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classic car repairs

Solid Foundations – Replacing the Sills on the 1992 Toyota MR2

November 18, 2021

Paul, one of our in-house restoration experts, has been working on replacing the corroded sills on the 1992 Toyota MR2 that is in at Bridge Classic Cars.

On any classic, corrosion is an issue but caught early it can easily be repaired. As a matter of course the entire door sills are being replaced on the MR2 as these are a safety item and that’s a keystone of any work on a classic car, it’s also something we pride ourselves on at Bridge Classic Cars.

Paul cut out the sills from the front arch to the rear arch and replaced them. Welding them in inch by inch to make sure that they sat straight and true on the car. Now that these are in, the next stage is to get the paintwork/protection onto the sills to ensure they will be perfect for many more years to come.

A Closer Look – Finding Hairline Cracks in Brackets on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4

November 17, 2021

During the disassembly of the suspension components of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 that is in at Bridge Classic Cars for restoration, our restoration technician Mauro found some hairline cracks in a few of the pieces.

The pieces that Mauro found were the rear suspension brackets. Along with our workshop controller, John, the parts were recorded and a plan being worked out how to move forward with these particular parts before sandblasting.

A New Start – Sending the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Guages to be Refurbished

November 17, 2021

The gauges and dials in the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 are some of the most beautiful out there. Simple black Smiths units with white lettering and easy to see layout. This style of dial is so synonymous with classic sportscar that anything else would look amiss in such an elegant and deserving car.

The rest of the car is currently undergoing a full restoration at Bridge Classic Cars but these units are being sent away to a specialist to be rebuilt and entirely refurbished to match the high level of fit and finish our in-house restoration teams will be doing to the car.

Once the dials are back from their refurbishment, they will be carefully stored until our in-house trim team is ready to fit them into the stunning dash and get them securely placed in the car.

From Scratch – Making the Cubby Box for the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

November 17, 2021

It’s the special details on the Bridge Classic Cars restoration projects that make them bespoke to each of the owners. Take for example this storage cubby made by our incredible in-house trim team for the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster. It was completely built and upholstered by our in-house expert Brian to match the rest of the car.

Starting from scratch, Brian created the wooden shell for the storage box that is designed to specifically fit around the car without getting in the way of its owner while out enjoying their amazing Fern Grey roadster. Then after Brian had test fit the piece into the interior, he had the job of trimming this bespoke piece to match the rest of the interior.

Every single piece on the storage box is covered in the deep green leather that flows throughout this iconic sportscar.

It looks absolutely incredible and is a perfect piece to add a little bit extra to the driving experience.

Coming Back Around – Work Continues on the 1998 Honda Integra Type R

November 15, 2021

Tamas and Paul have been hard at work putting the 1998 Honda Integra Type R back together after its recent bodywork here at Bridge Classic Cars.

The car is being put together in our workshop piece by piece to factory specification as part of its aesthetic overhaul. This wonderful example of 1990s Japanese engineering has been with us for some time and has grown in the hearts of many who have worked on it.

During it’s final assembly, every component and system will be thoroughly checked over to ensure everything on this DC2 Integra works exactly as it should.

Building Update: Doors for the New Workshop Extension

November 15, 2021

Our in-house paint team at Bridge Classic Cars have been busy preparing and painting the new doors for our workshop extension!

These are being painted to match our existing doors and are brand new safety units to make sure not only do they look good but they also will meet the newest safety standards. With the stage that the new extension is at, these will be installed very soon.

Wing Walk – Working on the Rear Wing of the 1951 Riley RMB

November 15, 2021

James has been continuing with the bodywork of the 1951 Riley RMB that is in at Bridge Classic Cars for restoration. Our in-house fabrication team have had the rear wing of the Riley on the workbench to carry on with replacing the areas that needed attention.

Many of the flanges and construction have issues, whether it is rust or bad previous repairs, and needed to be entirely remade from scratch. James used the remaining original pieces to recreate them in the closest materials to the original and used original techniques to shape, move and mould the metal to where it needed to be.

James constantly test fitted pieces to the car to ensure they were fitting correctly and lined up with the original mounting points.

Must Dash – Covering the Dash of the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

November 15, 2021

Brian has been working on the dashboard on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster in preparation for the rest of the car being finished off in the workshop over the next few weeks.

Brian, one of our master in-house trim experts, has worked his magic on the dashboard of Fern Grey. Once the original covering had been carefully removed, Brian could then begin to prepare the surface for it’s new cover.

Fern Grey is a special car. Everything on the entire car (not just the interior) has been worked on by our in-house restoration teams. Brian completely recovered the dash in a new black leather piece. But, it’s not just the cover that Brian worked on. The Trim team also refurbished all the trim pieces, especially the air vents on the leading edge of the dash.

Carefully, Brian cut the new cover to accept the dash vents. Then, began to fit them up onto the panel. It looks absolutely sensational.

Primed & Ready – 1977 MGB Roadster is in Primer

November 15, 2021

Whilst the interior for this amazing 1977 MGB Roadster is in with our extremely talented in-house trim shop here at Bridge Classic Cars, the body is in with our paint expert Kris at our in-house paint shop.

Kris has been working on making sure that all the panels and pieces have come off the car carefully and safely for them to be inspected and assessed by Kris experienced eye. From there, Kris could then begin working on the panels to make sure all of the metal beneath the cars dark blue paint was in good order to be worked on.

Thankfully, it was all in really good shape beneath the surface. From that, Kris could then begin to get the car in primer. After several coats, Kris could then begin to test fit the panels back onto the car to make sure before any paint touches the car. The reason for this is to make sure that any working of the panels hasn’t caused them to distort or change shape in any way.

Because of Kris’s experience and care, each panel worked perfectly. Now that the pieces are primed and they fit, it’s soon going to be time for Kris to begin applying his talents to adding colour to this beautiful sportscar.

What Lies Beneath – Inspecting the Sills on the 1992 Toyota MR2

November 15, 2021

As part of any vehicle that comes into Bridge Classic Cars for assessment, the number one priority is the safety of the vehicle. With older cars, this means checking vital chassis points for corrosion, damage or previous bad repairs. The first port of call is normally the sills.

These are the sills on our 1992 Toyota MR2. They’ve seen better days but aren’t in the worst condition that we’ve seen. These have been noted down on the vehicles assessment so our in-house restoration teams can come up with a plan of making this wonderful 1990s Japanese sportscar safe but also give peace of mind that everything has been gone through for it’s owner.

Just Like New – Refinishing the Seats of the 1977 MGB Roadster

November 11, 2021

Brian, one of our incredible in-house trim experts at Bridge Classic Cars, has been hard at work rebuilding and refitting the seats of the 1977 MGB Roadster that is currently in at Bridge Classic Cars for restoration.

The seat bases were checked and new rails fitted, to begin with. Then, it was time to begin the process of the new webbing and padding that allows for comfort and support whilst out enjoying these brilliant little sportscars. With the new padding in place, Brian could attach it to the seatbacks and the squab bases. Making sure that the foams for each part were uniform and smooth. Then, slowly and carefully the trim team stretches the dark blue coverings over each of the seats to finish them off.

Once the backs and the bases were bolted together, Brian could then start fitting the handles to the interior mechanisms so the seats would recline and move just live brand new. Then, the finishing touch. The stunning black headrests that complete these wonderfully retrimmed seats.

Final Inspection – Preparing the Triumph TR3A for Birmingham NEC Auction

November 11, 2021

Our in-house restoration technician John has been hard at work getting the 1958 Triumph TR3A ready for its date across the auction block at this years Birmingham NEC Auction.

Upon inspection, it was found that the front main oil seal, sump gasket and the timing cover gaskets were weeping slightly and would need to be replaced. Methodically, John worked through each component carefully to gain access to the affected parts. The entire front valance and radiator needed to be removed due to their proximity to the crank pulley which needs to be removed.

Along with that, quite a bit of the car’s wiring needed to be disconnected in order to safely remove the front valance to gain access. This was also carefully logged and noted for the reinstallation of the components. John carefully catalogued and stored every fixing and bracket to ensure everything went back as it should.

With the front end of the car and the oil pan removed, John could now begin the task of assessing, cleaning and preparing the surfaces for their new gaskets and seals. A crucial process to ensure the best fit and seal for the new gaskets. With the new set of gaskets and seals in place, John refitted the covers and made sure the main oil seal was seated correctly and tight in the crank seal before beginning the process to get the whole car back together.

During that, John also rerouted some of the necessary cables and wires which had been worked on by a previous garage prior to us working on the car to ensure the safety and ease of maintenance were all correct as they should have been.

Once back together, the car was run up to temperature after refilling all the vital fluids such as coolant and oil to ensure that the engine was happy and the car would be in the best condition for its lucky new owner.

This Just In – 1992 Toyota MR2

November 10, 2021

It’s not often we get to see more modern classics here in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. But, when we do they are iconic. Take for example this 1992 Toyota MR2 Automatic.

The car is in the process of being assessed and documented by our in-house restoration teams to determine what work will need to be done to make this example of peak 1990s Japanese engineering solid and reliable.

The MR2 is a wonderful mid-engined sportscar. Loved by many throughout the world for its handling, its dynamics and its ease to live with charm. This MR2 is fitted with an automatic gearbox as well as removable roof panels, which add to its everyday usability or weekend fun appeal.

Once the specific departments have looked at the car and issued their findings, expect to see more on this fantastic sportscar here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.

Head’s Up – Retrimming the Hardtop on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster

November 10, 2021

From our last post, you saw our in-house restoration technician Scott busy at work in the workshop at Bridge Classic Cars plumbing and wiring the freshly built 5 litre V12 that sits at the heart of this gorgeous E Type Roadster. While that has been going on in the workshop, one crucial piece has been in the trim shop under the talented eye of our expert trimmer Brian.

The hardtop. An important part of any Roadster has been carefully painted by our amazing in-house paint shop in glorious deep black. Then, it was time for Brian to work his magic. Slowly and methodically, Brian began to remove the old headlining to reveal the shell underneath. Some of the material was saved in order to create the templates for the new pieces that would be needed to completely restore the hardtop to a standard matching the car itself.

Brian worked through the hardtop piece by piece to ensure the best and finish possible on such a bespoke project as Fern Grey. Even taking care to form the new openings for the speakers that sit in the pillar behind the drivers and passengers headrests. Once the underlay had been put in and secured, Brian then got to work with the finish touches.

Using swatches of existing black material, Brian took the time to find not only a close colour match but also a complimenting texture to work with the hardtop shell but also the other interior pieces that are in dark green leather. It’s these details that truly make this build, one of a kind.

From Top to Bottom – Treating the Underside of a 1970 Citroen DS

November 9, 2021

Preparing a classic car for winter is very important. And, at Bridge Classic Cars we know what it takes to keep your pride and joy safe. Take for example this 1970 Citroen DS21.

This stunning example of the DS has come into us to have the underside cleaned and treated as part of its winter preparation. For this, it isn’t a case of just laying on a thick coat of undersealer. It takes time, attention, care and an understanding of what each individual car requires.

To begin with, Tamas, evaluated the areas that would require cleaning back more than others. Then to protect the wonderful pale French blue paintwork, he covered the bodywork and delicate components with plastic coverings and specific paint tape as to not damage any part of the car. Then, using a variety of steel, brass and copper wire wheels he removed any contaminants/surface issues. After that was removed from the underside and arches of the car (which on the rear must be removed to take the wheel off) Tamas then cleaned down the surfaces thoroughly and carefully to give the chemical treatment in the undersealer the best conditions to work on.

Over many hours, Tamas patiently applied the undersealer to the bottom of the car. Allowing time between each coat for the chemicals in the spray to flash off and begin to cure. This is crucial in order to get the best coverage and more importantly the best protection for the car over the winter.

Then, the car was left to cure with specifically placed heat lamps to make sure that the treatment cured correctly and evenly on the car.

A Whole New Feel – Recovering the Steering Wheel on the 1970 Dodge Charger

November 9, 2021

Refinishing or recovering a steering wheel is no simple task. The right balance of tactile feel, smoothness, finish and contrast is something that only comes with skills, understanding and complete knowledge of your craft. And that, is why our in-house trim experts at Bridge Classic Cars are the best.

The original wooden wheel on the 1970 Dodge Charger currently in at Bridge Classic Cars for an interior refit had seen better days. It was discoloured, the original varnish has begun to flake away. This just wouldn’t have matched the incredible black and orange theme chosen by the customer. So, Kath recovered the wheel using that colour palette to create a stunning piece for the car.

Kath chose her materials to closely match the existing materials used throughout the iconic muscle car and tie it into the custom interior. Deep black leather with vibrant orange stitching.

Kath measured out the black leather and cut it to size. Allowing a snug but not overly stretched fitment to the wooden wheel underneath. Then, after being hemmed, Kath began to stitch in the piece to envelop the large wooden steering wheel. Something like this, being so intricate and restricted, can only be done by hand and this is where the skill of a true craftsperson shines. The final fit and delicate stitchwork just fit the car, with its custom one-off feel.

With the Grain – Recovering the Centre Console of the 1970 Dodge Charger

November 9, 2021

We have an incredible in-house trim team here at Bridge Classic Cars. They’ve been hard at work on the interior of the 1970 Dodge Charger that is currently in our trim shop.

Here, you can see the work Kath has done refinishing the centre console to match the exterior of the Bright Orange Mopar. Kath carefully removed the original veneers from the piece in order to create templates for the new Orange vinyl that adorns the giant centrepiece of the interior in a wonderful contrast against the rest of the black vinyl.

After cutting out the templates, Kath began to wrap the original pieces after test fitting. Once all in place, Kath cleaned up all of the accompanying brightwork to make the Orange stand out even more. Then, once all the adhesive had correctly cured and settled into place. Kath, test fit the new centre console with the seats just placed in the car.

I think we can all agree, it looks absolutely sensational.

A Delicate Blend – Reworking the Fender of the 1951 Riley RMB

November 9, 2021

Here at Bridge Classic Cars, we have some of the best fabricators in the business we believe. One of the best showcases of this is the incredible work that our in-house fabricator, James, has done on the 1951 Riley RMB.

James has tried to use as much original material as possible during the restoration of the Riley. Only adding in or cutting the panels if needed, or entirely remaking them if completely necessary. Take for example this wing on the RMB, it’s partly original but with new sections, entirely made by hand, grafted into it. Using years of experience, feel and skill, James has managed to recreate the flanged lower section of the wing.

Along with making the panel from scratch, it takes huge amounts of talent that only comes with years of metalworking to carefully and patiently apply his craft to grafting the new piece into the old seamlessly. As you can see, James has pulled off an incredible job!

This Just In – 1970 Citroen DS21

November 9, 2021

It’s always a pleasure to see one of these at our workshop. Such an iconic, fun and interesting car that is beloved by so many throughout the automotive world. It is, of course, a Citroen DS. Specifically, this is a 1970 Citroen DS21.

This car has come into us to be prepared for the winter months ahead. For this, that means cleaning up and treating the whole underside of the car and wheel arches. Our in-house technicians will carefully take back all the road grime and contaminants from the belly of this French marvel and then clean it thoroughly.

After that, it will be treated with a thick coat of under-sealant in order to protect it from the ever inclosing Winter weather that faces all of our classics in the coming months.

Find out more about the process of cleaning, treating and curing the weather protection in our next post about the 1970 Citroen DS21 on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.

Horseless Carriages and Congestion Charges – London to Brighton 2021

November 8, 2021

This weekend saw the running of the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. This years running marks 125 years of drivers pitting their machinery across the roads of the south of this fair isle.

Beginning just before dawn in London’s iconic Hyde Park, the intrepid motorists set off into the maze of streets that web and dart through the capital. Then once out of the hustle and bustle of the busy London streets, the adventurers and their antique machinery could begin to find their way to the south coast.

Through the winding countryside, which must seem so familiar to their aged steeds, the drivers went through village and town. Hamlet and meadow towards the distant lights of Brighton. Then, just before 10 am the first cars appeared on the horizon of Madiera Drive. The ancestral finish line of this historic race.

Throughout the day, the weary drivers and their machines piled onto the pavilion. This, is truly one of the greatest motoring spectacles to be seen for any classic enthusiast.

If you haven’t then we would suggest next year, you make the pilgrimage to the south coast and watch these iron monsters achieve their dreams.

New Arrival: 1972 Triumph Spitfire

November 8, 2021

This absolutely beautiful 1972 Triumph Spitfire IV has just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Suffolk, UK.

The car will go into the workshop and be assessed by our in-house team of classic car restoration experts to begin working on a list of jobs that need to be done on this iconic British sports car. We do know that the exhaust is blowing so that will be one of the jobs that will be done by the team.

Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars blog for more updates on the 1972 Triumph Spitfire IV.

Coming Soon: 1970 Bristol 411

November 8, 2021

Bridge Classic Cars have acquired this 1970 Bristol 411 on behalf of a customer of ours who lives in Europe.

This particular car will be arriving soon into our workshop here in Suffolk for full assessment and inspection. Also, with the car being sent over to Europe we will be undertaking a very special project on this Bristol.

This car is going to be converted to Left Hand Drive for the customer to enjoy over on the continent.

Be sure to check out more on this car here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog once it arrives here with us.

Off To A New Home – Saying Goodbye to our 1965 Amphicar

November 8, 2021

Well, it’s always sad to say goodbye. Our wonderful little 1965 Amphicar that we completely restored in-house here at Bridge Classic Cars has gone off to its new home.

The whole car was restored by our in-house restoration team, each playing a role in making this car not only look the absolute business but also fully functional.

It was up for auction recently on Car & Classic and which was by its lucky new owner. So, it was time for her to start a new journey. Sad to see her go but happy that we got the privilege to restore and work on such a unique and interesting classic.

Back in the Game – Refitting the Power Steering Pump to our 2005 Aston Martin DB9

November 8, 2021

Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration technician Mauro has been working on refitting the power steering pump to Craig, our directors, 2005 Aston Martin DB9.

After the refurbished part arrived back to us here in Pettistree, Mauro began to get the component set up to go back into the engine bay alongside the famous 6 litre V12.

Carefully Mauro reinstalled the pump back onto the engine and began to close the hoses into the correct positions. After this, he methodically went through every clamp to ensure the seals were right and then topped up the fluid.

From there, it was tested by our in-house team and reinspected.

New Arrival at The Hangar – The 1934 MG PA Midget

November 5, 2021

Our Director Gordon’s new 1934 MG PA Midget is now safe and sound in our classic and collectable vehicle storage facility known as The Hangar.

Since its arrival, the Bridge Classic Cars team have had a chance to pour over all the small details of this stunning early British sports car. Along with its arrival is the routine clean which all cars have before entering our storage facility by Viper Valet.

There are literally hundreds of amazing bits and pieces on this beautifully proportioned sports car. The large Jaeger clocks, the enormous steering wheels and the temperature gauge mounted on top of the radiator. There is just so many! So, have a look here through a gallery of this brilliant car.

On Order – New Carburettors for the Glastron Sea Ray

October 29, 2021

It’s been a while since the last update on the Glastron Sea Ray Speedboat that belongs to our director Craig.

During testing, our team found the engine just wouldn’t run quite right. Our in-house engine builder Ady began to have a look through the carburettors and found that they need to either be rebuilt or replaced. After trying to source a rebuild kit for them to no avail, Ady has sourced a supplier in the US who can help us with replacements.

For that, they need us to send over a series of specific measurements to ensure that the right set is sent to us.

Expect to see more on this project soon!

Coming Soon – 1985 Mercedes SL380 in for Insurance Valuation

October 29, 2021

Bridge Classic Cars were pleased to welcome this stunning 1985 Mercedes R107 SL380 recently.

The owner of this beautiful, classic convertible has asked us to do an insurance valuation on the vehicle for himself and the insurance company. These must be done by a noted and respected restoration specialist which is what we at Bridge Classic Cars pride ourselves on.

The Touches – Retrimming Parts on the 1970 Dodge Charger

October 29, 2021

Brian, our in-house trim master, has been busy working on retrimming and refitting trim pieces for the 1970 Dodge Charger that is in at Bridge Classic Cars.

To start with, Brian began working on retrimming the seatbacks for the plush, thick black leather bucket seats. Brian created the coverings by hand trying to get the closest he possibly could to the same thickness and quality leather used on the fronts to create one uniform piece.

Along with that, Brian also worked on recovering the seat adjusters in matching black leather for the final finishing touch of the seats.

After that, Brian then turned his attention onto the dash. This along with the seats are the next step for installation into the car. The dash pad and A-pillars were hand wrapped in matching leather to create another uniform look throughout the whole car, just another little touch on this amazing Charger

Just Like New – 2005 Aston Martin DB9 Power Steering Pump Refurb

October 29, 2021

Our director, Craig, noticed a slight leak coming from his 2005 Aston Martin DB9 recently. So, the team at Bridge Classic Cars set about looking into it.

Our in-house restoration technicians got the car in and began to check over all the systems and hoses in the engine bay. Soon, it was found to be from the power steering pump. Thankfully, these can be rebuilt/refurbished by specialists so it has been removed and sent off for the work to be done.

Once we have it back, we’ll let you know all about it here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.

Bridge Classic Cars are award winning Classic Car Restoration and Maintenance specialists. Your pride and joy is in safe hands with our expert Classic Car Technicians. Take a look at our awards here.

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