Fitting door panels and glove box
November 9, 2023
Brian has fitted weather strips to the top of the doors, adjusting the ends of the door cappings to let the doors close properly./ He
News
Pre Delivery Inspection – Jaguar F-Type
November 9, 2023
Our Christmas line up is being prepared as we speak. We have an amazing selection of competitions coming up between now and Christmas. Something for
Final repairs to Ford Escort
November 9, 2023
Fitted new distributor cap and rotor arm. Gap and fit new spark plugs, run and test briefly, all ok. Ready for full road test and
Terry stripping down front suspension
November 9, 2023
Terry is already getting his teeth stuck into things here at Bridge Classic Cars. He is busy stripping down the front suspension of our Austin
Ford Transit Mk2 In Paint
November 9, 2023
The bumper of our Ford Transit Tipper MKII is all painted and now finished in a satin clear. The rear suspension springs have also been
Austin Healey pre delivery inspection
November 8, 2023
Jon is currently carrying out the pre delivery inspection on our 1958 Austin Healey 100-6. He has secured both front seat bases as the bolts
Volkswagen Beetle nearing completion
November 8, 2023
We are so so close now with our Volkswagen Beetle completion. Jon has attended to the bonnet seal at the bulkhead. Align and cut to
Amphicar assembly continues
November 8, 2023
More progress fitting the doors and locks, bonnet catches and lock covers, final assembly of the dashboard and controls including cables. The front and rear
Rover 216 Cabriolet hood fitting
November 8, 2023
Brian has glued the flaps around the rear side window area of the frame, fitting rubber seals, fitting rear of headliner to the parcel tray.
1979 Ford Escort Ghia Repairs
November 8, 2023
Jon is preparing the Escort for next week’s competition draw. He has stripped and removed the carburettors. Stripped and checked that the jet sizes correspond
Interior work on our Jensen 541
November 8, 2023
Some additional shaping was needed to the floor mats upon inspection. Lydia cut down the sides slightly and shaped the back edge. She added a
Works continues on our 1980 Volvo 240 Estate
November 8, 2023
Steve has fitted new points and condenser to the Volvo as well as a new cambelt, tensioner pully and spring. Both near side and one
Investigating MG B front wing corrosion
November 8, 2023
Work begins on the front wings of our 1970 MG B Roadster project. Mauro has removed the wings to reveal some corrosion.
London to Brighton Veteran Car Run 2023
November 6, 2023
This weekend Gordon was delighted to attend the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run once more, the spectacle never failing to make an impression on
A Stunning new arrival
November 6, 2023
Most days of the week, we have new classics arriving at our Suffolk HQ. Today, we’ve had this stunning 1970 MGB Roadster arrive into the
Recommissioning our Mercedes CLK
November 6, 2023
Back in July we said our final goodbyes to a very good friend of Bridge Classic Cars, Hugh Mitchell. Hugh was a huge car lover
My Mercedes getting a bit of love…
November 6, 2023
John has carried out some weekend one here at Bridge Classic Cars, working on my 1987 Mercedes 500 SL restoration project. This has been such
New Tool Box and Trembler
November 6, 2023
Darin from Ashbocking Joinery is completing the final few pieces of our Riley 9 woodwork. Here is the new tool box and trembler being finished.
Preparing the Spitfire for Raptor
November 6, 2023
Alan has been busy prepping the underside of our 1976 Triumph Spitfire ready for the Raptor treatment. He has applied an epoxy primer then seam
Corroded Brakes on our Volvo 245GL
November 6, 2023
Pictures show the brake discs that were covered in surface corrosion but were in good condition and cleaned up very well. Pictures show washer bottle
Mercedes SL Front Brakes
November 4, 2023
Jon has fitted up the new bleed nipples to the freshly painted calipers. The bolts have been cleaned and painted We have cleaned up and
Lotus Europa Repairs
November 3, 2023
Jon is working on the final preparations of the Lotus Europa, ready for the filming to take place, hopefully, the week after next . A
Home Away from Home – Our 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 heads cross-country to its new home
November 3, 2023
Our 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5, which was won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, has made its way across the country this morning to its
Rover Hood Work Continues
November 3, 2023
As you can see, Brian and Lydia have been working together to fit the rear edge of the inner liner to the rear bar of
Austin Healey is soooo Negative
November 3, 2023
John has fitted an electronic rev counter to our Austin Healey and rewired it from positive earth to negative earth. Changing the wiring on the
Final stages of our Beetle rebuild
November 2, 2023
Jon is going through the final few tasks on our VW Beetle before we can take the car back home within the next couple of
Ford Transit Mk2 Door Seals
November 2, 2023
Brian has fitted up the Transit Mk2 with new rubber seals. Help in today’s Storm Ciaran weather!
Reliant Scimitar Gear Linkages
November 2, 2023
Steve has removed the gear linkage, stripped it down and cleaned. He is now for new bushes to arrive to be fitted. He has then
Rover 216 Cabriolet Roof Fitting Continued…
November 2, 2023
The new roof is progressing well on our 1995 Rover 216 Cabriolet. Brian has been busy glueing headliner to the front edge of the roof
Fitting door panels and glove box
November 9, 2023
Brian has fitted weather strips to the top of the doors, adjusting the ends of the door cappings to let the doors close properly./ He has cut out door panel insert panels and covered in leather. He has fitted insert panels into door panels, fitting door panels back on, fitting top and bottom sections of the glovebox into dashboard.
Pre Delivery Inspection – Jaguar F-Type
November 9, 2023
Our Christmas line up is being prepared as we speak. We have an amazing selection of competitions coming up between now and Christmas. Something for everyone I’d say. Our incredible 2015 Jaguar F-Type is currently going through it’s inspection and assessment. We have replaced the spare remote key battery and tested. Reset the service indicator. Torque wheel nuts and put locking wheel nut key back in boot. This was due to having recently refurbished all 4 allows to factory new!
We have carried out a road test and ok, The tyre pressure gauge has been reinitialised and we’ve checked and adjusted the tyre pressures.
Final repairs to Ford Escort
November 9, 2023
Fitted new distributor cap and rotor arm. Gap and fit new spark plugs, run and test briefly, all ok.
Ready for full road test and tune. Weather permitting…
Terry stripping down front suspension
November 9, 2023
Terry is already getting his teeth stuck into things here at Bridge Classic Cars. He is busy stripping down the front suspension of our Austin Devon pickup.
Ford Transit Mk2 In Paint
November 9, 2023
The bumper of our Ford Transit Tipper MKII is all painted and now finished in a satin clear. The rear suspension springs have also been in the paintshop and have had black dtm applied.
Chris has also fixed and painted the grill.
Austin Healey pre delivery inspection
November 8, 2023
Jon is currently carrying out the pre delivery inspection on our 1958 Austin Healey 100-6.
He has secured both front seat bases as the bolts were missing in the frames. Tighten and test and all ok.
He has drained approximately 3 litres of coolant and replenish with anti freeze.
He has slackened the handbrake cable and removed the clevis pin from linkage. He has adjusted the cable end and re-attached, fitted new clevis pin and split pin.
Attend to both door check straps.
Tighten hinge pin and nuts and fit new clevis pins to strap with washer and new split pins.
Trace dash illumination as we have found that it is not working, king to switch under dash. All working now.
Just needs fuel gauge, washers and road test to finish.
Volkswagen Beetle nearing completion
November 8, 2023
We are so so close now with our Volkswagen Beetle completion. Jon has attended to the bonnet seal at the bulkhead.
Align and cut to length in the new channel. We have drilled holes along the length.
Align on car and drill scuttle panel to match. Give channel to body shop to paint. Touch in all holes with red paint.
Rivet bonnet seal retaining channel to scuttle panel and fit seal. Clean down and refit bonnet. Adjust and tighten.
Amphicar assembly continues
November 8, 2023
More progress fitting the doors and locks, bonnet catches and lock covers, final assembly of the dashboard and controls including cables.
The front and rear bumpers and over riders have been fitted along with the outer door handles.
Rover 216 Cabriolet hood fitting
November 8, 2023
Brian has glued the flaps around the rear side window area of the frame, fitting rubber seals, fitting rear of headliner to the parcel tray. He has glued the metal side bars to the hood cover, bolted the metal bars to the car, fitting rear window in place. He has fitted the headliner around rear window and the screws to rear edge.
1979 Ford Escort Ghia Repairs
November 8, 2023
Jon is preparing the Escort for next week’s competition draw. He has stripped and removed the carburettors. Stripped and checked that the jet sizes correspond with the 2000cc engine in 32/36 carb setting. The jet sizes are all ok.
He has cleaned and blown out the carb and rebuilt before refitting to the car.
We have replaced split the vacuum hose to the distributor and check the distributor cap and rotor arm.
The rotor is showing signs of a burnt tip and the cap is poor inside with a hole in it. We have checked the spark plugs too.
A new new cap is on order along with a new rotor and plugs.
Jon has cleaned and refitted the air filter assembly and check front seat bolts.
The rear bolts have been removed from the drivers seat and we have drilled out the broken bolt in outer fixing. Fill in floor holes with instant gasket. Refit all seat bolts with large washers and tighten. Paint all nuts bolts black inside and out.
Interior work on our Jensen 541
November 8, 2023
Some additional shaping was needed to the floor mats upon inspection. Lydia cut down the sides slightly and shaped the back edge. She added a rubber floor mat to the drivers side to give some protection for the mat.
The front carpet mats have been altered to improve the fit and she also located the seat bars to secure the seat bases to the sliding rail. Heat shrink has been added to the end of these to give them a better finish.
Most of the interior is now complete. The centre arm rest storage has been fitted and the front seats are now secured in as well. Just awaiting the capping pieces for the door cards to be finished.
Cutting and fitting weather strips to the door tops, adjusting the ends of the door cappings so the doors close properly. Lydia has cut out insert panels for the door panels, covering insert panels in leather and fitting to the door panels, fitting door panels back onto the car.
Works continues on our 1980 Volvo 240 Estate
November 8, 2023
Steve has fitted new points and condenser to the Volvo as well as a new cambelt, tensioner pully and spring.
Both near side and one of the off side tyres are badly cracked so will need replacing.
Investigating MG B front wing corrosion
November 8, 2023
Work begins on the front wings of our 1970 MG B Roadster project. Mauro has removed the wings to reveal some corrosion.
London to Brighton Veteran Car Run 2023
November 6, 2023
This weekend Gordon was delighted to attend the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run once more, the spectacle never failing to make an impression on him.
This annual event, steeped in history, has been running almost consistently since its conception in 1896. First billed as ‘The Emancipation Run’ it was created by Harry Lawson, of The Motor Car Club, in the wake of some law changes that made a car run possible. With sabbaticals caused by war and fuel rationing few and far between, the event has remained a familiar fixture in the calendar for well over 100 years. The run itself has seen various reinventions over the years with the route changing as well as the mileage increasing. Regulations such as the implementation of speed limits have also had their influence.
Gordon started his weekend with a lovely meal in the Dilsk Restaurant followed by a stay in Drakes Hotel in Brighton. After a well deserved lay in, the day dawned bright and sunny. They headed over the road to see a spectrum of beautiful pre-1905 cars and bikes. The variety was tremendous including those powered by petrol, steam and electric!
Vehicles of all shapes and sizes made their way across the Brighton finish line after a far journey from London and by 4.30pm it was time for the whistle to be blown and to go in search of a nice glass of something.
Take a look at the gallery to see some of Gordon’s discoveries.
A Stunning new arrival
November 6, 2023
Most days of the week, we have new classics arriving at our Suffolk HQ. Today, we’ve had this stunning 1970 MGB Roadster arrive into the safe and caring hands of our classic car workshop for the team to take care of a few jobs for its adoring owner.
The car has been totally restored in the past by another restoration company, but a few little bits and pieces need addressing on the car to make sure it is in the best possible condition.
Take a look at some of the photos we snapped before moving into our restoration workshop ahead of the technicians working their magic on this beautiful 1970s sports car.
Recommissioning our Mercedes CLK
November 6, 2023
Back in July we said our final goodbyes to a very good friend of Bridge Classic Cars, Hugh Mitchell. Hugh was a huge car lover and not only a good friend to Gordon but a great fan of the work we do here at the workshops.
Some of you may have met Hugh at one of our many car shows over the years.
Hugh left behind a small collection of cars, one of which has made it’s way to us at Bridge Classic Cars for a recommission and get it back on the road, our 2000 Mercedes CLK 320.
Work will start on the car very soon as we aim to get a fresh MOT on the car for the next person to enjoy for many years to come.
My Mercedes getting a bit of love…
November 6, 2023
John has carried out some weekend one here at Bridge Classic Cars, working on my 1987 Mercedes 500 SL restoration project. This has been such a long process due to it being one of our own vehicles and never finding the time in the diary to get on with it.
Weekends have now become a thing now to get the car back on the road…hopefully for next summer!!
As you can see, John has been cleaning down the locks and door mechanism to fit up doors.
New Tool Box and Trembler
November 6, 2023
Darin from Ashbocking Joinery is completing the final few pieces of our Riley 9 woodwork. Here is the new tool box and trembler being finished.
Preparing the Spitfire for Raptor
November 6, 2023
Alan has been busy prepping the underside of our 1976 Triumph Spitfire ready for the Raptor treatment. He has applied an epoxy primer then seam sealed all of joints before covering in raptured.
Corroded Brakes on our Volvo 245GL
November 6, 2023
Pictures show the brake discs that were covered in surface corrosion but were in good condition and cleaned up very well.
Pictures show washer bottle before and after cleaning of sludgy deposits that were blocking jets.
Mercedes SL Front Brakes
November 4, 2023
Jon has fitted up the new bleed nipples to the freshly painted calipers.
The bolts have been cleaned and painted
We have cleaned up and reused the pad sensor wires and fitted the calipers to the car.
The old pads have been reused as they are nearly new and we used a new fitting kit to secure the pads.
New front shock absorbers have been fitted.
Lotus Europa Repairs
November 3, 2023
Jon is working on the final preparations of the Lotus Europa, ready for the filming to take place, hopefully, the week after next .
A new, modified fuel sender has been fitted into the tank. Fuel has then been added to check the integrity of sender seal and all ok.
We have fitted tank into the hole in body and aligned the bolts. All fixings have been secured
Jon has then drain the fuel out to connect fuel feed and return pipes.
The electrics were next on his list as he repaired the wiring to the fuel pump and made connections.
Checked pump operates and all ok so we have refilled with fuel.
The gauge is reading ok, 3/4 full on gauge which is accurate.
We have applied underseal in black.
Refit nearside rear wheel and torque up.
Put battery on charge.
Refit engine heatshield and boot liner.
Get car off ramp and start up before carrying out a road test. The car pops and bangs under light throttle conditions but ok under hard acceleration which will need to be addressed.
Slow idle speed down on each carb equally.
A trip to DanST Performance Engineering next week to correct the running issue and hopefully ready for the competitions department!
Home Away from Home – Our 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 heads cross-country to its new home
November 3, 2023
Our 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5, which was won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, has made its way across the country this morning to its new home nestled deep within the Cotswolds.
The car, which is now the pride and joy of new owner Robert, has been safely put into storage with plans to bring the car out for a few winter weather road trips in the coming months but returning to its dry, warm home afterwards.
We wish Robert many happy miles with the car and look forward to seeing the adventures it finds itself on.
Rover Hood Work Continues
November 3, 2023
As you can see, Brian and Lydia have been working together to fit the rear edge of the inner liner to the rear bar of the frame. The zip section to the rear bar, rear window have now been fitted and the rubber seal to the bottom of window. The rubber seal to rear edge of the car has now been bolted in.
The cover was too tight so we have adjusted the front edge of the hood cover, glued in the flap to the frame and fitted metal bars into the rear side edges of hood cover. The cover along the rear bar of the frame has been adjusted and we’ll leave the cover on overnight to stretch.
Austin Healey is soooo Negative
November 3, 2023
John has fitted an electronic rev counter to our Austin Healey and rewired it from positive earth to negative earth.
Changing the wiring on the fuel pump and also the battery.
Final stages of our Beetle rebuild
November 2, 2023
Jon is going through the final few tasks on our VW Beetle before we can take the car back home within the next couple of weeks.
Ford Transit Mk2 Door Seals
November 2, 2023
Brian has fitted up the Transit Mk2 with new rubber seals. Help in today’s Storm Ciaran weather!
Reliant Scimitar Gear Linkages
November 2, 2023
Steve has removed the gear linkage, stripped it down and cleaned. He is now for new bushes to arrive to be fitted. He has then moved on to cleaning up and fixing the headlamp wiring connectors where they have corroded and worn away.
Rover 216 Cabriolet Roof Fitting Continued…
November 2, 2023
The new roof is progressing well on our 1995 Rover 216 Cabriolet. Brian has been busy glueing headliner to the front edge of the roof frame.
