Mercedes Wiring
November 29, 2023
Bridge Classic Cars workshop manager John has been sorting out the routing and assessing the condition of the wiring in our 1987 Mercedes 500SL.
Projects
Second-Hand Car Parts
November 28, 2023
Restoring classic vehicles, like our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup, can be extremely challenging when a hard-to-find piece, like the Austin badge, seems to be impossible
More Progress On Our Mercedes
November 27, 2023
Jonn has been fitting new callipers and pads along with a new fitting kit and braided flexi hose to the nearside front of our 1987
Work Continues
November 27, 2023
Classic car technician Jonn has been continuing his work on our 1979 Reliant Scimitar GTE. He cleaned the mating surfaces and put the new inlet
Welcome Back
November 27, 2023
We recently welcomed our 2001 Jaguar XKR back into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. While it was here, Brian made some repairs to the carpet
Polyester Priming
November 24, 2023
Our 1976 Triumph Spitfire has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop with technician Alan. Alan has been applying polyester primer to the doors,
Three of a Kind – Our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe
November 24, 2023
Over the past few weeks, we’ve welcomed a very special addition to the workshop. The third in a line of Aston Martin DB2/4’s which are
Pre Filming Check
November 24, 2023
Before our 1984 Ferrari 308 GTSi is taken out to film in preparation for it to go live on Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, classic car
A New Lease Of Life
November 24, 2023
It’s been a little while since our 1996 Nissan Patrol left the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Since then, it has undergone quite a transformation. With
Looking At The Bridge Classic Cars Van
November 24, 2023
Although the technicians who work in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop normally spend their days restoring classic cars, every now and again, one of our
Inlet Manifold Gasket
November 24, 2023
Classic car technician Steve has been continuing his work on our 1979 Reliant Scimitar. He removed the inlet manifold so he was able to replace
Preparing For Zinc Plating
November 24, 2023
Classic car technician Steve has been getting various parts of our Ford Transit MKII Tipper ready for zinc plating. These parts included components from the
Getting Ready To Start
November 24, 2023
We currently have 3 Aston Martin DB2/4s in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Out of all of them, our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark I
Jensen Front Suspension
November 24, 2023
Classic car technician Paul has been working on the front suspension of our 1956 Jensen 541. After removing the worn bearings, new parts were fitted.
Alpina Repairs
November 24, 2023
Jonn has been continuing his repairs of our 2002 Alpina B10. He has fitted new screw bolts to the under shields and secured them on
Rebuilding And Improving
November 24, 2023
After being painted, our 2005 Honda S2000 was put back together by technician Chris. Once Chris had put the majority of the bodywork back together,
In Paint
November 24, 2023
Our 1970 MGB Roadster has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with technician Mauro. Mauro has been rubbing down the car after primer before
More Repairs For Our Devon
November 24, 2023
Our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup has continued its stay in the fabrication bay with technicians Chris and Monty. They have been repairing the wing, stone
Finishing Off The Interior Of Our Amphicar
November 23, 2023
Lydia has finished off the rear seat back that she was making for our 1964 Amphicar 770 and fitted this to the seat. Next, she
A rare chance – Photographing our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 ‘Claret’
November 23, 2023
Although it has been in a workshop for a little while now, and our restoration teams have begun the process of bringing this wonderful early
Raising the roof!
November 23, 2023
The paintwork on the roof of our 1980 Volvo 245 Estate has been revitalised by the Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team. The team
A 70’s icon… with a twist! Our 1970 Lotus Europa
November 23, 2023
Our 1970 Lotus Europa is now live! The Lotus Europa is without doubt one of the quirkiest and individual sports cars of the 1970s. A
Riley 9 Restoration Progress
November 22, 2023
The restoration of our one-of-a-kind 1905 Rilep 9HP has been something of a labour of love and dedication. With very little reference material to work
A Fresh Coat Of Paint
November 22, 2023
Chris has been working on our 2005 Honda S2000 in the Bridge Classic Cars Paint Shop. After prepping it for paint, he then gave the
Cambelt Damage
November 22, 2023
Steve is showing here our old cambelt with damaged teeth causing the belt to slip. He has now fitted a new belt, tensioner and spring.
On Its Way To Scotland
November 21, 2023
When Ross Coats was randomly selected as the lucky winner of our 1979 Ford Escort MK2 through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, preparations were made to
Checking Our Jeep
November 20, 2023
As well as looking after and restoring a huge range of classic cars, the workshop team sometimes have to give the Bridge Classic Cars fleet
Lots Of Progress For Our Amphicar
November 20, 2023
Our 1964 Amphicar 770 has made great progress as of late. Brian has been fitting the roof and roof cover. After glueing the floor side
First Inspection
November 20, 2023
As our 2002 Alpina B10 is new in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, classic car technician Jonn has started work on its initial inspection and
ABS Bracket
November 20, 2023
Our 1987 Mercedes 500SL has been the focus of classic car technician Monty recently. He has had the car in the fabrication bay and has
Mercedes Wiring
November 29, 2023
Bridge Classic Cars workshop manager John has been sorting out the routing and assessing the condition of the wiring in our 1987 Mercedes 500SL.
Second-Hand Car Parts
November 28, 2023
Restoring classic vehicles, like our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup, can be extremely challenging when a hard-to-find piece, like the Austin badge, seems to be impossible to find. Second-hand car parts can be a great solution, and with a range of online marketplaces like eBay, that missing piece might just be found!
Gordon was looking for a replacement Austin badge for our classic Devon. The original was broken and in poor condition. However, finding a replacement proved much more difficult than expected. After eventually finding one on eBay, we were shocked at how good the new one looked. If it wasn’t for someone keeping this badge (potentially for decades), we wouldn’t have been able to replace the old one.
This is a fantastic example of how passionate people can be about their cars. Not only that, but the story behind each classic car adds to its character, making it much more likely for parts to be kept and sold as second-hand car parts.
What makes these discoveries even more exciting is their affordability. Rare parts often cost a fortune when new or might not even be available at all. In the second-hand market, these otherwise unobtainable parts are much more accessible without compromising quality or authenticity.
While it can take longer to find the part you need, websites like eBay and MyClassics can be where you find exactly what you are looking for to get your classic car back on the road.
Other Progress
As well as the new badge, our Austin Devon Pickup has also had new interior door panels made by the Bridge Classic Cars interior trim team. After removing the old covers and metal trims from the door panels, Brian used the old panels to mark out the new ones on hardboard. He then cut out the new panels, cutting all the necessary holes out too.
More Progress On Our Mercedes
November 27, 2023
Jonn has been fitting new callipers and pads along with a new fitting kit and braided flexi hose to the nearside front of our 1987 Mercedes 500SL.
He then fitted a new shock absorber and secured it.
Work Continues
November 27, 2023
Classic car technician Jonn has been continuing his work on our 1979 Reliant Scimitar GTE. He cleaned the mating surfaces and put the new inlet manifold gasket in position.
Both rocker covers were fitted and all pipes were connected and a new heater hose was fitted to the rear inlet manifold.
After vacuum filling the cooling system, Jonn tested it and found that there still is a slight miss at idle on cylinder 4.
Welcome Back
November 27, 2023
We recently welcomed our 2001 Jaguar XKR back into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop.
While it was here, Brian made some repairs to the carpet and the roof system was looked at. To do this, several components had to be removed from the car.
When Brian was done, Jonn hoovered out the car before refitting the seats. He then reconnected and tested the seat operation. The roof system was topped up with hydraulic fluid before Jonn ran the roof through the full sequence again.
After wiping over the car, Jonn noticed that the airbag light was flashing. When Jonn tried to clear the code, he was unsuccessful. The code was B2291 – passenger seat occupancy sensor. The connections under the seat were checked but the code would still not clear.
As a result, more investigative work will be required.
Polyester Priming
November 24, 2023
Our 1976 Triumph Spitfire has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paint shop with technician Alan.
Alan has been applying polyester primer to the doors, boot lid, and bonnet. The first stage of this was to reapply epoxy primer to give them corrosion protection. Then all of the parts were sprayed with polyester primer.
Three of a Kind – Our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe
November 24, 2023
Over the past few weeks, we’ve welcomed a very special addition to the workshop. The third in a line of Aston Martin DB2/4’s which are being completely restored by our classic car restoration technicians at our Suffolk HQ.
This particular car, is a 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead Coupe and one of a rarefied few which remain. This car, which has yet to be named, has been commissioned by its owner for our highly-skilled teams to bring back to its former glory alongside the sister cars of ‘Claret’ and ‘Moonshadow‘.
Although work has already begun on this incredible piece of Aston Martin history, there is still a long way to go. But, like the sister cars, our team are excited and eager to get this wonderful restoration on the move and all of us are lucky enough to have 3 of these stunning DB2/4’s in the workshop.
Pre Filming Check
November 24, 2023
Before our 1984 Ferrari 308 GTSi is taken out to film in preparation for it to go live on Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, classic car technician Jonn has been giving it a once over.
After checking all levels, he attended to the broken nearside door mirror. He swapped parts from the donor mirror and mounted/secured it to the car.
Jonn then removed both number plates and attached the WIN ME plates before using panel wipes to remove excess glue.
A New Lease Of Life
November 24, 2023
It’s been a little while since our 1996 Nissan Patrol left the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Since then, it has undergone quite a transformation.
With a new engine and a whole host of modifications, it is now a very capable off-roading machine.
We were impressed with our Patrol’s all-terrain ability in its past form, so we can only imagine just how incredible it is now!
The owner of the car has very kindly sent us some photos to show what our 1996 Nissan Patrol is up to nowadays.
Looking At The Bridge Classic Cars Van
November 24, 2023
Although the technicians who work in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop normally spend their days restoring classic cars, every now and again, one of our own vehicles needs some attention.
Recently Jonn spent some time investigating why our 2005 Mercedes Vito van was running poorly and had the glow plug light illuminated.
After visually inspecting the injectors and wiring, Jonn plugged in the diagnostic computer in and found 63 codes stored across all systems. These were cleared before he rechecked the van and carried out live data readings for various engine components and operations.
More work is needed to get our van fully operational again but, luckily, we have other vehicles we can use in the meantime.
Inlet Manifold Gasket
November 24, 2023
Classic car technician Steve has been continuing his work on our 1979 Reliant Scimitar.
He removed the inlet manifold so he was able to replace the leaking gasket. He also noticed that the coolant passage was blocked so this was unblocked and cleaned too.
Preparing For Zinc Plating
November 24, 2023
Classic car technician Steve has been getting various parts of our Ford Transit MKII Tipper ready for zinc plating.
These parts included components from the suspension and the brake wheel hub nuts. To prepare them for zinc plating, Steve made sure each part was clean and ready to go.
Getting Ready To Start
November 24, 2023
We currently have 3 Aston Martin DB2/4s in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop. Out of all of them, our 1955 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark I is the furthest along its restoration journey.
In fact, it is coming to the end of its time in the workshop, and preparations have already begun to complete road tests and alike ready for it to go home to its owner very soon.
Before we can fire it up though, classic car technician Paul fitted a new starter motor as well as making and fitting a new main cable.
The video of our Aston Martin DB2/4 firing up for the first time is coming soon…
Jensen Front Suspension
November 24, 2023
Classic car technician Paul has been working on the front suspension of our 1956 Jensen 541.
After removing the worn bearings, new parts were fitted. The components that make up the suspension were then checked and cleaned ready to be assembled.
Paul then put the front suspension and brakes back together.
Alpina Repairs
November 24, 2023
Jonn has been continuing his repairs of our 2002 Alpina B10.
He has fitted new screw bolts to the under shields and secured them on the offside. He has also removed the front undershield and cleaned it. Jonn then moved on and cleaned down the engine.
A nail was removed from the nearside rear tyre and, after an inspection. was found not to be punctured.
New rubber cotton reel mounts were fitted to the oil filter housing and the undershield was refitted. Finally, Jonn removed the front wheels and drilled out disc holes to clear. He then sanded down the disc edges to get rid of rust buildup.
The wheels were then refitted and torqued to 130nm.
Rebuilding And Improving
November 24, 2023
After being painted, our 2005 Honda S2000 was put back together by technician Chris.
Once Chris had put the majority of the bodywork back together, Brian worked on fitting the roof and interior trim. To do this, Brian connected the electrical cables, fitted trim around the rear edge of the roof, and fitted the rear tray and centre console. He then fitted the plastic trims around the roll bars, fitted trims behind the seats, and fitted the seats before using mastic to bond the plastic trims together around the roll bars.
In Paint
November 24, 2023
Our 1970 MGB Roadster has been in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop with technician Mauro.
Mauro has been rubbing down the car after primer before prepping it for paint. Once the prep had been completed, the body of the car went into the paint booth for a new coat of paint.
More Repairs For Our Devon
November 24, 2023
Our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup has continued its stay in the fabrication bay with technicians Chris and Monty.
They have been repairing the wing, stone guards, and the cab body. They have also fabricated a new cab brace that was welded in too.
Repair work has also taken place on the lower A and B pillar.
Finishing Off The Interior Of Our Amphicar
November 23, 2023
Lydia has finished off the rear seat back that she was making for our 1964 Amphicar 770 and fitted this to the seat. Next, she has remade the full set of door cards, using the new grey fabric that we have purchased.
Unfortunately, the front cards were damaged and one was completely the wrong size and shape! Lydia took the time to cut new cards and test fit them to each door individually and then fitted the clips to hold them in place. The next job was to cut the cover for these and fit them.
As Lydia was using the previous white section, she had to warm it with a heat gun and stretch it, which was a delicate procedure to do. She then re-attached the pockets on the front and then cut the holes for the handle and winder.
Brian also helped fit the interior trim back into the car before Lydia helped him finish off the interior of our Amphicar.
A rare chance – Photographing our 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 ‘Claret’
November 23, 2023
Although it has been in a workshop for a little while now, and our restoration teams have begun the process of bringing this wonderful early DB2/4 back to its former glory, we never did get to take some of usual arrival photos with the car.
On a Friday evening, our entire Suffolk HQ down tools to clean up all of our workshop and offices ready for the week ahead. This involves moving some, if not all, of our incredible restoration projects outside to safely clean our restoration workshop.
So, I took the chance to grab some photos with this stunning GT car. This is one of the cars that not only cemented the Aston Martin name into automotive history as one of the most illustrious and well-respected names, but also would bring the fabled DB name into the limelight and on wards into the future of the brand.
All of us, both in the workshop and in the team behind them, see it as an absolute pleasure and honour to be able to preserve and cherish these wonderful piece of automotive history and document their rebirth.
Raising the roof!
November 23, 2023
The paintwork on the roof of our 1980 Volvo 245 Estate has been revitalised by the Bridge Classic Cars paint and body team.
The team masked up the roof on the car to begin the process of laying down the correct colour to this classic Swedish hauler. First, the team sanded and primered the roof.
After this, the team could move on to returning the Volvo to its former glory with its shining and glossy bright blue paintwork across its entire bodywork.
A 70’s icon… with a twist! Our 1970 Lotus Europa
November 23, 2023
Our 1970 Lotus Europa is now live!
The Lotus Europa is without doubt one of the quirkiest and individual sports cars of the 1970s. A low slung, mid-engined, racecar inspired drivers’ cars which has garnered a following amongst marque enthusiasts and classic car fans across the world.
The Europa, with its slab back design, would become a precursor to later performance cars like the Elise of the 1990s. But what if you took that classic style and gave it a modern performance heart? That question is answered with our 1970 Lotus Europa and it could be yours…
This beautiful pale yellow 2-seater has been retrofitted with a legendary Toyota 4AG-E engine, giving this retro silhouette modern day performance. Converted to be run on carburettors and then taken onto a rolling road to be fully set up ready for that backroad thrash or an easy cruise to your local car show.
Recently imported from South Africa, the car has been recommissioned for road use and registered in the UK.
Bridge Classic Cars Competitions is giving you the chance to win this unique and stunning sports car and experience all the classic cool with added modern performance – Enter now for your chance to win our 1970 Lotus Europa.
Watch the film with our unique 1970 Lotus Europa here:
Riley 9 Restoration Progress
November 22, 2023
The restoration of our one-of-a-kind 1905 Rilep 9HP has been something of a labour of love and dedication. With very little reference material to work from, bringing this piece of automotive history back to life has been challenging, to say the least. However, the project has made even more progress recently, as its wooden body has been trial-fitted to the 118-year-old chassis.
Our 1905 Rilep 9HP is a great example of the craftsmanship and innovation of early automobile engineering. Its uniqueness lies not only in its design but also in its rarity as a prototype for the first car to ever have fully removable wheels. The workshop team has worked extremely hard to find any kind of record of how this one-off car should be put back together to honour its legacy throughout the restoration process.
After the wooden body recently returned to the workshop, following its time with Ashbocking Joinery, classic car technician Steve temporarily put the body back onto the chassis in a trial fit to make sure everything goes together as he would like it to. As well as the body going back on the chassis, the impressive radiator has also taken its place on the front end of this incredible classic car.
The Restoration Of Our Riley 9 Isn’t Done Yet
While our Riley 9HP may look much more car-like than it has since it first arrived at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, it will still need to be stripped down again once Steve is happy that the trial-fitting has been a success. Once stripped, it will then be painted before going back together for the final time. The next big milestone to reach though is getting the car to start. Although we have seen that it can start (we fired up the engine for a very short period of time last year), it has never been run without assistance and in its current configuration.
If all goes to plan, our 1905 Riley 9 restoration will be complete and the finished car will drive out of the workshop in the early part of 2024. Until then though, we are very excited to see it continue to make great progress in its restoration.
A Fresh Coat Of Paint
November 22, 2023
Chris has been working on our 2005 Honda S2000 in the Bridge Classic Cars Paint Shop.
After prepping it for paint, he then gave the car a fresh coat of colour, along with various components that will eventually be put back onto the vehicle.
Cambelt Damage
November 22, 2023
Steve is showing here our old cambelt with damaged teeth causing the belt to slip. He has now fitted a new belt, tensioner and spring.
On Its Way To Scotland
November 21, 2023
When Ross Coats was randomly selected as the lucky winner of our 1979 Ford Escort MK2 through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, preparations were made to deliver the car to him at his home in Scotland.
We have made many trips to Scotland transporting cars to and from the Bridge Classic Cars workshop so we were excited for another.
The vehicle was prepared for travel before going into the trailer and beginning its long journey north.
Now that it has arrived with Ross, we hope that it enjoys a long life on the Scottish roads.
Checking Our Jeep
November 20, 2023
As well as looking after and restoring a huge range of classic cars, the workshop team sometimes have to give the Bridge Classic Cars fleet a check-up too.
That is what classic car technician Jonn has been doing lately as he has been checking over our 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
While checking the vehicle, he found that the offside front tyre valve is cracked and will need some attention.
Lots Of Progress For Our Amphicar
November 20, 2023
Our 1964 Amphicar 770 has made great progress as of late.
Brian has been fitting the roof and roof cover. After glueing the floor side panels back down, he cleaned the main floorboards and fitted them into the car. He then cut out the new rear quarter panel boards, fitted new catches to the frame & car, and fitted stud fasteners to the hood cover & frame.
Unfortunately, Lydia found that the door cards and seats are in a mismatched and poor state, so we have decided to find a grey vinyl to replace the worst areas with. Lydia has taken the door cards apart to prepare for when the vinyl arrives, and she has also taken the time to laminate the rear backrest to give it a bit more life!
As well as interior work, classic car technician James has also been working on our Amphicar. He found more burnt/melted wiring and replaced it, all electrical circuits are now functioning. The headlamp switch was stripped and cleaned as the terminals were contaminated, and the faulty dim/dip switch was replaced and fitted to the floor. The final external parts such as the mirror and wipers were fitted after the windscreen and new seal were installed. He then removed the wheels and stripped off the brakes for refurbishment, the brake shoes were worn and the wheel cylinders were leaking badly.
First Inspection
November 20, 2023
As our 2002 Alpina B10 is new in the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, classic car technician Jonn has started work on its initial inspection and assessment.
Once Jonn is happy that the car is in good health, it will go on to be won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions.
ABS Bracket
November 20, 2023
Our 1987 Mercedes 500SL has been the focus of classic car technician Monty recently. He has had the car in the fabrication bay and has been making the ABS bracket.
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