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aston martin restoration

Raw Form – Our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 Back from Blasting

January 18, 2024

Our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 has arrived back at our Suffolk HQ following its appointment with the media blasters.

The body was carefully removed from the chassis of the 1950’s GT previously by our workshop technicians and carefully transported to a local blasting company to carefully remove the Claret paint as well as exposing any areas which will need attention by the team here at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshops.

The body arrived back at our workshops earlier this week and was taken straight into our in-house fabrication shop for our expert team of fabricators to work on getting this rare and unique GT car back into better than new shape.

The team have begun to get the body onto the framing jig to get it ready for the delicate and highly-skilled work of repairing the areas affected by 71 years of being used and stored.

Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe Stripdown

December 8, 2023

Brian has begun work on stripping down our 1955 Aston Martin Drophead Couple. He has removed the rear boot panels, the rear seat base and door panels. The cappings and door pockets have been taken out and the sill carpets. The carpets under the dash, the dash top panels and window surround panels are all now out.

The project will be a big part of our diary for 2024 but heading up to Christmas we have a few weeks to really get started on the strip down.

Aston Martin DB2/4 Interior Work

December 6, 2023

Cutting and gluing the leather to the front side window surround panels. Trimming onto the back of the panels, cutting and gluing leather onto the front window surround panels. Trimming onto the back panels, filing out the holes for the door panel brackets, fitting the door panel brackets.

Cutting and gluing leather to the door pockets and pocket side panels, screwing side panels to the pockets, gluing leather to the rear window surround panels.

Three of a Kind – Our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe

November 24, 2023

Over the past few weeks, we’ve welcomed a very special addition to the workshop. The third in a line of Aston Martin DB2/4’s which are being completely restored by our classic car restoration technicians at our Suffolk HQ.

This particular car, is a 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe and one of a rarefied few which remain. This car, which has yet to be named, has been commissioned by its owner for our highly-skilled teams to bring back to its former glory alongside the sister cars of ‘Claret’ and ‘Moonshadow‘.

Although work has already begun on this incredible piece of Aston Martin history, there is still a long way to go. But, like the sister cars, our team are excited and eager to get this wonderful restoration on the move and all of us are lucky enough to have 3 of these stunning DB2/4’s in the workshop.

Our 1976 Aston Martin AMV8 is headed for auction!

July 21, 2023

Our 1976 Aston Martin AMV8 will soon be headed for auction through our friends over at Car & Classic.

Some of you may remember, this stunning left-hand drive example of the DB6 replacement came to us from the USA as a claret US spec car but over the course of the last 8 months has been transformed into the stylish and handsome GT car you see today, finished in Deep Carriage Green.

Recently, we took the car out to shoot the photos for its upcoming auction which you can see here!

Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for the announcement of when our 1976 Aston Martin AMV8 will be live on the Car & Classic website.

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.

Plumbed Up – Refitting and Plumbing in the Brakes and Fuel Tank of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkI

July 12, 2022

The 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 has been getting refit and plumbed up by our workshop here at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ.

The team have refit and rebuilt the drum brake system for the car along with running the necessary linkages and cable for the handbrake. Along with that, our technician Scott has made up brand new brake hardlines which have been routed throughout the car and neatly tucked close to the body and rear axle not only for aesthetics but for fitment.

After all of the brakes were put together and plumbed in, Scott could turn his attention to the fuel system.

He fit the classic Aston Martins fuel tank, which was test fit and gently bolted down into place before making up the various fuel lines and again, routing them safely and neatly throughout the car.

In the Light – The Finished Paintwork on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkI

June 13, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team have put countless hours of hard work, skill and craft into the bodywork and paint of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkI that when our painter Chris had finished polishing the entire car, we had to take it outside into the sun to get a proper look.

The weather had been absolutely perfect all week. A few light, playful clouds strewn across the endless blue of the Suffolk sky made the perfect lighting rig for such an amazing car. The depth of the paint, the subtlety of the colour and the bright shine of the metallic paint stopped all of the team who walked past it.

Our marketing manager, Freddie decided to grab his camera and get some photos of the stunning 1950s GT car which look incredible but it has to be seen to truly be believed.

Just Like New – Replated Trims for the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1

May 10, 2022

The trim pieces and parts for the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 have been replaced as part of the classic sports cars restoration by Bridge Classic Cars.

Each piece has been carefully inspected and any repairs performed on them before being cleaned and then going through the process of being re-plated to make sure they’re at the same standard and finish as the rest of the car done by our restoration workshop.

First Fit – Checking the Bonnet on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1

January 27, 2022

The bonnet of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 currently in with Bridge Classic Cars for restoration has finally been reunited with the body of the 1950s sports car.

The bonnet has been placed onto the body before it is adjusted and fitted. This is to make sure all the amazing work Alan has done on the single-piece clamshell goes with the work Chris has done on the body. But, the results look fantastic. Both the body and the bonnet are completely uniform and evenly shaped which will allow our in-house paint team to get the colour laid just perfectly for this car when the time comes.

Top to Bottom – Priming the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Bonnet

January 26, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint shop have been busy continuing work on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 we have at our Suffolk HQ for restoration.

Alan, one of our incredible in-house paint experts, has been working on the underside of the bonnet for the DB2/4. This part of the bonnet has had the same treatment as the top of the piece. Alan has carefully sanded, filled and resanded every square inch of the bonnet included the wheel arches to make sure the piece has the best foundation for the primer.

Like the top, it had a layer of epoxy primer followed by a polyester primer laid on top of the beautiful front clamshell.

This piece of the DB2/4 is a piece of art in its own right and we cannot wait to see the bonnet laid onto the body which is being worked on by our restoration technicians in our workshop.

Good as New – 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 Gauges Back from Refurb

January 25, 2022

The gauges for the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 currently undergoing restoration at Bridge Classic Cars have returned from being refurbished.

We sent the dials and units off to a specialist refurbisher and the results look absolutely incredible. Along with being restored, they have all been perfectly calibrated to a very small tolerance. It’s beautiful to see the craft and skill that our trusted specialist partners put into pieces.

The gauges will eventually go into the dashboard of the classic Aston Martin which is being finished to the same very high, very process standard.

Expect to see more on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page very soon.

Primer and Ready – 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 Bonnet in Primer

January 21, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars incredible in-house paint team have been working hard to get the bonnet of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 into each stage of primer.

Our in-house painter Alan has been working on the one-piece front clamshell of the DB2/4, perfecting every line and surface on the panel getting it ready for the first stage before it is painted.

The first stage is a normal epoxy primer which is a standard primer used on most projects. But, over the top, the DB2/4 Bonnet is then covered in a Polyester primer.

After the primer has properly cured, Alan can then begin the next stage before the final colour is shot on the panel. So, expect to see more updates on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 restoration here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page very soon.

The Next Level – Continuing Work on the Bonnet of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1

January 20, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint team have been working on the bonnet of the stunning 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 currently in with ourselves for restoration.

Alan, one of our incredible Paint team, has been working on getting every surface of the bonnet as perfect as possible. And that is literally every single surface, including the wheel arches and the underside of the bonnet.

The work put into the classic Aston Martin is reflected in every single panel and piece on this gorgeous sports car. Alan has worked meticulously on every surface of the single-piece panel to make sure that once painted, it is all works together.

Closing In on Perfection – Working on the Bonnet of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1

January 14, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint team have been hell-bent on achieving perfection for the bonnet of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 that is in with ourselves for full restoration.

Alan, one of our incredibly talented painters and bodywork specialists, has spent hours perfecting every line and curve on the single-piece clamshell that makes up the whole front end of the classic Aston Martin.

This piece is crucial because it is one single piece and has no adjustment as you would do with a front end made of several pieces. So, each of the body lines and curves must sit perfectly with the rest of the body which is in our workshop with Scott, one of our restoration technicians.

So, Alan has been meticulous working on sections to get them perfect.

Fresh and Clean – Painting the Hubs for the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1

January 12, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint team have just finished working on the hubs for the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1.

Chris, our head painter, has delivered the freshly refinished hubs for the Aston Martin to Scott, our restoration technician, in our workshop for when final assembly calls for the hubs to be fitted up to the car.

Finished in a stunning satin black, the hubs look better than new!

Held in Suspense – Refitting the Front Suspension to the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1

January 11, 2022

Work on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 continues with Bridge Classic Cars as our in-house restoration technician Scott begins to put together the front suspension of the DB2 back into its freshly powdercoated frame.

Scott has been carefully refitting the newly refurbished pieces into the DB2 so as not to mar either the frame of the piece itself. Scott has taken the time to even test fit mounting bolts before installation to see whether the powdercoating will need to be taken down to allow the bolt to neatly and securely go into its allotted place.

With so many newly refurbished parts, Scott has methodically worked through the front end of the car so as not to have to remove any components to install others around it. The first piece, is the stunning cast steering rack.

There will be more very soon on the progress of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.

Protected – Lacquering Parts for the 1955 Aston Martin 2/4 Mk1

January 6, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint booth has been busy working on several projects that we currently have in. One of those is some of the components from the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4.

After the pieces have come back from their various cleaning treatments, our paint shop has finished them all in matte lacquer in order to protect them from any moisture or contaminants. Once the lacquer had completely cured, they could then safely be handled and given over to our restoration technicians to put back on the car during its assembly.

Going Back Together – Refitting the Body to the Frame on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4

January 5, 2022

The 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 that is in with Bridge Classic Cars for full restoration has hit an important milestone today. The body, which has been worked on by our paint and body experts for several months, has finally been reunited with its stunning freshly powder coated frame.

Scott, one of our restoration experts has been working on getting the body and several of the bigger panels back onto the frame in preparation for its next stage of bodywork. With so much work done to the body of the DB2/4, it’s also crucial for our technicians to check mounts and placements for when the car is in final assembly. With so much hard work and effort put into the car, it’s worth taking the time to make sure each delicate part fits exactly right to show just how beautiful this stunning sports car truly is.

Expect to see more updates on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 very soon here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.

Primed and Ready – Body of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark 1 Primed

December 8, 2021

Chris and the team in the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint shop have been busy at work preparing and priming the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark 1 for the next phase in the restoration.

Chris and the team carefully prepared each panel and part individually to make sure they were properly prepped before entering the spray booth. Each part has been given a coat epoxy primer to help seal the material beneath which has been so carefully worked on by the Bridge Classic Cars restoration teams.

With everything primed, it was time to move on to the protective coating on some of the other pieces and parts of the shell. For the most durable protection against road grime and weather, the team here use Raptor Guard. Applied to specific pieces, it helps to protect any of the pieces from moisture and is well worth using for a classic that is destined to be used and enjoyed.

Whilst the primer and the raptor guard on the shell were left to cure, Chris began to prepare and spray Raptor on some of the floor panels, the transmission tunnel and other pieces which will be exposed to the elements.

Fine Features – Sending Parts from the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 for Refurbishment

December 8, 2021

The trim work on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 is absolutely beautiful. Simple and elegant but there is quite a bit of it.

These are the latest pieces of the DB2/4 Mark 1 to be sent out to a local specialist for replating and polishing. This is being done to make sure that every piece of the brightwork on this stunning 1950s sportscar will be uniform and stunning. Although they may seem small, every piece of the car must be perfect to match the work the team here at Bridge Classic Cars have done on the car during its restoration.

There will be more updates very soon on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 very soon here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.

Tear Down – Stripping the Bumpers of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4

December 2, 2021

Mauro, one of the Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration technicians, has been stripping down the bumpers, grille and brightwork on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 that is undergoing restoration at Bridge Classic Cars.

These pieces have been carefully broken down into individual components to be sent off for various treatments for them to be refinished to a standard fitting of the car. The brightwork on the Aston Martin is a key focal point to such an iconic sports car that they need to fit just right as well as look the best.

With that, Mauro has been carefully removing each bolt from the bumpers and brackets to make sure they are in good condition and if not, they are replaced. The bumpers, grille and all other parts are carefully catalogued and stored until they are ready to be sent off to local specialists that we have been working with for many years on our other world class restoration projects.

The level of detail that Bridge Classic Cars holds itself to, even in terms of the breakdown of each component, is purposely high to ensure the best final finish of our restorations.

Keep a look out here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 soon.

A Closer Look – Finding Hairline Cracks in Brackets on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4

November 17, 2021

During the disassembly of the suspension components of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 that is in at Bridge Classic Cars for restoration, our restoration technician Mauro found some hairline cracks in a few of the pieces.

The pieces that Mauro found were the rear suspension brackets. Along with our workshop controller, John, the parts were recorded and a plan being worked out how to move forward with these particular parts before sandblasting.

A New Start – Sending the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Guages to be Refurbished

November 17, 2021

The gauges and dials in the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 are some of the most beautiful out there. Simple black Smiths units with white lettering and easy to see layout. This style of dial is so synonymous with classic sportscar that anything else would look amiss in such an elegant and deserving car.

The rest of the car is currently undergoing a full restoration at Bridge Classic Cars but these units are being sent away to a specialist to be rebuilt and entirely refurbished to match the high level of fit and finish our in-house restoration teams will be doing to the car.

Once the dials are back from their refurbishment, they will be carefully stored until our in-house trim team is ready to fit them into the stunning dash and get them securely placed in the car.

All in the Prep – Preparing the Suspension Components on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 for Sandblasting

November 17, 2021

Bridge Classic Cars take pride in that our in-house restoration technicians will go the extra mile to make sure that all of our restoration work is done to a world-class standard. Take, for example, these suspension components on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 that is in at Bridge Classic Cars for complete restoration.

Our restoration technician Mauro has been carefully taking apart each of the suspension components down to their bare bones before these parts are sent off to be sandblasted. All though these could be simply cleaned up and repainted, this DB2/4 Mark 1 is having the full treatment that Bridge Classic Cars is known for. Piece by piece, Mauro took apart every component to be inspected for any damage or defect and then catalogued.

Every bearing or bushing was pressed out of the housings before it goes off to be stripped all the way back to bare metal.

Expect to see more on the DB2/4 Mark 1 very soon here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.

Back in the Game – Refitting the Power Steering Pump to our 2005 Aston Martin DB9

November 8, 2021

Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration technician Mauro has been working on refitting the power steering pump to Craig, our directors, 2005 Aston Martin DB9.

After the refurbished part arrived back to us here in Pettistree, Mauro began to get the component set up to go back into the engine bay alongside the famous 6 litre V12.

Carefully Mauro reinstalled the pump back onto the engine and began to close the hoses into the correct positions. After this, he methodically went through every clamp to ensure the seals were right and then topped up the fluid.

From there, it was tested by our in-house team and reinspected.

Solid Foundations – Getting the Frame of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Ready for Powdercoat

October 21, 2021

The frame and body for the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 that is with us here at Bridge Classic Cars have been separated ahead of the frame being sent off for powder coating.

The body will remain here with our in-house paint and body teams to continue work while we wait for the other parts to come back.

Powder coating frames gives not only the best finish but the best protection for the chassis so it’s worthwhile having it done to this amazing car.

Making Moves – Steering Teardown on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4

October 8, 2021

Here at Bridge Classic Cars, our in-house restoration technician Mauro is hard at work continuing to teardown, inspect and catalogue the front end parts of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2.

The steering on any sportscar is what is known to give that feel we all know and love. And for that, it needs to be in perfect shape. So, it’s now the turn of the steering rack of the DB2. Mauro has carefully removed each component from the rack itself.

These will be inspected thoroughly before refurbishment begins.

Core Components – Teardown of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2 Front Axle

October 7, 2021

It’s crucial with a restoration to take note of what you take off the car. Our in-house restoration technician Mauro is fanatical about this. So, the job of tearing down the front axle of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 that we have at Bridge Classic Cars naturally fell to him.

Bolt by bolt, piece by piece Mauro has gone through the entire assembly on the ’50s sportscar. Carefully and meticulously Mauro labelled and catalogued each piece ready for assessment and refurbishment.

This DB2 is having a full restoration in-house by our incredible teams. Keep a lookout for more updates on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 on our News Page

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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