1996 Toyota Hilux
July 8, 2021
Our 1996 Toyota Hilus has been treated to a brand new, custom made, ceiling cloth. Although some may consider it ‘not yet a classic’ parts
1996 Toyota Hilux
Hilux’s New Trim
July 6, 2021
Last week Kath was working on a new headliner and sun visors. Today, Brian is setting up the Hilux so that the ceiling cloth can
Toyota Hilux Trim Update
June 30, 2021
We’re currently re-covering the sun visors and ceiling lining. Kath is working at recovering these, creating the patterns and fabric, gluing it down and making
Back To The Farm
May 13, 2021
Our 1996 Toyota Hilux has been finished and sent back to the farm for its owners to finish themselves. Our task was only to correct
Toyota TLC
May 7, 2021
James has been using the original spot-weld marks on our Toyota Hilux to realign the drivers door skin. James has made a spacer for the
Hilux Repairs Continue
May 5, 2021
James has been continuing his work to correct the rust damage on the Toyota Hilux doors. He is now repeating the same process on the
Hilux Hiatus Brings Back Bigger Issues
April 27, 2021
Our dashing blue Toyota Hilux has come back in for its restoration to begin. After some discussions with the owners, we’re delighted to have this
The Indestructible Toyota
January 27, 2021
Today we welcomed another new project in that will commence in the coming weeks. This 1996 Toyota HiLux is in need of quite some work
1996 Toyota Hilux
July 8, 2021
Our 1996 Toyota Hilus has been treated to a brand new, custom made, ceiling cloth.
Although some may consider it ‘not yet a classic’ parts for the Toyota Hilux are becoming increasingly difficult to source. A ceiling cloth is one of those parts that need to be manufactured from scratch.
We matched the interior as best we could with the resources we had. The existing ceiling cloth, although too far gone to repair, was useful to have as it helped us compare like for like materials and finishes.
A sound deadening mat was applied to the underside of the roof prior to the ceiling cloth being fitted. The interior accessories have all been cleaned up and prepared for refit so now that it is all in position the windows can be refitted and work can commence with the restoration.
Although Bridge Classic Cars have had involvement along the way, the project is actually being completed by father and son which is an amazing story. Being a father and son team here at Bridge Classic Cars it’s moments like this in life that make wonderful memories. We can’t wait to see the final results!
Hilux’s New Trim
July 6, 2021
Last week Kath was working on a new headliner and sun visors. Today, Brian is setting up the Hilux so that the ceiling cloth can be fitted. Brian first cleaned the roof, before fitting sound deadening. Once the sound deadening was in place, Brian then begun fitting the roof lining fabric, gluing it perfectly into place.
This restoration is a part home-restoration with the occasional help from us at Bridge. The clients have decided they want to do it themselves with our aid as and when it’s needed.
As always, a wonderful job by our trim team!
Toyota Hilux Trim Update
June 30, 2021
We’re currently re-covering the sun visors and ceiling lining. Kath is working at recovering these, creating the patterns and fabric, gluing it down and making new boards.
Back To The Farm
May 13, 2021
Our 1996 Toyota Hilux has been finished and sent back to the farm for its owners to finish themselves. Our task was only to correct and replace the doors and side panels as this is set to mostly be a home restoration. Hilux’s are often a favoured agriculture vehicle thanks to their reliability and classic indestructibility.
Toyota TLC
May 7, 2021
James has been using the original spot-weld marks on our Toyota Hilux to realign the drivers door skin. James has made a spacer for the same door to rectify the owner’s previous repair and has also rust repaired the passenger side door frame ready to refit door skin in the same way.
Hilux Repairs Continue
May 5, 2021
James has been continuing his work to correct the rust damage on the Toyota Hilux doors. He is now repeating the same process on the passenger side door. This includes removing rust and replacing it with fresh metal to then beat into place.
Hilux Hiatus Brings Back Bigger Issues
April 27, 2021
Our dashing blue Toyota Hilux has come back in for its restoration to begin. After some discussions with the owners, we’re delighted to have this practical classic in the workshop as we endeavour to restore it to its hard-working glory.
This Toyota had previously been worked on by the owners themselves however we’ve found some errors in the restoration so far, which we’re working to correct to make sure the rest of the restoration moves forward positively. Unfortunately undoing these mistakes has doubled the expected project length however we understand that mistakes are easily made and we’re more than happy to work with people so that they get the best restoration result through combined efforts.
James has been working on the door panels which he’s removed to strip down and fabricate replacement elements. After repairing the rust, James was able to correct the dents and refit the skin to the door. This process will then be repeated on the other side. The wings that had been previously fit were misshapen and ill-fitting.
The Indestructible Toyota
January 27, 2021
Today we welcomed another new project in that will commence in the coming weeks. This 1996 Toyota HiLux is in need of quite some work and restoration, but no job is too big for us here at Bridge! This Hilux needs a chassis restoration and cab refurbishment. We aim to tackle the buck later down the line.
The HiLux models are incredibly reliable and practical for 4×4 pursuits, whether that be farming, off-roading or trade work. Some may remember a similar HiLux receiving an unforgiving battering on Top Gear, who proceeded to prove just how indestructible these vehicles really are. Craig tells us that he worked with this car during his career at the BBC: “I worked there as part of my placement but you couldn’t get anywhere near the vehicle when on set due to the amount of toxic chemical residue left it.”
Here’s some shots of our indestructible HiLux in its current condition:
A donor car if required…
