Rust repairs. One of the biggest fears when it comes to classic car ownership. However, it doesn’t always have to be that way.
Take for example this 1989 Porsche 911 we have with us at Bridge Classic Cars. There was a small area of rust bubbling up from under the rear window seal. In our last post, you saw the removal of the rear screen so our incredible in-house technicians could assess what would need to be done.
From that, our paint and body specialist Matt determined that it was merely surface rust from the seal doing its intended job. Not a problem, our in-house paint and body team stripped back the area and treated it with a rust preventative agent to ensure it will be neutralised.
After that, all that was need to seal the area was a quick blow over with the appropriately mixed primer. But as we all know, you can’t just leave that area in primer. A Paint match was needed.
For this, we called in Dean from GB Refinish. He came around to our paint shop to digitally scan the closest panel to the affected area to get the close match our paint system has. After the analysis was done and loaded into our on-site mixing computer. The closest match for the now 32-year-old Grand Prix White paint was found for this amazing 911.
Next up, painting the area and putting everything back just right for this very lucky owner.
September 17, 2021 2:56 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
The long, elegant and graceful lines of an E Type bonnet are best highlighted in a flattering colour.
This is very true for our incredible 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster that has been finished in a very rare Fern Grey. Our in-house paint team worked hard to make sure every surface on this vast and prominent part were perfect before even the first coat of primer was laid down.
The bonnet of an E type is such an important and recognisable part of the cars overall character. It couldn’t be anything less than perfect for this particular build.
Matt and Chris worked their magic in our paint booth, getting the right shade to match this very special car.
Next up for Fern Grey, getting it fitted to the rest of the car that Scott, our technician, has worked so hard on.
September 17, 2021 2:37 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
It’s that time! The start of possibly the most famous event in historic motorsport, The Goodwood Revival.
Now, if you can’t make your way down to West Sussex then fear not. You can still enjoy all the amazing races and even more incredible cars thanks to the Goodwood Revival Livestream on YouTube by clicking the link.
If you are lucky enough to be going to the home of Historic Racing, then we at Bridge Classic Cars have put together a list of cars to look out for.
Jaguar MkVII Touring Car – St Marys Trophy
Morris Minor being driven by Le Mans winner Richard Attwood. – St Marys Trophy
Riley One-Five with racing legend Jochen Mass at the helm
ERA E Type GP1 – Prewar single seater debuting just before the outbreak of war in 1939
BRM P261 – Driven in the Glover Trophy by Richard Attwood again, this car originally was raced by Jackie Stewart winning both the Italian and Monaco Grand Prix.
There’s a long, long list of incredible machines racing this weekend, but a fantastic time will be had by all attending and all watching on from their living rooms!
Keep an eye out on our social media pages for updates from the event.
September 17, 2021 11:59 amPublished by Craig Ranson
There is a simple beauty to old Daimler V8’s. This 1964 Daimler 2.5 V8 in at Bridge Classic Cars does have a bit of an issue though. There is a leak from the gearbox, but that’s nothing our amazing technicians John and Paul can’t fix.
After John and Paul had confirmed there was indeed a leak from the automatic gearbox, it then become a quest to find its source. Upon investigating, John found the culprit to be two rubber seals that had perished. Thankfully due to their location, these seals could be removed with the automatic gearbox in place.
Brand new seals were installed by our in-house technicians and the vehicle fired up for testing. The Results? No more leaks for this Daimler V8.
The next job to do on this particular car while it’s in here at Bridge Classic Cars is to look into some radio interference issues.
September 17, 2021 8:46 amPublished by Craig Ranson
When Charles Spencer King developed the Range Rover back in the late 1960s he intended it to be a particular, useful and utilitarian vehicle but with slightly more refinement than the Series II Land Rover.
Then in 1990 to commemorate the great man, Range Rover released the CSK (Charles Spencer King). 200 of these limited edition 2 door Range Rovers were released to the public in either manual or very rare automatic. This one you see here with us at Bridge Classic Cars in number 47 in the series and is one of the incredibly rare Automatics.
It has been stored at our Bentwaters facility awaiting workshop space to begin inspecting what this glorious old girl needs to be useable and splendid once more.
When it arrived for inspection, it was not under its own power. Our in-house technicians here at Bridge Classic Cars believe there to be an issue with the starter motor which will soon be replaced in order to make sure the 3.9-litre powertrain at the heart of this beast works as it should.
Meanwhile, there is quite a lot of corrosion on the underside of this 31-year-old beauty which is being looked at and thoroughly assessed by our amazing team.
Keep your eye out for updates on this incredible piece of 1990s luxury on our projects page.
September 17, 2021 8:34 amPublished by Craig Ranson
Giving one lucky winner the chance to own this amazing sportscar. It’s the 2021 Lotus Elise Sport 240 Final Edition. Finished appropriately in bright yellow.
Norwich City has an amazing charity called the Community Sports Foundation which massively helps young disadvantaged, disabled and talented people throughout the county of Norfolk.
Look out for the Community Sports Foundation messages around the stadium on Saturday 18th of September before, during and after the game against Watford for more information about the Foundation. But you can also click the link below for your chance to win this 2021 Lotus Elise Final Edition and support an incredible cause.
The 1990 Range Rover CSK is important in the history of the luxury 4×4. Built to honour the memory of its creator, only a limited number were built and even fewer still remain.
This particular example has been stored with us at Bridge Classic Cars in preparation for its move over to our workshop but when that day arrived, unfortunately, it would not start under its own power. This was no problem. Some manpower and our vehicle transportation team in the closed vehicle transporter, the CSK was on its way to our workshop.
Once safely at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, our technician Mauro clambered under the 1990s icon to check over each component of the starting system methodically and carefully. First starting with the battery, which was indeed flat. Putting it on our Sealey battery charger was simple to get some power back into the black beauty. However, this didn’t change the issue.
Checking that the engine was free became Mauro’s next job. Carefully and precisely barring the 3.9 litre V8 over several times to check that it span freely, which happily it did. With the key in the ignition in the second position, Mauro gently clicked it over to the third point on its cycle. Again nothing.
With this information and his experience, Mauro recommended changing the starter motor on number 47 of the 200 Range Rover CSK’s built.
With this crucial part on order. Mauro enlisted the help of the other in-house Bridge Classic Cars technicians to get the considerable car on our 4 post ramp to begin its inspection.
September 17, 2021 8:00 amPublished by Craig Ranson
Earlier this week, it was lovely to see Peter Atchiston and his wife. They were in the area and thought to drop by while passing through the area.
Previous winners of our Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, Peter is now the proud owner of a rather lovely VW Type 2 that was one of our competition cars several months ago.
Always a nice surprise to see some friendly faces.
Remember, you too could be in with a chance to win one of our competition cars. Just click here and enter to win!
September 16, 2021 10:44 amPublished by Craig Ranson
One of the key parts of any classic sportscar is handling. That playful, light-handed feeling whilst out on a spirited drive where the car becomes an extension of the driver.
Because of this, we felt it best practice to change the rubber that meets the road on our sensational 1989 TVR S2 2.9 V6. The tyres that were fitted to the car were perfectly fine, however, they had been fitted several years before so it was time for some new shoes for this delightful piece of British engineering.
For all of our tyre changes, we use Tyre Assist. They come out to us and are well versed in working on classic and vintage cars across East Anglia.
Keep up to date with this project and all other Bridge Classic Cars projects on our News Page.
September 16, 2021 9:30 amPublished by Craig Ranson
This 1999 Mercedes E55 AMG was recovered into Bridge Classic Cars recently with a hydraulic issue.
Upon inspection, our technicians found that many of the metal lines that run under the vehicle had corroded to the point where some had unfortunately cracked.
Along with the hydraulic lines for the rear brakes and suspension, our in-house technicians also discovered a leak coming from the radiator at the front. On these specific cars, the radiator also acts as a gearbox cooler (with a secondary internal core) which our technicians believe to be the culprit for the suspected leak on the bottom of the pan.
After putting together the list of specific hoses needed to get this exceptional piece of ’90s performance back into safe and working condition, next was the prepare the car for install.
To do this, our technicians had to meticulously go through the rear suspension in order to make sure that the rear axle could be taken out of the car safely and securely. With the rear axle now removed from the back end of the V8 wagon, Paul could start to remove all of the affected hydraulic lines and begin to work his way getting the car ready to accept the new lines.
Expect to see more on this wonderful Super Wagon very soon on our News Page!
September 15, 2021 10:30 amPublished by Craig Ranson
Our incredibly talented in-house trim expert Brian has been working on the roof of the 1989 TVR SII. The old roof had begun to look quite tired and had sun-bleached in places.
Brian worked his magic on the material of the roof and the removable panels to give this convertible a new lease of life.
Find out more about the TVR SII on our News Page for updates.
September 10, 2021 1:15 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
Just arrived here at Bridge Classic Cars in Suffolk is this incredible 1964 Daimler 2.5 V8 Automatic for us to get to the bottom of a couple of issues.
Firstly, the owner has noticed a slight leak coming from the automatic gearbox fitted behind the V8 of this gorgeous green classic. This will be thoroughly investigated. All of this by our in-house team of restoration technicians to get to the bottom of the issue for the owner.
Along with the leak, the owner has commented on some interference to the updated radio installed in the car when first turning on the vehicle. This will also be tracked down by our incredible technicians and sorted.
All of the work will be done to the highest standard so the lucky owner of this beauty can enjoy many more miles with her.
September 10, 2021 10:45 amPublished by Craig Ranson
In our workshops today is something rather new for us here at Bridge Classic Cars. We will be servicing the brakes and fitting customer-supplied pads and disks to the vehicle. Further to that, we will be investigating both a coolant leak and what is initially beliewved to be an air conditioning leak.
The driver’s seat on our 1989 TVR SII 2.9 V6 was reported as not being able to move on the runners, so Paul took it out to have an investigation. He found that the bottom of the seat frame had completely rotten away, so the driver would have been basically sitting on the floor of the car! He also found that the lever that tilts the “squab” backwards and forwards was seized. He worked his magic on the lever and then passed it over to Brian in the trim shop to finish. Once the covers were taken off, Brian re-painted the frame and put strips of Pirelli rubber webbing across the base of the frame, attaching new springs on the ends to hold it in place. A new piece of foam was also attached to the existing foam for the base seat. The covers could then go back on the frame, ready for the seat to go back in the TVR. Great teamwork guys.
September 3, 2021 3:34 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
Lydia has been helping with the progress of the 1951 Riley RMB. There was surface corrosion on the inside of one of the original wings round the edges of the spot welds done by James. Lydia did this with various-sized grinding attachments on a drill. A small step in the process, but a vital one, nonetheless, since we don’t want that surface corrosion getting worse or showing through the paint when it goes into that stage.
September 3, 2021 2:55 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
Brian has been re-covering another piece from the 1963 Bentley S3 Continental. This time, the glovebox.
He started the process by removing the original covers from the metal box that makes the glovebox. He then used these original pieces as patterns on the new fabric, headlining fabric for most with one piece of leather. The headlining fabric pieces were glued onto the inside of the glovebox first, with the back piece having board underneath the material to give it structure and stability. Once this was all glued into place, Brian put the leather piece onto board as well, before glueing it onto the metal. All the material was wrapped around the edges to give a neat finish. Another piece of the Bentley interior finished!
September 3, 2021 1:56 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
This 2000 Honda S2000 is a returning modern classic. It came into us back in March this year for some cosmetic work, with patches of corrosion and paint chipping away on the wheel arches, boot, bonnet and side panels. You can read about the process in full, in previous blog posts on this car.
This time around, it came into us for preparation work and painting on the front bumper and wing. This is called a SMART repair, which stands for Small Medium Area Repair Technology. It’s simply where a small area of the car is repaired instead of replacing the whole panel. Another great job done by the paint shop guys!
September 3, 2021 1:23 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
Dave has installed these original UV lights under the dash of the 1954 Jaguar MK VII. The blue/purple looking lightbulbs are called black lights and the white numbers and markings on the dials will be painted in a substance such as radium (but we’re not 100% sure on whether it is radium). So then, in the dark with the lights on, the dials will glow. Most cars have backlights, so this is a really lovely feature of the vehicle.
September 3, 2021 11:47 amPublished by Craig Ranson
Here’s a big update on the 1955 Aston Martin DB 2/4. Clinton has been continuing his work on the car and has given us the low-down on what has been done recently.
If we start at the rear of the vehicle, he’s finished putting the four corners in, the outside edge of the boot lid was corroded so this has been repaired with fabrication and welding, a new boot hinge has been created and Clinton is waiting for parts to arrive to complete the boot. One bigger change to the boot has been the removal of two large handles on the boot. When the car arrived with them on, we thought something wasn’t quite right, so we went on a visit to Stratton Motor Company because they had a DB 2/4 in their own showroom. It was there that it was confirmed that the handles should not be on the boot lid.
The front “pod” of the car on the right-hand side had to be repaired due to corrosion. The guys in the fabrication and welding bay are now waiting for the inside of the bonnet to be painted before they can fit the inner frame parts back in. The doors also need looking at as they won’t shut properly.
September 3, 2021 10:14 amPublished by Craig Ranson
Yesterday we had an unexpected new arrival in the form of a blue 1961 Alvis TD21. Unfortunately, this classic had broken down and was on its way to a show which the owners are hosting. They’d traveled down from Wales and had attended a wedding on their trip in the area. On their way across to Oxford, the Alvis stopped working.
This gorgeous classic ended up being brought to us for our technicians to look at. It was found that the starter motor wasn’t working, so it was swiftly sent off last night to be repaired. We’re now just waiting for its return. Well done so far to the technicians for being so quick with diagnosing the issue. Let’s hope we can get it to Oxford in time!
September 3, 2021 8:40 amPublished by Craig Ranson
Ady has now finished rebuilding the engine on the 1973 MG B GT V8 and so it’s now ready to be fitted into the car. As well as painting the engine beforehand, Chris also painted the rocker covers for Ady. You can read about the painting of the engine that Chris did in the paintshop here.
September 2, 2021 3:05 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
Ady has found a problem with the Jaguar clutch release bearings that are able to be bought these days. There’s a design fault with them that means they’re not working correctly on the engine rebuilds. So somehow he’s got to figure out a way of getting around this problem, or trying to find a different design.
Unfortunately, this can be a common problem when parts are re-manufactured for classic cars. They’re often not built to last as well as they originally were or they simply don’t fit right.
September 2, 2021 2:26 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
John has been investigating the wiring on the 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 4.2. It’s clear to see that it has been tinkered about with before and unfortunately, the wiring is questionable.
Because of this incorrect work on it, John has put in a new alternator and a new regulator because the alternator wasn’t charging before. He also found that the ignition switch is incorrectly wired, which meant that the amp meter burnt out as a consequence. He’s tested the ignition switch and found that there was a pair of twelve volts wired together that were causing damage to the amp meter.
September 2, 2021 1:49 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
Scott has been continuing his work on the 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series 3. This time around he’s been fitting up the front frame onto the body shell, rebuilding the front suspension and brakes and fitting them, with all new bushings and ball joints, fitting the front hubs with new wheel bearings, fitting the steering rack, fitting front shocks, fitting easy-bleed (to make bleeding the rear brakes easier), fitted left and right front to rear wiring loom/harnesses, fitted the front torsion bars, fitted the fuel lines under the car, new rear axle mounting/hub stops and fitted the rear axle.
September 2, 2021 1:14 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
The work on the 1982 Porsche 911SC is now complete.
The Porsche has been in the trim shop after coming into us at the end of last week, getting its original upholstery freshened up and put back in. When it came to us, the carpets weren’t in, the door cards weren’t attached correctly, the pockets for the doors weren’t attached at all, there were a few bits of carpet panel that were loose and the stitching on the steering wheel had come undone. Kath has been busy resurrecting all of these issues over the last couple of days. As you can see, as well as creating interiors from scratch, the trim shop team are also perfectly capable of putting original ones back into good shape if customers prefer to not have a complete overhaul. If this is something you would be interested in for your classic car, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
September 2, 2021 11:55 amPublished by Craig Ranson
Chris has been busy polishing the paintwork on the doors of the 1998 Honda Integra Type R, while it’s sitting in the workshop having other work done to it.
September 2, 2021 11:09 amPublished by Craig Ranson
After huge amounts of work from Matt sanding, filling and more sanding, and then transferring it into the paint booth for priming, the 1983 Ford Capri 1.6 LS has now been painted! After turning up to us with the exterior looking a little worse for wear, it’s now back to looking fantastic. The final step will be to polish the new paintwork. Great work from Matt, I’m sure you will agree.
September 2, 2021 10:46 amPublished by Craig Ranson
Some exciting news on the 1955 Aston Martin DB 2/4 project. After discovering the original paint colour on the back of the glovebox while it was being stripped apart back in May, the guys in the paint shop have now managed to match it up very closely. You can see in the photos the new paint sprayed onto metal next to the original paint on the back of the glovebox. We’re looking forward to seeing the car painted now! Keep your eyes peeled for progress on that…
September 2, 2021 10:28 amPublished by Craig Ranson
Last night was the launch of our competition to win a magenta 1974 Triumph GT6. As I write this post, over half of the tickets have already sold, that’s over 3,000, leaving only under 2,000 left. So, if you want to be in with a chance of winning this stunning classic car, be sure to head over to our competitions website to get your tickets before they all go. And at £5 per ticket, that’s an absolute bargain!
If you click on the link above, you’ll also be able to find out more information about the GT6, along with more photos and a video.
September 2, 2021 9:59 amPublished by Craig Ranson
Carrying on from yesterday’s post, showing the blueprint of our extension, the workmen began yesterday by drilling and digging up the ground for the foundations to be laid.
September 1, 2021 1:20 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
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