What to look for

[mr_udy]

What do I look for when checking over an Opel GT for purchase? I'm looking at a '73 tomorow? Any help out there? Thanks-hope I am posting this in the correct place?

[opelgtmaster3]

look for rust under the car. check all the fluids,

[kwilford]

I moved this to the GT forum, because it kind of fits with another similar thread. Have a look at:
http://www.opelgt.com/forums/gt/4527-consider-buying-opel-gt.html
for some recent discussion.
HTH

[Old Hippie]

Heres' my thought to add:
1) look the engine over for oily dirt
2) Have owner start engine while you watch the exhaust pipe: NO SMOKE!
3) Check out clutch engagement and shifter movement: needs to be smooth
4) Press all four corners of the car down and listen for squeeks
5) tire wear patters
Plus what opelgtmaster3 said: Rust! at jack points and were the floor pan rounds up to the rockers.
Just my 2c's.

[BDD]

Rust typically starts under or near the battery box, at the rocker panels, at each end of the rocker panels (may look for blisters in the paint there) on a ledge under the front fender right up near where the hood sits (inside the fender, also may be visible, later from the engine compartment when it rusts through the lip that the hood sits on).
You would also want to check for rust near the 4 jack points, at the rear of the front wheel wells, at the bottom edge of the rear quarter windows and at the inside edge along the bottom of the doors. Also, there are access panels in the front wheel wells and some metal laps near the top/ front and a similar lap at the bottom/ rear of the front wheel wells. Rust often starts at these locations too.
These are great cars to have if they're in good shape. Once you have one just monitor these areas and you will stop any rust before it develops too far.

[mr_udy]

Thanks....I've printed the information and will be sure to examine these areas. Thanks again.

[opelwasp]

Originally Posted by BDD Rust typically starts under or near the battery box, at the rocker panels, at each end of the rocker panels (may look for blisters in the paint there) on a ledge under the front fender right up near where the hood sits (inside the fender, also may be visible, later from the engine compartment when it rusts through the lip that the hood sits on).

keep in mind, it will be a hell of a task to find a GT with no rust under the battery tray. so rust there is not nessecerily a deal breaker.

[BDD]

Rust under the battery tray can also be easy to fix depending on how bad it is. You will want to check for it though because it's common. Look underneath too to see that the floor pans aren't badly rusted. Surface rust is o.k. and can be stopped. You just don't want a structural problem.
Since these cars are unique in that they have rotating headlights I think that you'd want to try them out and make sure that they rotate freely and lock in the up and down positions.
Look at the headlight wiring for it's condition, though you might want to replace that anyway if it's original.
As for any car, check the fans, lights etc. That's just typical stuff.
I'd want to see a heat shield in place under the carburetor but it would be easy to install one yourself.
Also, it's a plus if the car already has a Weber carburetor installed.

These cars have a full set of dashboard instrumentation, tach, oil pressure, engine temp, etc. not just "dummy lights" like you see today. that's a very good thing and will tell you if problems are arising. Take advantage of that too when checking the car out.