Jensen Head Replacement

Jensen Head Replacement

Work progressed on our 1956 Jensen 541 with Jonn and John refitting the cylinder head, along with cleaning and refitting associated components and hoses, ensuring all were properly secured. The original head, having previously been skimmed, was refitted to the engine. However, upon refilling the fluids, a leak was observed at the rear of the […]

Jensen Cylinder Head

Work continued on our 1956 Jensen 541 with the removal of the cylinder head, which John then stripped down and thoroughly cleaned before sending it away to be skimmed. During the removal of the exhaust, two studs sheared off; these were carefully drilled out, and the threads retapped in preparation for the headโ€™s reinstallation. John […]

Oil leak on our 1956 Jensen 541

Jon inspected our 1956 Jensen 541 for an oil leak here at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshops. He placed cardboard beneath the car, as to not only protect the floor but allow him to see any debris which fell to help try to understand the origin of the leak. He then cleaned both sides […]

A running issue with our 1956 Jensen 541

Jon has worked on getting our 1956 Jensen 541 running correctly here at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. After starting the engine, he noted it was running reasonably well, but as there had been a previous misfire, he carried out checks to confirm the cause. By pulling the HT leads off each cylinder in turn, […]

Running and tuning our 1956 Jensen 541

Jon began work on our 1956 Jensen 541, currently undergoing a recommission at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ in Suffolk, by stripping and freeing the carburettor piston, ensuring the lifting pin raised it smoothly and that it fell back to the bridge correctly. He weakened the mixture, reducing the jet depth from 2.65 mm to […]

Too much overdrive for our Jensen

John investigated an issue with our 1956 Jensen 541, which had become stuck in overdrive, preventing the car from reversing. To access the affected components, he removed the interior and gearbox tunnel. After some careful fettling, he was able to release the overdrive and carry out the necessary adjustments to restore proper function.

541 Wiring

Jonn continued work on our 1956 Jensen 541 by tidying up the wiring around the fuse box and under the bonnet. He identified the function of each wire, trimming them back as necessary before connecting and testing each circuit. Once all the lights were confirmed operational, he finalised the wiring at the fuse box, leaving […]

Investigating a leak on our 1956 Jensen 541

While running up our 1956 Jensen 541, John (our workshop manager here at Bridge Classic Cars) observed water running down the side of the engine block. To determine the source of the issue, he removed the cylinder head for further investigation and trace down where the issue is coming from.

Repairs to our Jensen 541

Jon continued with detailed mechanical and electrical tasks on our 1956 Jensen 541, beginning by swapping the bonnet securing catches on the lower edges for alternative units. The bonnet stays were also exchanged for silver-finished replacements. The rocker cover was removed, a new gasket was fitted, and the cover was securely refitted. Work progressed to […]

Road test of our Jensen

John carried out a road test on our 1956 Jensen 541 to assess the braking performance and investigate a rubbing noise. After returning to the workshop, Jonn assisted John with bleeding the brakes to address the identified issues.

Bumper repairs on our Jensen

Jonn continued replacing the old chrome parts on our 1956 Jensen 541 with newly refurbished items. He swapped all four wheel spinners for improved replacements, greasing and securing them in place. The old rear bumpers were removed, and the newly rechromed bumper was aligned and fitted to the nearside. As the new offside bumper did […]

Finished!

This is one of those times when words aren’t needed. All I will say is that our 1956 Jensen 541 has come to the end of its restoration and is looking incredible!

Final touches to our Jensen 541

John found that the bonnet flap on our 1956 Jensen 541 had been incorrectly installed, causing it to operate in the wrong direction. To correct this, he fabricated new brackets and re-routed the cable, ensuring the flap now functions as intended. John completed the installation of the bonnet flap cable on our 1956 Jensen 541 […]

541 Chrome

Work has progressed steadily on our 1956 Jensen 541, with Jonn continuing the methodical replacement of chrome components. He began by fitting the lower quarter light trim to both sides and installing a new bonnet badge along with its gasket. The rocker cover was removed and cleaned of the old gasket, then handed over to […]

Jensen 541 Handbrake Repair

The handbrake lever on our 1956 Jensen 541 was found to have excessive movement. Upon investigation, it was discovered that two locating bolts were missing from the handbrake pivot. These bolts were replaced, and the handbrake was then adjusted to ensure correct operation.

All Done

Our 1956 Jensen 541 has come a long way since it first arrived in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. After being cleaned recently, the car was looking incredible and we can’t wait to see it back out on the road very soon.

Door Plaques

The spare wheel carrier has been fitted to our 1956 Jensen 541, by technician Pete, using new mounting hardware. Following this, the chrome plaques for both door shuts were carefully positioned, marked out, drilled, and riveted into place, ensuring alignment and consistency between the passenger and driver doors.

Jensen Carb Mixtures

Jonn has been adjusting the carb mixtures of our 1956 Jensen 541. He left the air filter housing in place and removed the brass jet covers from underneath and adjusted each jet in turn. He then refitted the brass caps, jacked up each corner of the car and checked the brakes.

Jensen 541 Brakes

Technician Jonn has been working on the brakes of our 1956 Jensen 541. Here are his notes: Started by reassembling the rear brakes, Fit rear shoes and refit drums. Rears locked up once drums refitted. Unable to pump brake pedal to centralise as no shoes on front axle yet. Refit rear wheels and swap over […]

Jensen 541 Clutch

Once our 1956 Jensen 541 was up on the four-post ramp, Jonn was able to chock the engine and remove the gearbox. He then cleaned the bell housing and fitted new thrust bearings. Once this was done, Jonn cleaned the flywheel and fitted a new clutch and refitting the gearbox.

Coming Toward The End

Our 1956 Jensen 541 is coming toward the end of its restoration here at Bridge Classic Cars. It has been a long process but now, technician Paul is starting to put the last few pieces back together. Although the car will still need testing and other minor bits, it’s safe to say that it is […]

Jensen Doors And Window Frames

Paul has been continuing his work on our 1956 Jensen 541. He has now fitted the nearside and off-side doors before he started to assemble the window frames. He then had to modify the door frame to make sure that the glass didn’t rub. The door window frames were then fitted.

Assessing A Jensen 541

Jonn has been appraising our 1956 Jensen 541. Here are his notes: Grease all points. Remove all wheels and strip and check brakes. Wash down engine and gearbox areas. Refit all brake drums. Start up and check clutch bite point. Confirm bite point high. Finish inspection. Run for a further 10 mins. Oil pressure ok. […]

Jensen In Paint

Our 1960 Jensen 541R has continued to make progress. Various parts have been painted and the wheel tubs are being looked at to see what their shape is like. Paul fitted the springs to the subframe and prepared the engine mounts for paint too.

Jensen Suspension And Brakes

Paul has been preparing the front suspension and brakes of our 1956 Jensen 541 ready for assembly.

Sender Calibration Unit

Workshop Manager John has been fitting a Spiyda calibration unit to the tank gauge of our 1956 Jensen 541. This is to match the sender to the gauge.

Jensen Wheels

Tony recently collected the wheels for our 1956 Jensen 541 from Wheelworx and brought them back to the workshop.

541 Progress And Repairs

Paul has been working on our 1956 Jensen 541. He fabricated a cover to protect the wiring to the fuel pump and checked over the engine. He removed one of the runners from the glass and repaired it before he started assembling the door chrome work and fabricating a bonnet support. Paul then built up […]

Jensen Window Regulators

New window regulators have been fitted on our 1956 Jensen 541. Before they were fitted though, Paul had to modify the new regulators and the doors to ensure the perfect fit.

A Very Busy Jensen

A lot of progress has happened with our 1956 Jensen 541. Paul has continued his work and has completed a lot of tasks. Here are his notes: Fit propshaft,check rear axle alignment, fit fuel line at tank,fit n/s door catch captive plate,fit gearbox tunnel, Prep manifolds ready to fit,fit drive shaft,connect pedals to master cylinders,fabricate […]