1974 Opel Manta A Mods

[dizkneelandaway]

I own a 1974 Opel Manta A

I am now working on modifying it with the following:

*Neon undercarriage
*Ipod adapter
*Super sound system
*Power Windows
*New paint job

I will start uploading pictures later on today. to show where I am on this all

[McLovin]

Neon undercarriage? Hm, i think that you don't need to put neon lights under Manta A, it will be so indecorously to put neon on That car. Manta wants to be muscle car, not fancy and modern car. - That is my opinion.


I'm not so optimistic, but maybe my conclusion is early, waiting to see pictures... and then i will say my final opinion. Maybe looks good?!?

[dizkneelandaway]

Its becoming a showcar. The neon is still up in the air until the photoshop pic comes back so see what it will look like

[wattiefan]

Not sure it if matters or applies to you, but isnt putting lites underneath the vehicle illlegal? I dont know if it applies to show cars or just normal driving street cars but i always thought it was illegal to do so. I may be wrong.

[McLovin]

In driving it's illegal (your neon must be OFF), but when car is parked, you can turn ON your neon lights.

[opelwasp]

Originally Posted by wattiefan Not sure it if matters or applies to you, but isnt putting lites underneath the vehicle illlegal? I dont know if it applies to show cars or just normal driving street cars but i always thought it was illegal to do so. I may be wrong.

Only if they are on while driving.

[dizkneelandaway]

ok ive researched it aand i can have regular non pulsing lights under the car and they can be on when I drive, its the pulsating ones that cannot be driven with while on.

[GTJIM]

My Opel Monza 'project' plans include Irmscher skirts, Electic Blue paint, slammed, BIG sound, BIG tyres, blue neons under-car ... and maybe a Lexus V8! Got most of the bits already to move when the GT is up and away.

I have only been 18 ... for 40 years!

[dizkneelandaway]

Finally, here are some pics...
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...y/DSCN7709.jpg
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...y/DSCN7710.jpg
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...y/DSCN7711.jpg

[dizkneelandaway]

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...y/DSCN7712.jpg
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...y/DSCN7713.jpg
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...y/DSCN7714.jpg

[dizkneelandaway]

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...y/DSCN7715.jpg
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...y/DSCN7716.jpg
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...y/DSCN7717.jpg

[dizkneelandaway]

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/c...y/DSCN7718.jpg

[LeftLaneGuy]

Ohhh... It's so hard to be objective, here.

Dizzy...
May I suggest getting the car sorted-out, and making sure everything is structurally sound before putting the kinds of 'mods' into it you've mentioned.
I'm not trying to cap on you, but, Dude, we've ALL been there. MANY years ago...
Based on the pics you've posted, I would have to say (in my professional opinion) that you've got about $3k to spend on making the car worth it to even START going the 'show-car' route. Now, before anyone starts bitching at me, I'm just telling it like it is: This nice young man (I'm sure) is talking about going the "ricer" route here. IMHO, he's wasting his time, and potentially a nice Manta. He really needs a honda or mitsu to do this stuff to. If he really likes *this* car, then he REALLY needs to be dragged down to a *good* Opel get-together to see what these cars are really about.

Honestly, he sounds just like my little-brother (who's 32, BTW) who's gotta "drift" every-damn-thing he owns... EVERYTHING is "going to be" a "showcar"... Don't even get me started on how many Opels he's ruined.

Just a thought for your heads...

(Ban away)

[wattiefan]

Come on lets play nice. Look at it like this, at least another opel is not being crushed, sold for parts, sold for scrap or rotting in someones field, pasture, barn, etc.. I give him props for at least trying to update something with style. I am not a fan of "ricers" but at least he has a good start. BTW its way beter than a honda or mitsu.

[LeftLaneGuy]

Originally Posted by wattiefan Come on lets play nice. Look at it like this, at least another opel is not being crushed, sold for parts, sold for scrap or rotting in someones field, pasture, barn, etc.. I give him props for at least trying to update something with style. I am not a fan of "ricers" but at least he has a good start. BTW its way beter than a honda or mitsu.

Sorry, but this is what I alluded to....

I'm not trying to "not be nice". I'm being HONEST. @ 18 I wish I had listened to HALF of the crap my uncles spewed at me...
He has come here for one very good reason, knowing it or not... EXPERIENCE FROM ELDERS. This is not a "better" car than a honda or mitsu, or ANYTHING half it's age. It *looks* better, and is more desirable to some folk, but please, don't fool the kid.
He's got an excellent chance of learning something from our collective mistakes. "Playing Nice" aka; keeping your mouth shut, has never really HELPED anyone. Again, I'll restate that he's got some work to do to make the car a nice one, and worth future upgrades or 'mods'... Take my last Opel as an example: I've had SEVERAL Opels over the last 20+years. Some good, some bad. I've done some wild stuff, and made some bad choices. The wagon in my gallery was purchased for $1000. After approx $3k worth of repairs, it looks like it did in the pics posted. It's now in the garage awaiting a front-end transplant due to a touch of inattentiveness on my part.
It's reality, and like said before, he MIGHT LEARN SOMETHING.
-llg

[dizkneelandaway]

LeftLaneGuy-

Idk what ur problem is but im not a darn "Ricer". Im sorry you have had problems with your opels. I see promise in this car. Even if some things dont work, I can take them off because I wont be making any holes, dents, mark, etc in the body or anything. So it would look like they were never there. And EVERYTHING but the lights under the car are still OPEL parts, not new copies. Everything but the lights will be genuine. I have been working old car people on this and everything I want to do to it, I ask them if its ok or not. I only put what is ok on it. When we bought it, It was about to be junker-smashed, but not before gutted for parts. So leave me n my opel b LLG. AND IF YOU LIKE HONDAS AND MITSU'S MORE THAN OPELS. I DONT THINK YOU SHOULD BE ON THIS FORUM.

-Dizzy

[jordan]

Let's play nice or this thread is over. "Listen here" additudes in such a thread will not be tolerated, anyone has every right to do what every they wish to their car....because it is their car, suggestions are encouraged and appreciated by all, but when it gets a directive tone it can get ugly very quickly.

[calvin]

Do what make you happy and feel good about the car. You already have the color right. I have had both fast cars and show cars and once had show car that was fast (lots of fun) but honestly sometimes the show car is more practical.

I just sort of got in the odd position of having the Opel I have as my only means of transport now other than a bicycle..
I can safely say that it might be in the top ten (maybe 5) 4clynder street legal Opel’s in the country and for sure would crack even the top 50 in Germany.. Not playing pinks I am about to make a point.... Keeping a car buffed up like that takes lots of maintenance. As a daily driver I almost wish it was stock again

Dates do not understand you yanking the distib at 10:30pm in the parking lot after a romantic dinner.. They want to car to go every time you get in without maintenance hassles.

Being able to almost crack 140 (it will happen) doesn’t help you a bit when everyone is going 30mph.. The cool blue lights will get you noticed and didn't cost 5gs for the engine modifications that are only useable on the autobahn. A buffed stereo is for toolin!!!! It really helps if you can hear the stereo over the engine. (A problem at 6500rpm)

A strack stocker will get you the "right kind of attention" as fast as a monster on steroids... the VAST MAJORITY of the opposite sex could care less if it was fast but you will get points if it's cute or cool..No points for heat from the header coming through the unplugged hole in the firewall.... They want comfort!!!

Do what makes your heart and your Manta sing!!!

[wattiefan]

Too many times people are quick to post what not to do with there opels. Its your opel do whatever you want with it. I guess i would rather see something unique and out of this world than see another great car bite the dust. From opel monsters to opel racers. I enjoy looking at them all!

[LeftLaneGuy]

I never said that Dizzy's stupid, or foolish...

I DID however suggest that he sorts the car out properly FIRST before doing any 'mods' like he was speaking of...
Do what you want, I never said not to. I'm sorry, but what you are speaking of *IS* ricey. So what? If that's what you like, so be it. BUT DO THE RIGHT THINGS FIRST.

This is what I despise about these boards, and why I rarely post anything.
If y'all can't comprehend what's being said, then never mind... BUT Dizzy (and others) could benefit geatly from others past experience. Oh, and on the subject of "loving hondas", etc... I think you need to really sit back and listen/read what's being said. I never said I "love hondas"... I DID say however that there is no comparison between our 30+ year old Opels and current imports. Sorry. Fact of life. As far as the 'mods' you're speaking of, I'll tell you this: The Opel electrical system, as it is, will NOT support the extras you want without some attention. Again- SORT OUT THE CAR before trying this stuff.

If you can't take advice, or mild criticism, I suggest *YOU* do not belong on an internet forum.
Oh, and please refrain from using text-message typing. If you can't spell out the words, just don't use 'em.. Thanks

But never mind me, I have no idea what I'm talking about...

[dizkneelandaway]

LLG-

I apologize because I did not fully read your posts. I got frustrated when I saw ricer. I just went off and skimmed you replies. I'm sorry for going off on you. I understand what you meant by making sure that car is ok for anything. I am working on running the underlights off another battery hidden in the trunk. But understanding about making sure it is structularly stable, I'm having someone make sure it is ok.

[BQS4]

Diz;
I understand fully what LeftLane guy was getting at. In the attached pic that you posted, you will notice all the rust on the hood release handle and what is the bottom side of the battery box/tray, and the fuse box is directly under the box/tray. This is the "sore spot" for the Manta/Ascona. Left unfixed, you electrical goes haywire, and the rust runs down into the frame rail/jack point directly under all this. This critical area needs to have your UNDIVIDED attention right now. all the gadgets and such will do no good unless this is fixed. If the rust is just the battery box, then stop it right there and then you can proceed to make your show car

[opelwasp]

Originally Posted by dizkneelandaway ok ive researched it aand i can have regular non pulsing lights under the car and they can be on when I drive, its the pulsating ones that cannot be driven with while on.

I take it you are in CA? Take it from a CA cop(me). You will, I say will, get a ticket if you drive with them on. Ask a CHP, they will burn your butt. Are they illegal? Yes and no. But if you have them on while driving you will be going to traffic court, alot, trying to prove to the judge they are legal, have fun with that.
Smartest thing to do? Just put them on a switch.
StreetGlow has a forum with all the info you need to defend yourself in court. It's your hassel if you want it.

[dizkneelandaway]

So i got the car looked at and it is in good shape to work with, we got the rust under control. Everything is now on schedule!

[Mike Preble]

As anyone with a Manta will tell you and it is evident from your pictures one of the rust areas is at the bottom of the windows where water will pool. Your pictures of the rubber being gone in this area is evidence of this happening. Rust tends to develop in this area of metal. Make sure this area is addressed before you try to install a new front and rear widow gasket.

Some people like those hugh bumpers and some don't. They do make a great park bench to eat off of if you are in to that. The smaller, earlier ones can be transplanted. JMTCW.

Good luck and keep us posted. Mike