM, everyone began to join in with the comments section coming alive with greetings and messages of luck to each other.

After the introduction, Craig handed over to Nick for a quick tour with Freddie around the workshop to take a look at some of the work the Bridge Classic Cars workshop team have been doing over the last week. Then, at 10 past 7, the entries closed.

Whilst the team waited for the final entry list to be posted up online (which is done with all of our competitions) they took along around some of the other cars in the competitions building, some of which you will see more of very soon…

Then, it was time for the live draw. As always, we used a Google Random Number Generator to choose a winner from everyone who entered randomly. After a quick test to make sure the number generator was working correctly and messages of ”all clear” flashed away on the live stream, Craig input the numbers to be chosen between. 1 and 7750.

One final word of good luck from the team, and with a single click the future of the Rapier Fastback was confirmed. It would be heading to its new home with Chris. Who’s winning ticket of 5993 was selected by the random number generator.

As always the team give the winner a call. After a few rings, Chris answered. Although having your dinner interrupted isn’t always ideal, when Craig told him he was now the proud new owner of our 1969 Sunbeam Rapier, you could hear the excitement in his voice.

Delicate Work – Repairing and Refitting the Chromework on the 1984 Jaguar XJ

July 15, 2022

A few months ago, we repainted the bonnet and boot of the 1984 Jaguar XJ for its owner.

A couple of days ago the car came back to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop to have the team here repair and refit the chrome work to the classic XJ.

Scott, one of our technicians, carefully cleaned up and reshaped some of the delicate pieces to get them fitting just right into the recesses and curves of the car. He also had to repair several of the mounts needed to secure the trim pieces to the car. But, with gentle work, Scott managed to get all of the trim pieces looking spot on and fitted back onto the car for its owner.

Fitting Up – Washer and Wipers in Place on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4

July 15, 2022

The workshop at Bridge Classic Cars are continuing with the refit of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 in for total restoration.

Our technician Scott has been working on getting the various pieces for the washer bottle and wiper mechanism in place as part of its rebuild. With the bottle and mount in place, Scott could begin to make the various lines needed to run up the firewall of the classic GT car but also work around the wooden framing which lies behind and above it.

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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