Beetle Wheel Trims
November 20, 2023
We have sourced some original VW wheel trims for our 1974 Beetle. These have now been sent off for re-chroming before they will eventually go
classic vw
Progress Continues
October 12, 2023
Classic car technician James has continued to make great progress in getting our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle ready to leave the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and
One Step Closer
October 6, 2023
The two Johns have been continuing our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle’s progress towards finishing its restoration with us here at Bridge Classic Cars. The wiring was
Beetle Headliner
September 15, 2023
Classic car technicians Brian and Lydia have continued their work on the interior of our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. They screwed the rear wooden frame rail
Ready To Go Back Together
July 10, 2023
Our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle is coming to the end of its stay in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop. Before it leaves though, Chris has
Our Camper Is Live!
June 29, 2023
Our 1977 Volkswagen T2 Kombi is live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website. With a 1970cc air-cooled flat-four engine and automatic gearbox, it has
A Summer Arrival
April 26, 2023
A very summery arrival has entered the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in the form of our 1977 Volkswagen T2 Kombi. This stunning camper is a
More Repairs On Our Beetle
March 13, 2023
Classic car technicians Christian and Monty have been completing more repairs on our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. This time, they have been focussed on the scuttle
Taking Our Beetle Apart
January 23, 2023
One of the most popular cars of all time, our Volkswagen Beetle is a car you will likely see on a regular basis while out
A New Arrival – 1974 Volkswagen Beetle
January 6, 2023
The newest arrival has arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and it is our beautiful Volkswagen Beetle. Affectionately known as Delilah (thanks to the
Behind The Scenes – 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco Storm
October 14, 2022
Our 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco Storm is currently available to win in our latest Bridge Classic Cars Competitions. If you head over to the competitions website,
Entry Is Open – 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco Storm
October 11, 2022
Our very rare 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco Storm has been inspected and assessed by the workshop team here at Bridge Classic Cars. We have just received
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
VintageCarGirls – September 2021
September 21, 2021
Charlotte has made it to the VintageCarGirls Insta gallery. During her recent holiday Charlotte caught a glimpse of a classic T2 camper. She posted the
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.
Basil The Beetle Broken Down At Bentwaters
June 29, 2021
This poor little 1972 Volkswagen Beetle named Basil broke down last week and was brought to our hanger on RAF Bentwaters to be stored until
T2 Polished Like New
June 14, 2021
Our 1976 VW T2 Westfalia has made its way up to the hanger after a thorough polish to finish its service. We can’t believe how
1976 VW Westfalia T2 Bay Campervan Arrival
June 3, 2021
This stunning ray of sunshine is our new 1976 VW Westfalia T2 Bay Campervan that just arrived today, in perfect timing for the upcoming stay-cation
Beetle Brakes
April 1, 2021
Our lovely 1974 Beetle has come in for some TLC. We’ve fitted new wheel cylinders and bled the brakes as well as stripping the brakes
VW Paint complete
March 9, 2021
The first stage of our 1991 VW T4 Campervan paint has been completed. With the entire body masked and painted in a solid white, the
Mauro’s VW Golf Mk1
March 3, 2021
Our engineers work 4 day weeks, meaning saturday through to monday is their time, but that doesn’t stop them bringing their own cars in to
VW T4 Full Steam Ahead
March 2, 2021
James has been working on removing the old tow bar on our 1991 T4 transporter as the owners don’t need it anymore. He aims to
VW Camper welding continued
February 24, 2021
James has been sanding and smoothing the door frame window sill using the wire wheel on the grinder. Four out of five doors have been
Breathing New Life Into The T4
February 15, 2021
Our 1991 VW T4 Transporter is making progress! Our technicians James and Chris have been working together to ensure bit by bit, we fight the
VW Wheel Arch Welding
February 12, 2021
James has been working on the corrosion damage of our 1991 VW T4 Transporter Campervan. He’s been focusing on finishing off the sliding door and
VW Rust Bust Continued
February 11, 2021
James has engineered a new window sill on the sliding door of our 1991 VW T4 Transporter Campervan. The lower part of the window sill
Spot Welding Progress On The VW T4
February 8, 2021
James has been continuing his work with the VW T4 Transporter Campervan. He’s currently tackling the corrosion in the wheel arch by fabricating new elements.
T4 To Be Rust T-Total
February 2, 2021
James has just begun disassembling the VW T4 Transporter Campervan ready for its bodywork and paint. This includes taking off the bull bars, the glass,
VW T4 In For Some TLC
January 29, 2021
This iconic modern classic has come in for some TLC. As a 1991 VW Transporter T4, this model is often used as a camper conversion,
Beetle Wheel Trims
November 20, 2023
We have sourced some original VW wheel trims for our 1974 Beetle.
These have now been sent off for re-chroming before they will eventually go onto the car ready to go back home to its owner.
Progress Continues
October 12, 2023
Classic car technician James has continued to make great progress in getting our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle ready to leave the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and head home to its owner.
The door pin switches were replaced to ensure the interior lamp works when the doors are opened and a new bumper trim was fitted to the front, along with the external door mirrors (both sides). A new quarter light catch was fitted to the driver’s side front window, then both front wheel bearings were replaced.
Both front wheels and brake callipers were removed and the discs and bearings were taken off. It looked like the bearings had been replaced before, but the outer races were not in good condition. They were knocked out and new inner and outer bearings fitted, they were greased and refitted along with the brakes and wheels.
James also fitted new front seat belts and stalks. There are only a few minor jobs left to address before Delilah goes home.
One Step Closer
October 6, 2023
The two Johns have been continuing our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle’s progress towards finishing its restoration with us here at Bridge Classic Cars.
The wiring was put in for the interior light and the wing mirror was put on and polished too.
Beetle Headliner
September 15, 2023
Classic car technicians Brian and Lydia have continued their work on the interior of our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle.
They screwed the rear wooden frame rail to the frame bars, before fitting the rear edge of the headliner to the back edge of the car. The front edge was then fitted to the front of the frame and the metal trim panel was put on to hold it in place.
Brian stapled the rear flap of the headliner to the rear wooden frame bar before glueing the front flap of the headliner to the frame bars.
Once the headliner was in place, the rear side panels were glued and the rear carpet was glued over the top to keep everything secure and where it should be.
Ready To Go Back Together
July 10, 2023
Our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle is coming to the end of its stay in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop. Before it leaves though, Chris has been finishing the painting of our classic Beetle known as Delilah.
After it came out of the paint booth and Chris had worked his magic, you can see from the photos below that the new coat of paint has made the already beautiful Beetle even more eye-catching.
We are certainly looking forward to seeing Delilah continue on her restoration journey with us and seeing her eventually go back home to her owner.
Our Camper Is Live!
June 29, 2023
Our 1977 Volkswagen T2 Kombi is live on the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website.
With a 1970cc air-cooled flat-four engine and automatic gearbox, it has period-correct paintwork with block graphics. It comes with a history file containing several previous invoices and is an excellent choice for days out exploring.
More information can be seen here.
A Summer Arrival
April 26, 2023
A very summery arrival has entered the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in the form of our 1977 Volkswagen T2 Kombi.
This stunning camper is a fantastic example of an iconic vehicle, and we are very excited to have it with us. Once it has gone through a thorough inspection and assessment with our team of technicians, the plan is to give you the opportunity to win this perfect summer accessory through Bridge Classics Cars Competitions.
More Repairs On Our Beetle
March 13, 2023
Classic car technicians Christian and Monty have been completing more repairs on our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. This time, they have been focussed on the scuttle and the front wing.
Once these areas had been sorted, the rear wing was also repaired.
Christian and Monty have done a great job with the repairs to our Beetle and we are looking forward to seeing ‘Delilah’ returned to her owner in the not too distant future.
Taking Our Beetle Apart
January 23, 2023
One of the most popular cars of all time, our Volkswagen Beetle is a car you will likely see on a regular basis while out driving. However, what you probably won’t see is a VW Beetle that has been stripped of most of its interior and a good chunk of its body too.
If you are in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop though, that’s exactly what you will see as our 1974 Volkswagen Beetle is currently being stripped by classic car technician Chris.
While stripping our Beetle, Chris made some repairs to the bonnet and the front bumper mount.
The owner of our Beetle calls her Delilah because of the 3 Ys at the beginning of the number plate. Delilah is set to have quite a bit of work completed during her time in the workshop and the strip-down is the first stage of the process.
A New Arrival – 1974 Volkswagen Beetle
January 6, 2023
The newest arrival has arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop and it is our beautiful Volkswagen Beetle.
Affectionately known as Delilah (thanks to the first part of the number plate), this iconic and extremely popular car has come to us for a full restoration.
Everyone here at Bridge Classic Cars will look after Delilah until she is ready to be returned to her owner looking better than ever.
Behind The Scenes – 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco Storm
October 14, 2022
Our 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco Storm is currently available to win in our latest Bridge Classic Cars Competitions. If you head over to the competitions website, you will see that there is a video, presented by Molly, and several photos showing this classic car in all its glory.
What you won’t see though, is the hard work and the creativity that goes into making the video and getting the best photos of the car.
The photos below will give you just a little insight into what happens behind the scenes of these classic car shoots.
The team always have fun (driving classic cars around an old air base is always exciting), and do their very best to show every aspect of the cars being offered in our competitions.
The final video and photos can be seen here.
Entry Is Open – 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco Storm
October 11, 2022
Our very rare 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco Storm has been inspected and assessed by the workshop team here at Bridge Classic Cars. We have just received the good news that it is ready to go and it can now be won in our latest competition.
With so few of these cars still on the road, this is your chance to win a rare piece of motoring history.
You can find out all the information you need about the car and how to enter by heading to Bridge Classic Cars Competitions – good luck!
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.
VintageCarGirls – September 2021
September 21, 2021
Charlotte has made it to the VintageCarGirls Insta gallery. During her recent holiday Charlotte caught a glimpse of a classic T2 camper. She posted the image to her own gallery where VintageCarGirls picked it up from.
Thanks for the share…keep up the great work!
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.
Basil The Beetle Broken Down At Bentwaters
June 29, 2021
This poor little 1972 Volkswagen Beetle named Basil broke down last week and was brought to our hanger on RAF Bentwaters to be stored until it comes into the workshop to be fixed.
We have now transported the car over to our workshops for work to commence.
T2 Polished Like New
June 14, 2021
Our 1976 VW T2 Westfalia has made its way up to the hanger after a thorough polish to finish its service. We can’t believe how good its looking now! Next up, a photoshoot…
1976 VW Westfalia T2 Bay Campervan Arrival
June 3, 2021
This stunning ray of sunshine is our new 1976 VW Westfalia T2 Bay Campervan that just arrived today, in perfect timing for the upcoming stay-cation summer! We’ve got a few bits to do on it to neaten it up but otherwise its almost ready to go! Keep your eyes peeled to see what’s going to happen to this little yellow camper…
Here’s some lovely photos from the previous owner of them enjoying camping in it and even using it as a vehicle for both their son’s weddings.
Beetle Brakes
April 1, 2021
Our lovely 1974 Beetle has come in for some TLC. We’ve fitted new wheel cylinders and bled the brakes as well as stripping the brakes and replacing the parts so that it now stops more efficiently. Paul has also replaced the hydraulic wheel cylinders on all four wheels and fitted a carburettor inlet manifold rubber seal.
VW Paint complete
March 9, 2021
The first stage of our 1991 VW T4 Campervan paint has been completed. With the entire body masked and painted in a solid white, the paint shop can then move on to paint the lower half a steel grey.
Mauro’s VW Golf Mk1
March 3, 2021
Our engineers work 4 day weeks, meaning saturday through to monday is their time, but that doesn’t stop them bringing their own cars in to work on – the grind never stops!
Mauro has a lovely 1976 VW Golf MK1 that he’s bought over from his home in Portugal. The polo just needed some general TLC and a service. With fresh stone chip applied under the body and in the wheel arches, this charming VW is ready to go again.
Mauro has driven his VW all over Europe and fondly recalls his continental road trips in his beloved classic.
VW T4 Full Steam Ahead
March 2, 2021
James has been working on removing the old tow bar on our 1991 T4 transporter as the owners don’t need it anymore. He aims to renovate the original bumper to neaten up that area. Chris has been working on sanding and smoothing down the body of the T4 in preparation for paint.
The seats have also been recovered and re-padded with new foam. Kath began by removing the cover, glueing splits foam back together to improve comfort and adding a piece of calico to stick over the top of the foam to reduce splits in the future. Kath also added 3mm of foam to the frames for added comfort on those long road trips.
Kath also discovered the centre of the seat foam has split so she added calico to it and stuck it around three sides. The next step was to stick the foam back in place before refitting the cover. To ensure the cover fit back on neatly, Kath had to push and mould the cover back into shape. She then needed to hook the bottom back into place, pull the back section through to front and hook it onto the same spikes as the front section. Once fitted, Kath could hammer the spikes back to secure the cover.
The doors and side panels have been masked, primed and repainted, ready to be fitted back onto the shell later down the line.
VW Camper welding continued
February 24, 2021
James has been sanding and smoothing the door frame window sill using the wire wheel on the grinder.
Four out of five doors have been prepared and are now ready for primer. James has discovered that the 5th door doesn’t need such extreme work meaning its ready to go to Chris tomorrow after its been lined up on the van to make sure it still fits straight.
Breathing New Life Into The T4
February 15, 2021
Our 1991 VW T4 Transporter is making progress! Our technicians James and Chris have been working together to ensure bit by bit, we fight the rust that’s appearing on this beloved camper.
Chris has worked on the front panel which has been placed in the ‘oven’ ready for DTM satin black after being sandblasted. This will give it the new lease of life that it very much needs!
James has continued focusing on the wheel arch and busting the rust on other elements of our 1991 VW T4 transporter campervan. The front cross member came was sandblasted and James applied a rust repair replacement on one end.
VW Wheel Arch Welding
February 12, 2021
James has been working on the corrosion damage of our 1991 VW T4 Transporter Campervan. He’s been focusing on finishing off the sliding door and rear left door repairs. He’s cut out the right-hand side rear wheel arch, repaired the inner arch and tacked the new outer arch in place to make it ready for welding.
VW Rust Bust Continued
February 11, 2021
James has engineered a new window sill on the sliding door of our 1991 VW T4 Transporter Campervan. The lower part of the window sill had corroded beyond repair so James decided to fabricate a new element. You can see below the new piece has been stuck down and held in place before James can shape it.
Spot Welding Progress On The VW T4
February 8, 2021
James has been continuing his work with the VW T4 Transporter Campervan. He’s currently tackling the corrosion in the wheel arch by fabricating new elements. James found that he struggled to get his spot welder into the smaller and more awkward parts of the wheel arch, so instead had to fabricate some bespoke patches.
Here you can see his welding and replacement parts. James will need to do the same on the other side next, and then move onto the wings to ensure that all of the corrosion has been address before it enters the paint bay. With properly engineered components, this beloved TR4 will be able to continue providing memorable adventures.
T4 To Be Rust T-Total
February 2, 2021
James has just begun disassembling the VW T4 Transporter Campervan ready for its bodywork and paint. This includes taking off the bull bars, the glass, doors and side panels so that we can tackle the rust.
The inside of the front bumper and all the front supporting structures have been taken apart as well as the side panels and doors taken out to start in-depth work on busting that rust. As a result of the wing and rust removal, James has fabricated the missing areas and welded them in.
Once James had finished removing the rust, he welded new parts in place for each part, as seen below:
VW T4 In For Some TLC
January 29, 2021
This iconic modern classic has come in for some TLC. As a 1991 VW Transporter T4, this model is often used as a camper conversion, which is exactly what ours is. Using some innovative spatial design, this T4 makes the perfect portable camper whilst still being small enough to navigate those smaller roads. However, much like any well-loved classic, it needs some maintenance to its paintwork.
We’re aiming to correct the rust damage on the lower half as despite having been painted elsewhere recently, the corrosion has already returned. The wheel arch, sills and wings are also showing signs of rust, so it’s our job to correct this! We’ll be taking every measure to make sure the rust is kept away for years, not just 6 months. We’re going to be stripping the bodywork back, remove the rust and then paint the body in a dual-tone with white on top and grey covering the bottom half.
