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In The Right Direction – Aligning the 1990 Mini 30

January 13, 2022

Our in-house restoration technician Jon has been working on the front end of the 1990 Austin Mini 30 before it is transported to its new owner. As part of its check over, Jon had to make some tracking adjustments to get the Mini’s steering spot on.

With a few small tweaks, Jon managed to get the Mini’s steering completely dialled in and nicely balanced. Making sure everything under the car was torqued and secure, the car went for its final road test.

This little 1990 Austin Mini 30 will soon be off to its very lucky new owner.

Starting from New – Continuing Body Repairs on the 1987 Daimler Double Six

January 13, 2022

Our in-house fabrication shop at Bridge Classic Cars has been working its way through the rust issues on the 1987 Daimler Double Six.

Monty, one of our amazing fabricators, has carefully removed the affected areas on the sills of the luxury saloon. Monty has worked through the sills and replaced them with brand new metal which will perfectly match the original piece. The piece is as close to the original material thickness as to perfectly blend with the existing panel and when it comes to colour and bodywork, it is easier to paint match.

The work will continue on the 1987 Daimler Double Six so keep an eye out on the Bridge Classic Cars newspage.

From the Ground Up – Installing the Carpet Set into the 1970 Porsche 911T

January 13, 2022

Brian, our head trimmer here at Bridge Classic Cars, has been working his magic and skill alongside our other incredibly talented trimmer Lydia to install the new carpet set into the 1970 Porsche 911T currently in the Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim shop.

Brian carefully began working on the kick panels at the front before moving his way around the edges of the car to the rear. All of the carpet set has to be put down in a very specific order to ensure the best fit and finish for the car. Brian carefully prepared each piece and each panel to be put into the car so it was securely glued down into the cockpit of the car. Once all of the major pieces were safely in place, Brian then began work on carpeting the floor pan of the 911. Finished in black, the carpets look absolutely brilliant in this classic 911.

Stop & Go – New Handbrake Cable of the 1975 MGB GT V8

January 12, 2022

Mauro, one of the restoration technicians here at Bridge Classic Cars, has been working through the list of jobs we have been asked to complete for the owner of the 1975 MGB GT V8.

The next item on the list to get sorted is the handbrake cable. After many years, the cables do stretch so we’ve been asked to replace the old one. Mauro made sure it was safely installed into the car and it didn’t bind or was twisted in anyway to make sure that when it is need, it is always there.

Fresh and Clean – Painting the Hubs for the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1

January 12, 2022

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house paint team have just finished working on the hubs for the 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk1.

Chris, our head painter, has delivered the freshly refinished hubs for the Aston Martin to Scott, our restoration technician, in our workshop for when final assembly calls for the hubs to be fitted up to the car.

Finished in a stunning satin black, the hubs look better than new!

Extra Touches – Creating New Bags for the 1974 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

January 12, 2022

Lydia, one of our incredible trimmers here at Bridge Classic Cars, has been busy handmaking the extra pieces for Fern Grey. Fern Grey is of course the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster that our in-house restoration teams have been working on rebuilding from the ground up for a client of ours.

Lydia began by remaking the original tool wrap that was supplied originally with the car. It had seen better days and was not befitting of such a creation as the mighty Fern Grey. So, using the original as a template, Lydia remade the piece by hand to fit the same fit and finish as the car it will belong to.

Then, with the E Types new tonneau cover completed, Lydia began to hand make the bag which the cover folds into to be stowed away. Much like the tool wrap, Lydia has made it to the same extraordinary standards as the rest of the car.

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.

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 – 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.

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.

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.

Preparations – Getting the 1977 MGB Roadster Ready for Paint

January 4, 2022

Our in-house paint and body experts have been busy preparing the 1977 MGB Roadster for its date with the Bridge Classic Cars in-house spray booth.

Chris has been busy working on the back half of the MGB getting all the new metalwork to sit correctly and flow neatly and gently into the other panels. This is a crucial part of any aesthetic restoration so that when the primer and paint are applied to the car there is no change in the laying of either.

Soon, the car will soon go into the booth to have its epoxy primer laid and then it will all be prepared for its colour and clear coat.

From Scratch – Making and Trimming Rear Quarters for the 1956 Jensen 541

December 20, 2021

Brian, one of our legendary in-house trim experts at Bridge Classic Cars, is a true master of his craft. Brian is currently working on the rear trim panels and pieces for the 1956 Jensen 541 being built by us here at Bridge Classic Cars. The interior is one of those pieces being handcrafted to fit the car.

The rear quarter pieces have been entirely made by hand by Brian. We have a long history of restoring Jensen 541’s to a world-class standard and part of that is the interiors our team create for these bespoke sportscars. Each piece for the interior of the ’56 has been made by hand by the team, whether it be the coverings or literally panels for the car like these rear quarter pieces.

Brian made these panels to perfectly fit into the car and also to work alongside the other pieces of trim which are going to be alongside them in the car. After hand forming them, Brian then cuts and wraps them by hand to ensure the best possible fit and finish to each piece for such a special car.

Check Over – Repairing the Door Cards of the 1954 MG TF

December 20, 2021

Whilst the 1954 MG TF was being worked on by Jon in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, the door cards were in our in-house trim shop being worked on by our trimmer Kath.

The door cards it was found were actually causing a slight issue with getting the door to close correctly. Kath began by inspecting the part of the door which interfered with the hinge and the striker, using her experience and skill Kath managed to rectify the issue and then re-edge and retrim the door card ready to be installed back into the car.

Whilst working on the door cards, Kath also made some new check straps for the doors. Finding the closest colour hide we had in stock, Kath remade the pieces entirely from scratch so that when the doors are opened the will not over extend and risk damaging the pins or the hinges.

Laying Down – Fitting the Sound Deadening and Carpet to the 1968 Jaguar MkII 2.4

December 17, 2021

While the seats were removed from the 1968 Jaguar MkII 2.4 which is in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, our in-house trim expert, Brian, could begin work on retrimming the floors and installing the sound deadening into the floor of this classic Jaguar.

Previously, Brian had stripped out the floors of the car in our trim shop in preparation for the welding repairs needed. Now, Brian could begin his work getting the inside of the car looking as good as the outside. Using original style sound deadening, Brian laid the material into all of the areas that can be affected or are known for transmitting sound into the cabin. Using a series of specialist trim tools, Brian managed to neatly secure the sound deadening into the car. This, allowed Brian to carry on to the next phase of the interior in the 1968 MkII 2.4.

Next up, was getting the carpet panels in the least accessible places throughout the interior. Trimming the rear seat edges, driveshaft tunnel and seat cross members in the stunning, vibrant red which was closely matched to the original pieces. Brian also hand trimmed the gearbox tunnel as well. Using the original pieces as a template to work from but would trim and adjust the pieces to ensure the best fit and finish once all of the accompanying trim has been fitted.

Smallest Details – Trim Edging on the 1934 MG PA Midget

December 16, 2021

We love the 1934 MG PA Midget here at Bridge Classic Cars. Whilst work is continuing on the classic sports car in the workshop, our in-house trim expert Brian has the seat in the trim shop.

Underneath the driver’s seat, the original leather liner and edging were missing. No problem for Brian and the trim team. Brian made the new piece from high-quality black leather and then hand made the edging which surrounded the outer edge of the seat base.

Our trim shop do an amazing job. Brian’s work really finishes off the seat from the 1934 MG PA, but expect to see a lot more on this car in the coming weeks here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.

Diving Deeper – Finding a Rotten Heater Hose on the 1954 MG TF

December 15, 2021

The Bridge Classic Cars in-house restoration teams have been inspecting and assessing the 1954 MG TF after getting the car started.

Our technician Jon had a look at each component within the engine bay, and that includes all the hoses. Upon inspection, Jon found one of the heater hoses had become very deteriorated over time and for the sake of safety will need to be replaced. The condition of the hoses is crucial for the longevity of any classic car’s engine so this is a must-do job.

Final Checks – Checking the Alternator on the 1989 TVR S2 2.9

December 14, 2021

The 1989 TVR S2 which was won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions has left the secure storage facility, The Hangar, on its way to its new home with its new owner, Jarlath. But, before it goes anywhere our in-house restoration technicians just want to check something.

When the car was pulled out of The Hangar, the alternator light was showing on the dash. This unit had been replaced during its preparation so Tom and John decided to go through and double-check the charging system. Methodically, our restoration teams worked through each component and wire.

After investigating, John and Tom found that one of the connectors had been slightly dirty/corroded was the cause of the light on the dashboard of this vibrant red sports car. After this had been cleaned and tested, all was ok and ready for delivery.

Looking Ahead Behind – Fitting the Mirror to the 1960 Jensen 541S

December 8, 2021

The restoration technicians at Bridge Classic Cars have been busy working on a couple of jobs on the 1960 Jensen 541S before it goes to The Hangar for its winter storage.

One of the most important jobs to be done was to fit a rearview mirror at the request of the owner. The mirrors for the 541’s did not come as standard, however, because of our history with their restorations, we managed to source a piece for the owners’ peace of mind while driving.

Carefully, the mirror was placed into the door at the right place after dozens of test fits to ensure the part sat properly and also looked right. The detailing on the mirror itself is a beautiful part of its story. With exposed, bright hardware and a simple flat disc but with the base coming to a sharply defined point, it looks completely at home on the 541.

There are a couple of other jobs to have a look at on Peony Red, which will you’ll be able to see about here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.

Workshop Update – New Door in the Trim Shop

December 7, 2021

Over the coming weeks and months, there are some changes beginning to happen at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Pettistree, Suffolk. Apart from our new workshop extension, the changes have already started to begin.

The trim shop, where Brian and Kath create some of the most incredible automotive upholstery you have ever seen, is now accessible from our in-house paint booth and vice versa. This allows for better movement around the building and also a better flow for the restoration teams.

There are more changes coming soon to the building but you’ll have to wait and see. Keep an eye here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page for more updates on our very special workshop.

Mirror Image – Bodywork on the 1977 MGB Roadster

December 6, 2021

This 1977 MGB Roadster is in with Bridge Classic Cars for a full cosmetic restoration. That does involve a bit of cutting…

Scott has worked his magic on the passenger side of this amazing sports car over the last few weeks. Carefully removing any corroded metal on its flanks so that the new wings can be grafted in and secured. Now, it was time for Scott to begin work on the driver’s side. Much the same as the other, Scott only cut where was needed to remove the material and give enough room to comfortably weld the new panels in with very little distortion from the heat.

Using a thin cutting disc, Scott managed to create clean and precise cuts to remove firstly the original rear wing and then the structure and wheel arch behind it. These are needed to be removed and replaced with brand new pieces as part of the car’s aesthetic restoration.

Now, with the wings all on and cleaned up. It’s time to move forwards.

It’s Whats on the Inside – Beginning Install of the Interior on the 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster

December 1, 2021

The 1973 Jaguar E Type Series III Roadster which we know as Fern Grey has officially been moved over to the the trim shop! A massive milestone in the build, which means now Brian, Kath and Lydia can began work on getting the handmade interior into this stunning E Type.

To begin with, Brian started to mark out and prepare the sound deadening panels for the car. This will be a crucial part of the interior as not only will it help with the final fit and finish of each of the handmade pieces, but will also be key for a pleasant driving experience for its owner. So, Brian used his years of experience and reference photos to place the sound deadening panels in just the right place which should mean all the piece go into the car perfectly but it has less intrusive cabin noise.

With the sound deadening now secured into the car, Brian could turn his attention to the doors. Brian and the Bridge Classic Cars in-house trim team have custom made these absolutely stunning green door cards to match the rest of the interior accent colours. These are two piece door panels with an upper cap and a lower door card but were created specifically for this car. The door cards needed to be secured into place for Brian to do the last piece for passenger side doors. The all important sill cap.

The sill cap for Fern Grey is much like the rest of the car, entirely bespoke to the project. Wanting to continue to the elegance and comfort all the way from the centre of the car out, Brian wrapped the sills in upholstery foam to give them a totally new look and feel. Like they had become an extension of the dash/seats/consoles. Then, wrapped in a colour matched vinyl the sills look absolutely sensational and there’s still so much more to come!

Expect to see quite a few more updates in the coming weeks on Fern Grey here on the Bridge Classic Cars news page.

Refining Process – Making the Rear Quarter Trims for the 1956 Jensen 541

November 29, 2021

Brian, our in-house trim expert, has been continuing to work on the rear quarter trims for the 1956 Jensen 541 currently in at Bridge Classic Cars for restoration.

Brian has completely fabricated each of the trim pieces by hand for the 541 using what was left of the originals. Piece by piece, Brian used the original techniques to recreate the trim panels which will then go on to be retrimmed in matching vibrant red leather to the rest of the car.

Each of the pieces has been hand cut and sanded to be a perfect fit when installed into the car. Millimetre by millimetre, Brian removed material after dry fitting. Also, taking into account the foam covering and leather to ensure the best fit and finish possible for this incredible 1950s British sports car.

Good as New – Painting the Wheels of 1998 Honda Integra Type R

November 29, 2021

The wheels for the 1998 Honda Integra Type R that has been here at Bridge Classic Cars to be restored are done in the paint shop!

Chris has been hard at work getting the correct colour and finish on the classic wheels to exactly match the white they needed to be. The wheels themselves have been refurbished so the colour was the final step of the process.

Through Chris’s hard work and dedication, the wheels have come out absolutely fantastic and will match the finish and standard of the rest of the car.

Stay tuned for more on the Integra here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog.

Carrying On – Continuing the Woodwork for the 1956 Jensen 541

November 26, 2021

Brian has been busy at work hand-crafting several pieces for the interior of the 1956 Jensen 541 that is being restored by Bridge Classic Cars.

Brian, one of our master in-house trim experts, has been using what is salvageable from the original interior as well as reference photos and experience to create the needed trim panels. Here, Brian is making new wooden pieces for interior cards of the 541 which will be foamed and then wrapped in the world-class hide to the customers choice of colour.

Brian took his time to carefully measure and template the pieces that are needed for the car. Then, he began to bring them to life for this stunning British sports car which is currently being restored by all of our restoration teams.

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.

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.

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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