land rover restoration

Land Rover Amendments

Lots have been happening with our new Land Rover Series IIa this week. Scott (our in-house Land Rover Specialist) has diligently attending to the issues

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Land Rover TLC

Our most recent edition, a Land Rover Series 2a has been checked over and is having a handful of issues addressed. One of the issues

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Top And Tail

Our new 1994 Land Rover Range Rover TDI is getting some top to bottom TLC, starting with the top! The ceiling cloth was in need

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Just Arrived – 2015 Land Rover Defender 110

We have very recently welcomed our 2015 Land Rover Defender 110 to the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.

This isn’t any old Defender though as it comes with quite a bit of history, despite it only being 8 years old. Belonging to explorer and adventurer Ed Stafford, this imposing vehicle was stolen and stripped of a lot of its components.

Since the Land Rover was returned to Ed, he has been hard at work rebuilding it and getting it back on the road. Following Ed’s recent visit to us, we will now do some restoration work on the Defender to help him get the vehicle looking as good as it should.

Ed’s Defender was featured on the cover of the January edition of Land Rover Monthly magazine.

If you want to hear more about the story of Ed Stafford’s Land Rover as well as his epic expeditions including walking the length of the Amazon river, surviving on an uninhabited island, and living on the streets of the UK, you can meet Ed and hear his stories first hand on March 25th 2023 when we host Stories at The Atelier with Ed Stafford. Tickets are now available!

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

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.

Back in Place – Installing the Rebuilt Injection Pump on the Land Rover Series IIA

When work began on this 1970 Land Rover Series IIA, there was a slight bit of confusion. Originally it was thought to be a Series III but thankfully, we have Scott who drives a Series II every day to work.

The other bit that had us scratching our heads somewhat was working out what engine it. The last MOT certificate stated it was petrol, but once Ady opened up the bonnet he was faced with an Injection Pump and Glowplugs. Meaning that sometime between then and now, a diesel engine had been put in its place.

Either way, we need to get the Series IIA running. So, our in-house engine wizard Ady had the injection pump sent off to a nearby specialist to be rebuilt and tested. Within a couple of days, the pump was back here at Bridge Classic Cars.

Next Ady had noted some wiring that didn’t quite make sense. A positive cable leading from the glowplug to the frame, in the same way a ground would be routed. After looking into the matter to be double sure, Ady removed the old wiring and rewired up the glowplug to the correct set-up.

Now, it is time to prep the engine for its first fire-up since being with us. Which you will see very soon here on the Bridge Classic Cars blog

This Just In – 1970 Land Rover Series III

This lovely, honest 1970 Land Rover Series III has just arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in Suffolk, UK to begin its restoration journey.

This particular Series III Land Rover will be given a full restoration for its devoted owner by our in-house restoration technicians. This wonderful little off-roader has been used and enjoyed for many years. But, now it’s time to get her back to her former glory if not better.

Keep a lookout on our News Page for more updates on this incredible 1970 Land Rover0 Series III.

Starting Off – Starting a 1990 Range Rover CSK

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.

Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Show Respects To Late Duke With Classic Land Rover 2A In Edinburgh

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, have been seen arriving at a drive in cinema in Edinburgh in one of the Late Duke of Edinburgh’s classic Land Rovers.

William and Kate arrived at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in a 1966 2A model Land Rover which belonged to Prince Phillip. The event, hosted by William and Kate, is a special screening for Disney’s Cruella, set up for NHS staff as a thank you and recognition of their hard work throughout the pandemic.

The couple parked the Land Rover in the forecourt alongside other classic cars that had been used in the film, including the classic Panther De Ville, famous for its appearance in the iconic Disney film.

Our Land Rover Series 2A is set to be on its way to its new owner next week, who’ll be pleased to know that he’s got a matching Land Rover with the royals.

Land Rover Series 3 Assessment

This Land Rover Series 3 has been assessed for body work and engine work however we are unsure to our next steps with it. It may come in in the future and we hope to see it again soon.

Behind The Scenes – 1964 Land Rover Series IIA

Last week Freddie and Ellie headed down to Bentwaters to meet Charlotte to shoot the final visuals for our beloved 1964 Land Rover Series IIA. The sunlight dappled through the trees and cast long shadows, creating a dramatic scene to shoot in. Bursting with character and adventurous spirit, the Land Rover was ready to be driven off-road across Bentwaters and through the forests.

You’ll be able to see all the photos on Facebook or over on the competitions website here.

Land Rover Gets A New Gear Box

We’ve just had the gearbox reconditioned and refitted into our 1964 Land Rover Series IIa. We recently had some trouble with the gearbox seizing due to the teeth from the third gear falling off. We sent the gearbox off to Last Transmission to have it rebuilt.

After receiving the gearbox back, Scott and Ady were tasked with lowering the gearbox back in place through the centre column of the Land Rover. Using their initiative, they set up our small engine crane to help lift it in place.

Now the gearbox has been refitted with no extra complications, Scott has been re-fitting the panels and seats ready for the team to take it out for its pre-launch photoshoot.

Land Rover Series IIA Finishing Touches

The paint shop have added the finishing touches to our 1964 Land Rover Series 2a by painting the wheels cream. The injector fuel pump has also arrived and been fitted, making it photoshoot ready for its editorial on friday!

The wheels were first coated in an epoxy primer and then painted over in an originally land rover ‘off white’ cream finish.

Land Rover Amendments

Lots have been happening with our new Land Rover Series IIa this week. Scott (our in-house Land Rover Specialist) has diligently attending to the issues and has now almost completed it. We’ll be aiming to shoot it next week so keep your eyes peeled!

Scott has replaced an rewired the window wiper mechanisms which sit in the cab on the dashboard.

We’ve also ordered a front bonnet spare wheel holder kit which has been bolted onto the front and now just awaits a spare wheel to grace it.

Scott has also replaced the rear exhaust box as the original was showing signs of rust beyond repair.

New rubber matting has been made, cut and fitted for the back pick up area. Originally just bare metal, the pick up interior is now kitted out in fresh matting.

The most noticeable change is of course the new canvas tilt which Scott fitted yesterday. The tilt process includes fitting a metal frame and pulling of the canvas over and tying it down.

Scott has been working on some wiring issues, he’s fitted new headlamps and changed the galvanized corner capping on the rear of the buck.

Land Rover TLC

Our most recent edition, a Land Rover Series 2a has been checked over and is having a handful of issues addressed. One of the issues is a fuel leak from the fuel pump behind the timing cover. John has stripped down the part to start to address the issue.

Introducing The Original Adventure-mobile: The Land Rover Series IIa

We couldn’t resist taking the Land Rover out into the snow to get some arrival photos. Since we’re aiming to give this iconic adventure-mobile a makeover, these shots serve as a good ‘before’ look. Stay tuned to see what it’ll look like afterwards…

Its been exactly 60 years since the Series 2a was released and it still has its original power and authenticity in-tact. Whilst these vehicles are known for being glamorised tractors, nothing beats them in terms of authentic adventure. The Series IIa retained the civilian simplicity of the Series I whilst fine-tuning the styling, updating the suspension and adding a larger 2.3-litre four-cylinder. Our Series 2a comes with desirable overdrive and free wheeling hubs which makes it unique for motors from the time.

Land Rovers have now come synonymous with adventure, camping and an outdoors lifestyle, however, they were originally designed as agriculture work-horses. Over the decades, they’ve gained a duality between agriculture and adventure.

This iconic vehicle its reminiscent of the golden era of exploration and was often seen leading the charge on the silver screen. With America’s Jeeps taking the 4×4 lead across the pond the post-war era, Land Rover Series and Range Rover Defenders stood for the UK’s iconic off-roading vehicle. You might recognise a similar green series IIa that featured in the Italian Job alongside a fleet of mini coopers.

There’s a series of complicated but nifty modes on vintage Land Rover so it can seem overwhelming to the novice driver or those experiencing vintage Land Rovers for the first time. The blog below clearly explains what each mode does:

https://www.johnbrown4x4.com/frequently-asked-questions/

You can expect to see this Land Rover up for grabs in the coming weeks, stay tuned…

A Little TLC For Our Land Rover Series IIa

We’ve recently welcomed this iconic 1964 Series IIa Land Rover into the workshop, however before its ready to be photographed and released for the competition, there’s a handful of works to be done on it.

A variety of parts need to be ordered including new wiper blades, new headlamps, and door rubbers.

The list of work needing to be carried out includes a variety of small jobs such as rewiring the wiper motors, re-fitting the seats, fixing a diesel leak from the injector pump, modifying the battery mount, replacing the number plate lamp, replacing rusty bolts, painting the rear body mounting plates to match either side, overspray various bolts and components, fix near side rear hub leak, remove trailer wiring and paint where the outer-side engine mounts have been welded in.

Once all these parts and some other small jobs have been completed, we can hand it over to the marketing team to shoot and present!

Range Rover’s Tidy-Up

The 1994 Range Rover TDI has had a small trim shop tweak. The rear carpet has been replaced to fix the damaged vinyl.

The Range Rover is now sat in the paint shop where its had its base layer completed and is now being polished, desmasked and prepped for its next layer of paint.

Top And Tail

Our new 1994 Land Rover Range Rover TDI is getting some top to bottom TLC, starting with the top! The ceiling cloth was in need of some refurbishment, so Kath, one of our Trim specialists took it apart and re-glued that fabric.

Although the ceiling cloth didn’t need a total replacement, some of the fabric had come loose which meant that Kath had to peel back the fabric, pull it tight and then re-glue it.

After making sure all the fabric had been glued back down, Kath turned the ceiling fitting around and pulled the fabric over the edges to make sure it all stuck. The end result was a smart refurbished ceiling cloth. Good as new!