Tag Archive: classic car paintwork

Together – 1958 Jensen 541R In Full Bodywork

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.

September 9, 2022 11:33 am Published by

Refinish – 1981 MG B GT LE Repainted After Bodywork

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.

September 9, 2022 10:33 am Published by

Good as New – Painting the Wheels of the 1987 Volvo 240GL

The wheels from the 1987 Volvo 240GL have been with the Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team to be completely refurbished.

The Volvo, which is undergoing sympathetic restorative work with our teams, had been inspected and wheels were in need of refinishing. The team carefully stripped back the original paint and reworked the material to give a fresh and clean base for the team to refinish in stunning bright silver.

September 6, 2022 1:53 pm Published by

Final Stage – The 1958 Jensen 541R in Final Primer

The 1958 Jensen 541R has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paint booth to have its final stage of primer laid down onto the bodyshell.

The team have been working hard to prepare the bodywork of the classic GT car. Every surface has been carefully sanded, worked and primed several times over to make sure everything is perfect.

Then the final glass-like primer could be sprayed onto the bodyshell and left to cure properly in our in-house oven.

August 10, 2022 8:42 am Published by

Topped Off – Repainting the Hood Frame on the 1969 Morris Minor Convertible

The paint and body team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on refurbishing and refinishing the convertible hood frame on the 1969 Morris Minor Convertible in for restoration.

The part was stripped back, cleaned and inspected before being primered and then finished in matching snowberry white to the rest of the car.

August 9, 2022 3:05 pm Published by

Clean Look – Parts of the 1978 MG B GT Refinished

Some of the pieces of the 1978 MG B GT have been refurbished by the team before being handed over to our paint team at the Bridge Classic Cars Suffolk HQ.

The paint team have refinished the parts in hard-wearing and durable black as part of the restoration.

August 9, 2022 8:48 am Published by

Final Drive – Getting the 1958 Jensen 541R Ready for Final Primer

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.

August 9, 2022 8:40 am Published by

Finesse – Sanding the 1958 Jensen 541R

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.

August 5, 2022 1:49 pm Published by

Panel Work – Panels of the 1969 Morris Minor Convertible in High Build Primer

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.

August 5, 2022 11:44 am Published by

At the Ready – Priming the Bonnet and Boot of the 1986 Daimler DS420

The boot and bonnet of the 1986 Daimler DS420 have been in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop for their next round of work in the lead-up to paint.

The team have carefully rubbed back all of the pannels on-top and underneath before getting the pieces into primer followed by a light coat of Polyfan. This will act as a guide coat for the team when sanding to help identify any low spots which will need to be addressed in order to achieve a perfect finish on the car.

July 22, 2022 2:52 pm Published by

From the Inside – Painting the Battery Box on the 1970 Bristol 411

While the 1970 Bristol 411 was in the Bridge Classic Cars paint booth, the team finished off the painting jobs by finishing the battery box, hidden away in the inner wing.

The floor of the battery base had been replaced by the team previously as part of some corrosion repairs. This was then prepared and primed by the paint and body team, before being finished in deep hard wearing black to finish off its look.

Keep a look out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page very soon for more updates on the 1970 Bristol 411 very soon.

July 13, 2022 3:15 pm Published by

On the Inside – Inner Arches of the 1978 MG B GT Painted

As part of the paint side of its restoration, the 1978 MG B GT has had its inner arches sprayed.

The paint team cleaned down the insides of both the front and rear arches on the classic MG before applying the raptorguard to help protect the metal from any form of moisture which may find its way into the newly refurbished shell.

The team do this on nearly all of our restoration as we’ve found it is the best process to securing the longevity of the inner wings on classic cars.

July 6, 2022 2:53 pm Published by

Primed & Ready – Getting the 1978 MG B GT Ready for Paint

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.

July 5, 2022 8:03 am Published by

Blend In – Paint Repairs on the 1970 Jaguar XJ

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.

June 22, 2022 1:58 pm Published by

Getting Sorted – Work on our 2005 Mercedes Benz Vito

Our 2005 Mercedes Benz Vito is the trusty workhorse of the Bridge Classic Cars fleet. It is used by our transport team across the country delivering cars or locally to pick up parts or move our classics from the workshop to Bentwaters or specialist etc.

The team thought it was time to address a couple of bits and pieces that needed sorting on the van so it was handed over to our workshop and then to our paint and body team.

The workshop team began by inspecting and overhauling the brakes on the Vito as they needed attention. Tom, one of our technicians, completely stripped back and replaced any components which needed to be replaced. During this time, the team could have a look at a few areas of corrosion on the lower parts of the quarter panels.

Once the fabrication team had cut out all the corrosion, the new panels could be carefully welded into before the paint and body team took over to refine the areas and work on some of the door latches ahead of the van going into paint to have those areas blended in.

With the paint and body team now working on the trusty Vito, the guys could start to prepare the areas which had been worked on as well as areas which had general wear and tear in order to refresh the whole van. A few deep scratches were flattened back and filled along with making sure the areas which had been welded were in perfect shape before going into the booth to be painted.

June 14, 2022 1:07 pm Published by

Cutting Back – Colour Sanding the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkI

The 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkI has been moved into the Bridge Classic Cars paint and body preparation area for the team to being colour sanding the car.

The process of colour sanding is key in the visual aspect of the restoration of the classic Aston Martin to make the paintwork match the incredible work that each and every panel has had done to it by the team.

Our painter Chris, who painted the car, has headed up the colour sanding of the Aston Martin. Using finer and finer abrasives to remove any imperfections and even out any areas of the car.

June 10, 2022 11:38 am Published by

Good as New – Paint Work on the 2012 Maserati Gran Turismo

The paint and body team at Bridge Classic Cars have worked their magic on the 2012 Maserati Gran Turismo in with us for some paint repairs.

The team began by sanding back the area where the scratches were. Taking the panel back to bare before building it back up with minimal filler. The majority of this was sanded away to create a perfectly smooth and flat surface to the team to prime ahead of paint.

Once the primer had cured, the car could be taken into the spray booth. The whole panel, which stretches from the rear quarter up and over the passenger door, was sanded back for the team to then shoot the colour matched paint.

This was blended into the existing paint for a perfectly seamless transition and looks incredible.

June 8, 2022 3:22 pm Published by

This Just In – 2012 Maserati Gran Turismo

The stunning dark silver 2012 Maserati Gran Turismo arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop this morning for the team to work on.

The striking GT car has come in for our paint and body teams to take a look at a few marks on the Maserati in order to get it looking 100% perfect.

The team will also inspect and assess the whole car as part of any arrival process. Keep a look out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more.

June 6, 2022 10:08 am Published by

Clear View – Polishing the Paintwork on the 1987 Daimler Double Six

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.

May 30, 2022 1:07 pm Published by

Refined Process – Final Primer and Raptorguard on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkI

The paint and body team at Bridge Classic Cars have got the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkI into the in-house paint booth for some of the final stages before colour begins.

The team sanded down the body and bonnet for the final time before it was prepared and pushed into the paint booth. There, the team laid down the final coat of primer onto the car before the colour is laid down onto the panels of the classic Aston Martin.

After the primer had settled and cured, the team brought the bonnet of the DB2/4 back into the paint booth to prepare and begin work on the underside. The team reprimed the underside before applying the hardwearing and durable Raptorguard to the bonnet of the DB2/4.

May 30, 2022 10:01 am Published by

Cut & Polish – Finishing Work on the Panels of the 1987 Daimler Double Six

The paint and body team at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on the final stages of the paint journey on the 1987 Daimler Double Six’s panels.

The team have gently cut back the paint and clear-coat on the panels with finer and finer abrasives in order to create a uniform finish for the pieces. Then, they can be machine polished and buffed to a mirror finish.

May 27, 2022 10:11 am Published by

Inside Out – Raptorguard on the Inner Wings of the 1987 Daimler Double Six

The paint and body team at Bridge Classic Cars have sealed the inner wings of the 1987 Daimler Double Six which is in for restoration.

The team sealed the inner wings using a product called Raptorguard. This is a hard wearing urethane which will protect the inner arches and wing of the car from absorbing moisture from any dirt collected inside the panel. This is something we do on most of our restorations to protect the longevity of the pieces and ultimately the car itself.

May 26, 2022 7:53 am Published by

In Colour – The 1987 Daimler Double Six Now in Colour

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.

May 23, 2022 11:13 am Published by

This Just In – 2013 Porsche Boxster

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.

May 23, 2022 7:19 am Published by

All in the Preparation – Primer and Filler Work on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 MkI

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.

May 13, 2022 8:13 am Published by

Step by Step – Priming the Panels of the 1987 Daimler Double Six

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.

May 10, 2022 9:35 am Published by

Ready for Home – Paint Repairs Complete on the 1996 Nissan Patrol

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.

May 6, 2022 11:58 am Published by

Good as New – Blending in the Paint Repairs to the 1996 Nissan Patrol

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.

May 5, 2022 11:42 am Published by

Scraping the Surface – Paint Damage on the 1996 Nissan Patrol

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.

May 4, 2022 11:35 am Published by

Cut Back – Polishing the Body and Painting Final Parts of the 1987 Mercedes 500SL

The paint and bodywork teams at Bridge Classic Cars have been working on the final processes of the 1987 Mercedes 500SL restoration.

Alan, one of our painters, has been working on cutting back the grey paintwork on the classic R107 in preparation for its polishing. This has to be done very carefully as to not damage the edges of the lacquer/clear coat on the car. A series of finer and finer wet sandpapers are used until the clearcoat is flat, uniform and flawless and then machine polished to a mirror polish.

Also, the team have painted the final pieces of trim on the car in the heavily durable black that other pieces of the car have been finished in.

May 3, 2022 11:06 am Published by