Finished TVR Hood and a General Tidy-Up.
August 31, 2021
Kath has now finished repairing the hood on the 1989 TVR SII 2.9 V6. In the last blog post, we heard about how she was
bridge classic cars
Small update on the Aston Martin.
August 31, 2021
A small update on the 1955 Aston Martin DB 2/4. The panel that is inside the boot, where the lock is, was corroded and had
Small update on the Riley.
August 27, 2021
Here’s an update on the 1951 Riley RMB for you. It was found that there was hidden corrosion in between the layers of metal on
More paint prep for the Ford Capri.
August 27, 2021
As well as the exterior of the 1983 Ford Capri 1.6 LS being transformed in the body and paint shop, Lydia’s been getting pieces from
Having a tidy.
August 27, 2021
Tamas and Lydia have been tidying up the 1973 MG B GT V8 in various ways. It’s not in for a full restoration so a
Do you like TR3s?
August 26, 2021
Just launched! Our competition to win this bright red 1958 Triumph TR3! If you follow this link here, it will take you straight to the
The magenta GT6 is here!
August 26, 2021
The much-awaited arrival of the magenta 1974 Triumph GT6 is here! It left Scotland yesterday for its long journey to us here in Suffolk. Thankfully,
Ford Capri goes monochrome!
August 26, 2021
It’s priming day for the 1983 Ford Capri 1.6 LS! But let’s go back to the end of last week for this blog post, when
Repairing the exhaust manifolds.
August 26, 2021
Scott has been repairing the exhaust manifolds for the 1979 Arrow Ferrari Daytona. They’re made of stainless steel and were cleaned up before being painted
Investigation work continues on the Mercedes engine…
August 26, 2021
Ady has been investigating the engine on the 1976 Mercedes 350SL. Initially we were lead to believe this to be a running car but unfortunately
Jensen Tool Tray!
August 26, 2021
This tool tray is from the Peony Red 1960 Jensen 541S. It hasn’t got any tools that were in it, so the customer is going
Jaguar’s dirty fuel line…
August 26, 2021
Dave has been investigating the 1971 Jaguar XJ6 because it wasn’t running very well. He found that the carburettor tubes weren’t the same height as
Painting continues on the Honda.
August 26, 2021
The 1998 Honda Integra went into the paint bay at the end of last week. The body shell and bonnet have been primed and the
Hood work begins.
August 26, 2021
Kath has been starting the work on the 1989 TVR S2 rear window replacement on the soft top. Yesterday she removed the hood from the
From Scotland to Suffolk!
August 25, 2021
The 1974 Triumph GT6 that we recently bought has left Scotland today for its long journey to us in Suffolk. In the same garage was
Are you a Damon Hill fan?
August 25, 2021
Just launched, our competition bundle to win a Damon Hill TW Steel Formula 1 watch, a signed copy of Damon Hill’s Autobiography, ‘Watching The Wheels’,
Lancia Beta Photoshoot.
August 25, 2021
Here are some images from our recent photoshoot with the 1978 Lancia Beta. Don’t forget you can win this classic! To enter, just click here.
Jaguar SS100’s weeping front.
August 25, 2021
Last week we welcomed back this lovely 1963 Jaguar SS100. It’s a replica made by a former business, Suffolk Sports Cars, which sadly are no
Tatty back window.
August 25, 2021
The clear PVC back window is starting to de-laminate and coming away at places, so we’ve ordered a new piece as a replacement. Kath has
A purple GT6!
August 25, 2021
Newly purchased by us is this 1974 Triumph GT6. We’re awaiting its arrival and have been informed that it’s in mint condition. Keep your eyes
Oily Austin 7.
August 25, 2021
Paul has been continuing his work on the 1933 Austin 7. There was an oil leak. so he dropped the rear axle down in order
Engine plunges into the Ferrari!
August 24, 2021
On Friday, the newly-built engine was plunged into the bay of the 1979 Arrow Ferrari Daytona, using a heavy duty crane, with Scott and Ady
Live Auction 1967 Jaguar E-Type: Reserve Met
August 24, 2021
Our one-of-a-kind E-Type is available to purchase through Car and Classic auctions. The reserve has been met and this auction will be coming to a
Seat runner update.
August 20, 2021
Just a little update here about the 1974 red Triumph Stag. The owner of the car reported to us that they were having trouble with
Lights on!
August 20, 2021
Here’s another little update on the 1979 Arrow Ferrari Daytona. After adjusting the genuine Ferrari side lamp covers the other day to be able to
Mobilising the E-Type.
August 20, 2021
Tamas has been working on the 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 4.2 after it failed the MOT the other day. He’s put a new water
Headlining finished for the 1990 BMW.
August 20, 2021
Brian has finished creating the new headlining for the 1990 BMW 750 iL. After taking the original fabric off the board and cleaning the board
TVR SII Arrives For Restorative Works
August 20, 2021
Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we have just purchased this 1989 TVR SII 2.9 V6. The previous owner had become very unwell, so the car
Steering rack over-haul.
August 20, 2021
After Paul did inspection work on the 1967 Ford Mustang 350, one of the first things that are being done is that the steering rack
Paint prep for the Jaguar Mk II engine.
August 20, 2021
Lydia has been taking the flaking paint off the engine block for the 1963 Jaguar Mk II 3.4. It’s going to get re-painted, so a
Finished TVR Hood and a General Tidy-Up.
August 31, 2021
Kath has now finished repairing the hood on the 1989 TVR SII 2.9 V6. In the last blog post, we heard about how she was removing the old PVC window out of the hood, because of it becoming delaminated and coming out of the seam at the corners. She used the original as a pattern to mark out around and cut out on a sheet of new clear PVC. Once cut out, Kath applied contact adhesive to the outside edge of the PVC and slotted it in between the layers of hood fabric at the seam edge and left it to dry. She could then sew down the same lines where the previous stitching was to fully secure the window into place. New leather strips were sewn onto the corners. The hood could then be glued to its frame. The vertical bars on the hood frame that is attached to the car had flaking black paint on them. So these were sanded down and then re-painted. The pieces that hold the hood in place at the front and where the front roof panels slot into it, had flaking paint on them too, so these got re-painted in the same manner. The hood could then be attached to the car again. Kath also reglued various pieces of fabric that were coming away around the inside of the TVR.
Small update on the Aston Martin.
August 31, 2021
A small update on the 1955 Aston Martin DB 2/4. The panel that is inside the boot, where the lock is, was corroded and had paint left on it. Lydia took it into the sandblasting in order to remove all of this.
Small update on the Riley.
August 27, 2021
Here’s an update on the 1951 Riley RMB for you. It was found that there was hidden corrosion in between the layers of metal on one of the air vents. In order to get to this, James drilled through the spot welds and eased the metal apart. Lydia then went about sandblasting the main piece of the air vent to remove the corrosion and paint. She also removed existing layers of paint off the side and back of the body shell of the Riley.
More paint prep for the Ford Capri.
August 27, 2021
As well as the exterior of the 1983 Ford Capri 1.6 LS being transformed in the body and paint shop, Lydia’s been getting pieces from the engine bay in a better state for re-painting. This piece was sandblasted to get the original paint and corrosion off in preparation.
Having a tidy.
August 27, 2021
Tamas and Lydia have been tidying up the 1973 MG B GT V8 in various ways. It’s not in for a full restoration so a sympathetic touch was required. There was fraying carpet in places and where it had come unstuck and screws had come out that were holding panels in place. Another thing was there were various painted pieces from the engine bay that had become corroded underneath the paint, so these were either sandblasted or ground down to remove the paint and corrosion, before re-painting.
Do you like TR3s?
August 26, 2021
Just launched! Our competition to win this bright red 1958 Triumph TR3! If you follow this link here, it will take you straight to the page where you can find out more information about the car, see more photos and a video and buy tickets for your chance to win! So what are you waiting for?…
The magenta GT6 is here!
August 26, 2021
The much-awaited arrival of the magenta 1974 Triumph GT6 is here! It left Scotland yesterday for its long journey to us here in Suffolk. Thankfully, it’s turned up looking and sounding great! We’re going to get it detailed by our trusty Viper Auto Valet man, Colin, just to give it a little spruce up.
Ford Capri goes monochrome!
August 26, 2021
It’s priming day for the 1983 Ford Capri 1.6 LS! But let’s go back to the end of last week for this blog post, when Matt was marking out with masking tape where he could spot dents were on the exterior of the car. He then masked up the front windows and sun-roof to avoid any damage, and began the process of sanding, filling and sanding again all over the car, using both a DA and block sander for the large areas and then using red scotch to go over the shiny bits lefts behind. The work has continued this week. It’s going to be a sympathetic paint job because we’re not taking the windscreen out, so can’t go all-out on it. Thankfully, Matt has found very little corrosion in the process.
Repairing the exhaust manifolds.
August 26, 2021
Scott has been repairing the exhaust manifolds for the 1979 Arrow Ferrari Daytona. They’re made of stainless steel and were cleaned up before being painted in black high-temperature paint to make them look like genuine Ferrari.
Investigation work continues on the Mercedes engine…
August 26, 2021
Ady has been investigating the engine on the 1976 Mercedes 350SL. Initially we were lead to believe this to be a running car but unfortunately it has arrived with us as a non-runner, and he’s found that this is probably due to an electrical fault.
There are two sides to the V8 engine and only one bank works. the right hand bank looks to have been tampered with.
The wiring to the injectors on that bank have been cut and rewired to earth. We don’t understand why someone has done this unless they are trying to cover up something more. There would be no other obvious reasoning. Rewiring to earth could possibly mean the engine can still run, albeit on 4 cylinders as it will hopefully not be sending any fuel into the ‘dead’ side. If it has then we have a problem.
We have replaced the points and adjusted the timing but the car remains on 4 cylinders.
We have then removed the plugs and checked the condition of the number 6 plug which looks to have a carbon build up. We have checked easy access compressions on all cylinders.
We have refuelled the vehicle but as before, the engine can only run on 4 cylinders and is therefore running dangerously rich.
Jensen Tool Tray!
August 26, 2021
This tool tray is from the Peony Red 1960 Jensen 541S. It hasn’t got any tools that were in it, so the customer is going to source those separately. Kath is going to shape a new piece of foam and cover it in black vinyl to match the dash. This piece of foam is the handle part, and the piece you see while sitting in the car. The tool tray sits underneath the dash, on the passenger side, and slots in like a draw into a metal frame.
Jaguar’s dirty fuel line…
August 26, 2021
Dave has been investigating the 1971 Jaguar XJ6 because it wasn’t running very well. He found that the carburettor tubes weren’t the same height as each other, and there was a new one and an old one. This is all why the carburettors couldn’t be set up. So a kit was purchased with all new ones in, the same height as each other. The choke had to be modified because the car had been changed to a manual choke in the past, whereas it’s meant to be an automatic one. Dave installed a better return spring for this. He put the car back together but the car still wasn’t right… It would only run for a limited time and it started to run badly again. After another investigation, he found that it wasn’t getting enough fuel in fast enough. It was soon realised that there was dirt in the offside fuel tank, which could be found without even getting into it properly. This car has got twin fuel tanks and both were the same. Dave has drained the fuel out of both of them, remarking that it smelt like rum! Not quite right then… There’s a video at the end of this post showing him at the start of draining the offside fuel tank.
Painting continues on the Honda.
August 26, 2021
The 1998 Honda Integra went into the paint bay at the end of last week. The body shell and bonnet have been primed and the doors and boot panel have been coated in the final coat of new white paint.
Hood work begins.
August 26, 2021
Kath has been starting the work on the 1989 TVR S2 rear window replacement on the soft top. Yesterday she removed the hood from the roof frame. This involved taking out the metal plates that are on the front, and slot it into place when it’s up. The rubber seal was removed next, in order to start taking the fabric of the hood off the foam on the middle bar of the frame. Kath scraped the old glue off the foam. The removed hood was placed on a table and another bar was removed from it, before unpicking the old PVC window from the surrounding fabric. The old foam and glue that was left on the fabric was then scraped off. Tomorrow, Kath will be cutting out the new window from clear PVC and stitching into place, making sure to go through the same original stitch holes.
From Scotland to Suffolk!
August 25, 2021
The 1974 Triumph GT6 that we recently bought has left Scotland today for its long journey to us in Suffolk. In the same garage was a yellow 1995 Lotus, which you can see photos of at the end of this post. We’re looking forward to the arrival of the Triumph soon!
Are you a Damon Hill fan?
August 25, 2021
Just launched, our competition bundle to win a Damon Hill TW Steel Formula 1 watch, a signed copy of Damon Hill’s Autobiography, ‘Watching The Wheels’, plus an invitation to a Zoom conference call with Damon hosted by F1 reporter, Steeve Deeks! Inspired by Hill’s championship-winning Williams FW18 Formula 1 car, this limited edition watch is powered by a Swiss-made chronograph movement and features a light titanium case, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, a dark blue leather strap and a special Damon Hill caseback. This watch is number 329/1000.
As well as that, to celebrate the launch of Bridge Credit, there are three chances to win! Enter the draw and you’ll also be in with a chance of winning our runners-up prizes of £100 and £50 Bridge Credit.
So, what are you waiting for? For your chance to win, and to enter for just £2, simply click here, where you’ll also find more information about the watch.
Lancia Beta Photoshoot.
August 25, 2021
Here are some images from our recent photoshoot with the 1978 Lancia Beta. Don’t forget you can win this classic! To enter, just click here. By following that link, you’ll also be able to find an in-depth description of what the vehicle has to offer.
Jaguar SS100’s weeping front.
August 25, 2021
Last week we welcomed back this lovely 1963 Jaguar SS100. It’s a replica made by a former business, Suffolk Sports Cars, which sadly are no more. It was reported that there was a weeping coming from the front of the car. Paul set to investigating the leak and quickly diagnosed the problem, the suspension shocks were where the weeping was coming from. They’ve now been replaced and this gorgeous classic is road-ready once more.
Tatty back window.
August 25, 2021
The clear PVC back window is starting to de-laminate and coming away at places, so we’ve ordered a new piece as a replacement. Kath has been removing the old one this morning in preparation.
A purple GT6!
August 25, 2021
Newly purchased by us is this 1974 Triumph GT6. We’re awaiting its arrival and have been informed that it’s in mint condition. Keep your eyes peeled for its arrival into our workshop!
Oily Austin 7.
August 25, 2021
Paul has been continuing his work on the 1933 Austin 7. There was an oil leak. so he dropped the rear axle down in order to get to the gaskets and to re-seal at the drive shaft.
Engine plunges into the Ferrari!
August 24, 2021
On Friday, the newly-built engine was plunged into the bay of the 1979 Arrow Ferrari Daytona, using a heavy duty crane, with Scott and Ady levering the engine in with the chains. The car originally came to us with an over-heated engine, so wasn’t running. Fortunately, it came with a spare Jaguar V12 engine. The old, blown one was stripped apart and any useful parts were left to be used in the re-building. Scott’s now been re-connecting everything back in the engine bay now it’s in.
Live Auction 1967 Jaguar E-Type: Reserve Met
August 24, 2021
Our one-of-a-kind E-Type is available to purchase through Car and Classic auctions. The reserve has been met and this auction will be coming to a close on Thursday 26th August at 9.00 pm. View the listing here.
It’s not often that a competition-spec E-Type comes up on the open market, and even rarer that a road-registered, fully rebuilt and extensively upgraded example rears its head.
Offering the unique opportunity to buy a virtually brand-new E-Type 2+2 with numerous enhancements that both improve the performance and usability of the car, this gorgeous Volcano Orange example has been finished to the highest standards and has evidently been a true ‘passion project’ for the builders – an opportunity too good to miss, and likely one that will never be repeated.
Be sure to get your bids in thick and fast if you want a chance to own this stunning S1 E-Type.
Seat runner update.
August 20, 2021
Just a little update here about the 1974 red Triumph Stag. The owner of the car reported to us that they were having trouble with moving the seat runners. So we took the seats out of the car and realised that there were missing parts, which should solve the mystery.
Lights on!
August 20, 2021
Here’s another little update on the 1979 Arrow Ferrari Daytona. After adjusting the genuine Ferrari side lamp covers the other day to be able to fit on this replica, they’re now on. Scott is now working on repairing the exhaust manifolds. They’ll then be taken to the spray booth to be painted with paint that can withstand high temperatures.
Mobilising the E-Type.
August 20, 2021
Tamas has been working on the 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 4.2 after it failed the MOT the other day. He’s put a new water pump on, put the alternator on, fitted a mobilised on the radio panel, there was a rubber tube that was leaking underneath and the thread got damaged that was attached to it, so those were replaced and the rear handbrake was adjusted.
Headlining finished for the 1990 BMW.
August 20, 2021
Brian has finished creating the new headlining for the 1990 BMW 750 iL. After taking the original fabric off the board and cleaning the board up, a grey nyylon brushed headlining foam was used to re-cover the board, which was similar to the original. Brian gradually glued the new fabric on, pressing into the curves and contours to get a neat finish, and trimmed away where any holes were for attachments and panels. After he had re-covered the board, Brian then set about rejuvenating the sun visor switch panel. Once that was done, the headlining board was put back into place in the car, along with the sun visor switch panel and all the panels and pieces that were taken out of the car to get the board out. Another job finished!
TVR SII Arrives For Restorative Works
August 20, 2021
Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we have just purchased this 1989 TVR SII 2.9 V6. The previous owner had become very unwell, so the car ended up being left to go into a state of disrepair. That owner was Leonard Smith and he has sadly passed away this week. He was part of the TVR Car Club.
We’re looking to tidy it up considerably and bring it back to its former glory. We’ve started by getting our valet, Colin, to detail the car in order to see any damage properly, after being left to get grubby over time. We’ve decided to order a new hood for it because it was too far gone to repair, and the interior needs a general tidy up, parts coming unstuck, etc.
While we were there picking up the TVR, we also spotted a couple of other classic cars in the same storage space, owned by other people. We took photos of a black 1951 Jaguar Mark V Saloon and a bronze 1981 MGB Roadster. You can see why they caught our eye!
Steering rack over-haul.
August 20, 2021
After Paul did inspection work on the 1967 Ford Mustang 350, one of the first things that are being done is that the steering rack is being sent off to be over-hauled, after it was found to be leaking at the seals.
Paint prep for the Jaguar Mk II engine.
August 20, 2021
Lydia has been taking the flaking paint off the engine block for the 1963 Jaguar Mk II 3.4. It’s going to get re-painted, so a smooth surface is required. The block was cleaned several times first to get grease and dirt off. She used an air gun, to begin with, to blow off as much as possible, then a mini air sander for the worst bits that were on a flat surface, and sanded the curved flaking areas by hand. Once all the sanding was done, the engine block got blown again with an air gun to remove debris and then cleaned over a few times. Lydia finally masked up any areas that aren’t getting painted. It’s now ready to go in the spray booth!
