My new Manta

jerseydave · 02-28-2009

Picked up this Manta today down by the Jersey Shore. Is in really good shape and started right up after sitting outside at a restoration shop for a year plus. My plans are to clean it up and decide what to do with it.

Aardvaark · 02-28-2009

It's a fuelie! Nice find.

DennisGardiner · 03-01-2009

Looks real straight from the passenger side, and no rust too boot.
Nice find!

74Opel1900 · 03-01-2009

Nice find Dave. Can't wait to see what you do with the car

jerseydave · 03-01-2009

Hey Brian like the pictures!

74Opel1900 · 03-01-2009

Well, you might as well show all of the pictures. The inspection sticker on the car is from 1992 so chances are it hasn't really been on the road since then. Granted, Jim (the guy who sold you the car) said he drove it from Freehold to Howell about a year ago but that really doesn't count. I think the real story here is how much you paid for this car. You should definitely be bragging about the price right now because you got a steal. I still can't get over how well that engine runs.

Manta pictures by bcutts - Photobucket

Just in case anyone is wondering. Here's the story of my involvement. Dave drove a bit of distance to see the car last week but the guy was sick and he didn't get the chance. I met up with Dave that day since it's not far from my house. Later on that week curiosity was killing me and I just had to see this car so I found the Craigslist ad and gave the guy a call (without telling Dave). I made arrangements to see the car yesterday, took some pictures and sent them to Dave as a surprise. The seller didn't want to get the car started without a deposit so I gave him a few bucks this morning. Dave then sprang into action, rented a trailer and took the car home to join the rest of the Opel family this afternoon. It was exciting to chase this car down and help Dave out. I'm very happy to see it's in good hands now and not rotting in some auto graveyard. Hopefully we'll be seeing this car at Carlisle one day.

opelgtguy · 03-01-2009

Uh oh, Dave .......... more BIG BUMPERS !

timemachine · 03-01-2009

Way to go Dave, looks like you found a good deal. Got your PM also, won't add but to say have fun with the car in your new garage and drive somethihg to Carlisle this year if you can!

Jim

opelgtboy70 · 03-01-2009

Hey.....thanks Dave for leaving me out.

Karl

RallyBob · 03-01-2009

Pretty rare car! Only a little over 7000 Manta's made it stateside in 1975. Surprising to see one with the EFI still intact (no carb retrofit).

jerseydave · 03-01-2009

Karl is correct, he contacted me seeing if I had any interest in this car. The car was originally listed at $255, but that listing was revoked and relisted at $550. Still a good deal for this car, considering that it runs well except needing some brake work and a good interior scrubbing!!!

opelgtboy70 · 03-01-2009

I thought we were going to look together. Didnt know you were invloving other people.....I learned my lesson!!! I guess I have to be cuthtroat and not let others know.

Karl

jerseyopel · 03-01-2009

What did you think you were gonna do, share it?

74Opel1900 · 03-03-2009

Originally Posted by opelgtboy70

I thought we were going to look together. Didnt know you were invloving other people.....I learned my lesson!!! I guess I have to be cuthtroat and not let others know.

Karl

Actually Karl, Dave didn't include me. I included myself without asking Dave. Dave wanted to see my car and he was only 30 minutes from my house so I met up with him. He did tell me he was going to check out a car but didn't get a chance to see it. He only said it was on Craigslist so I did a search and found it. I don't know what was agreed upon by you two prior to this but Dave doesn't seem like the type of guy to screw anyone over. Dave did not solicit my involvement. Like I said, I kinda just took it upon myself to do him a favor. The car belongs to Dave now and what he decides to do with it is up to him. I did ask him if he is going to part it out that I do need a few parts but I'm fairly certain that he's going to put it on the road. We are a small group of Opel enthusiasts and I would hate to see anyone at odds over a $550 car. Hopefully this clears things up and we can all continue to get along. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone in May at Carlisle so I pray there is no bad blood over this.

timemachine · 03-04-2009

Originally Posted by 74Opel1900

We are a small group of Opel enthusiasts and I would hate to see anyone at odds over a $550 car. Hopefully this clears things up and we can all continue to get along. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone in May at Carlisle so I pray there is no bad blood over this.

No bad blood whatsoever 74Opel1900, we're all looking forward to meeting you in Carlisle and hopefully seeing your new Opel you are excited to have! Even if it's not running, please join us.

Jim

opelgtguy · 03-04-2009

I'd like to see if we couldn't have a Spring Shakedown Meet - blowing out the 'Winter Cobwebs' before Carlisle. Maybe in April ?
What do you guys think ?
Rick

Gordy · 03-04-2009

Hey, I like the box bumpers! I've owned both and even though initially I leaned toward the early bumpers, now that I see both (and own a 1975) I like the box bumpers better. (just my opinion)

Maybe it's because the bumpers tend to hide lower valances on most early Mantas that are in less than pristine shape these days, so they actually enhance the appearance.

74Opel1900 · 03-04-2009

Originally Posted by timemachine

No bad blood whatsoever 74Opel1900, we're all looking forward to meeting you in Carlisle and hopefully seeing your new Opel you are excited to have! Even if it's not running, please join us.

Jim

Good to hear. My Opel is running great since putting $2K into repairs. I use it as my daily driver now. Hopefully it will have new paint by the time Carlisle rolls around. You will definitely see me and muh muh muh my Ascona there this year.

-Brian

74Opel1900 · 03-04-2009

Originally Posted by opelgtguy

I'd like to see if we couldn't have a Spring Shakedown Meet - blowing out the 'Winter Cobwebs' before Carlisle. Maybe in April ?
What do you guys think ?
Rick

I'd be down for that.

timemachine · 03-05-2009

I've been looking for a spring event to host and could offer up my place. Nobody has seen my new garage yet.

jlthunder · 03-05-2009

I'm up for a spring fling event. I want to see some of the new Opel additions since last year. It's been pretty active for the T.O.O. group.

Dave, you are going to have to get matching '75 wheels on this Manta. Some are the old 4 slot and the others are the 8 slot. Nice car. Keep the big bumpers. If they get damaged, you have a spare set from the '74

opelgtguy · 03-05-2009

Originally Posted by timemachine

I've been looking for a spring event to host and could offer up my place. Nobody has seen my new garage yet.

Hey Jim:
That would be great. Maybe we could do a cruise

through Ridley Creek State Park and picnic ...... or maybe just sit around and

Rick

timemachine · 03-05-2009

Originally Posted by opelgtguy

Hey Jim:
That would be great. Maybe we could do a cruise through Ridley Creek State Park and picnic ...... or maybe just sit around and

Rick

Sure. There are plenty of good roads down here as you know and I'm just off both 95 and the Blue Route a little south of the Philly airport which would ease the ride for our MD/DC friends. So, I guess the thing to do is start a thread and look for the right weekend for the Springy Thingy.

opelgtguy · 03-05-2009

Originally Posted by timemachine

Sure. There are plenty of good roads down here as you know and I'm just off both 95 and the Blue Route a little south of the Philly airport which would ease the ride for our MD/DC friends. So, I guess the thing to do is start a thread and look for the right weekend for the Springy Thingy.

Okie Dokie ....... I'll start a thread:

How does "Spring Shakedown Shindig" sound ?

Rick

jlthunder · 03-05-2009

Originally Posted by opelgtguy

Okie Dokie ....... I'll start a thread:

How does "Spring Shakedown Shindig" sound ?

Rick

Or otherwise known as S.S.S. with T.O.O.

02-28-2009	#2 (permalink)
Aardvaark UFO pel abductee. Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Des Moines, Iowa Posts: 2,242 Real Name: Mark Paar (not Parr) Provided Answers: 5	It's a fuelie! Nice find. __________________ -Mark '75 Manta Direct link to my album of Opel related parts catalogs and magazine articles for reference: http://www.opelgt.com/photopost/show...ser/23031/sl/a

03-01-2009	#3 (permalink)
DennisGardiner Kalifornia Kid Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Soulsbyville, CA Posts: 357	Looks real straight from the passenger side, and no rust too boot. Nice find! __________________ Drifting: dorifuto sōkō, a motor sport where the driver intentionally oversteers, causing loss of traction in the rear wheels through turns, while preserving vehicle control.

03-01-2009	#5 (permalink)
jerseydave Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 693 Provided Answers: 1	Hey Brian like the pictures! __________________ Dave 73 Opel GT-work in progress 74 Manta 75 Manta Previous 72 Manta Rallye-owned 1974-1979

03-01-2009	#8 (permalink)
timemachine Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Swarthmore, PA Posts: 871 Real Name: Jim Provided Answers: 7	Way to go Dave, looks like you found a good deal. Got your PM also, won't add but to say have fun with the car in your new garage and drive somethihg to Carlisle this year if you can! Jim __________________ '74 Manta ("Sig") '75 Sportwagon (project) '72 GT (whenever I get to it) Sold or wrecked: '72 Manta Rallye '73 Manta '74 Luxus

03-01-2009	#11 (permalink)
jerseydave Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 693 Provided Answers: 1	Karl is correct, he contacted me seeing if I had any interest in this car. The car was originally listed at $255, but that listing was revoked and relisted at $550. Still a good deal for this car, considering that it runs well except needing some brake work and a good interior scrubbing!!! __________________ Dave 73 Opel GT-work in progress 74 Manta 75 Manta Previous 72 Manta Rallye-owned 1974-1979

03-01-2009	#4 (permalink)
74Opel1900 Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 325 Real Name: Brian Provided Answers: 1	Nice find Dave. Can't wait to see what you do with the car

03-01-2009	#6 (permalink)
74Opel1900 Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 325 Real Name: Brian Provided Answers: 1	Well, you might as well show all of the pictures. The inspection sticker on the car is from 1992 so chances are it hasn't really been on the road since then. Granted, Jim (the guy who sold you the car) said he drove it from Freehold to Howell about a year ago but that really doesn't count. I think the real story here is how much you paid for this car. You should definitely be bragging about the price right now because you got a steal. I still can't get over how well that engine runs. Manta pictures by bcutts - Photobucket Just in case anyone is wondering. Here's the story of my involvement. Dave drove a bit of distance to see the car last week but the guy was sick and he didn't get the chance. I met up with Dave that day since it's not far from my house. Later on that week curiosity was killing me and I just had to see this car so I found the Craigslist ad and gave the guy a call (without telling Dave). I made arrangements to see the car yesterday, took some pictures and sent them to Dave as a surprise. The seller didn't want to get the car started without a deposit so I gave him a few bucks this morning. Dave then sprang into action, rented a trailer and took the car home to join the rest of the Opel family this afternoon. It was exciting to chase this car down and help Dave out. I'm very happy to see it's in good hands now and not rotting in some auto graveyard. Hopefully we'll be seeing this car at Carlisle one day.

03-01-2009	#7 (permalink)
opelgtguy Opel-ing since '74 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hatboro, PA Posts: 810 Real Name: Rick	Uh oh, Dave .......... more BIG BUMPERS !

03-01-2009	#9 (permalink)
opelgtboy70 Opeler Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NJ Posts: 201 Real Name: Karl Senula	Hey.....thanks Dave for leaving me out. Karl

03-01-2009	#12 (permalink)
opelgtboy70 Opeler Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NJ Posts: 201 Real Name: Karl Senula	I thought we were going to look together. Didnt know you were invloving other people.....I learned my lesson!!! I guess I have to be cuthtroat and not let others know. Karl

03-01-2009	#13 (permalink)
jerseyopel Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: new jersey Posts: 252	car What did you think you were gonna do, share it?

03-04-2009	#16 (permalink)
opelgtguy Opel-ing since '74 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hatboro, PA Posts: 810 Real Name: Rick	I'd like to see if we couldn't have a Spring Shakedown Meet - blowing out the 'Winter Cobwebs' before Carlisle. Maybe in April ? What do you guys think ? Rick

03-04-2009	#17 (permalink)
Gordy Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Loves Park, IL (Rockford area) Posts: 805	In defense of box bumpers! Hey, I like the box bumpers! I've owned both and even though initially I leaned toward the early bumpers, now that I see both (and own a 1975) I like the box bumpers better. (just my opinion) Maybe it's because the bumpers tend to hide lower valances on most early Mantas that are in less than pristine shape these days, so they actually enhance the appearance.

03-05-2009	#20 (permalink)
timemachine Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Swarthmore, PA Posts: 871 Real Name: Jim Provided Answers: 7	I've been looking for a spring event to host and could offer up my place. Nobody has seen my new garage yet. __________________ '74 Manta ("Sig") '75 Sportwagon (project) '72 GT (whenever I get to it) Sold or wrecked: '72 Manta Rallye '73 Manta '74 Luxus

03-05-2009	#21 (permalink)
jlthunder 1000 Post Club Join Date: May 2003 Location: Salfordville, PA Posts: 2,143 Real Name: Jeff	I'm up for a spring fling event. I want to see some of the new Opel additions since last year. It's been pretty active for the T.O.O. group. Dave, you are going to have to get matching '75 wheels on this Manta. Some are the old 4 slot and the others are the 8 slot. Nice car. Keep the big bumpers. If they get damaged, you have a spare set from the '74 __________________ 1972 Opel GT, Owner since 1983 2001 Saab 9-5 SE 3.0 Turbo V6 Weeeeeeeeeee!!! 1973 GT, Parted out, R.I.P. 1968 Kadette, Owner since 2006, Sold, 28 June 2008

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