Derek Spec’s His Jensen
August 29, 2020
Derek, the proud owner of the 1961 Jensen 541S came along to our workshop this week to choose the colour scheme for the restoration. After
August 2020
Pull Up A Chair
August 29, 2020
Brian in the trim shop here at Bridge has started rebuilding the seats on our 1961 Morris Mini Deluxe. “I started by fitting new rubber
Behind The Scenes With Tomboy
August 28, 2020
Because of the launch of our 1963 BSA Trials Bike competition, we decided to invite self-proclaimed motorcycle addict Deimante (AKA Tomboy-A-Bit) over to our Bentwaters
1973 Triumph TR6 Restoration Update
August 27, 2020
As so often found when restoring classic cars, many components simply cannot be sourced and need to be fabricated in-house. Mauro, one of Bridge Classic
Teamwork On The TR6
August 27, 2020
We’ve got an interesting project underway here at Bridge Classic Cars. This gorgeous 1973 Triumph TR6 is having a full restoration but, we don’t actually
TWO Competition Winners on Display at the Stonham Barns Car Show
August 27, 2020
Two, yes TWO of our lucky classic car winners took their new cars out to local car show at Stonham Barnes on the 16th August
Fletcher’s All Fuelled up!
August 26, 2020
Our Fletcher speedboat, that arrived with us in a very sorry state after spending the last few years under cover in a back garden, has
The Sweet Sounds Of The Becker Radio
August 26, 2020
This week, our 1957 Mercedes 190SL had a retro look Becker radio fitted into the dashboard. But don’t be fooled by its 1960s façade, as
Visiting Bridge Classic Cars this week…
August 26, 2020
Returning to the workshop in September for work to commence we have our 1996 Nissan Patrol in for a sympathetic respray. We are doing things
1987 Mercedes 500SL
August 24, 2020
Toby, Bridge Classic Cars’ new Fabricator Welder has been working on our 500SL bodywork restoration. Toby has cut out the rear chassis rust and replaced
1961 Morris Mini Deluxe
August 24, 2020
Work has begun down in the Bridge Classic Cars Trim shop on our Morris Mini Deluxe. Brian has stripped down the seats, ready for the
Fletcher Speedboat
August 24, 2020
Our Fletcher Speedboat has been treated to a detail from Colin from Viper Detailing. Our Fletcher, which hasn’t seen the water in a few years
1973 VW T2 Campervan
August 24, 2020
Ady and Toby have been stripping down our 1973 VW T2 Campervan in preparation for bodywork and painting. Now the vehicle is completely stripped, the
A break in North Norfolk
August 23, 2020
Craig and the family had a short break in Norfolk last week, staying at the beautiful Blakeney White Horse. On a day trip to the
1939 Riley Merlin Nine Briggs Body – Interior Trim
August 21, 2020
Brian and Kath have both been working on the rear bench seat of our ’39 Riley Merlin Nine. They have superbly trimmed the rear seats
It’s Coming Chrome!
August 21, 2020
Our 1957 Jensen 541R needed her chrome components re-plated, so we instructed the expertise of our good friends over at Douglas Metal Finishing. In a
1949 MG YT – Concours d’Elegance Preparation
August 21, 2020
This beautiful 1949 MG YT is back with us at Bridge Classic Cars. We had the pleasure of restoring this car for the MacDonald family.
The Spotlight’s On The Scimitar
August 21, 2020
New indicators were fitted this week on the 1966 Reliant Scimitar, changing the old bulbs to LED. “We had a problem with the new indicators,”
Live Draw: 1995 Mazda Efini RX-7 Type-R Bathurst
August 20, 2020
Congratulations to Mark Edwards, winner of our 1995 Mazda Efini RX-7 Type-R Bathurst with ticket number 248 For your chance to win your dream classic,
Engine Rebuild
August 18, 2020
This immaculate looking engine belongs to a former visitor of Bridge Classic Cars. Since buying our 1980 Porsche 911 SC, the engine is undergoing a
Stripping our 1973 VW T2
August 18, 2020
We have already begun work stripping our 1973 Volkswagen T2 camper. Ady, with a little help from Toby, who will be completely all of the
Mercedes SE found in US garden
August 16, 2020
We have recently received a call from our friends over in the states who have discovered this very rare Mercedes SE convertible tucked away behind
The Triumph’s Dream Screen
August 14, 2020
Our 1973 Triumph TR6 had her windscreen removed to be treated to a full respray in our in-house spray shop. The car body has been
Paintwork Complete On The HMC
August 14, 2020
Chris, our in-house paint expert has now repaired the damage on the rear of the 1997 HMC MK IV. The final coat of paint is
1972 Peugeot 504 Paint Stripping
August 14, 2020
Darren has begun preparing our Peugeot 504, taking the bodywork back to bare metal. It’s clear to see this car has changed colours several times
1960 Jensen 541R in Epoxy Primer
August 14, 2020
Chris has completely painted our Jensen 541R in epoxy primer, this will weather seal the car until it is ready to be prepared for paint.
1984 Suzuki Tank in Primer
August 14, 2020
The tank is blasted, repaired, shaped and primed and now awaits the new colour scheme…which is yet to be confirmed.
1962 Triumph TR4 Paint Repair
August 14, 2020
Chris has been working on repairing and repainting our ’62 Triumph TR4. Chris firstly repaired the damaged areas reshaping the dented bodywork, before sanding down
1991 Rover Mini In The Paint Shop
August 14, 2020
Chris has been working on paintwork repairs to our 1991 Rover Mini. Not needing a fell respray, Chris has sympathetically restored the paintwork on our
Derek Spec’s His Jensen
August 29, 2020
Derek, the proud owner of the 1961 Jensen 541S came along to our workshop this week to choose the colour scheme for the restoration.
After some careful deliberation, Derek finally decided on peony red coupled with kelvin grey for the exterior with a mushroom leather interior.
We think she’ll look excellent!
Pull Up A Chair
August 29, 2020
Brian in the trim shop here at Bridge has started rebuilding the seats on our 1961 Morris Mini Deluxe.
“I started by fitting new rubber straps” Brian explains, “then added foam around the bottom edge”.
“I added hessian to the base, glued foam on top and marked out the middle.”
The finished cover was then glued to the foam lining, along with the calico flap, then the bolster foam was glued on top with the cover pulled over everything nice and snugly.
Horse hair was then glued to the rear of the seat, pulled around the frame and fixed into place. Wadding was also added to the top and sides of the chair to add extra padding.
The back cover was then fitted over, pulling the flaps though to glue them to the frame then clipping the outer flap to the seat frame. “Any ends have then been turned underneath to make it neat” described Brian, “then simply glued and and clipped into place”.
The back seats on the 1961 Morris Mini also received some similar special treatment from Brian this week.
Brian fitted the foam around the back seat frame. Added calico, lining and the backseat foam and pieced it all together.
“I then marked where the cover sits,” explains Brian, “gluing the cover down centrally to the foam and finally gluing the calico flap down”.
A small piece of brown felt was added to the front of the foam, then a large piece of brown felt over the top then glued the foam over the top to make a front bolster.
Brian then began work on the back seat Squab. “I glued the horse hair padding to the refurbished metal frame” Brian describes. “I then added scrim foam to pad the seat out further and trimmed it up to match the shape of the frame”
Brian then pushed the foam into Kath’s custom-made cover, glued the flaps around the side and the bottom of the seat then glued the cover to the metal.
We’re often completing full interior restoration on anything from our 1961 Morris Mini you see here, to Jensens, Triumphs and everything in between. For more information on our trim shop services get in touch today! – 01473 742038
Behind The Scenes With Tomboy
August 28, 2020
Because of the launch of our 1963 BSA Trials Bike competition, we decided to invite self-proclaimed motorcycle addict Deimante (AKA Tomboy-A-Bit) over to our Bentwaters showroom and track to give the bike a little test ride.
After riding our BSA around with us all day, Tomboy said; “It is so hard not to fall in love with classics. There’s so much character in them!”
Company Director Craig also gave our BSA a ride. “I kind of wish I wasn’t giving it away,” he revealed, “as I’d love to keep it in the collection.”
But alas! Our fantastic 1963 BSA Trials Bike is in our current competition line up alongside some other pretty special classics. Head to www.bridgeclassiccars.co.uk/competitions to see what you could win!
1973 Triumph TR6 Restoration Update
August 27, 2020
As so often found when restoring classic cars, many components simply cannot be sourced and need to be fabricated in-house.
Mauro, one of Bridge Classic Cars vehicle technicians has today been fabricating a new window bracket on our Triumph TR6 restoration, in place of the original bracket that has rotted away. Fortunately, a matching bracket on the passengers side window was still in tact so Mauro was able to replicate the bracket’s design. It’s the little details that make all the difference to the final result. Superb work, Mauro!
Mauro has now also fitted the restored steering column into the vehicle.
The wiper engine, washer fluid reservoir and fuse box have also been fitted to the car.
Mauro then moved onto installing the heating ventilation system.
After completing the ventilation system, Mauro moved onto restoring the TR6’s windows. He’s cleaned up the glass and restored the metal brackets to beautiful condition. The windscreen surround has also now been fitted into the car, ready for the windscreen to be fitted.
Superb work, Mauro.
Teamwork On The TR6
August 27, 2020
We’ve got an interesting project underway here at Bridge Classic Cars. This gorgeous 1973 Triumph TR6 is having a full restoration but, we don’t actually have the car in the workshop…
The owner himself is working on the car at home. However, he’s requested to help of our tremendous trim shop team Kath and Brian to do a full interior restoration.
We’ve worked on a design for the seating and interior panels. Much of which will incorporate a diamond stitch design requested by the owner. The colour scheme will also compliment the exterior paint and continue the maroon theme but include some grey leather to contrast.
We can’t wait to see the two projects merged together. Team work makes the dream work!
TWO Competition Winners on Display at the Stonham Barns Car Show
August 27, 2020
Two, yes TWO of our lucky classic car winners took their new cars out to local car show at Stonham Barnes on the 16th August 2020.
We absolutely love being sent images like this. It’s wonderful to see these classics being loved and enjoyed. Our competitions give you the chance to win your dream classic car, for just a few pounds.
Rob Daines won our 1975 Vauxhall Viva GT and Courtney Barker won our 1990 Austin Mini 30 from www.bridgeclassiccarscompetitions.co.uk
Fletcher’s All Fuelled up!
August 26, 2020
Our Fletcher speedboat, that arrived with us in a very sorry state after spending the last few years under cover in a back garden, has had some special attention this week.
“We needed to remove the fuel tank to take a closer look at the engine,” explains Craig. Upon closer inspection, a thorough clean and some specialist boat advice it was decided that neither engine would be used in the restoration.
“We had two Evinrude 25HP engines, but neither were in good shape,” says Craig, “so we made the decision to up the power to a 90HP Mercury engine, which should mean it’ll go a heck of a lot faster.”
The team here were all hoping to see this beauty back out on the local waters this summer, but you can’t rush restorations! Therefore, a more intricate engine replacement will now take place to get this little speedster back on the waves.
The Sweet Sounds Of The Becker Radio
August 26, 2020
This week, our 1957 Mercedes 190SL had a retro look Becker radio fitted into the dashboard.
But don’t be fooled by its 1960s façade, as behind it lies an all-singing-all-dancing modern system that includes navigation, telephone, radio and card reader.
Although a slightly larger gap had to be made in the dash for it to fit, now it’s secured in place, it looks like it’s always belonged there!
Visiting Bridge Classic Cars this week…
August 26, 2020
Returning to the workshop in September for work to commence we have our 1996 Nissan Patrol in for a sympathetic respray.
We are doing things a little differently with this one with a slight colour alteration.
More information to follow in September.
A very rare little find, our 1994 Nissan Micra has covered just 19000 miles and has been in the hands of just one, yes one, lady owner since new. This would make a perfect first car or someone lucky enough to have the space, a great little future classic that could be tucked away and be one of those amazing stories of the future.
1962 MG A having engine running issues. The owner had heard about us and wanted to pay us a visit to see whether we could assist him in a possible engine rebuild.
1987 Mercedes 500SL
August 24, 2020
Toby, Bridge Classic Cars’ new Fabricator Welder has been working on our 500SL bodywork restoration.
Toby has cut out the rear chassis rust and replaced with new sheet metal. The replacement nearside boot floor panel has been fully welded. The rear of the boot has also had all the rot cut out and fresh metal let in.
Inside the rear of the boot, the rust has all been cut out and prepared for the new fabricated panel to go in. Top work, Toby!
1961 Morris Mini Deluxe
August 24, 2020
Work has begun down in the Bridge Classic Cars Trim shop on our Morris Mini Deluxe.
Brian has stripped down the seats, ready for the restoration to begin.
Fletcher Speedboat
August 24, 2020
Our Fletcher Speedboat has been treated to a detail from Colin from Viper Detailing. Our Fletcher, which hasn’t seen the water in a few years will need some light restorative works to get ship-shape.
We are contemplating adding a rear bench seat and re-trimming the interior sides of the hull.
1973 VW T2 Campervan
August 24, 2020
Ady and Toby have been stripping down our 1973 VW T2 Campervan in preparation for bodywork and painting. Now the vehicle is completely stripped, the shell will then get acid dipped to remove rust. From there any nessasary welding and bodywork preparation can be carried out before it’s repainted.
The camper has now been fully stripped and is loaded up to be acid dipped.
A break in North Norfolk
August 23, 2020
Craig and the family had a short break in Norfolk last week, staying at the beautiful Blakeney White Horse.
On a day trip to the North Norfolk Railway, on our return we got caught in a little waterfront traffic and happened to slowly pass a very impressive window showcasing some beautiful classics.
Of course, we had to pull in to say hello.
We were welcomed in by Mark who was busy speaking to customers who were equally as impressed with the set up as I was. After a brief chat about his private collection Mark allowed me in to the workshops to see it for myself.
Thank you very much for your hospitality and I hope our paths cross again sometime.
1939 Riley Merlin Nine Briggs Body – Interior Trim
August 21, 2020
Brian and Kath have both been working on the rear bench seat of our ’39 Riley Merlin Nine.
They have superbly trimmed the rear seats in matching blue leather. The seats just need to be sat in a few times for them to shine in a similar way to the front seats.
There was some leftover leather, so Kath has also made a brilliant tool pouch which fits perfectly into the boot storage space.
Continue reading below for the full process.
Lovely work, Brian and Kath.
The first job was to re-foam the front seats for additional padding. Brian stripped down the seats and added extra foam toppers to pad out the old foam.Brian then glued new leather to the wheel arch top panels. He then added new new wadding to the wheel arch panel and stapled new covers onto the panel.
After stripping out the rear bench seats Brian has added new foam toppers onto the original Riley rear base foam. He then glued the rear base covers made by Kath onto the foam.
Brian has then added chrome fasteners to the cover which will allow it to be clipped into place. He has then fitted the base back into the vehicle before we moved onto repeating the process on the swab.
Kath handled the sewing and stitching parts of the build. With some of the loft over leather Kath has made this lovely little tool bag as an added surprise for the customer.
It’s Coming Chrome!
August 21, 2020
Our 1957 Jensen 541R needed her chrome components re-plated, so we instructed the expertise of our good friends over at Douglas Metal Finishing.
In a few weeks we eagerly received back our bright shiny parts, including a bonnet grill, window chromes and the Jensens iconic ‘541’ badge.
Looking forward to seeing these fixed back in their rightful place. We do love our chrome extra shiny!
1949 MG YT – Concours d’Elegance Preparation
August 21, 2020
This beautiful 1949 MG YT is back with us at Bridge Classic Cars. We had the pleasure of restoring this car for the MacDonald family.
The YT has been entered into the Concours d’Elegance at Blenheim Palace this year with the preparation of the vehicle entrusted to us.
There was a fuel leak which Ady has fixed by fitting a new carburettor needle valve and seat.
Along with fixing some of her internal complaints, some aesthetics have also been corrected in our specialist paint shop by expert painter Darren. “I’ve polished out some minor scratches in the paint work and worked on some localised rust marks.”
The car will also been fully detailed by Viper Auto Valet and perfected in preparation for display at Blenheim Palace.
We love seeing this car back at the workshop, we’re honoured to have the pleasure of working on such a special car. The story of this car is simply incredible!
The Spotlight’s On The Scimitar
August 21, 2020
New indicators were fitted this week on the 1966 Reliant Scimitar, changing the old bulbs to LED.
“We had a problem with the new indicators,” explained workshop manager John. “There was feedback, so we switched to LED to make them brighter.”
The Scimitar is now as flashier than ever – great work John!
Live Draw: 1995 Mazda Efini RX-7 Type-R Bathurst
August 20, 2020
Congratulations to Mark Edwards, winner of our 1995 Mazda Efini RX-7 Type-R Bathurst with ticket number 248
For your chance to win your dream classic, head to bridgeclassiccars.co.uk/competitions
Engine Rebuild
August 18, 2020
This immaculate looking engine belongs to a former visitor of Bridge Classic Cars. Since buying our 1980 Porsche 911 SC, the engine is undergoing a full restoration. These pictures don’t even do it justice, how pristine does it look?!
Stripping our 1973 VW T2
August 18, 2020
We have already begun work stripping our 1973 Volkswagen T2 camper. Ady, with a little help from Toby, who will be completely all of the welding once the camper returns, are busy removing everything from the vehicle ready for the chemical dipping process to begin. The body shell will handed over to Prostrip with nothing more to remove; the running gear will all go, the doors and windows will be removed and the shell will be ready and waiting for the dipping stage.
Prostrip has developed Phos-Strip™, a chemical dip process for the removal of paint, rust and underseal from complete car shells or individual panels. Its chemical formulation strips away contaminants from all internal and external areas.
Mercedes SE found in US garden
August 16, 2020
We have recently received a call from our friends over in the states who have discovered this very rare Mercedes SE convertible tucked away behind some trees.
Imagine finding this car…incredible!
The Triumph’s Dream Screen
August 14, 2020
Our 1973 Triumph TR6 had her windscreen removed to be treated to a full respray in our in-house spray shop.
The car body has been sprayed a eye catching magenta, we’re hoping that coupled with this slick black windscreen frame the final result will look gorgeous.
Paintwork Complete On The HMC
August 14, 2020
Chris, our in-house paint expert has now repaired the damage on the rear of the 1997 HMC MK IV. The final coat of paint is now on, so we’re on track to get to car complete and ready to go home.
1972 Peugeot 504 Paint Stripping
August 14, 2020
Darren has begun preparing our Peugeot 504, taking the bodywork back to bare metal. It’s clear to see this car has changed colours several times in it’s life. The owner is currently deciding which colour the car is being painted.
1960 Jensen 541R in Epoxy Primer
August 14, 2020
Chris has completely painted our Jensen 541R in epoxy primer, this will weather seal the car until it is ready to be prepared for paint.
1984 Suzuki Tank in Primer
August 14, 2020
The tank is blasted, repaired, shaped and primed and now awaits the new colour scheme…which is yet to be confirmed.
1962 Triumph TR4 Paint Repair
August 14, 2020
Chris has been working on repairing and repainting our ’62 Triumph TR4. Chris firstly repaired the damaged areas reshaping the dented bodywork, before sanding down the bodywork for primer. He then applied a coat of primer before the all-in-one colour coat. The colour coat has now been flattened down and is ready to be polished.
Brilliant work, Chris!
1991 Rover Mini In The Paint Shop
August 14, 2020
Chris has been working on paintwork repairs to our 1991 Rover Mini. Not needing a fell respray, Chris has sympathetically restored the paintwork on our lovely little Mini.
