Projects

Aston Martin DB2/4 in black primer

The colour transformation is now starting to take shape as Chris has applied the black primer to our Aston Martin DB2/4.

Jensen Interceptor Headlights

Ben is currently fitting up the components on our 1976 Jensen Interceptor. Headlights are going in, some of the chrome trim is also being fitted. The owner of this incredible machine is visiting later this week so we look forward to showing him the progress to date.

Preparing our 1988 Volkswagen Golf GTi for Primer

Our paint shop are always busy, but this time our paint technician Chris has been working his magic on our 1988 Volkswagen Golf GTi as he prepares it for primer. He’s worked his way through each panel checking for anything out of shape and to perform any repairs or reshaping needed before the car goes […]

Floors on the 1978 Mercedes 350SL

The 1978 Mercedes 350SL, which is at Suffolk HQ for a complete restoration, has been in the fabrication shop under the skillful hands of our restoration technician Greg. Because of the unibody construction of the Mercedes, Greg has had to carefully take apart each section to get to the affected areas of the classic German […]

Blocking the 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4

The 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 restoration journey is progressing steadily under the watchful eye of our paintshop manager Chris. In this update, Chris has been doing the meticulous task of blocking the entire body and front clamshell to get it to a perfect finish before it goes into the spraybooth for its big transformation. To […]

Working on the 1973 Porsche 914

The workshops at our Suffolk HQ are always busy with cars constantly coming in and out. Sometimes though, we get to see an old friend come back to the Pettistree workshops and this week we welcomed back a previous competition car of ours which was won some time ago by Karl – our 1973 Porsche […]

Unexpected rust repairs

1988 Volkswagen Golf GTI A bit of corrosion has been discovered in our Golf GTI so the car is now with Greg and the paint shop to rectify. We are not expecting it to take too long to resolve the issues and prepare the car for paint. 1993 Ford Escort XR3I  On to our Ford […]

Rear interior panels fitted into the 1976 Jensen Interceptor Coupe

Our trim shop have been working alongside the workshop to get our 1976 Jensen Interceptor Coupe project back together for its owner. Lydia, our trimmer, has been fitted up the new rear panels into the car and they look phenomenal with the beautiful dark blue paintwork.

Repairs on the 1993 Ford Escort XR3i

Our restoration technician George has been working on our 1993 Ford Escort XR3i at our restoration workshops here at our Suffolk HQ. George has taken off all the old brake pads and discs, before cleaning up the hubs and then rebuilding the brakes for the car. While also working on the car, he has carried […]

Classics don’t have parking sensors…

…or do they? George has had a busy first week, working on many cars. The photos show the process that we took in fitting the parking sensors. George removed the number plate, removed the latch, routed the wires through the latch. A hole was drilled or the wires to go through, put a grommet in, […]

Jaguar E-Type – removing the gearbox tunnel

Updates from George and Steve – here we have photos showing the process of removing the top part of the gearbox tunnel. This included; removal of the seats, carpets, radio and gear-shifter.

Oil Leak investigation on our Ford Escort.

Jonn investigated an oil leak on our 1993 Ford Escort XR3i, with the source suspected to be the inlet camshaft sensor. He removed the sensor and inspected the O-ring seal, which was found to have gone flat. Using the seal kit, he made a new O-ring, applied grease, and refitted the sensor securely. The electrical […]

1967 MG B Roadster White

Put bits back on the car ?????? (Sorry Rob not sure what to do with that one!)

1978 Mercedes 350SL Red bits in DTM

Prepping our 1976 Jensen Interceptor

Geoff has prepped the Jensen interceptor for its first layer of undercoat.

Checks on our 2007 Land Rover Range Rover Vogue

Jonn carried out a full lights and levels check on our 2007 Land Rover Range Rover Vogue. He adjusted the tyre pressures to 36 psi at the front and 42 psi at the rear. However, he was unable to inflate the spare tyre as the rear luggage compartment was fully loaded, preventing access. Despite performing […]

Getting our 1947 Wolseley Eight running.

Jonn checked fluid levels on our 1947 Wolseley Eight and topped up the engine oil. On inspection, the fuel in the filter appeared dirty and showed signs of water contamination. He used the car’s fuel pump to begin emptying the tank but, after disconnecting the pipe and switching the ignition on, no fuel was coming […]

Working on the windows of our Mercedes.

Jonn continued work on our 1987 Mercedes 500 SL by fitting the window seals, carefully cutting and shaping them to ensure a precise fit. During the process, the window channel runner detached from the glass, which he then bonded securely back into position before refitting. Next Jonn carried out preparation work on our 1987 Mercedes […]

Finding and solving problems on our Ford Escort

Greg identified that the front right lower control arm bushing on our 1993 Ford Escort XR3i is failing and noted that the front disc brakes require replacement. He also addressed a rust hole in the centre muffler, which he was able to repair with a weld. Additionally, the front speakers were replaced.

Setting up the accelerator on our Austin Healey

Jonn continued setting up the accelerator on our 1959 Austin Healey 3000 in line with the provided instructions. He repositioned the rod to the carburettors and achieved the best possible result, although a slight amount of play remains in all the ball and socket rods. A test confirmed the setup seems satisfactory, with throttle response […]

Fixing the coolant header tank on our MG Midget

Jonn was unable to source the correct coolant header tank for our 1978 MG Midget 1500, so he modified the one available and refitted it. He carried out a test fit and fabricated a new strap to secure the tank in place. As the tank sits close to the radiator, he made a small bracket […]

Stripping our 1977 Leyland Mini 1000.

Mauro stripped the Mini ready to start body work.

Work on our Triumph Stag

John refitted the driver’s carpet on our 1972 Triumph Stag as neatly as possible. The roof catches were repaired to eliminate free play and subsequently adjusted for proper engagement. He also repositioned the door sticker to achieve a better fit. The movement in the roof catches was addressed as part of the adjustments.

The exhaust is back on the Triumph Stag

John refitted the exhaust on our 1972 Triumph Stag following its repair, using new rubbers to secure it in place.

More repairs for our Austin Healey

Jonn continued work on our 1959 Austin Healey 3000 with the arrival of the throttle bar bushes. He used trimmed P-clips to secure the new bushes within the existing brackets and determined the most effective method for mounting before proceeding with fitting them back onto the car. The rod position on the end of the […]

Our Mini is off to its new home

Tony packed up our 1968 Austin Mini Cooper S to be delivered to the lucky winner Derek Brooks.

New carpets for our Jensen Interceptor

Lydia has been carefully fitting carpets for our 1976 Jensen Interceptor.

Battery replaced on our Ford Escort XR3i

Greg removed the old corroded battery tray from our 1993 Ford Escort XR3i Silver and replaced it with a bespoke fabricated unit. He then applied paint protection and sealed the area to ensure durability and resistance to future corrosion.

Parts arrive for our Jaguar XK120

Tony collected the headlights for our 1954 Jaguar XK120 Cream from Crawley.

Problems with our Morgan’s exhaust

Jonn fitted a new manifold-to-downpipe gasket on our 1984 Morgan 4/4, ensuring it was properly sealed and securely fastened. A new starter motor was sourced, but it proved to be the incorrect type.