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This Just In – 1995 Dodge Viper RT/10

January 12, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars have the honour of welcoming a 1990’s hero into our workshop in Pettistree, Suffolk. The legend that is the 1995 Dodge Viper RT/10.

This classic American supercar will go into our workshop for our restoration teams to assess and report on the car.

Keep your eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more on this incredible car.

Trimmed – Working on the Trim Pieces for the 1956 Jensen 541

January 12, 2022

Our head trimmer here at Bridge Classic Cars, Brian, has been working on finishing up the interior trims for the 1956 Jensen 541 which is in with us for a full ground-up restoration.

Brian has methodically worked through the trims around the doors of the little known sportscar to ensure that each piece is repaired (if needs be) and then prepared and recovered in the beautiful red leather chosen by the lucky owner.

Each piece of hardware has also been refinished by Brian and the trim team to give even the smallest screw or bolt the same level of finish as the pieces they secure.

Another key piece that Brian has been working on is the beautiful rear seat centre console. Brian made up a new metal piece that creates the skeleton and the recovered in soft, durable foam and capped in that deep red leather.

There will be more updates on the 1956 Jensen 541 restoration by Bridge Classic Cars very soon.

Final Fitment – Fitting the Exhaust to the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

January 12, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration technicians have finished up the custom-made exhaust on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster that we refer to as Fern Grey.

Paul has been working on getting the new exhaust safe and secure underneath the iconic sports car. From the exhaust collector to the stunning, bright double-tipped outlet which perfectly follows the line of the bottom of Fern Grey.

With the new exhaust fitted underneath the E Type, our in-house restoration technicians can move forward wit the final assembly of this stunning classic Jaguar.

This Just In – 1929 Dodge DA

January 12, 2022

This beautiful 1929 Dodge Brothers DA is the latest arrival into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.

This car is due to be inspected and assessed by our in-house restoration teams to bring this stunning pre-war Dodge up to scratch. The teams will go through each aspect of the car and report back on their findings.

Keep a look out on the Bridge Classic Cars newspage for more updates on the 1929 Dodge Brothers DA.

Prep and Paint – 1977 MGB Roadster Begins Paint

January 12, 2022

The 1977 MGB Roadster that is currently in the Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint shop is moving along quickly!

Whilst Alan is busy preparing the body for its turn in the paint booth, Chris is working on getting the first layers of colour onto the front wings and doors of the sports car. The entire body has been sanded back down to make sure the shape of each of the panels flows perfectly.

The colour on the wings and doors will have its colour slowly built up to get the correct depth of colour.

Fixing The Leak – Leak from the Rear End of the 1975 MGB GT V8

January 12, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration technician, Mauro, has been investigating a leak from the rear differential of the 1975 MGB GT V8.

Mauro found the seal/gasket on the rear end had deteriorated over time and was allowing the rear end to weep slightly. So, with a new gasket ordered as well as the correct spec and weight of gear oil, Mauro got to work on sorting out the issue and getting this fantastic deep red sports car back to perfect running and driving for its new owner.

New Home – The 1989 Austin Mini Safe at Her New Home

January 12, 2022

The beautiful 1989 Austin Mini is safe and sound at her new home in Scotland. Also, she seems to have got some company for her life up north.

The new owner of the straight cut gearboxed 1989 Austin Mini also has a very nice 1275GT which will be sharing its stable with the little blue car. The 1275GT was given the name of Little Floorie by its owner, who has decided that the name of the 1989 Austin Mini will be Little Lottie.

We wish Ken and his wife many happy miles with our little Mini and look forward to seeing more of Little Lottie on her adventures in years to come.

Coming Soon – 1998 Mazda MX5

January 12, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars hopefully will be welcoming this absolutely stunning 1998 Mazda MX5 into our secure classic and collectable car storage facility, The Hangar, very soon.

This 1998 MX5 is finished in stunning dark green with a matching interior and has been adored by its owner who has kept the car in incredible condition while also making sure it has been enjoyed like every sports car should be.

Hopefully you will see more on the MX5 very soon here on the Bridge Classic Cars newspage.

Safe and Secure – Exhaust Mounts on the 1990 Mini 30

January 12, 2022

Jon, one of our amazing Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration technicians, has been working on getting the last few bits and pieces done on the 1990 Austin Mini 30 before it heads off to its very lucky new owner.

The last job to complete underneath this fantastic Mini is to install a new exhaust mount onto the car. The old one had become loose and wasn’t in the best state so our workshop ordered up a replacement piece and got it into the car. This particular clamp also acts as a hang and is secure to the gearbox, so it’s crucial in keeping the exhaust spaced far enough away from the gearbox as to not rattle or chafe.

With this done, it will have its pre-delivery inspection and very soon be off to its new home!

This Just In – 1975 Volkswagen Beetle

January 12, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars have welcomed this 1975 Volkswagen Beetle into our Pettistree workshop recently for our in-house restoration teams to assess and report on the condition of the car for its owner.

After the team has assessed the car and thoroughly inspected it, they will come up with a list of jobs that need to be undertaken on the classic aircooled Volkswagen to get it back into safe and running order.

Going Forward – Sending the 1972 Chevrolet El Camino for a Transmission Rebuild

January 11, 2022

This 1972 Chevrolet El Camino has been stored at our secure storage facility, The Hangar, for some time now. But today it was time to get the classic American muscle car out and off to a local automatic gearbox specialist to have a look into why it won’t select any gears.

The customer had been taking the car to a show locally when all of a sudden the car just lost all forward and reverse gears. It was bought to us to investigate why this has happened so we have got a local specialist who works with all of our automatic gearboxes to help out on this project.

Coming Soon – 1975 Jensen Interceptor Mk3

January 11, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars will soon be welcoming this 1975 Jensen Interceptor Mk3 for an aesthetic restoration by our in-house teams.

Our paint and body teams will assess and report on the condition of the classic GT car which will then put together a plan to get the car sorted out.

Expect to see much more on this Interceptor very soon here on the Bridge Classic Cars newspage.

Handling the Pressure – Oil Pressure Gauge and Wiring Issue with the 1973 MGB GT V8

January 11, 2022

Progress is continuing on the 1973 MGB GT V8 that is currently in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Our technicians have been going through to check all the systems required for its testing and found a couple of issues.

Paul has been looking into an issue with the oil pressure gauge and some peculiar issues with the wiring. Look into the gauge to begin with, Paul has cleaned out and rewired the pressure sender which he believes has sorted the problem but it will be reevaluated during the cars tests.

The wiring was some issues down to the routing of certain wires through the engine bay which was causing the car to blow fuses during the cars fire up. Paul went through each of the wires in the engine bay and behind the dash in order to trace back any problems to get them fixed. After this and a couple of repairs to the wiring, Paul is moving forward with his checks on this amazing 1973 MGB GT V8.

This Just In – 1970 Porsche 911T

January 11, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars have welcomed this iconic 1970 Porsche 911T into our in-house trim shop at our Pettistree, Suffolk HQ. The car, which belongs to a local customer has been brought to us for a special job.

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim team will be fitting a complete 911 carpet set into the cockpit of one of the most recognisable sports cars of all time. As you can see, there isn’t a lot on the inside of the car but all around the car is filled with massive amounts of character. There are so many pieces on the car that give it a personality all of its own.

Expect to see lots more on this car here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.

Held in Suspense – Refitting the Front Suspension to the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1

January 11, 2022

Work on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 continues with Bridge Classic Cars as our in-house restoration technician Scott begins to put together the front suspension of the DB2 back into its freshly powdercoated frame.

Scott has been carefully refitting the newly refurbished pieces into the DB2 so as not to mar either the frame of the piece itself. Scott has taken the time to even test fit mounting bolts before installation to see whether the powdercoating will need to be taken down to allow the bolt to neatly and securely go into its allotted place.

With so many newly refurbished parts, Scott has methodically worked through the front end of the car so as not to have to remove any components to install others around it. The first piece, is the stunning cast steering rack.

There will be more very soon on the progress of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1 here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.

Coated – Exhaust for the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

January 11, 2022

The 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster, Fern Grey, is getting closer to completion by the day. Recently our in-house restoration technicians have been working on completing the exhaust for this amazing project.

Our technician Paul has been working on cleaning, preparing and coating the exhausts for the 5 litre V12 that sits at the heart of this E Type. Paul carefully cleaned and prepared the original headers for the car before applying several coats of glossy black exhaust paint. This paint is specific for the use on exhausts as it can withstand incredible high temperatures and the environment.

Paul also worked on cleaning and painting the exhaust brackets for Fern Grey to match the rest of the immaculate underside of the car.

Way out Back – Replacing the Rear Pinion Seal on the 1954 Jaguar MkVII

January 11, 2022

Dave, one of our most experienced technicians here at Bridge Classic Cars has been working on replacing the rear pinion seal of the 1954 Jaguar MkVII.

We noted the seal was leaking during an inspection and with the newly refurbished gearbox soon to be back in the car, Dave took this opportunity to get the rear pinion seal into the rear end before the gearbox is fitted and the driver shaft installed.

Keep a look out on the Bridge Classic Cars newspage for more updates soon on the 1954 Jaguar MkVII.

A Flash of Colour – Primer and Guide Coat on the 1977 MGB Roadster

January 11, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint shop have been busy getting the 1977 MGB Roadster we have in for restoration ready for its first coats of colour.

Chris, our lead painter, has been working on getting the body panels just right for the next phase of painting the MGB Roadster. Hours of sanding, filling and more sanding to ensure that each panel sat correctly with its bodylines and also in terms of its curve down and across the body. Then, the body and all its panels had several coats of epoxy primer.

Once the primer had cured enough, it was time to begin working on the first coat of colour on the roadster. A Light guide coat for the car in preparation for its full colour coat which will be going on very soon.

Starting Over – Inspecting and Rebuilding the Carburettors on the 1934 Riley 9 Lynx

January 11, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration teams have been working on getting the beautiful 1934 Riley 12/4 Lynx running properly.

Our technician Jon, has been heading up the project. After the Riley had been fully serviced, Jonn noted the engine wasn’t running the best it could. With that, he removed the SU Carburettors and began to inspect and assess each and every component. There was quite a build-up of sediment inside the bowls of the carbs so Jon began to clean out both of the carburettors. Still, the car wouldn’t run right.

Our parts department managed to get hold of a set of rebuild kits for the SU’s and Jon began to take them apart in order to fully rebuild the carbs. After rebuilding the units and then getting them adjusted just right, the Riley Lynx ran perfectly!

Like New – Renewing the Steering Column and Dash Wiring on the 1962 Jensen 541S

January 7, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration technicians are not new to the world of Jensen 541’s, after restoring several of the 541, 541S and 541R’s we have some experience in doing jobs on them.

This particular 1962 Jensen 541S came into us to have a few jobs carried out on it.

Firstly it was the job of our technician Tamas to remove the old steering column from the car as the customer had requested it be replaced in favour of a new power steering unit. Carefully and with the old wiring harness out of the way, Tamas worked on getting the new unit fitted up to the dark green, luxury GT. After that, Tamas made sure that everything fit up to the car with the new harness in place to ensure nothing caught or bound up on the new column and also to check the column-mounted shifter all worked seamlessly.

Then it was time to get the new wiring harness fitted to the car. Our workshop manager John, began with completely removing the old harness from the car and preparing each piece for the brand new harness to be put into the car. Then, it was the turn of our restoration technician Tamas to get the new harness entirely installed into the car. He began by wiring up the new harness into the back of the dashboard and gauges whilst on the work bench. Then with this, he carefully refit the original dash back into the making sure to drape the specific wires through the dash structure to keep them all neat and organised. Then, he systematically went through the harness to connect it into the relevant systems of the car and began testing. Everything worked perfectly!

A Flick of a Switch – Fitting the Battery Cut Off to the 1930 Packard 740

January 7, 2022

The 1930 Packard 740 Waterfield Convertible has been in with Bridge Classic Cars recently for several jobs to be completed on the stunning prewar tourer. One of those jobs was to fit a battery cut off switch to the car which is exactly what our in-house restoration experts have done.

Our technician Tamas worked on getting the killswitch into the right place where it is easily accessible but also somewhere it isn’t easily knocked or damaged. This was going to be under the dashboard between the dash and the floorboards.

Carefully, Tamas moved the carpet to get access to the firewall where the switch would be mounted. Then, using a template he carefully made a tight-fitting hole in the firewall. After firing the component through the firewall and secured in place, Tamas then began wiring up the killswitch to the battery and then onto the ignition switch. The wiring for this component is crucial, so Tamas used high-quality wire and connectors with the appropriate shielding as it came near the exhaust manifold.

Once in place, Tamas checked that the cut off switch was working correctly and all fit nicely on the inside of the car. Another level of security and safety on this icon of pre-war American engineering and design.

Finishing Touches – 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

January 7, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house have been finishing the final pieces for the interior of Fern Grey, the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster before it goes into the main workshop for final assembly.

Brian, our head trimmer, has got the cars handmade seats back into the car to complete that part of the interior and they look absolutely fantastic. This car is intended to be a true GT car so they are comfortable and well-padded to add to that sense of comfort while covering huge distances.

Next, Brian began fitting up the Hardura padding underneath the dashboard. Hardura is a vinyl wrapped sound deadening material used in place where it is remained exposed and is also close to the original style material used on the car.

Then, for the final piece Brian fitted the chrome stalks from the old sun visors onto the new pieces. These were then fitted up into the car and really finish of the dash and windshield surround.

This Just In – 1974 MGB GT

January 7, 2022

Just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Pettistree, Suffolk is this beautiful 1974 MGB GT.

This particular car has been owned by the same gentleman for the last 25 years and every single day the car has been enjoyed by its loving owner. This wonderful classic sportscar will be going into our workshop where it will be assessed and inspected by our in-house restoration teams.

Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates on this particular 1974 MGB GT.

Following Along – Wiring and Light Issue with the 1934 Riley 9 Lynx

January 7, 2022

This 1934 Riley Lynx we have in at Bridge Classic Cars has got a few issues. Mainly electrical and involving the lights. So, our restoration technician Jonn has started to dig a bit deeper into it.

Upon inspection, Jonn found that the rear lights in the car had been wired in using what appeared to be an old household cable. Not the correct way of doing things. Jonn inspected all of the wiring for the Riley and found that a lot of it would need to be replaced in order for the car to be safe and to find out why the rear lights had not been working.

Jonn began by replacing the wires individually and testing their continuity as he want. Wire by wire he remade the harness for the rear lights in the proper way and ensured they were all safe and secure, once he began testing the lights he found that the rear lights that were fitted still did not work. Replacement ones were ordered and once they have arrived, Jonn fitted them to the car.

Once he tested the new lights, he found they had a dead short inside and kept blowing fuses in the car. So, Jonn took the new units apart and fixed the problem easily. Then, once they were working we noted they only intermittently worked. Jonn traced the issue back to some wiring issues at the front of the car and a faulty switch.

After the wiring at the front and the switch had been replaced and resolved, everything worked! now, it was time for Jonn to have a look into the leak carburettors.

Inspection – Checking the Glow Plugs and Fuel Pump on the 1970 Land Rover Series IIA

January 7, 2022

Our restoration technician Paul has been working on inspecting and assessing the running of the 1970 Land Rover Series IIA that is at Bridge Classic Cars for restoration.

Before any further work is carried out, Paul wanted to check and see whether the diesel engine that has been fitted is running properly and safely. We have previously replaced the injector pump, so following on from that Paul checked the glow plugs located in the engine block.

Under The Arches – Rust Repair Begins on the 1987 Daimler Double Six

January 7, 2022

Monty, one of our incredible in-house bodywork experts here at Bridge Classic Cars, has begun the process of repairing any rust on the 1987 Daimler Double Six that is currently in our Bodyshop.

Beginning with the inner arches, Monty has carefully cut out only the affected area, leaving as much of the original, solid metal as possible. All of the area was then rust treated before Monty began making a template for a new piece to be grafted into the 1980s super saloon. Using the template, Monty rough cut a new piece of metal of the same thickness and began to work on refining the shape and the fitment for the best fit and ultimately the best result for the client.

Once happy with the fitment of the new piece, Monty began to carefully weld it into the car. Ensuring the piece has enough time to cool evenly for the best finish. Although this is for the inner wheel arch, it’s the attention to detail our body shop and all of our restoration teams give to each project that we believe sets us apart. After the new patch piece had been fully welded, Monty carefully smoothed down the welds so that when the area has its paint/treatment, you will never even know it’s there.

Protected – Lacquering Parts for the 1955 Aston Martin 2/4 Mk1

January 6, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint booth has been busy working on several projects that we currently have in. One of those is some of the components from the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4.

After the pieces have come back from their various cleaning treatments, our paint shop has finished them all in matte lacquer in order to protect them from any moisture or contaminants. Once the lacquer had completely cured, they could then safely be handled and given over to our restoration technicians to put back on the car during its assembly.

Coming Soon – 1974 MGB GT

January 6, 2022

Bridge Classic Cars is welcoming this beautiful 1974 MGB GT to our workshops very soon. This car has been owned by the same gentleman for the last 25 years who has clearly adored and enjoyed the car.

It will be coming into our workshop soon for our in-house restoration teams to begin assessing the car and coming up with a plan of what to do next.

Keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars newspage for more on this fantastic MGB.

Moving Forward – Update on the 1973 MGB GT V8

January 6, 2022

The team here at Bridge Classic Cars have been busy working on getting the 1973 MGB GT V8 that is currently in our workshop all finished up. Some of the final jobs to be completed involved renewing some of the trims.

The original chrome bumpers had seen better days, and with good quality replacement readily available the restoration teams made the decision to replace them with all new pieces. As with most classic cars, the original brackets for the new bumpers caused a slight issue. They weren’t allowing the bonnet to close completely and securely. So, our technician Paul fabricated a new set of brackets which allowed the bumpers to sit in their original position along with having the space for the bonnet to shut entirely.

Also, Paul removed the tarnished and pitted original MG BGT badge from the back of this iconic sports car so it could be replaced with a new, shiny reproduction piece we had ordered.

Lifting the Cover – Tonneau Cover for the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

January 6, 2022

Our head trimmer here at Bridge Classic Cars, Brian, has been perfectly tailoring a tonneau cover to protect the interior of Fearn Grey. The 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster we have been restoring in-house.

Brian has masterfully created the new cover entirely from scratch using his wealth of knowledge and experience to produce a tight, elegant fit on the cover. Just like every piece on Fearn Grey, our restorations teams have tailored everything around the car and for the lucky owner of this stunning roadster.

There are a couple more jobs to do in our trim shop on the E Type and then it will be going into the workshop for the team to begin final assembly.

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