Another Opel 1974 Manta

[ghcoe]

Picked up a 1974 Opel Manta for my son who will be driving soon. Having some title issues though. Hope it does not turn into a parts car. Would like to get it running for him before he starts to drive.

[Phoenix]

Was this the one on Craigslist?

[ghcoe]

Originally Posted by Phoenix Was this the one on Craigslist?

Yes, Idaho Falls, Idaho. Been on there for 3 months. Decided to jump.

[jlthunder]

Ensure the rims are correct. The one on the front looks correct, but the rear one doesn't look right. Looks like a FWD rim.

Some one was in a hurry with the primer. They painted right over the side marker lights.

[Phoenix]

There are ways of getting a title to you in around about way.

[ghcoe]

Originally Posted by jlthunder Ensure the rims are correct. The one on the front looks correct, but the rear one doesn't look right. Looks like a FWD rim. Some one was in a hurry with the primer. They painted right over the side marker lights.

I have a set of 1975 Opel wheels from my Ascona to put on. The front two wheels and the spare are correct. Back two are not.

The primer is actually a good quality primer. Do not know why they primered over the side marker lights though. The body looked like it was nearly ready to paint. The damage on it now was done after the primer was applied.

There is something else different about the car that I am surprised no one has pointed out yet. George.

[kwilford]

Originally Posted by ghcoe There is something else different about the car that I am surprised no one has pointed out yet. George.

Would that be the grill?

[deaconblues010266]

Originally Posted by ghcoe I have a set of 1975 Opel wheels from my Ascona to put on. The front two wheels and the spare are correct. Back two are not. The primer is actually a good quality primer. Do not know why they primered over the side marker lights though. The body looked like it was nearly ready to paint. The damage on it now was done after the primer was applied. There is something else different about the car that I am surprised no one has pointed out yet. George.

I'm a thinkin' that there is a missing c pillar air vent. At least on the drivers side.

[Rionart]

Originally Posted by kwilford Would that be the grill?

Is it the aluminum trim around the gauges?...or is that just paint?

[ghcoe]

Originally Posted by Rionart Is it the aluminum trim around the gauges?...or is that just paint?

Just paint. You must be looking at the Craigslist page.

Originally Posted by deaconblues010266 I'm a thinkin' that there is a missing c pillar air vent. At least on the drivers side.

Correct. Both sides are shaved. Did not think such a small change could alter the look of the car so much.

Originally Posted by kwilford Would that be the grill?

Nope.

Also it is a Luxus. It had A/C in it at one time, only thing left is the crank pulley.

[neuropel]

Originally Posted by ghcoe Both sides are shaved. Did not think such a small change could alter the look of the car so much.

My first thought is not so much the looks, but how it would affect the ventilation. Compared to a lot of cars of that era, I think the Manta/Ascona chassis had a good bit of engineering effort dedicated to cabin pressure and fresh air flow.

[ghcoe]

Originally Posted by Phoenix There are ways of getting a title to you in around about way.

Might have to find out form you how. Waiting on a Motor Vehicle Investigator now to see if we can get it figured out. I have the title, but the person I bought it from never got it titled in his name. Would have been ok except they crossed off a name in the buyers information. The original owner had signed off on it. Sounds like the state just trying to collect sales taxs. Really to bad for a $50.00 dollar purchase! They already checked to make sure it was not reported stolen at the DMV.

[Aardvaark]

Think it's the first Manta I've seen without the vent grills. Looks good.

[ghcoe]

Tried to start and had a hell of a lot of clanking. Stopped cranking and then the starter motor started smoking. Quickly disconnected the battery cable. Tried to hand turn motor and it would turn one way a bit and stop and back and stop. Felt pretty solid when it would stop turning. Was hoping it was not internal engine. Was hoping that something in the bell housing was jamming it up. Talked to a friend of mine about it and latter he called me back and said he had a similar problem with his Kaddet years ago. It turned out to be a torque converter bolt backing out. Well took it apart today and yup, it's a torque converter bolt. All the bolts were loose and one was out far enough it was jammed against the block. I have to get a tap to chase the threads tomorrow. Hope it will all bolt back ok. George