Manta A 19 - from Portugal

[Sportwagon75]

Here are some good shots of my rust-free battery box with the factory hold-down still in use.

[4speed]

Sportwagon75, thanks a lot for the pictures, they will be very useful!!!
My battery box was once replaced for a flat tray... I'll probably buy an original one from Dr. Manta to replace it.

This weekend I notice that the carb Secondary Vacuum Diaphragm was loose. There were two bolts missing that supposed to fix it to the carb main body!
I don’t know the effects of it, because I don't know haw long it was loose and the car was working good.

Today I’ll buy the bolts and assemble it!

[4speed]

Meanwhile I’ve received a box “full” of original parts from my friends Dave and Gene.
Once again thanks!

[4speed]

From ebay I've bought a set or locks with key from a manta, front shock absorbers and some other parts to spare.

[4speed]

But ... when I was lifting the car to install the shock absorbers

Look what happened, ht jacking point was completed rusted and broken!

[4speed]

Beside the rust problem I’ve decided to replace my old front shock absorbers.
With a small hydraulic jack and some bricks I took of f the wheel and raised the car.

[4speed]

With a 17 wrench I’ve removed the top nuts and rubber. Then with a 15 wrench removed the bottom bolt and nut.

The old shock absorber installed was not specific for the Manta and was adapted.
To fit the new shock absorber it needs to be closed. But inside the spring I can’t open it because it needs a lot of strength.
Meanwhile was late and time to dinner and I’ll continue the job today.

I’ve been thinking in screw the top first, and then with a rope in the bottom axel pull down the shock absorber to open it.
If any of you have a better idea me please help me!

[David McCollam]

Ricardo,

The front shock should extend by itself with no pressure to compress it. Try to extend it outside the spring. Compress andextend the shock 2 or 3 times like this. After to exercise, the shock should compress and them when you relieve he pressure from your hands, it will expand on its own.

This will allow you to compress the shock and put it inside the spring. When it is inide the spring, it will expand most of the distance to the bottom on its own. This is how all of the shocks on my Rallye have behaved in the past.

Let me know if this works for you.

Dave

[Mike Preble]

David, I am confused as I thought they only extended on their own when they are gas charged. I have always, in the good old days, had to mount the top mount and then pull the bottom down to the proper length. It was hard to pull it down but you could hear the oil circulating inside the tube as it passed from one chamber to another. And this is also the description in my Stokel Auto service and repair book. pg 31-32 to 31-33. But if I am wrong, please tell me. I have been wrong before(2 ex-wives).

Mike

[4speed]

Dave, the first one is mounted!!!
It was not easy. I raised even more the car to place the open shock absorber.
First I've fixed the bottom, and pointed the top into the hole.
I need to force it a little to get the top hole.
But it's done and assembled.

Now the old right shock is already out and today I'll finish the job.

About the Shock absorber, I did like you told me to ... but they didn't extend by itself.
I think that Mike is right maybe only the gas shock absorbers extend by itself.

Mike ... love you sense of humour!!!

Thank you all for helping me.

[4speed]

The shock absorber replacement job is done.
The second one was so fast that I had time to do some cleaning!

[4speed]

One more gift that I got from ebay to my manta.

A complete set os locks with the same key!

[4speed]

The seller also sent me some extra gifts!

[4speed]

My Manta!

[4speed]

That is why I like my Manta!!!!

[white trash]

4 Speed your Manta is really an awesome ride!! I've been drooling since page 1!!!

and your pictures have been a huge help with doing the odds and ends that i will be doing this coming weekend to my manta! (only now after seeing how you can do it!!)

I think i'm more jealous about you having the handbook than anything else!! if i had one of those i'd be able to get cracking on the car and maybe have her ready for my first "road trip" in june.. but at this rate doesn't look like i'll have her moving for a while!

i've found some helpful things and had Dave help me with a few blond moments i've had but i think seeing you in action and showing us what you've done is awesome.. and a huge inspiration..

Thanks for sharing your ride and work with us!

forever in your debt!

White trash

[nobody]

Speaking of blond moments, how many early Opels are in Portugal?

[white trash]

In 1963, both Ford and GM began operations in Azambuja, on the outskirts of Lisbon, in buildings that are just 100 ft. apart. Though Apfel jokingly speculates executives must have wanted to carpool together, Ford eventually closed up shop at a time when Opel was ready to expand.

click here for the original content of the website

[4speed]

white trash, thanks!
It's good to know that people like to see this topic and that it helps them to increase the love for old Opels.
Dave has been a great help for me too. He is just an excellent person.

nobody, here in Portugal there are a lots of old Opels. The Opel/GM came to Portugal in the early 1930s. So frequently we can see old Opel in classic meetings and some others running on our streets.

Sadly the Azambuja factory (only assembling), closed this year 2007, sending to the unemployment 1100 workers.
The production was moved to Spain.

[white trash]

Originally Posted by 4speed white trash, thanks! It's good to know that people like to see this topic and that it helps them to increase the love for old Opels. Dave has been a great help for me too. He is just an excellent person.

its a pleasure, and it really is a joy to see such a passion for such a fantastic car.. i'll post picks as soon as i get her running at the moment its in the documenting stage..

and Yes i must agree that Dave is a fantastic help!!