Out with the Old – Interior Restoration on the 1956 Jensen 541
September 21, 2021
Work has begun on the interior of our incredible ”Barn Find” 1956 Jensen 541. As you can see, it’s not in the best condition but
classic car restoration near me
Back to Basics – Parts Paint Removal on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4
September 21, 2021
Lydia, one of our in-house technicians here at Bridge Classic Cars, has been hard at work carefully removing the paint from some of the pieces
Getting Started – Fitting a New Starter Motor to the 1990 Range Rover CSK.
September 20, 2021
A starter motor is the unsung hero of any car. You rely on it for vehicles new and old to begin every sort of adventure.
Shooting an ’80s Icon – Behind the Scenes with a 1983 Ford Capri 1.6
September 20, 2021
Well, you may have seen by now the video of our latest competition car but it’s time to take you behind the scenes of the
Going That Bit Further – Continuing the interior on the 1960 Jensen 541R
September 20, 2021
Work is continuing on the interior of this in-house handmade interior of the 1960 Jensen 541R we have in with us for restoration at Bridge
Journeys End – Making their appointment with the 1961 Alvis TD21
September 20, 2021
After the overnight rebuild on the starter motor of their gorgeous 1961 Alvis TD21, Mr and Mrs Bradnum were able to make their appointment at
This Just In – 1962 Morris Minor Convertible
September 20, 2021
There’s something really quite charming about a Morris Minor. There’s something even more loveable about a convertible Morris Minor. This beautiful 1962 Morris Minor Convertible
This Just In – 1930 Packard 740 Waterfield Convertible
September 20, 2021
A rare sight on either side of the Atlantic, this vast and beautiful 1930 Packard Super 8 Convertible is in with us here at Bridge
New Life – Refinishing the dash surround on a classic Mini
September 20, 2021
Refinishing a piece of trim is sometimes more effective than replacing it. Although the finish may be work or damaged, the part itself is still
Expert Touch – Rust Repairs on a 1989 Porsche 911
September 17, 2021
Rust repairs. One of the biggest fears when it comes to classic car ownership. However, it doesn’t always have to be that way. Take for
Poise and Elegance – Painting the bonnet on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Roadster Series 3
September 17, 2021
The long, elegant and graceful lines of an E Type bonnet are best highlighted in a flattering colour. This is very true for our incredible
Getting to The Bottom of It – Automatic Gearbox Leak on the 1964 Daimler 2.5 V8
September 17, 2021
There is a simple beauty to old Daimler V8’s. This 1964 Daimler 2.5 V8 in at Bridge Classic Cars does have a bit of an
All Hail the King – Inspecting the 1990 Range Rover CSK
September 17, 2021
When Charles Spencer King developed the Range Rover back in the late 1960s he intended it to be a particular, useful and utilitarian vehicle but
Starting Off – Starting a 1990 Range Rover CSK
September 17, 2021
The 1990 Range Rover CSK is important in the history of the luxury 4×4. Built to honour the memory of its creator, only a limited
Start at the Beginning – Preparing for Work to Begin on the 1999 Mercedes E55 AMG.
September 15, 2021
This 1999 Mercedes E55 AMG was recovered into Bridge Classic Cars recently with a hydraulic issue. Upon inspection, our technicians found that many of the
Raising the Roof – Revitalising the hood on our 1989 TVR S2 2.9
September 10, 2021
Our incredibly talented in-house trim expert Brian has been working on the roof of the 1989 TVR SII. The old roof had begun to look
Live Auction 1967 Jaguar E-Type: Reserve Met
August 24, 2021
Our one-of-a-kind E-Type is available to purchase through Car and Classic auctions. The reserve has been met and this auction will be coming to a
Beetle Service
July 6, 2021
This charming Beetle came into us due to a breakdown caused by a condenser wire rubbing against the body and causing issues with the distributor.
Hilux’s New Trim
July 6, 2021
Last week Kath was working on a new headliner and sun visors. Today, Brian is setting up the Hilux so that the ceiling cloth can
Integra Sanding And Fabricating
July 6, 2021
Pricey and Lydia have been working on our Honda Integra. Lydia has been sanding down various panels in preparation for paint whilst James has been
Riley Back From The Sandblasters
July 2, 2021
We’ve just received the chassis to our yellow 1951 Riley back from the sandblasters. With all the rust off, we can now start to build
Jaguar MKVII Shims
July 2, 2021
We’d sent the carburettors off and found that the they needed new shims so Ady has worked on making up newer thicker shims.
DB9 Ceiling Lining
July 2, 2021
Kath and Brian have been working on recovering the ceiling lining in Craig’s Aston Martin DB9. Brian begun by undoing the side panels above the
Yellow Riley Dismantling
July 2, 2021
James has been working to dismantle our yellow 1951 Riley and fabricate a new vent panel.
Bentley Continental Seats Re-covered
July 1, 2021
Lydia has been working on recovering a pair of Bentley Continental seats. She has done the whole process from start to finish by hand. She’s
Morris Minor’s Wheel Arch Repair
July 1, 2021
After a hit and run collision that left this little moggy with a severely dented rear wheel arch, we’ve begun our repair worked to get
Subaru bodywork restoration
July 1, 2021
This beautifully kept 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX STi in for what started out as a small rust repair. Leaving no stone unturned James has noticed
Aston Martin DB2/4 Seat Creation
July 1, 2021
Brian has been taking apart the the covers from the rear base and squab seat on our Aston Martin DB2/4. He’s un-done the hinge from
Holey Moley!
June 30, 2021
Our classic Jaguar 240 has two substantial holes in its underside due to corrosion. It’s been sat 18 months and now needs some thorough TLC.
XJS Bored Radiator
June 30, 2021
Our Jaguar XJS has had its radiator bored out again to make it run more smoothly.
Out with the Old – Interior Restoration on the 1956 Jensen 541
September 21, 2021
Work has begun on the interior of our incredible ”Barn Find” 1956 Jensen 541. As you can see, it’s not in the best condition but that’s not a problem for our incredible in-house trim shop.
The original interior unfortunately had succumbed to the passing of time. As you can see, there wasn’t much left after our in-house trim team began to pull it apart.
This interior will see the light of day again!
Be sure to keep an eye on our news page for more updates about this project very soon.
Back to Basics – Parts Paint Removal on the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4
September 21, 2021
Lydia, one of our in-house technicians here at Bridge Classic Cars, has been hard at work carefully removing the paint from some of the pieces removed during the restoration of the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 we have in with us in Suffolk.
Lydia used all the techniques she has gained in her experience to expertly preserve the material of the part where possible. A mixture of sanding, stripping and thinners were used to get the pieces back to bare metal for assessment if any repairs were going to be needed during the restoration of such an amazing handbuilt car.
With such an in depth restoration, all handled in-house by us here at Bridge Classic Cars, each of the components across the entire car are always dealt with in the same careful and dutiful manner.
Getting Started – Fitting a New Starter Motor to the 1990 Range Rover CSK.
September 20, 2021
A starter motor is the unsung hero of any car. You rely on it for vehicles new and old to begin every sort of adventure.
Eventually, however, they do give up. That is the story of the starter motor on the 1990 Range Rover CSK we have in at Bridge Classic Cars. Our technician Mauro began looking into exactly what was happening.
After removing the old starter motor, he found it to be in rather a bad shape. A massive crack was found in the stator, this was due in part to the ignition switch on the steering column. When Mauro first tried to check to see if any power was going to the starter, he noted that the 3rd position would not return the 2nd position. This meant that the starter motor was constantly on which caused the crack in the stator.
After the replacement starter motor had been delivered, Mauro tested the component on the bench to check it operated as it should before installing it into this very rare piece of 4×4 history. Along with the starter motor, Mauro also cleaned up some of the grounding points.
The next step for the CSK here at Bridge Classic Cars will be firing up the 3.9 litre V8 with this very lucky customer right next to it to enjoy the first start.
Shooting an ’80s Icon – Behind the Scenes with a 1983 Ford Capri 1.6
September 20, 2021
Well, you may have seen by now the video of our latest competition car but it’s time to take you behind the scenes of the shoot. The icon that is, the Ford Capri.
The sun shone brightly on a crisp but slightly hazy Suffolk morning. At our Bentwaters storage facility, the nose of this black icon stood out of the hanger doors begging to be let loose. With every classic car, you need to let them warm up before any fun can be had. The Capri is no exception.
As the sun began to rise higher in the sky, a sense of urgency swept over the marketing team. The light was perfect, the conditions were perfect and most importantly, the car was perfect. Our marketing expert Freddie was at the controls of the camera, making sure each shot was perfectly tailored to fit around this much sought after sportscar.
As he called out the directions to the helmsman guiding the direction of the Capri’s long, elegant bonnet, the whole piece became a ballet at speed. A carefully choreographed meeting of two vehicles in one place to be captured in a moving image.
Lap after lap, the Capri performed faultlessly. Even when an unexpected and unruly herd of deer managed to find their way onto the south circuit of RAF Bentwaters and the brakes had to be tested a couple of times. The steering wheel felt almost telepathic to the new RS 4 spoke wheels, finding the path of least resistance around the sweeping and tight corners of the old base.
The 1983 Ford Capri 1.6LS you see before you is our newest competition car, available for anyone in the UK to enter over at Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
Going That Bit Further – Continuing the interior on the 1960 Jensen 541R
September 20, 2021
Work is continuing on the interior of this in-house handmade interior of the 1960 Jensen 541R we have in with us for restoration at Bridge Classic Cars.
This entirely bespoke and fitted interior being made by our in-house trim shop shows the level of detail needed for such a unique and classic car. The foams are individually cut and refind to make sure that the seat fits the owner well but also follows the classic, following lines of the original interior trim.
The Jensen 541 family are all so unique and entirely handbuilt that the interiors are as individual as the car. This particular car is a very special project to us here at Bridge Classic Cars so keep an eye out on our news page for more updates on this fantastic example of the marque.
Journeys End – Making their appointment with the 1961 Alvis TD21
September 20, 2021
After the overnight rebuild on the starter motor of their gorgeous 1961 Alvis TD21, Mr and Mrs Bradnum were able to make their appointment at Brize Fest 2021.
As you may know, it was Mr and Mrs Bradnum who had coordinated the display of Alvis’ cars built between 1935 and 1962 so their attendance was crucial at the event. Thankfully they made it to their destination safe and sound, and on their return home set us over some incredible photos of the TD21 in front of a rather impressive C17 Globemaster (just returned from Afghanistan) and its siblings.
We here at Bridge Classic Cars would like to wish the Bradnum’s many happy miles of motoring to come and thank them for their kind words.
This Just In – 1962 Morris Minor Convertible
September 20, 2021
There’s something really quite charming about a Morris Minor. There’s something even more loveable about a convertible Morris Minor.
This beautiful 1962 Morris Minor Convertible is coming into us to have its convertible hood frame repaired.
Due to an unexpected gust of wind whilst the customer was out driving this stunning little classic, the hood frame was damaged. Our in-house team of restoration technicians assessed what would be needed to make sure this classic was safe. But also as original as possible.
It will be coming into us at Bridge Classic Cars very soon to begin work. So keep an eye on our news page for more updates on this Morris Minor Convertible and all of our other projects.
This Just In – 1930 Packard 740 Waterfield Convertible
September 20, 2021
A rare sight on either side of the Atlantic, this vast and beautiful 1930 Packard Super 8 Convertible is in with us here at Bridge Classic Cars for an assessment of some work and some crucial maintenance.
As with all classic cars, routine maintenance is very important. This is even more important on cars such as the gorgeous Packard Super 8 Waterhouse Convertible.
This particular Packard has lived much of its life in the British Isles, since being imported into Ireland in 1944. The car was previously restored by a specialist in France with its previous owner but now we here at Bridge Classic Cars have the honour of caretaking such a unique piece of automotive history.
To begin with, our in-house technicians will begin work with a complete service on the 6.3 litre 8 cylinder. This will also include timing and spark plug checks as well as adjusting the valves to make sure this special machine idles with a near-silent whisper.
Keep a check on our news page for more updates on this fabulous example of pre-war American luxury here at Bridge Classic Cars.
New Life – Refinishing the dash surround on a classic Mini
September 20, 2021
Refinishing a piece of trim is sometimes more effective than replacing it. Although the finish may be work or damaged, the part itself is still in good condition.
That is the story with this dash surround belonging to our friend Ted at Team C Racing. The paint on top of the veneer had unfortunately cracked in several places over time. But our in-house paint and body team knew just what to do.
They stripped the whole piece back ready to be repainted to match the original paint. Carefully making sure it would be as close to the original as possible and as you can see. Matt and Chris got it absolutely spot on.
Expert Touch – Rust Repairs on a 1989 Porsche 911
September 17, 2021
Rust repairs. One of the biggest fears when it comes to classic car ownership. However, it doesn’t always have to be that way.
Take for example this 1989 Porsche 911 we have with us at Bridge Classic Cars. There was a small area of rust bubbling up from under the rear window seal. In our last post, you saw the removal of the rear screen so our incredible in-house technicians could assess what would need to be done.
From that, our paint and body specialist Matt determined that it was merely surface rust from the seal doing its intended job. Not a problem, our in-house paint and body team stripped back the area and treated it with a rust preventative agent to ensure it will be neutralised.
After that, all that was need to seal the area was a quick blow over with the appropriately mixed primer. But as we all know, you can’t just leave that area in primer. A Paint match was needed.
For this, we called in Dean from GB Refinish. He came around to our paint shop to digitally scan the closest panel to the affected area to get the close match our paint system has. After the analysis was done and loaded into our on-site mixing computer. The closest match for the now 32-year-old Grand Prix White paint was found for this amazing 911.
Next up, painting the area and putting everything back just right for this very lucky owner.
Poise and Elegance – Painting the bonnet on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Roadster Series 3
September 17, 2021
The long, elegant and graceful lines of an E Type bonnet are best highlighted in a flattering colour.
This is very true for our incredible 1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster that has been finished in a very rare Fern Grey. Our in-house paint team worked hard to make sure every surface on this vast and prominent part were perfect before even the first coat of primer was laid down.
The bonnet of an E type is such an important and recognisable part of the cars overall character. It couldn’t be anything less than perfect for this particular build.
Matt and Chris worked their magic in our paint booth, getting the right shade to match this very special car.
Next up for Fern Grey, getting it fitted to the rest of the car that Scott, our technician, has worked so hard on.
Getting to The Bottom of It – Automatic Gearbox Leak on the 1964 Daimler 2.5 V8
September 17, 2021
There is a simple beauty to old Daimler V8’s. This 1964 Daimler 2.5 V8 in at Bridge Classic Cars does have a bit of an issue though. There is a leak from the gearbox, but that’s nothing our amazing technicians John and Paul can’t fix.
After John and Paul had confirmed there was indeed a leak from the automatic gearbox, it then become a quest to find its source. Upon investigating, John found the culprit to be two rubber seals that had perished. Thankfully due to their location, these seals could be removed with the automatic gearbox in place.
Brand new seals were installed by our in-house technicians and the vehicle fired up for testing. The Results? No more leaks for this Daimler V8.
The next job to do on this particular car while it’s in here at Bridge Classic Cars is to look into some radio interference issues.
All Hail the King – Inspecting the 1990 Range Rover CSK
September 17, 2021
When Charles Spencer King developed the Range Rover back in the late 1960s he intended it to be a particular, useful and utilitarian vehicle but with slightly more refinement than the Series II Land Rover.
Then in 1990 to commemorate the great man, Range Rover released the CSK (Charles Spencer King). 200 of these limited edition 2 door Range Rovers were released to the public in either manual or very rare automatic. This one you see here with us at Bridge Classic Cars in number 47 in the series and is one of the incredibly rare Automatics.
It has been stored at our Bentwaters facility awaiting workshop space to begin inspecting what this glorious old girl needs to be useable and splendid once more.
When it arrived for inspection, it was not under its own power. Our in-house technicians here at Bridge Classic Cars believe there to be an issue with the starter motor which will soon be replaced in order to make sure the 3.9-litre powertrain at the heart of this beast works as it should.
Meanwhile, there is quite a lot of corrosion on the underside of this 31-year-old beauty which is being looked at and thoroughly assessed by our amazing team.
Keep your eye out for updates on this incredible piece of 1990s luxury on our projects page.
Starting Off – Starting a 1990 Range Rover CSK
September 17, 2021
The 1990 Range Rover CSK is important in the history of the luxury 4×4. Built to honour the memory of its creator, only a limited number were built and even fewer still remain.
This particular example has been stored with us at Bridge Classic Cars in preparation for its move over to our workshop but when that day arrived, unfortunately, it would not start under its own power. This was no problem. Some manpower and our vehicle transportation team in the closed vehicle transporter, the CSK was on its way to our workshop.
Once safely at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, our technician Mauro clambered under the 1990s icon to check over each component of the starting system methodically and carefully. First starting with the battery, which was indeed flat. Putting it on our Sealey battery charger was simple to get some power back into the black beauty. However, this didn’t change the issue.
Checking that the engine was free became Mauro’s next job. Carefully and precisely barring the 3.9 litre V8 over several times to check that it span freely, which happily it did. With the key in the ignition in the second position, Mauro gently clicked it over to the third point on its cycle. Again nothing.
With this information and his experience, Mauro recommended changing the starter motor on number 47 of the 200 Range Rover CSK’s built.
With this crucial part on order. Mauro enlisted the help of the other in-house Bridge Classic Cars technicians to get the considerable car on our 4 post ramp to begin its inspection.
Start at the Beginning – Preparing for Work to Begin on the 1999 Mercedes E55 AMG.
September 15, 2021
This 1999 Mercedes E55 AMG was recovered into Bridge Classic Cars recently with a hydraulic issue.
Upon inspection, our technicians found that many of the metal lines that run under the vehicle had corroded to the point where some had unfortunately cracked.
Along with the hydraulic lines for the rear brakes and suspension, our in-house technicians also discovered a leak coming from the radiator at the front. On these specific cars, the radiator also acts as a gearbox cooler (with a secondary internal core) which our technicians believe to be the culprit for the suspected leak on the bottom of the pan.
After putting together the list of specific hoses needed to get this exceptional piece of ’90s performance back into safe and working condition, next was the prepare the car for install.
To do this, our technicians had to meticulously go through the rear suspension in order to make sure that the rear axle could be taken out of the car safely and securely. With the rear axle now removed from the back end of the V8 wagon, Paul could start to remove all of the affected hydraulic lines and begin to work his way getting the car ready to accept the new lines.
Expect to see more on this wonderful Super Wagon very soon on our News Page!
Raising the Roof – Revitalising the hood on our 1989 TVR S2 2.9
September 10, 2021
Our incredibly talented in-house trim expert Brian has been working on the roof of the 1989 TVR SII. The old roof had begun to look quite tired and had sun-bleached in places.
Brian worked his magic on the material of the roof and the removable panels to give this convertible a new lease of life.
Find out more about the TVR SII on our News Page for updates.
Live Auction 1967 Jaguar E-Type: Reserve Met
August 24, 2021
Our one-of-a-kind E-Type is available to purchase through Car and Classic auctions. The reserve has been met and this auction will be coming to a close on Thursday 26th August at 9.00 pm. View the listing here.
It’s not often that a competition-spec E-Type comes up on the open market, and even rarer that a road-registered, fully rebuilt and extensively upgraded example rears its head.
Offering the unique opportunity to buy a virtually brand-new E-Type 2+2 with numerous enhancements that both improve the performance and usability of the car, this gorgeous Volcano Orange example has been finished to the highest standards and has evidently been a true ‘passion project’ for the builders – an opportunity too good to miss, and likely one that will never be repeated.
Be sure to get your bids in thick and fast if you want a chance to own this stunning S1 E-Type.
Beetle Service
July 6, 2021
This charming Beetle came into us due to a breakdown caused by a condenser wire rubbing against the body and causing issues with the distributor. Ady is attending to the engine problem whilst Mauro carries out a service.
Hilux’s New Trim
July 6, 2021
Last week Kath was working on a new headliner and sun visors. Today, Brian is setting up the Hilux so that the ceiling cloth can be fitted. Brian first cleaned the roof, before fitting sound deadening. Once the sound deadening was in place, Brian then begun fitting the roof lining fabric, gluing it perfectly into place.
This restoration is a part home-restoration with the occasional help from us at Bridge. The clients have decided they want to do it themselves with our aid as and when it’s needed.
As always, a wonderful job by our trim team!
Integra Sanding And Fabricating
July 6, 2021
Pricey and Lydia have been working on our Honda Integra. Lydia has been sanding down various panels in preparation for paint whilst James has been taking apart the internal panels around the arch and fabricating new parts.
Riley Back From The Sandblasters
July 2, 2021
We’ve just received the chassis to our yellow 1951 Riley back from the sandblasters. With all the rust off, we can now start to build it back up.
Jaguar MKVII Shims
July 2, 2021
We’d sent the carburettors off and found that the they needed new shims so Ady has worked on making up newer thicker shims.
DB9 Ceiling Lining
July 2, 2021
Kath and Brian have been working on recovering the ceiling lining in Craig’s Aston Martin DB9. Brian begun by undoing the side panels above the window and unclipping the headliner panel. He then removed the cover and foam so that he was able to glue the cover back down to the panel, making sure he glues the excess flap to the back. Once the headliner had its new cover, he could fit it back in place with Kath’s help.
Yellow Riley Dismantling
July 2, 2021
James has been working to dismantle our yellow 1951 Riley and fabricate a new vent panel.
Bentley Continental Seats Re-covered
July 1, 2021
Lydia has been working on recovering a pair of Bentley Continental seats. She has done the whole process from start to finish by hand. She’s replaced the foam, cut new leather from templates she’s made from the old cover, fitted, stitched and glued the new seats together with a keen attention to detail.
Morris Minor’s Wheel Arch Repair
July 1, 2021
After a hit and run collision that left this little moggy with a severely dented rear wheel arch, we’ve begun our repair worked to get this Morris Minor back on the road. The damage was rather substantial and has needed James to fabricate in a new rear arch and panel which will later be painted.
Subaru bodywork restoration
July 1, 2021
This beautifully kept 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX STi in for what started out as a small rust repair. Leaving no stone unturned James has noticed corrosion into the arch and sill and has taken a ‘belt and braces’ approach to make sure this modern classic is fighting fir for many years to come. James has cut out any compromised metal and has fabricated a new driver’s side arch and part of the sill.
Here’s what Freddie’s car usually looks like…
And here is the work in progress… We have elected to replace the rusted bumper brackets with new genuine Subaru parts.
Aston Martin DB2/4 Seat Creation
July 1, 2021
Brian has been taking apart the the covers from the rear base and squab seat on our Aston Martin DB2/4. He’s un-done the hinge from the bottom edge and top section of the squab and removed the rubber strips from their metal channels. Once he’d undone the metal trims, Brian then removes the tacks holding the squab to the wooden frame. He removed the cover and foam from the backboard and removed the trim from the top section. Brian then removed the side sections from top part of squab seat, undid the metal trim and removed all the wood from inside. He could then start peeling back the leather to reveal the metal trim and undo the rivets to remove back sections. Finally he removed the base foam to leave the metal tub ready to be cleaned and painted.
Holey Moley!
June 30, 2021
Our classic Jaguar 240 has two substantial holes in its underside due to corrosion. It’s been sat 18 months and now needs some thorough TLC.
XJS Bored Radiator
June 30, 2021
Our Jaguar XJS has had its radiator bored out again to make it run more smoothly.
