After Kath had mocked up the rear seats into the Charger, it was time to start getting the carpets into the car. However, underneath the
As part of Peony Red’s pre-delivery inspection, our in-house trim team have been busy finishing off parts of the interior. Mainly the tunnel carpet. This
John has been hard at work on the 1974 Triumph TR6 that is in with us at Bridge Classic Cars for a wiring issue. A
Some of you may remember the 1984 Jaguar XJ bonnet and boot that a customer had asked us to refinish. The rest of the car
As you might have seen in our previous post on the 1951 Riley RMB here at Bridge Classic Cars, James has been hard at work
Tamas and Paul, our in-house restoration technicians have been busy refitting the wiring harness, accessories, engine and gearbox back into the 1998 Honda Integra Type
The in-house trim experts at Bridge Classic Cars have been hard at work. Teaming up to conquer the interior of the 1970 Dodge Charger. One
Peony Red, the 1960 Jensen 541S, is reaching the end of its restoration and its pre-delivery inspection. So it’s time to get the last few
Our in-house engine builder at Bridge Classic Cars, Ady, has been working at trying to get to the bottom of the oil leak with the
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
The 1954 Jaguar MkVII that was in with us for restoration is back in the workshop to look into a leak from under the car.
Bridge Classic Cars will soon be welcoming a new car into our in-house trim shop. Soon, this bright yellow big block 1966 Ford Thunderbird will
Chris and the paint shop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been hard at work on the front bumper of the 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera
There’s always certain parts of any build that can be classed as milestone moments. That rings especially true for the first time the chassis is
Those who have been following the blog for a while may remember the 1994 Piaggio Ape we talked about back in July. Well, it is
Our incredibly talented trim-shop experts have been hard at work on the 1970 Dodge Charger currently in at Bridge Classic Cars. Next on the list
The Bridge Classic Cars paint and body experts have been busy assessing the 1977 MGB Roadster that is in with us for Aesthetic restoration. Chris
The doors on the 1951 Riley RMB have got some beautiful wooden trims inset around the window openings. Sometimes it’s best to leave things like
Kath has been working on test fitting the carpet on the 1970 Dodge Charger in the trim shop of Bridge Classic Cars. To check the
The freshly painted 1998 Honda Integra Type R is out of the paint booth after its sympathetic respray here at Bridge Classic Cars. Now it’s
Our incredible in-house paint team have begun work on the part repairs to the 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S at Bridge Classic Cars. There were
We’ve been waiting on the radiator/gearbox cooler for the 1999 Mercedes E55 AMG, but it is now in the car ready for it to be
Our master fabricator James has been busy in the Bridge Classic Cars fabrication shop carefully and methodically recreating the windshield surround on the 1951 Riley
Our 1966 Sunbeam Alpine is freshly back from its time at the 78th Goodwood Members Meeting last weekend and it’s now time to have its
Recently, Bridge Classic Cars were asked to come and view a nearby classic collection including several different Ford Model T’s along with a Chevrolet and
Just into the workshop is this stunning 2008 Porsche 997 911 Carrera S in black that has got a small bit of damage to the
With so many different races scheduled throughout the day, the paddocks would always have something to look around. Whatever you wanted, it was there. 1960s
Much like the day before, the team at Bridge Classic Cars arrived early at Goodwood. The sun had barely crested the horizon by the time
Between our times on the stand, each of us would venture out into the paddocks and to various points on the circuit to soak up
As the sun gained some strength and the air grew warmer, the paddocks also grew in size and commotion. The further you delved into the
After Kath had mocked up the rear seats into the Charger, it was time to start getting the carpets into the car.
However, underneath the carpet is where to most important bit of the interior is. The sound deadening. It’s crucial in making long journeys more enjoyable just due to its job of cutting down the cabin noise.
Kath carefully laid out the material across the floors of the car to make sure each piece was just in the right place to give the best result. All of this needed to be done before fitting up the carpets, which will be happening next!
As part of Peony Red’s pre-delivery inspection, our in-house trim team have been busy finishing off parts of the interior. Mainly the tunnel carpet.
This Jensen 541 has been a long-loved restoration by us here at Bridge Classic Cars. Every department of our in-house restoration team has worked on this car in one way or another. Now, our trim shop is finishing off the last bits. Mainly it needed to have its transmission tunnel carpets finished.
The sound-deadening and insulation were fitted to the tunnel and then the templates could be made for the piece. After they had been cut, edged and fitted a small inspection flap needed to be carefully cut into the finished carpets for future use if ever needed. Kath carefully made a small ear from the matching carpet and trimmed it just like the other carpet to match and bring the whole piece together.
Next was the all-important tool tray. A unique piece of the Jensen 541, it lives underneath the glove box. The tray itself has been in our body and paint shop to make sure it looks absolutely perfect before it’s cover was made by Kath and fitted to the glovebox.
The interior of Peony Red looks absolutely sensational if we do say so ourselves.
John has been hard at work on the 1974 Triumph TR6 that is in with us at Bridge Classic Cars for a wiring issue. A rat or a mouse has managed to chew its way through part of the wiring loom.
Consequently, when the owner went to start the car is actually melted some of the wiring! Because of the extent of the damage to the wiring loom. John felt it best to replace the harness as a precaution due to the extensive damage.
John carefully began to remove the old harness for the car, working his way through the separate systems to ensure all the components could also be inspected.
The new loom was then put in place step by step, whilst also running through each part to make sure it functioned correctly now that power could be applied to the harness. Wit the harness now in, its time to test the car completely.
Some of you may remember the 1984 Jaguar XJ bonnet and boot that a customer had asked us to refinish. The rest of the car had been painted elsewhere but that isn’t a problem for our in-house paint team.
After working on the rust repairs for the panels and making sure the surfaces were flat and true, Chris and the team got to the meticulous job of paint matching.
Thanks to our state of the art paint system as well as years of experience, Chris managed to exactly match the shade and hue of deep, vibrant maroon for this classic Jaguar. The results look incredible.
Chris and the team take their time with the prepping of each individual piece that needs painting and that also includes laying the primer in just the right way that it sits and shines just in the right way for the colour coat to achieve the best finish.
As you might have seen in our previous post on the 1951 Riley RMB here at Bridge Classic Cars, James has been hard at work getting the wings into the best shape possible.
James, our expert in-house fabricator, has been working on the Riley for quite some time. A lot of the panels needed extensive repairs and reworking to be useable in the restoration of this beloved classic. The rear wings are currently the pieces on James’s bench.
After James worked the repair patches into the original wing, he then had to work them carefully and methodically to ensure they met the original shape and dimensions of the car. Also, he has to make sure both sides are identical. This takes a highly skilled hand and incremental adjustments to achieve the finish you see before you.
James has blended new pieces into the originals and almost seamlessly blended new and old together through the medium of metal. Any adjustment to the piece also means that the entire panel must be checked to see if it has caused any sort of distortion elsewhere.
But, these wings are looking absolutely incredible for when they eventually meet back up on the car.
Tamas and Paul, our in-house restoration technicians have been busy refitting the wiring harness, accessories, engine and gearbox back into the 1998 Honda Integra Type R that is in at Bridge Classic Cars.
Using reference photos and the catalogued parts from the dismantling of the car, the whole engine bay now looks as good as new.
Next stages for the Integra will be to get the vehicle back together before final check overs. Expect to see more here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.
The in-house trim experts at Bridge Classic Cars have been hard at work. Teaming up to conquer the interior of the 1970 Dodge Charger.
One of the jobs on the list for the interior refit was to fit the signature dome light. This involved a small hole in the brand new headliner for the wires to be passed through. Thankfully with the skill of our trim fitters, you would never know it was ever there and the outings all lined up to be able to secure the light to the roof.
Next up, Brian began to work on getting the new rearview mirrors to the doors of the Charger. These mirrors are so iconic to the Charger that their placement is crucial. Brian, one of our in house trim experts, carefully measured up and mocked up the mirrors countless times before drilling the holes for the fixings to pass through. Once in place, the mechanisms to control the mirrors can be installed to make them fully functional.
Peony Red, the 1960 Jensen 541S, is reaching the end of its restoration and its pre-delivery inspection. So it’s time to get the last few finishing touches completed and in the car.
One of these systems that is being finished by our in-house trim experts is the sound system. Peony Red has got a modern stereo unit, although it is a classic-looking head unit it is thoroughly up to date. With that, it does require a set of new speakers.
Kath has been working on making new speaker boxes from scratch for the car. These were made from a simple wooden box but finished in matching carpet to the rest of the interior to blend into the car and be completely useable for her new owner.
Just because it’s a classic car, doesn’t mean you can’t have some of the modern luxuries. We think its a good balance of old and new in this stunning 1960 Jensen 541S
Our in-house engine builder at Bridge Classic Cars, Ady, has been working at trying to get to the bottom of the oil leak with the 1963 Jaguar MkII 3.4.
At idle, the engine would behave itself perfectly. Not a spot of oil but any higher in the revs and it would begin to leak. Ady has spent countless hours hanging over the engine bay of the MkII trying to get to the root cause of the issue. He believes he has found the cause.
Upon inspection for the oil leak, Ady has found the bores in several cylinders to be heavily scored.
With some of the pistons, the rings have too much play in them and allow a lot of the cylinder head pressure to escape past the rings, down the cylinder and into the crankcase. With this added pressure, it begins to push the oil out to any opening that may have a weakness.
The rear main seal on the MkII 3.4’s is a split seal design. Meaning at the bottom engine they are cut to allow them to be slipped into place during installation. This, with the added crankcase pressure, has been pushing the oil from the crankcase through the rear seal and out. So a combination of pistons slop, ring movement and too much crankcase pressure have been causing the leak we have been searching for.
The only remedy for this in Ady’s experience, is a full engine rebuild with new parts including a rebore to clean up the cylinder walls.
Keep an eye on the Bridge Classic Cars blog for more updates on the MkII 3.4.
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.
The 1954 Jaguar MkVII that was in with us for restoration is back in the workshop to look into a leak from under the car.
Upon inspection by the Bridge Classic Cars restoration team, it was found to be an issue with a gearbox seal. This has been sent away to a specialist gearbox expert to have the proper rectified in order to the engine and gearbox back in the car as soon as possible.
Keep a look out on the News Page for more updates on the Jaguar MkVII
Bridge Classic Cars will soon be welcoming a new car into our in-house trim shop. Soon, this bright yellow big block 1966 Ford Thunderbird will be coming in to have its dash pad assessed by our trim team.
As you can see, its seen better days. But, our trimmer can work wonders.
Keep an eye on the news page to see more on this amazing American icon.
Chris and the paint shop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been hard at work on the front bumper of the 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S in for some paint repairs on the front bumper.
Rather than try to blend the paint into the existing finish, Chris thought to get a better result would be to entirely repaint the bumper and match it to the body.
As you can see, the results look fantastic. Now, the Carrera is ready to go back home to its adoring owner.
There’s always certain parts of any build that can be classed as milestone moments. That rings especially true for the first time the chassis is reunited with its powertrain.
This 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster being built by us here at Bridge Classic Cars has just met that fabled milestone. The built 5 litre V12 is now safely in place between the immaculately restored frame rails and securely in the car. Scott has been working hard to get all the necessary systems in place for a few days before the engine was carefully lowered into position. Firstly to ensure they will fit and secondly so that no damage is done to the long list of refurbished or brand new parts.
The engine looks incredible inside the car. In terms of its packaging, it is a feat of engineering to fit an engine this large in such a compact but stylish skin.
Once Scott has finalised the installation into the car, it will then be time to get everything hooked up and ready to be tested.
Those who have been following the blog for a while may remember the 1994 Piaggio Ape we talked about back in July.
Well, it is now in our workshop being inspected ahead of its MOT. Our in-house restoration team at Bridge Classic Cars wanted to check over all the systems on the van/scooter to make sure there would be no problems.
During loading at our storage unit at RAF Bentwaters, Mauro (whose grandfather originally owned this amazing little car) found the throttle cable had snapped so as soon as he got back to the workshop, a new replacement was put on order. While waiting for the cable, Mauro began to strip down the brakes and bearings on the Ape to inspect all of the components and make sure everything was in tip-top condition.
The front drum apparently needs a new shoe but apart from that the little machine seems to be in very good condition.
We’re looking forward to having fun with this one!
Our incredibly talented trim-shop experts have been hard at work on the 1970 Dodge Charger currently in at Bridge Classic Cars.
Next on the list of pieces that need to be done in order is the rear parcel shelf. For this, Kath had to make it from scratch. Creating a tight-fitting template, it was then cut from ply and covered to match the rest of the interior.
Kath even repainted the original fixings to make sure all originality could be kept and create a uniform look to the car.
After it was wrapped in matching material, the trim team fit it into the car and it looks absolutely amazing in the back of this wonderful muscle car.
The Bridge Classic Cars paint and body experts have been busy assessing the 1977 MGB Roadster that is in with us for Aesthetic restoration.
Chris and the team careful began to take apart and inspect every aspect of the car. Removing the interior to assess condition but also to gain access to vital structural parts of the car’s chassis. In all, the car’s underpinnings were in relatively good shape. However, some of the body panels will require work done to them in order for this stunning little roadster to be in the best condition possible.
Chris and Lydia then began to remove the paint for each of the panels to assess any more repairs that will be needed in terms of bodywork.
The doors on the 1951 Riley RMB have got some beautiful wooden trims inset around the window openings. Sometimes it’s best to leave things like carpentry to the specialists who know and understand the material they’re working with more than anyone else.
So, the doors have been sent off to local joiners Ashbocking Joinery to be refurbished. These are a very important part of the aesthetic of the car not only the door so as with everything we do, we only want it to be the highest standard for our client.
We can’t wait to show you what they look like when we get them back! Keep an eye out here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.
Kath has been working on test fitting the carpet on the 1970 Dodge Charger in the trim shop of Bridge Classic Cars.
To check the best fit on the carpet, she has had to mock up the rear seat in place. It looks incredible! The carpet does need to be stretched and skillfully manipulated into its final place but the results so far are looking amazing.
More very soon on the 1970 Dodge Charger here at Bridge Classic Cars.
The freshly painted 1998 Honda Integra Type R is out of the paint booth after its sympathetic respray here at Bridge Classic Cars. Now it’s time for our in-house restoration technicians to begin putting everything back together.
As you may have seen previously, the engine bay on the Integra Type R has been cleaned up and resprayed in its factory Championship White. Now the paint has cured it’s time to refit all the systems under the bonnet. Tom and Paul have been working on getting all the pipework and components back to their original locations while also taking extreme care as to not undo any of the hard work done by our in-house painters.
Soon, it will be time drop the engine back in…
Our incredible in-house paint team have begun work on the part repairs to the 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S at Bridge Classic Cars.
There were a few small scuffs and scratches in several areas of the bump. Carefully, Chris and his team removed the bumper from the car in order to prepare it for assessment and the repairs needed.
With that, the plan was made to entirely repaint the front bumper. Carefully colour matching the paint to the rest of the car, Chris got the bumper into the booth and laid down several coats of gloss black onto the panel.
We’ve been waiting on the radiator/gearbox cooler for the 1999 Mercedes E55 AMG, but it is now in the car ready for it to be tested.
Some may remember from the previous post, our technician Paul, found a leak coming from the radiator which on the E55’s also acts as a gearbox cooler. Unfortunately, this required it to be replaced with a brand new unit to ensure both the V8 and its gearbox remain well within their operating temperatures.
Now that the new unit is in the car, our in house technicians can begin testing the various systems to ensure that this ’90s super wagon is ready to be used and enjoyed.
Our master fabricator James has been busy in the Bridge Classic Cars fabrication shop carefully and methodically recreating the windshield surround on the 1951 Riley RMB.
Using traditional shaping methods, James has recreated the original tops of the cowl/windshield surround. The shape is complex with many compound curves and edges but that is no trouble for our in-house fabrication shop. Carefully manipulating the metal through the English wheel and the shrink/stretcher, James managed to create the same sweeps and bends of the original.
Then with the hammer and dolly, finessing the final shape into place. Then, it was time to do it all over again for the otherside. The only way to create this piece was in two separate parts. The skill that our master fabricators have is the seamlessly blend them together.
The two halves were then welded together to create one entire panel that can be fitted into the windshield surround. Later, the welds will be ground back to create a smooth finished piece and then cut down to size for the perfect fit.
Our 1966 Sunbeam Alpine is freshly back from its time at the 78th Goodwood Members Meeting last weekend and it’s now time to have its tonneau cover fitted.
The Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim experts worked hard to get the new cover fitted and sitting just right on the back of this bright blue ’60s sportscar. Brian worked on getting the hardware fitted into the body of the car in just the right place to tightly pull the black cover in each way to make sure it flowed and sat well on the car.
Our in-house trim team can work wonders with just about any material they are given for a job. This, is a perfect example of the time, care and dedication given to a job by Brian, Kath and Lydia.
On Thursday (October 21st) the car will be part of a live draw over on our Facebook page where we will find out who the next lucky owner of this wonderful little sports car will be.
Tickets are still available! Just click the link below to head over to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.
Recently, Bridge Classic Cars were asked to come and view a nearby classic collection including several different Ford Model T’s along with a Chevrolet and a Maxwell.
These were part of a collection by a local gentleman who sadly could not care for the cars and the hundreds if not thousands of pieces of memorabilia and spare parts.
After viewing the collection, we gave the family some advice on what to do with the parts and we hope they all go to good homes.
Interesting to know what’s just around your corner…
Just into the workshop is this stunning 2008 Porsche 997 911 Carrera S in black that has got a small bit of damage to the front bumper.
Not a problem for the Bridge Classic Cars paint team who will assess the damage to the panel and work their magic to get this immaculate example of the worldwide loved sportscar back to perfect condition.
Follow along on the Bridge Classic Cars blog page.
With so many different races scheduled throughout the day, the paddocks would always have something to look around. Whatever you wanted, it was there. 1960s GT racing? Of course. Pre-War Alfa Romeos? Absolutely. Vintage Formula 1 cars? Come right this way.
Each of the machines carried with it their own team of caretakers. Those who would patiently and methodically serve the car. When the announcement would come over the tannoy that these machines were being called to the staging area, you could feel the energy around you change. It became even more electric.
On the track, the atmosphere totally changed. From the easy-paced tide of the paddocks to a torrent of energy and excitement. As the various engines from decades of motorsport gone by were let loose on the 2.4-mile circuit, you could feel the history bounce of any surface that dare stood in its way.
Watching a group of priceless vintage machines barrel into the first corner. 1,2,3 and sometimes 4 wide into the tricky left-hander of Madgwick on the run into Fordwater. Then the track changes. Vast sweeps and bends that makeup St Mary’s before getting the power down in just the right place to get you slung into Lavant and the straight beyond.
Some get it right. Others however get it wrong. The exit has to be millimetre perfect for these bygone racers, one tyre on the slick grass could spell disaster for their chances. A Mustang runs wide on the exit and gets onto the green, spitting it left into the tyre wall before the turn into Woodcote. But, the engine doesn’t cut out. He’s held the clutch in. Within a second of coming to a standstill, the American racer pops into gear and spins around wildly on the rough. The driver aims the now crumpled and torn front of the car towards the track and with one almighty move, he rejoins the circuit. Eager to hunt down his position and the man he feels responsible.
Historic racing is made up of many of these moments. Victory from the jaws of defeat, triumph not over but with the machinery. And the only place that truly encompasses all of this is glorious Goodwood.
Much like the day before, the team at Bridge Classic Cars arrived early at Goodwood.
The sun had barely crested the horizon by the time the stand was open. The sun managed to break over one side of the circuit to illuminate the far paddocks. The pre-war cars took full advantage of the bright, amber glow of an autumn morning.
But, there was much more of a spectacle happening right in front of our stand. The off-road wonders were being prepared for the final sessions of the Super Stages that morning. These dirt based heroes of yesteryear prepared to go head to head against the clock one last time. Some though would end up paying a price in the pursuit of victory.
Lurking just at the top of the hill through the main tunnel at Goodwood, lay a group of beasts that only the mention of their name is enough to inspire fear to anyone wanting to challenge them and awe in the hearts of those who follow them.
The legend that is the Ford GT40. Known the world over for their dominance in period as endurance racers, Goodwood is probably their 2nd most famous home as here, they truly do own the circuit. This years Members Meeting saw 2 handfuls of these low, sleek and elegant heavy-hitters pound the tarmac in search of prey during the Gurney Cup.
To see one of these icons is a speechless moment but to see several being worked on and dismantled in various stages was more than any true petrolhead could have wished for. Every component perfectly on display for the world to see. Then, it was time for them to all hit the track and find out, who truly was in charge.
Between our times on the stand, each of us would venture out into the paddocks and to various points on the circuit to soak up as much as we could. Not only of the light evening drizzle, but of this wonderful event.
As the evening light grew dimmer, the paddocks once more played host to the ushering crowds. The magic hour held up to its name. The low light shone brightly on the historic cars giving them even more of a glow in the eyes of the feverish fans.
Everything imaginable was within arms reach. These priceless works of automotive art with very little supervision. But, with the machines comes healthy respect.
The still of that evening was soon to be broken.
A race track in the evening is a strange beast. The air around it grows still but the general calm is broken by the sounds of competition. This was the 2nd chance for the big V8 cars. The American monsters took the early autumn in the English countryside by the scruff of the neck.
As these vast machines would take a corner, you couldn’t help but feel sorry for the brakes. Straining and screaming for mercy but only to be drowned out by the combined cubic acres of the howling engines.
The track by this point was now dry after the earlier showers in the day. With this, the cars could now entirely stretch their legs… Lap after lap, the iron gladiators would attack the same sequence of corners but with growing confidence and vigour. Even from standing at one point, you could see each of the cars getting quicker. You could feel the lap times tumbling and you could hear the cars straining to beat the marshalls’ stopwatch.
It could only be Goodwood.
As the sun gained some strength and the air grew warmer, the paddocks also grew in size and commotion. The further you delved into the rows of priceless vintage racing machinery, the more there was to find.
Nestled away against the back row were a fine selection from our neighbours over at Historika, with a long bonnet 911 race car in nearly every conceivable colour. But, when you looked around. My word were there sights to behold.
The copper E Type lay dormant in the misty morning air. Its numbers emblazoned on its handmade, vast bonnet the only giveaway that this big cat was unlike the others in the car park. It’s other stablemates shared its single-mindedness. A plethora of vintage racing machines like the TVR, Morgans, a C2 Corvette and one of the most beautiful cars to have ever been created. The Ferrari 275GTB.
Mere hours later, they would all be at war just meters from where they now slept.
It couldn’t possibly be an outdoor British event without the heavens well and truly opening. The rain was torrential. No square inch of tarmac from Fordwater, St Marys and the chicane was safe. The perfect time to send out the V8s…
As the Americans invaded the English countryside, the rain began to fall lighter. Giant puddles had appeared in every braking zone, every apex and every opportunity for speed. However, this didn’t stop the iron leviathans. The 7-litre Galaxies barely noticed the slick and twitchy track. A healthy offering of torque and opposite lock allowed them to slide gracefully through the chicane and out towards the start/finish line. Eager to join in were the smaller Mustangs and Falcons as well as the lone gold Studabaker which brought the fight to the Blue Oval.
Whilst this ballet of power and noise played out for its baying crowd, the circuit began to dry. The cars would find the grip just at the wrong moments only to be followed by a greasy patch or an inconveniently placed puddle to spit them towards the slick, sodden grass and the wall beyond.
Some met their fate in that practice session. Others would have their hopes built that morning..
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