While out on our Mince Pie Drive, the driver’s door release cable snapped on our 1961 Austin Mini 850.
Once it had finished helping us spread some festive cheer to local care homes, Jonn repaired the cable and it is now back as good as new!
It’s a busy Mini today in the workshops as we prepare for our Cooper S to be delivered to Geoff later in the week. We’ve carried out the pre delivery inspection and noticed a fuel leak from carb float bowl.
We’ve taken the car outside to warm her up.
Checked for previous fuel leak and no signs of leak anymore.
Next up, we’ve carried out a long road test, under different driving conditions using P1 fuel. We’ve cruised at 30, 50, 60 and 70mph and all seems to be ok. The car accelerates well at all speeds. The idle speed is a little erratic but doesn’t stall or cut out at all and drives lovely. We’ve rechecked for fuel leak and it appears to have stopped now. We suspected the needle valve was stuck in offside carb.
Now, it’s time to make history here at Bridge Classic Cars as we fill her up with our new P1 fuel, right to the brim.
Rob then took the car away for some final bits of filming but annoyingly the fuel leak has reappeared. Jon has remove the float bowl lid, freed off the needle valve and checked over and now all seems ok.
Now on to Mini number 2, our 1961 Austin Mini 850. Molly has been out to shoot the car today and has reported that it struggles to stay running. Jon has now attended to the stalling issue by removing the air filter and carburettor suction chamber and piston.
We have thoroughly cleaned both and checked for piston free fall in suction chamber. It was a bit sticky so we have lubed up, refitted and refilled the damper oil. The air filter has been refitted.
Road test and adjust idle speed.
The brakes pull to the right slightly under hard braking which we will need to address but otherwise the car now drives fine.
We have adjusted the front brakes and retest and now it is much better.
Technician Jonn has been looking at our beautiful 1961 Austin Mini. He has been working on the clutch hose and has made the following notes:
Fit new clutch slave cylinder flexible hose. Refit cylinder and bleed system. Top up fluid. Clutch dragging. Repeat bleeding process 3 more times but still the same. Adjust clutch arm stop. Bleed again but force piston back into cylinder when bleeding. Test. Ok now, top up fluid.carry out stop adjustment and arm nuts according to manual. Refit return spring. Remove exhaust manifold to downpipe clamp. Clean and seal up, refit and secure. Torque wheel nuts and refit locking wheel nut covers.put 5ltrs fuel in and take outside and warm up. Richen mixture and adjust idle. Carry out road test. Brakes pull to right. Staling at idle and door unlock cable inside drivers door come off.
Jack up and adjust brakes. Remove drivers door lock. Refit interior release cable and refit lock and test. Adjust striker plate and test. Car requires road test to check brakes and tune during pdi.
Our 1961 Austin Mini has been in the workshop being checked over by Jonn. Here are his notes:
Clean outlets and refit rad hoses. Carry out vacuum test. Fit a small washer to heater valve to help seal. Re vacuum test and tighten all hose clips. Refill with new coolant. Raise in air and clean and blow off underneath. Remove wheels. Strip nearside rear brake and remove wheel,cylinder. Let brake fluid leak out to drain system of old fluid.
Continue brake repairs. Modify both rear brake backplate to accept new cylinders with larger bll3d nipples. Fit rear cylinders in turn. Clean and delip drums and refit. Strip offside front brake and cylinder. Fit new cylinder and eecu3. Refill reservoir and bleed all brakes. Adjust all brakes and pressure test for leaks. Remove and clean out washer bottle. Refill and refit. Burn off frayed part of nearside seat belt. Refit wheels.
Having been off the road but dry stored for some time, we have started the assessment and repairs required on our 1961 Austin Mini. I very much doubt we will need much work to get the car back on the road.
We’ve stripped and fitted a new clutch slave cylinder. The new clutch slave cylinder is slightly different to the existing so we’ve had to reposition the return spring.
We’ve removed all the old fluid from the reservoir and filled up with new. Next, we’ve let the gravity feed down to cylinder and repositioned the flexi hose.
We’ve removed the fuel tank and we’ve discovered that it is not too bad at all inside.
We’ve used the petrol to swill around inside, gathering all the sedative before draining again.
The tank has been refitted and secured into position. The hose from tank to electric pump needed replacing so we’ve done that too before blowing out the old fuel line. Fitted the pipes and secured.
Next, we’ve added 4 ltrs of petrol in to the tank and checked for leaks. All is ok.
The sump has been refitted and filled with oil. We’ve run the car up and all is ok. The oil light went out and no visible leaks present so all good so far.
Switch off and top up oil. We’ve then drained the coolant, removed the heater valve, stripped, cleaned and free off before rebuilding.
New gaskets have been made and refitted with new nuts and washers.
The clutch slave cylinder has been bled but the pedal still doesn’t feel right. The clutch is not returning. We’ve traced the fault to a collapsed flexi hose.
Strip and remove the carburettor which is full of dirt inside. We’ve cleaned all parts and blown out. Fitted new jet tube and needle valve and set to basic setting.
We’ve cleaned the pistons, fitted new gaskets and refitted the carb with new air filter.
Strip and fit new spark plugs points and condenser.
Next up, we’ve drained 9 litres oil, cleaned out filter housing and fitted a new filter. Then we’ve run 1 litre of oil through the engine and left it to drain.
Removed the rocker cover and adjusted the tappets. Re-stuck the gasket and refitted rocker cover before draining the fuel tank.
Grease all points, fitted a new battery.
The boot was in desperate need of a hoover.
Then we cut off old hold down bolt, drilled out to fit 3/8unf bolt and secured.
November 7, 2024 11:00 am
Tony recently collected our 1961 Austin Mini and brought it to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
Another new arrival entered the Bridge Classic Cars workshop recently in the form of our 1971 Morris Mini Cooper S.
We recently welcomed our 1968 Morris Mini 850 back into the workshop. It didn’t stay long though as Tony has already delivered it back to its very happy owner.
It’s been a long time coming but we have finally completed the pre delivery inspection on our 1976 Leyland Mini Clubman 1100.
The road test proved a success. Just had to inflate the tyres and torque up the wheel nuts.
Jon has refitted the engine identification plate after the engine work has been carried out and she’s now good to go. Next stop, a very understanding and patient Henry who won the car back in January and is yet to see it. I’m sure, with all the unexpected work identified in the previous pre delivery inspection he’ll now be one very happy man.
Our 1985 Mini Mayfair Berkeley was collected from our storage facility to the workshop.
Once here, Jonn investigated a fuel leak from the carburettor area. After a run-up, Jonn found that the float bowl gasket had split and was leaking. He removed the fuel pipes and replaced them with an E10 carburant fuel hose. After replacing the float bowl gasket.
As it was still leaking, Jonn stripped and removed the float bowl lid and checked the needle valve and debris was found inside.
After blowing this out and testing it, it was fine.
Jonn noted that the exhaust was blowing still, so he raised the car up on the ramp and removed the complete exhaust. He separated the system and cleaned the flanges and joints.
He bent the front pipe to achieve the correct alignment before mounting the front pipe and sealing it with an instant gasket. He then secured the front pipe and mounted the remaining exhaust. Finally, he positioned and tightend all clamps and mounts. Run and test. All ok now.
Now that our 1976 Leyland Mini Clubman 1100 has been won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, Jonn has been conducting one last inspection and making some repairs before it is delivered to its new owner.
Here are Jonn’s findings:
Finish inspection. Strip offside front suspension and remove hub complete. Strip and remove top ball joint, remove shims and repack with less/thinner shims. Repeat process until play removed from ball joint but still free enough to act as a ball joint. Refit hub and Co pone etc. Torque up front hub nut to 150nm. Refit wheel and torque to 61m.
Fit new nearside front subframe mount. Inspect for any other knocks.
Remove inner rack joint from nearside. Strip old rack under my bench and fit good inner track rod to car.
Tighten inner track rod joint. Refit gaiter and secure. Refit track rod end and wheel. Carry out tracking check/adjust. Torque wheel to 61nm.
Our 1992 Rover Mini Italian Job has been with technician Jonn. He has stripped the rear brakes, fitted new rear shoes and nearside rear wheel cylinder. He then cleaned the hub centres and wheels before securing both door mirrors and steering column cowling.
He fitted the offside rear wheel cylinder before bleeding the rear brakes. After adjusting the handbrake, Jonn checked it for operation and leaks before refitting the wheels and torquing them up.
Our 1985 Austin Mini Mayfair Berkeley has been in the care of technician Neil. He has been investigating why the lights of this rare classic aren’t working.
Our 1992 Rover ‘Italian Job’ Mini has been in the hands of technician Jonn as he has begun his initial inspection of the car.
Once he is happy, the car will be able to go live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.
The humble Mini served as both a way to get from A to B as well as the first steps out onto the open road for a generation of would-be petrolheads.
From its earliest days in the late 1950’s all the way to its retirement in the early 2000’s, the classic Mini holds a special place in the classic car world – Just like this one, our 1976 Mini Clubman 1100.
With beautiful Antique Gold paintwork over a Black interior, with colour matched piping, our 1976 Mini has been lovingly looked after and cherished by its previous owners. Fitted with a 1098cc 4-cylinder engine and 4-speed manual gearbox, this bite-sized piece of gold has all the right feel for a classic Mini experience.
Our Mini Clubman has recently been restored inside and out, with all parts sourced from marque specialists such as Mini Spares and Mini Sport Ltd – as evidenced in the extensive history file which also includes the original Austin Morris ‘Passport to Service’ which details all the way back to the cars original PDI in August of 1976 at Melrose Garages in Norwich, where the car appears to have spent its first 20 years before migrating to the Northwest.
In its 48 years, the car is showing to have covered just under 63,000 miles. It is believed the engine was refreshed around 2018 with sales invoices for a piston ring set and new water pump.
Also included in our Mini’s file is a Best in Show award from the St Helens Classic Car Club dated April 2019, with this, we believe any restorative or restoration works were carried out prior to the award supported by parts invoices dating back to 2017/2016.
Some of you may be thinking ‘haven’t I seen this Mini before?’ and the answer is yes, but Bridge Classic Cars Competitions is giving you another chance to win this incredible 1976 Mini Clubman 1100 for just a few pounds.
Don’t miss out and get your tickets now!
The panel van has been a welcomed workhorse for generations. With its utilitarian practicality, the panel van has done everything from moving house to making memories.
Now Bridge Classic Cars wants you to relive and relove those memories with our gorgeous 1974 Mini 850 Van.
With its beautiful dark green paintwork, over a simple but elegant black interior, our Mini panel van was subjected to a full nut and bolt restoration between 2000 and 2013 commissioned by an adoring previous owner. Included in the cars history file are invoices which relate to the cars restoration where no stone was left unturned in bringing this classic Mini back to life.
Powered by a small and simple 848cc 4-cylinder engine and 4 speed manual gearbox, this little Mini has a practical and easy-going charm.
Originally classed as a commercial vehicle, many of these panel van sadly do not exist today due to being in constant heavy use in their younger years, but this one has been cherished since its early days it would seem with the odometer showing just a shade over 28,000 miles, which is believed to be original, since it was first registered in Devon on the 1st of June 1974.
This is your chance to win this sensational bite-sized panel van for just a few pounds!
Full Gallery & Video:
Our 1981 Austin Morris Mini 998 wasn’t with us very long, but classic car technician Jonn completed the appropriate repairs before waving it goodbye as it returned to its owner.
While working on the car, Jonn noticed that the engine oil level was low so this was topped up. The radiator was also topped up. Jonn then went on to remove the carb pistons and chambers so he could inspect and set them.
The jet depth was measured with a vernier so Jonn could adjust accordingly.
Once Jonn had finished working on our classic Mini, it was time to say goodbye as it left the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
We have recently welcomed our 1981 Austin Morris Mini 998 into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. While it is with us, our team of technicians will be working on the carbs, as well as investigating a noise that the owner has heard coming from the car.
It will also undergo a full appraisal before leaving us.
We love a classic Mini so we are very pleased to have one as good-looking as this with us.
As our 1976 Morris Mini was won last night, classic car technician Jonn has been doing some work to make sure it is ready to go to its new owner very soon.
Some of the work included fitting a new wheel bearing, replacing a wheel stud, and fitting a new fog light switch.
Once Jonn is happy, our classic Mini will be making its way to the lucky winner.
Our 1990 Rover Mini Cooper has been going through its pre-delivery inspection with classic car technician Jonn.
During his inspection, Jonn noticed that the rev counter wasn’t working correctly. To resolve this, he swapped the fascia of a replacement and rebuilt it in the old cluster. After adjusting the rheostat for the rev counter, everything was tested and reading correctly.
The car was then road tested and has now been signed off by Jonn to say it is ready to be delivered to its new owner very soon.
Our 1976 Morris Mini has been in the care of classic car technician Jonn as he has been resolving a few issues that he found during his investigations.
Part of this work involved sorting the wiring for the spotlights on the front of the car. Once this was complete, Jonn reassembled the lights and everything worked as it should. The speakers in the rear shelf were Jonn’s next focus before the front of the car was fully reassembled and cleaned.
There is a switch on the accessory panel which now functions correctly in that it operates the three spotlights on the front of our Mini when the full beam is activated. New CV boots were also fitted to our latest competition cars.
Before Jonn finished working on our 1976 Morris Mini, new discs and pads were fitted to the front of the vehicle.
It has been a very busy time for our 1976 Morris Mini since its recent arrival in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Now that filming has been completed after a successful first inspection, classic car technician Jonn took a more detailed look at our newest competition car.
There are some small jobs that need to be completed before the lucky winner of this beautiful classic Mini takes ownership, but Jonn will soon have any issues resolved.
We recently welcomed our 1976 Morris Mini to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
Known as Alfie, this classic Mini has clearly undergone quite a bit of work and care from its previous owners and it is now live and ready to win on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.
Classic Minis are always popular competition cars and we are expecting nothing less from this eye-catching example.
The winner will be drawn at our movie night at the Riverside Theatre when we are hosting a special viewing of The Italian Job.
Last night, we invited all of our Mini friends to come over to our Pettistree workshops for the live draw of our 1979 Austin Morris Mini in our Atelier building.
With the weather holding off, we opened the doors for everyone to come in with incredible woodfired pizzas from Picollo Pizza Box and the Atelier Bar serving everything from our Rijo42 Coffee to the always popular Adnams 0.5% range – Our friends had something in hand to listen to the amazing set by Annika Rands.
As the clock struck 7PM and the sun began to dip lower across the Suffolk countryside, it was time for us to find out who the lucky winner of our 1979 Austin Morris Mini was! Would it be someone in the room…
Molly and Freddie took our virtual friends are the Atelier through our Facebook live stream, going through some of the upcoming competition cars as well as some other exciting news about a very special Jaguar which you’ll find out more about very soon.
At 10 past 7, as always, the competition closes. This marks the point where fate and luck collide as we find a new home for a dream classic somewhere in the UK. With only a couple of hundred tickets remaining, Molly gathered everyone in the room a little closer and beckoned those behind a screen to edge forward on their seats.
As with every live draw, we wait until everyone (both in the room and on the web) can clearly see our screen loaded up with the Google Random Number Generator. After a quick test outside of the 1-4999 tickets, everything was in place to find the classic Mini a new home.
Molly carefully and precisely put the numbers in, 1 and 4999 for the generator to search through. With a drum roll and a countdown by everyone in the audience, Molly clicked the fateful button which has led to over 130 people winning through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
4027.
Those were the exact numbers that showed up bold and resolute on the screen.
That particular ticket had been part of a handful of tickets bought by Anthony Wardley – The new owner of our 1979 Austin Morris Mini 850.
March 31, 2023 8:36 am
Our 1979 Austin Morris Mini 850 is now live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.
After spending time in the Bridge Classic Cars Paint Shop and having a full re-paint, this is one of the best-presented classic minis we have ever had as a competition car.
Tickets are available to buy now so don’t miss your chance to be the new owner of our 1979 Austin Morris Mini 850.
March 21, 2023 4:12 pm
Our 1989 Rover City Mini 1000 E was collected from the Bridge Classic Cars workshop today by lucky winner, Adam Hutchinson.
As Adam lives locally to us, we invited him to come and see us for a tour of the workshop and to see his Mini in person. It was great to see Adam meeting his classic Mini for the very first time and he certainly seemed extremely happy with it.
Adam won our 1989 Rover Mini City 1000 E in the live draw held on 16th February 2023. His ticket number, 3662, was chosen at random as the winner.
Everyone here at Bridge Classic Cars would like to congratulate Adam again and we hope he has lots of fun in his classic Mini.
Our 1976 Leyland Mini Clubman 110 is live now on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.
This beautiful classic mini underwent extensive restoration and has been finished to a very high standard.
Classic minis are always popular competition cars and, as this one is such a great example, tickets will likely sell fast!
After being prepped for a new paint job by Mauro, classic car technician Chris painted our 1979 Austin Morris Mini 850.
Perhaps the biggest difference is on the back of our classic mini which had a black boot lid, but this is now in matching white.
Our 1979 Austin Morris Mini 850 looks great with its new paint and we are looking forward to seeing it eventually be won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
A new arrival to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop is our 1976 Leyland Mini Clubman 1100. It has recently undergone a comprehensive restoration and it has been finished to extremely high standards.
An award-winning classic car, our Mini has won best in show and it certainly looks like it can win many more awards in the future too.
Our 1976 Leyland Mini Clubman 1100 has clearly been well loved and looked after throughout its life and we are very much looking forward to offering it as a competition car on Bridge Classic Cars Competitions very soon.
Our 1979 Austin Morris Mini 850 has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with classic car technician Mauro.
Our classic Mini was rubbed down and had primer applied in preparation for it to be painted very soon.
It won’t be too much longer before our 1979 Austin Morris Mini 850 is fully painted and, eventually, it will go on to be a competition car through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
