Why am I here???

[BethanyMishel]

I am typing this story, for all of you people that dont know me, to read for several reasons.. First, we have all done something out of pure emotion, and not realized how much that decision would affect us later on. And we have all been too stubborn to admit our stupidity, so we have to stand by our decision like we believe it to be right, when we know we screwed up....
In 1984, my parents informed me that if I planned on having a car to drive when I turned 16, I had better find something to start work on pretty quick. They intended for me to know my car inside and out before I hit the road. They were the most knowledgeable people I have ever known. They gave me $300, to match what I had saved, and while my friends were whining for Camaros, or getting a Jetta, I was learning about the nightmare of a cut wiring harness, that the motor doesn't always start, and how fiberglasss resin will mess up your skin, clothes, tools, etc. But for three years, I worked on it, and drove it everywhere. In 1987 I moved to Georgia, from Illinois, Drove my "Baby Car" all over the state.
But when I was became pregnant with my first child, one sad day, my pregnant hormones out of control, my ass and baby belly to big to get IN the car (let alone try to drive it) A co worker of my husband's made some comments about buying My Opel since I couldnt get all of me in it anymore. After I threw fit, cussed, and cried, I did something very stupid. I pulled out the title, signed the back, and said " Give me $700. for it. I will never be able to finish it anyway!" That @*$@^! whipped out some cash and his checkbook.... Well, I did need the money, and I had another car to drive, so I played it off like I didnt mind losing My Opel. Like I had planned on selling it.
Eight years later, when my Mom was dying with cancer, we spent alot of time reminising. I realized how much that little beat up, rusty, electrical nightmare had meant to me and my family. I had to fess up to Mom about why I had really sold it.
Then three years later my dad passed away, and while doing the usual "house cleaning after a death in the family" I came across so many memories, photos ans such about the little Opel project, I decided that as soon as I was able to spend the time, and money to restore another Opel, I would do it. For myself, and in some twisted sense, for my overly sentimental hippie parents. I envision lots of flowers and beads, maybe in something orange or purple... A large peace sign and a bong airbrushed on the hood?? LOL Maybe.. So if you have read this anthology, you know now why I am here. I am old and settled now, a grandmother, with lots of time, skills, and memories. I havent located the right Opel yet, I am hoping to find a forgotten hobby in someones backyard that I can get for a song, and rework the entire thing.. So, any ideas will be welcomed gladly. Or the whereabouts of a little GT project car that needs to be rescued, will be appreciated. I live in Georgia but will travel to pick it up if I can get it cheap enough. I prefer a 1971, but as long as it is the GT, the year doesnt really matter.

[timemachine]

You're in Georgia, which means you'll shortly be hearing from a variety of interesting and knowledgable folks.

Why is Georgia such an Opel magnet? I understand it up here in PA where there are lots of Germans and Dutch.

Anyway, you'll soon have all the local advice you need and then some. Have fun Bethany.

Jim

[BQS4]

Hi and welcome to the community. I'm in Snellville, just past St Mtn. Like Jim said, we have a very good and diversified group, here in GA. You're not alone in having "done something dumb", so don't feel bad, I have done the same thing, but, have moved from one Opel to another. As for finding you a GT, we need to know if you want one that's running or want one to "work" on, and do you need manual or automatic? As for who we are, you can go to the "Social Groups" and join the GA group. We're actually planning our next meet for the 25th of July in Helen, GA, and no you don't have to have an Opel to attend.

[traytodd]

Many of us here are baby boomers who had Opels when we were teens or early 20's and never forgot them. That is why we came back. My first was a '74 Manta Rallye. Honeymooned in that car, hauled 2 kids around in it before it finally rusted out after 12 years and 180 Kmi. It was the best car I have ever owned. But with a third kid on the way we needed something bigger and more reliable. I was Opelless for 14 years and then got my GT in 2000. So many here understand your feelings. Good luck in your search, watch ebay and Craig's list.

Terry

[SteveGT]

Welcome to the Forum Bethany, you are going to find some of the best folks around....as BQS4 (Gene) stated, we have a really cool group of folks here in Georgia as well.....so pull up a chair and make yourself at home...ps, I sent you a PM...hope to meet ya at our July 25th meet in Helen, Ga

SteveGT

[rrossjr]

Originally Posted by BethanyMishel I am typing this story, for all of you people that dont know me, to read for several reasons..

Hello, and welcome, Bethany.
I'm NOT from Georgia, but I enjoyed reading your story. Good luck with your search. It sounds like you are itching to cut another wiring harness!
In addition to Terry's suggestion about eBay and Craig's list, be sure to keep an eye on the classifieds on this site. GTs in all price ranges show up frequently.
Ron in Indy

[DennisGardiner]

Welcome as well.

I understand 'stupid', (been there, done that) sold a silver 69 GT with a red interior, in 1995...

I so, so , so regret that move. The guy who purchased it literally ran it into the ground.

I saw it one day, and the narative goes something like this:

Happy Dennis: "Hey, that's my old GT". (walk closer)

A little stunned: "Ya, that's my old GT". (look inside)

Depressed Dennis: "That's my old GT."

[Phoenix]

Good to have another enthusiast in the area. There was a member, patchat420 who was trying to sell 3 GT in Douglasville. His phone number is 678-401-7446. See if he still has them and go check them out.

[wrench459]

Welcome to the site Bethany.
There's no need to look out of state for a GT for some reason theres a plenty lurking around the back roads of Ga.
Name the specs and I'm sure the Ga group will find several good
candidates for you to choose from.
Helen later this month.