1976 Opel Manta coupe. A long haul project. More parts acquired

[Barry Cade]

Any truth to the tale about Manta "A" front valances?

[stuboy]

11 hours ago, Barry Cade said:

Any truth to the tale about Manta "A" front valances?

what tale?

[Barry Cade]

1 hour ago, stuboy said:

what tale?

Wondered if anyone else knew,  seemed to be folklore in Opel circles.

Many years back, someone was restoring a Manta "A". 1973ish. Needed a front valance, so went to his local Vauxhall/Opel dealer. Dealer did a part search and found 3 left in Europe, as they had been out of production for many years.. chap says, get me all 3. I'll  keep a spare, and someone in the club will surely appreciate one.

Dealer puts an order in to Europe parts network, Europe parts network computer sees it as a fast moving part, and sends a message to panel manufacturer to keep up with demand and they press 500 new ones.  There's probably 495 sitting gathering dust somewhere.

 

Might be shite, but heard the story a few times.  Its the only new panel you can get for an early Manta so I've heard.. just wondered if anyone else heard the same story..

[sutty2006]

I’ve not heard that one before so not sure about that one! 
 

Last time I went to a Vauxhall dealer (circa 2008ish) and mentioned the word “manta” the parts guy replied with “sorry mate we threw the books out for them years ago”.

 

nice one, cheers. 

[DVee8]

@sutty2006Just spotted this on FB marketplace

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1220822801631888/?ref=category_feed&referral_code=marketplace_search

 

Edit :- listed 21 weeks ago

[sutty2006]

30 minutes ago, DVee8 said:

@sutty2006Just spotted this on FB marketplace

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1220822801631888/?ref=category_feed&referral_code=marketplace_search

 

Edit :- listed 21 weeks ago

I do really want one of those bumpers! Someone once offered one up for swap for a standard one, in Carmine red too but never heard owt back. 
 

today I have been mostly servicing the red 16valve hatch. 

 

and doing work on the 2.0 engine. Got the sump off, it’s a bit dented so I’ve found a spare but need to take it to work to give it a good clean (ran out of brake cleaner). Also put the engine on my bench with the help of mr crane. And replaced the crank seal 

 

the old fashioned way

small slither of grease round the spring to keep it in place 

 

 

and hey presto! 
 

 

also started cleaning the block and head. Soooo many layers of paint! 
 

[sutty2006]

I found a set of Astra brake callipers in the shed. Pretty sure they are too big for 13 inch wheels. So I may still use the original brakes. Amazing the amount of shite I’ve got 

[andy18s]

I need to pull my finger out and find 1 here before prices get too silly

I did find a couple of 2dr Asconas,but no-one wants them,do they?

#sarcasm 

[sutty2006]

9 minutes ago, andy18s said:

I need to pull my finger out and find 1 here before pfices get too silly

I did find a couple of 2dr Asconas,but no-one wants them,dk they?

#sarcasm 

Where are you nowadays Andy? Been a while since I saw you last. 
 

a little more done on the engine. Got bored n started to paint. Taken almost 3 layers of paint off it. Black, red, black. 

[dome]

1 hour ago, andy18s said:

I need to pull my finger out and find 1 here before prices get too silly

I did find a couple of 2dr Asconas,but no-one wants them,do they?

#sarcasm 

That ship has sailed sadly! Been watching the market for a while and it's only going one way🙁

[Barry Cade]

1 hour ago, dome said:

That ship has sailed sadly! Been watching the market for a while and it's only going one way🙁

Watched a you tube video earlier about some car auction down south. There was a red hatch GT. Guide price 16-18 grand. FFS. 

Nobody wanted 1.8s, or hatches when I had my Mantas.. I was a Manta snob and would only be seen in white GTE Coupes.. and even they were a months wages... as an apprentice 😭

80s cars are the new property market and everyone involved with inflating the stupid values on them can fuck off. 

[andy18s]

My last 1.8s hatch ( hence the screen name)

It was a tidy daily driver that I bought for £500

Had it stolen,then found it 1 year later

Got it back complete but wrecked cosmetically. It sat for a few more months but I'd lost all interest in it

Sold it for parts and regretted it ever since....

[sutty2006]

I remember that saga Andy. 
 

I got into mantas years ago because they were cheap and cheerful and I couldnt afford a mk2 escort. Glad I did, the two mantas I own cost me less than the price people ask for a 1.8 gearbox. I’d rather they were worthless, because I’ve no intention of ever selling them. 

[sutty2006]

More work has progressed on this project over the last few days. If it’s rusty, it’s been painted. Sourced a set of correct engine mounts to go on it. Original alternator turned out to be scrap and I was given another, which I had tested - good. 
 

 

then I set to stripping the gearbox to replace the gaskets. Rear gasket involves stripping the internals out, which is a pain, but I managed it eventually.

 

The selector shafts are an interesting concept. 

 

and it’s all rebuilt with new gaskets. 

[sutty2006]

And a lick of paint to complement a successful rebuild. 
 

 

replaced rear seal 

 

 

and found a spring missing off the lever. Had a rummage in my box of spare trinkets and found a perfect match. 

[sutty2006]

Still waiting for parts. Clutch came  on Friday. Wrong. Guy thought I wanted a 9 inch but a 9 inch won’t fit any flywheel I have. Nor will it clear the 4 speed box. 
 

now I have an 8 inch clutch coming Tuesday night. Slightly more expensive. But at least it’s brand new old stock. 
 

so until that’s here, I have to get it ready for putting the engine in. Turned it round in the workshop. 
 

[sutty2006]

Picked up a NOS clutch kit today. Had to walk 3.5 miles for it. Then 3.5 miles back. At least merlin enjoyed it. Now fitted, and test fitted the gearbox. All fits fine. Engine can go in now. 

[dome]

9 hours ago, sutty2006 said:

 Now fitted, and test fitted the gearbox. All fits fine. Engine can go in now

I'd no idea the gearbox in these was so small! Useful pic, I'll save that for future reference.

[sutty2006]

Yes the main section of box where all the tricky stuff lives can fit on an A4 sheet of paper. Crazy! 

[dome]

Did the transmission tunnels change between the Manta B and C? I remember the getrag in my old GT/E as being a big lump of a thing.

 

[sutty2006]

6 minutes ago, dome said:

Did the transmission tunnels change between the Manta B and C? I remember the getrag in my old GT/E as being a big lump of a thing.

 

Yes the 4 speed and 5 speed models had different tunnels. Some people fit the 5 speed and modify the linkage so they can keep the 4 speed lever. I’m not too fussed about that. 
 

current work in progress, strip and rebuild carburettor. 

 

it looks messy in there!! 
 

[outlaw118]

Do I spy a Dutton Melos(?)

[Bstardchild]

5 minutes ago, outlaw118 said:

Do I spy a Dutton Melos(?)

I thought it might be a Phaeton??

[outlaw118]

52 minutes ago, Bstardchild said:

Phaeton??

I tossed a coin..... heads Phaeton, tails Melos

 

[sutty2006]

Phaeton S2. 

[sutty2006]

Just working my way through the service kit. No idea where the tiny o-rings go but I’m sure I’ll find them 

[Snake Charmer]

On 3/16/2021 at 11:36 PM, Barry Cade said:

Wondered if anyone else knew,  seemed to be folklore in Opel circles.

Many years back, someone was restoring a Manta "A". 1973ish. Needed a front valance, so went to his local Vauxhall/Opel dealer. Dealer did a part search and found 3 left in Europe, as they had been out of production for many years.. chap says, get me all 3. I'll  keep a spare, and someone in the club will surely appreciate one.

Dealer puts an order in to Europe parts network, Europe parts network computer sees it as a fast moving part, and sends a message to panel manufacturer to keep up with demand and they press 500 new ones.  There's probably 495 sitting gathering dust somewhere.

 

Might be shite, but heard the story a few times.  Its the only new panel you can get for an early Manta so I've heard.. just wondered if anyone else heard the same story..

I know someone who had loads, I'll ask him.

[Bstardchild]

1 hour ago, sutty2006 said:

Phaeton S2. 

I had one of those back in the early 80's

[sutty2006]

While cleaning the carb I noticed something “not quite right”. 
 

what’s this? 
 

tiny little metal tube.... did some image searching 

 

ahhhh there it is. 
 

and there it isn’t. So that gets sent in with a hammer. 

 

Took the power valve out, that’s seized solid. Great. So ordered one of those for £20 off eBay. Webcon want £31 plus £7 postage. Get fucked.

 

 

carried on with the needle. Took it out and the new one is the same. 2.00. Great. 
 

 

and now I’ve got the floats in a tub of petrol to see if they leak in. 
 

 

no that’s not my piss, it’s old mower petrol 😂

 

[Barry Cade]

19 minutes ago, sutty2006 said:

While cleaning the carb I noticed something “not quite right”. 
 

what’s this? 
 

tiny little metal tube.... did some image searching 

 

ahhhh there it is. 
 

and there it isn’t. So that gets sent in with a hammer. 

 

Took the power valve out, that’s seized solid. Great. So ordered one of those for £20 off eBay. Webcon want £31 plus £7 postage. Get fucked.

 

 

carried on with the needle. Took it out and the new one is the same. 2.00. Great. 
 

 

and now I’ve got the floats in a tub of petrol to see if they leak in. 
 

 

no that’s not my piss, it’s old mower petrol 😂

 

Is that an anniversary snap on screwdriver?