Together – 1958 Jensen 541R In Full Bodywork
September 9, 2022
The 1958 Jensen 541R has worked on getting all the panels onto the car to double-check fitment after paint. The team have put the one-piece
classic car bodywork
Refinish – 1981 MG B GT LE Repainted After Bodywork
September 9, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team have finished with the complete repaint of the 1981 MG B GT LE. Following its time with
The Other Side – Metal Repairs on the Passenger Side of the 1986 Daimler DS420
September 1, 2022
As the work is being carried out on the other side of the 1986 Daimler DS420, our fabrication team have been working on the passenger
Underneath – Repairing the Rear Valance on the 1986 Daimler DS420
August 9, 2022
The fabrication shop at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop have been continuing to work on the 1986 Daimler DS420 in for restoration. This time,
Final Drive – Getting the 1958 Jensen 541R Ready for Final Primer
August 9, 2022
The 1958 Jensen 541R has been having its final stages of sanding finished before it is taken into the Bridge Classic Cars paint booth for
Finesse – Sanding the 1958 Jensen 541R
August 5, 2022
The paint and body team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on the 1958 Jensen 541R in preparation for the colour stage of its
Panel Work – Panels of the 1969 Morris Minor Convertible in High Build Primer
August 5, 2022
The 1969 Morris Minor Convertible has been in the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint booth to have the last few of its panels finished in
In Colour – Engine Bay of the 1969 Morris Minor Convertible Finished in Snowberry White
August 3, 2022
The 1969 Morris Minor Convertible has had its engine bay finished in the correct Snowberry White as part of its restoration by Bridge Classic Cars.
Built-Up – 1969 Morris Minor Convertible in High Build Primer
August 3, 2022
The 1969 Morris Minor Convertible has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paint booth to have its next stage of primer laid down. After many
Inside the Workshop – Filler Work on the 1958 Jensen 541R
July 19, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team have been working on perfecting the fibreglass bodywork of the 1958 Jensen 541R. Check out the latest
Primed & Ready – Getting the 1978 MG B GT Ready for Paint
July 5, 2022
The body shop team at Bridge Classic Cars have handed over the 1978 MG B GT to our in-house paint team to get the classic
Blend In – Paint Repairs on the 1970 Jaguar XJ
June 22, 2022
In between the workshop technicians working on the engine and running of the 1970 Jaguar XJ, the paint and body team took the chance to
Under the Surface – Stripping the Doors of the 1986 Daimler DS420
June 20, 2022
The doors on the 1986 Daimler DS420 have been stripped back by the paint and body team in preparation to be handed over to the
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
Clear View – Polishing the Paintwork on the 1987 Daimler Double Six
May 30, 2022
The freshly painted 1987 Daimler Double Six has been in the paint preparation area for the Bridge classic Cars paint and body team to begin
This Just In – 1962 Humber Hawk
May 24, 2022
A recent arrival at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop deep in the heart of Suffolk was this awesome 1962 Humber Hawk. This particular classic
In Colour – The 1987 Daimler Double Six Now in Colour
May 23, 2022
The 1987 Daimler Double Six has been taken into the in-house paint booth at Bridge Classic Cars once again to carry on its journey into
This Just In – 2013 Porsche Boxster
May 23, 2022
The stunning 2013 Porsche Boxster has arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars for our paint and body teams to work their magic on the modern
Build Up – The 1987 Daimler Double Six in High Build Primer
May 16, 2022
The paint and body teams at Bridge Classic Cars have been busy preparing the body and panels of the 1987 Daimler Double Six for the
All in the Preparation – Primer and Filler Work on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkI
May 13, 2022
The paint and body team have worked on getting the body and bonnet of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 as close to perfect as
Step by Step – Priming the Panels of the 1987 Daimler Double Six
May 10, 2022
The panels for the 1987 Daimler Double Six have been moved into the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint booth for primer. The paint and body
Ready for Home – Paint Repairs Complete on the 1996 Nissan Patrol
May 6, 2022
The paint repairs on the 1996 Nissan Patrol that the Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team have carried out on the classic off-roader are
Good as New – Blending in the Paint Repairs to the 1996 Nissan Patrol
May 5, 2022
The 1996 Nissan Patrol has been in the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint shop for the team to carry out the colour match following the
Scraping the Surface – Paint Damage on the 1996 Nissan Patrol
May 4, 2022
The 1996 Nissan Patrol has arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop for our Paint and Body teams to have a look at some
Finishing Work – Cleaning Up the Welds on the New 1970 Bristol 411
April 29, 2022
The restoration workshop at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on finishing the welds on the 1970 Bristol 411’s new sills. The fabrication team have
Finishing Up – Finish Welding the Sills of the 1970 Bristol 411
April 28, 2022
The workshop and fabrication teams at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop have been working together on the repairs to the 1970 Bristol 411. After
Good as New – Paint Repairs on the 1958 Jensen 541R Navy
April 28, 2022
The 1958 Jensen 541R Navy has been in the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint shop for some paint repairs following the hinge adjustments to the
Like New – Continuing the Metal Work on the 1978 MG B GT
April 22, 2022
The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been making good progress on the body shell of the 1978 MG B GT in with us
The Finer Points – Rust and Wing Mirror Repairs on the 1973 Volvo 1800ES
April 21, 2022
The paint and bodywork team at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ have been working several jobs on the 1973 Volvo 1800ES. The team found
Stronger than Ever – Finishing the Drivers Side Sill and Inner Arch Repairs on the 1969 Morris Minor Convertible
April 21, 2022
The fabrication team at Bridge Classic Cars have finished up the crucial repairs to the inner arch and door sill of the 1969 Morris Minor
Together – 1958 Jensen 541R In Full Bodywork
September 9, 2022
The 1958 Jensen 541R has worked on getting all the panels onto the car to double-check fitment after paint.
The team have put the one-piece clamshell bonnet and both doors and boot lid onto the classic GT cars to begin adjusting and checking over everything to make sure there’s no interference and damage any of the paintwork.
It’s incredible to see the car together as a whole and see all of the various lines and curves which blend into one another on the body of the car.
Refinish – 1981 MG B GT LE Repainted After Bodywork
September 9, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team have finished with the complete repaint of the 1981 MG B GT LE.
Following its time with the fabrication team, the body was worked on and perfected by the body prep specialist before being taken into our in-house paint booth/oven. The team then laid down several coats of stunning brilliant silver to get the bodywork and paintwork looking absolutely perfect.
The Other Side – Metal Repairs on the Passenger Side of the 1986 Daimler DS420
September 1, 2022
As the work is being carried out on the other side of the 1986 Daimler DS420, our fabrication team have been working on the passenger side of the car at the same time.
One of our amazing fabricators, Chris, has been working on removing any corrosion from the classic limousine. Much like the other side of the car, the team have been focusing on the rear arches, inner arches, sills and front arches. Every time an area is in need of repair, Chris would create handmade patch panels specifically for the area they were needed in recreating much of the sills and inner arches by hand.
Underneath – Repairing the Rear Valance on the 1986 Daimler DS420
August 9, 2022
The fabrication shop at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop have been continuing to work on the 1986 Daimler DS420 in for restoration.
This time, the team have been handmaking several patch panels to the inner structure of the rear wings which were then plug welded into the body for strength. Then, they could move on to hand making one of the bigger patch panels needed.
This piece runs along the entire bottom edge at the back of the car. From a flat sheet of steel, the team have shaped and tweaked the panel into shape for a direct replacement. Shrinking and stretching the bottom edges to match the curve of the panel. Once in shape, the team could weld and smooth in the end caps which have been completely made by hand by our fabricator Monty.
Then, the whole piece could be test fit to see if any areas needed clearancing the bodywork to accept the new piece.
Final Drive – Getting the 1958 Jensen 541R Ready for Final Primer
August 9, 2022
The 1958 Jensen 541R has been having its final stages of sanding finished before it is taken into the Bridge Classic Cars paint booth for its last stage of primer.
The classic Jensen has been worked on by the body team to perfect each curve and shape across the entire car as a whole. Then, some of the panels were taken into the booth to have their final coat of primer before the bodyshell is taken in soon.
Finesse – Sanding the 1958 Jensen 541R
August 5, 2022
The paint and body team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on the 1958 Jensen 541R in preparation for the colour stage of its work with us.
The team have been sanding and finessing each individual panel in the pursuit of absolute perfection we aim to achieve on all of our restoration projects. Chris, one of our paint and body technicians, has been using varying sandpapers and abrasives to get into every shape and curve across the body of the classic GT car.
Panel Work – Panels of the 1969 Morris Minor Convertible in High Build Primer
August 5, 2022
The 1969 Morris Minor Convertible has been in the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint booth to have the last few of its panels finished in high-build primer.
Before laying down the primer, the team have carefully cleaned down each piece of the classic convertible before being put onto the painting jigs and masked up and cleaned down once more to remove any contaminants.
Then, several layers of the high-build primer were laid down and left to cure in the booth.
In Colour – Engine Bay of the 1969 Morris Minor Convertible Finished in Snowberry White
August 3, 2022
The 1969 Morris Minor Convertible has had its engine bay finished in the correct Snowberry White as part of its restoration by Bridge Classic Cars.
After having its high build primer laid down and left to cure, the team masked off the engine bay of the classic Morris to lay down several coats of Snowberry White onto the car. This will be left to cure and harden before moving onto the rest of the bodywork.
Built-Up – 1969 Morris Minor Convertible in High Build Primer
August 3, 2022
The 1969 Morris Minor Convertible has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paint booth to have its next stage of primer laid down.
After many hours of prep, the classic Morris Convertible has had several layers of high build primer to help build up the surface before it is eventually finished in colour and clear. This stage of primer will also be gently and carefully rubbed back to ensure a perfect surface for the next phase of work.
Inside the Workshop – Filler Work on the 1958 Jensen 541R
July 19, 2022
The Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team have been working on perfecting the fibreglass bodywork of the 1958 Jensen 541R.
Check out the latest video from Bridge Classic Cars Inside the Workshop series!
Primed & Ready – Getting the 1978 MG B GT Ready for Paint
July 5, 2022
The body shop team at Bridge Classic Cars have handed over the 1978 MG B GT to our in-house paint team to get the classic sports car ready for colour!
The team have been working on refining the lines and form of the MG B GT in our body prep area before it was taken into the paint prep bay to be thoroughly cleaned down for its final stages of primer and reworking.
The team always make sure that every panel is inspected and checked over before the car enters the booth and any dust or debris is removed from the car before mask up and again afterwards. The team then could use Polyfan on the shell to recheck for any low spots once it has been sanded off the body and any adjustments made.
Then after another clean-down, it was taken into the boot/oven once more for the final primer to be laid. Whilst the primer was curing, the team could begin to seam seal the boot and engine bay of the classic M B and another layer of primer laid down in those areas.
Blend In – Paint Repairs on the 1970 Jaguar XJ
June 22, 2022
In between the workshop technicians working on the engine and running of the 1970 Jaguar XJ, the paint and body team took the chance to carry out a few paint repairs to the classic Jaguar.
In some places, the paint had become very thin in a few areas of the wing on the Jaguar and also had a few dents in nearly the same area. So, the team carefully prepped thewing of the car in order to do minimal filler work before priming the area. Once primed, our body shop knocked back the whole area methodically using finer and finer abrasives to achieve a perfect finish before it went back into the paint booth.
Our painter, Al, carefully scanned an area of the car to get an exact match for the rest of the classic Jaguar before it is colour sanded and polished to match the finish on the rest of the car.
Under the Surface – Stripping the Doors of the 1986 Daimler DS420
June 20, 2022
The doors on the 1986 Daimler DS420 have been stripped back by the paint and body team in preparation to be handed over to the Bridge Classic Cars fabrication team.
The doors had to be stripped back in certain areas in order for the team to assess the corrosion in each piece and come up with a repair plan for the doors.
There are a few areas which will need significant repairs by the fabrication team so keep an eye on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates very soon.
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.
Clear View – Polishing the Paintwork on the 1987 Daimler Double Six
May 30, 2022
The freshly painted 1987 Daimler Double Six has been in the paint preparation area for the Bridge classic Cars paint and body team to begin getting the car into bright, gleaming condition.
The team began by gently and evenly cutting back the freshly cured paint with progressively finer abrasive pads to safely remove any nibs or other pieces caught in the clear coat of the car. After this had all been taken back to an even ”flat” state, the team could begin bringing back its shimmer.
Using various compounds and polishes, the team built up the beautiful sheen across the body of the classic Daimler until it was like a deep blue mirror.
The perfect finish.
This Just In – 1962 Humber Hawk
May 24, 2022
A recent arrival at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop deep in the heart of Suffolk was this awesome 1962 Humber Hawk.
This particular classic Humber is owned by our painter Chris’s dad. Chris’s dad has owned the car since before Chris was born and was always destined to become a British street rod. In recent years, it lay dormant at a body shop awaiting its journey but it has now been moved to our site for the team here to keep an eye on it and keep it safe.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the Humber Hawks were popular with British hot rodders and drag racers alike. Fitting more powerful Rover V8s and occasionally the odd American small-block. With their styling akin to the ”shoebox” Chevys of the mid-1950s, they hold a certain appeal to those into nostalgic drag racing and street rodding here in the UK.
It’s always nice to see something different and with such a connection a member of our close-knit team.
In Colour – The 1987 Daimler Double Six Now in Colour
May 23, 2022
The 1987 Daimler Double Six has been taken into the in-house paint booth at Bridge Classic Cars once again to carry on its journey into full colour.
The team have spent countless hours making sure that each process and stage of the paint and bodywork for the classic Daimler is flawless and smooth. Each layer of paint is inspected and assessed even on the inside of the panels. With the inner panels now painted, the team masked up the bodyshell and could begin the process of laying down the dark blue onto the Double Six.
Patiently and methodically, the paint team swept layers of the deep blue across the body and wings of the car. One after another, the layers were built up to give the car its glossy and bright finish but to also build up the depth and contrast in the colour.
With this stage done, the Daimler is now curing before the paint and body team begin colour sanding.
This Just In – 2013 Porsche Boxster
May 23, 2022
The stunning 2013 Porsche Boxster has arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars for our paint and body teams to work their magic on the modern sports car.
The Boxster has got some very minor stone chipping and a few blemishes in its otherwise flawless paintwork which the team will be addressing.
Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates on the 2013 Porsche Boxster.
Build Up – The 1987 Daimler Double Six in High Build Primer
May 16, 2022
The paint and body teams at Bridge Classic Cars have been busy preparing the body and panels of the 1987 Daimler Double Six for the final stages of high build primer.
The classic Daimler, which is in with our restoration teams, has been worked on extensively by our paint and body team to get the classic saloon in to perfect condition before the first layers of paint. The body shop have meticulously sanded down, cleaned and prepared each individual part at every stage of its journey into the in-house paint booth.
This step, which is one of the final stages before colour, is the use of high build primer on all panels and in all visible areas or areas which have been worked own by the body and fabrication teams including the inside of the door jams and the all important in arches. With the high build primer now on the car, it will be taken back out of the oven to be inspected and any adjustments made before the next stage begins.
All in the Preparation – Primer and Filler Work on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkI
May 13, 2022
The paint and body team have worked on getting the body and bonnet of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 as close to perfect as possible in the build-up of the car going into paint.
The car is being completely restored by the Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration teams. The paint and body team have worked on several rounds of primer and minimal filler work in order to get the rare Aston Martin into the best condition aesthetically.
The process involves priming, sanding, filler work, more sanding and then back in for primer again to build low areas of the panelwork which sit on top of the delicate framework beneath the Aston Martin.
With this process done, the team can continue on the process of getting the car ready for paint.
Step by Step – Priming the Panels of the 1987 Daimler Double Six
May 10, 2022
The panels for the 1987 Daimler Double Six have been moved into the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint booth for primer.
The paint and body team have been working on perfecting each individual part and panel of the classic Daimler. The team have worked on, cleaned down and prepared the pieces for their first layers of epoxy primer to get them into the same stage as the bodyshell which the team are working on alongside.
The first layers of primer have been laid on the panels and will cure before several more stages of refining and working before colour.
Ready for Home – Paint Repairs Complete on the 1996 Nissan Patrol
May 6, 2022
The paint repairs on the 1996 Nissan Patrol that the Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team have carried out on the classic off-roader are complete!
The paint and body team have worked their magic on repairing the damage caused by the roofing tile to the side of the Patrol. After any imperfections were sorted and the panels painted and clear coated, the team gently colour sanded and polished the paint work to get it all looking just right ahead of it going back home to its owner.
Good as New – Blending in the Paint Repairs to the 1996 Nissan Patrol
May 5, 2022
The 1996 Nissan Patrol has been in the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint shop for the team to carry out the colour match following the preparations in the body shop.
The team carefully masked and sanded down the paint/body damage on the classic Nissan before filling any imperfections and flattening down the surrounding areas of the panel so the whole piece can be refinished allowing an even and seamless finish after the paint repairs.
The team then finished off the process of clear coating and then it will go out into the preparation area for sanding and polishing.
Scraping the Surface – Paint Damage on the 1996 Nissan Patrol
May 4, 2022
The 1996 Nissan Patrol has arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop for our Paint and Body teams to have a look at some damage caused by a falling tile to the classic Nissan off-roader.
Although there are some minor dents in the body, it seems to be mainly damage to the paint work. So, the team will begin preparing the areas ready for its appointment with the spray booth. The team will scan the colour of the car to make sure the paint match is exactly right as it’s been a little since we painted this particular car.
Keep a look out for more on the Patrol very soon.
Finishing Work – Cleaning Up the Welds on the New 1970 Bristol 411
April 29, 2022
The restoration workshop at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on finishing the welds on the 1970 Bristol 411’s new sills.
The fabrication team have been working alongside the restoration technicians to get the new sills into the classic Bristol. Although as much is done as possible during the process of welding to ensure the pieces sit properly and flush, some finishing is needed to make sure there is no valley between the two pieces. This is achieved with subtle heat and a series of body working tools.
Along with that, the team have started to fabricate the new closing panels underneath the 1970s GT car.
Finishing Up – Finish Welding the Sills of the 1970 Bristol 411
April 28, 2022
The workshop and fabrication teams at the Bridge Classic Cars restoration workshop have been working together on the repairs to the 1970 Bristol 411.
After beginning to weld the newly fabricated sill into the classic Bristol, the team have now begun to finish welding the new metal in the car. This needs to be done very carefully so as to not affect the existing metal around it and cause any form of heat warping. So, the fabrication team are systematically welding the panels into the car allowing it time to cool and shrink back into place.
Once this is complete, the team can move on with the work needed to be done on the 1970 Bristol 411.
Good as New – Paint Repairs on the 1958 Jensen 541R Navy
April 28, 2022
The 1958 Jensen 541R Navy has been in the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint shop for some paint repairs following the hinge adjustments to the classic Jensen by the restoration workshop.
The hinge had fallen out of adjustment and caused some paint damage to the edges of the bonnet and driver’s door. Not a problem for the paint team.
After carefully colour matching the existing Navy Blue paintwork, the team then began to sand and prepare the area meticulously to get the area perfectly flat and into shape before primering could start.
After primer, the area was sanded down once more before being cleaned and masked off and the whole car was taken into our in-house spray booth for the colour to be laid down. After several coats of matched Navy Blue, the area could be clear coated and polished ready for the car to be finished by the restoration workshop.
Like New – Continuing the Metal Work on the 1978 MG B GT
April 22, 2022
The workshop team at Bridge Classic Cars have been making good progress on the body shell of the 1978 MG B GT in with us for restoration at our Suffolk HQ.
Our restoration technician Rob has been working on cutting out any form of corroded metal from the car to make sure everything is structurally right and lining up properly. Firstly, he worked on getting the rear valance of the classic MG B sorted.
The old valance was heavily corroded and warped so our team sourced a replacement panel and began the process of carefully removing the old piece in such a way as to not damage any of the mounting surfaces behind it. All of the surfaces behind the valance were cleaned and prepared ahead of the new piece firmly welded into place.
Next, Rob finished the work needed to the bottoms of the A-pillars. This needed to be done before the team could begin fitting and placing the new sills. With the old sills cut out of the car and the new ones trimmed and clamped they could be welded into place taking into account the new A-Pillar and the mounted door to ensure there was no overlap or conflict between any of the pieces.
Finally, Rob could cut out the rear arch. This was heavily corroded and in need of replacement. So carefully the spot welds were cut out and the original piece taken out before offering up the replacement arch.
The Finer Points – Rust and Wing Mirror Repairs on the 1973 Volvo 1800ES
April 21, 2022
The paint and bodywork team at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ have been working several jobs on the 1973 Volvo 1800ES.
The team found several small rust holes around the body which were carefully sanded back, plug welded and finished flat, along with that the team plug welded some wing mirror holes which were no longer needed.
The bodywork team then worked on finishing the panels to be perfectly smooth and then took the car into our in-house paint booth to primer the specific areas and be paint matched.
Stronger than Ever – Finishing the Drivers Side Sill and Inner Arch Repairs on the 1969 Morris Minor Convertible
April 21, 2022
The fabrication team at Bridge Classic Cars have finished up the crucial repairs to the inner arch and door sill of the 1969 Morris Minor Convertible.
These two pieces which make up the driver’s A-Pillar is used for not only the structure and mounting of the wings but also dictate the opening in the body for the doors. So, these need to be not only structurally sound and strong but very precise so our body shop technicians can get the panels aligned perfectly when the car is transferred into their department.
The fabrication team have carefully and precisely put the pieces back onto the classic Morris Minor in a particular order to build on the rigidity and strength needed in this particular area.
Now, it’s time to move onto the passenger side.
