Manta jack points

[deanh74_2]

On the Manta I purchased last fall, the front jack points are both rotted away. Yes, Gone

The question I have is, could I eliminate the jack points? I know it isn't stock. I also know that is how you use the jack with the car. But, there are a number of other options you could use and jack on the frame. I am just wondering before I start working on the car in the spring.

And I am sorry if this was ansered before. I did not find it.

Thanks for the help,

Dean

[Rionart]

Yes, you can eliminate the jacking points (MMT:Manta Mud Traps).
However it is worth remembering that they also tie the frame rail to the sill, so it would be wise to beef that area up rather than just using a bit of flat plate (I'm assuming the floor is ventilated if the MMT's are gone).
Bob will be able to tell you better what gauge/cross section steel to use.
HTH, Rob.

[officertyo]

Both front jack points are missing on my car also. I also had to weld on my drivers side frame rail because it was mostly missing. I just use a floor jack and jack the car up from there. When i also use a lift at work i lift it from the frame rails. I see no need for you to put new jack points on the front. Because to me the stock jacking system is dangerous. Just use a floor jack.

[Aardvaark]

Just be sure you carry what it takes to jack the car up safely when your out on the road in case of a flat. So you don't

[Phoenix]

Originally Posted by Aardvaark Just be sure you carry what it takes to jack the car up safely when your out on the road in case of a flat. So you don't

Exactly what I was thinking. Tires do go flat and you might need to lift the car up just to put in some trans fluid.

[Phoenix]

Now's a good time to bring these up. I was wondering about the fesibility of using them on an opel. They're very expensive but the concept is interesting.

[Dirk]

Originally Posted by Phoenix Now's a good time to bring these up. I was wondering about the fesibility of using them on an opel. They're very expensive but the concept is interesting.

I dunno, those look like they're only for spreading the stress of jacking the car up. From what i understand the opel issue is rusting of the jackpoints.

[OpelJim]

Originally Posted by deanh74_2 On the Manta I purchased last fall, the front jack points are both rotted away. Yes, Gone The question I have is, could I eliminate the jack points? I know it isn't stock. I also know that is how you use the jack with the car. But, there are a number of other options you could use and jack on the frame. I am just wondering before I start working on the car in the spring. And I am sorry if this was ansered before. I did not find it. Thanks for the help, Dean

If you want the OEM jack points to weld back in place
then let me know via phone 760 497 5360 Jim M
1st paid 1st delivered
For the front pair custom cut $85.00 each

[DennisGardiner]

RallyeBob has posted in another thread (can't remember which) pictures of his 'built' (and I mean built) jack points for the 50 series Opels.

Bob's da Man!

[DennisGardiner]

Okay found it:

Sportwagon from Hell

permalinks # 56, 103 & 129

Hard-core Opel Jack point build up!

#56 shows before, 103 shows repairs and during, 129 shows almost done.

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by DennisGardiner Okay found it: Sportwagon from Hell permalinks # 56, 103 & 129 Hard-core Opel Jack point build up! #56 shows before, 103 shows repairs and during, 129 shows almost done.

Or for more details, go to my Flickr photo site, I have most of the play-by-play steps of the jack pad rebuild photographed.

As far as whether or not you need the jack pads...you don't technically. However keep in mind they do structurally tie the rocker panel and the framerail together, making the car stronger. Leaving a void here will weaken the car. So even if you don't use the jacking points as intended, it's a good idea to tie things together with at least a piece of tubing.

HTH,
Bob

[manta73wi]

Dean, I would recommend you certainly replace the jack points. As the others have said, the structural rigidity is needed, and keeping that part of the car stock does have its benefits should you decide to sell at some point in the future. Sounds like Jim M has the parts you need. I got some a few years back in a group buy on this site; otherwise they aren't real easy to find in the US in my experience.
-Jeff W

[deanh74_2]

Thanks for the help guys, I think... .

You have given me something to think about. I am still unsure which way I will go but, I am leaning towards replaceing the jack points. I will also have to see if I can afford to replace them also. I have a limited budget and it isn't getting any bigger any time soon.

Thanks,

Dean

[Gary Sullivan]

Anyone know if jack pads from the Manta fit the Ascona's well? I don't have a Manta to check closely.

[BQS4]

Originally Posted by Gary Sullivan Anyone know if jack pads from the Manta fit the Ascona's well? I don't have a Manta to check closely.

As far as I know, they are the same.

[RallyBob]

Yup, Manta, Ascona and wagon are the same, 1971-1975.

[blancojp]

I rebuilt my driver's side unit on the Ascona since it was rusted beyond repair.
I did however add 1/4" rebar to the rockers at the same time since I will be changing the engine at a later date.

[blancojp]

Here are a few pics of the before and after.