new opel; what to fix before a long trip?

blackbird · 01-23-2003

I just bought my first opel and am going to pick it up on saturday. Its a black 73! I am really excited. However, I am driving it from hollywood to chandler arizona and have never driven one before. My mother used to have one but her tips are useless because she crashed it into a bridge seven times (she cant drive) and she doesnt even know what year it was. Any advice on what to expect/ check before departure would be much appreciated.

likengtj · 01-23-2003

I know the first thing I would check is to make sure it has a full tank of gas . . .

Good luck!!!!!!!

Gary · 01-24-2003

Lets see, first off, check all the fluid levels and the brakes. Then get a good pair of sunglasses so you won't get distracted by all the people gawking at your Opel. A pad and pen to keep track of all the thumbs up that you get. Get "before" pictures so you can show them to your friends when you get home to explain why you are speechless and have this stupid grin plastered to your face. Finally, tell your mom she can look but can not drive it.

On a more serious note.. it might be good to bring a spare fuel filter and an extra set of points along.

blackbird · 01-24-2003

got alot of that stuff and the gawkkng is already done as I already have pics. No, mom cant drive it and I really dont want her to look as she isnt thrilled about the whole idea. I mean, she hates that I can drive and taught my sister too.... seriously, is there anything else I should check? One of the guys said that the headlight wiring is important because they can catch fire. I plan on fully changing the oil and all of that nice stuff before I go and the seller is making sure that the spare is good. I am just not real sure on any other specifics. I dont want to forget anything in my excitement. I have drooled over opel gt's of 10 years and theyre great. Isaw two in one day (probably all of them in my area) and decided it was my turn. I had been seriously looking for a while and this one happened to be in awesome condition and really cheap. Hehehe I am estatic!!!!

Rodney Caruther · 01-24-2003

hello I'm a new owner also hope your first trip goes well. The day I got my new opel I had the carb catch fire no damage other than my pride but I'm happy now that its home . had lots of kids slowing down to look real cool GOOD LUCK.

blackbird · 01-24-2003

so youre telling me to bring an extinguisher? Please dont tell me the car is going to burst into flame!!! I am nervous already! And not to mention pyrophobic.

kwilford · 01-24-2003

The rubber headlight wiring insulation on the GT between the buckets and the main loom under the hood deteriorates, and can (does) cause fatal short circuits. If you don't have time to re-wire them BEFORE the trip, just add an in-line 30 amp fuse to the 12 guage red wire that runs from the center of the fuse box to the silver relay box next to it. Opel didn't think to fuse the headlights, and the outcome can be car ending. But replace the bad wiring at your EARLIEST convenience.

New brake fluid would be good, and check that the brakes actually work. Especialy since old flex hoses (front and back)collapse internally, and block fluid flow, even if the hoses look good externally. Check the front pads.

New coolant and perhaps some water pump lubricant. Check the rad hoses, especially the lower hose, since it weakens first, and has to special ordered from an Opel supplier. Carry a jug of extra coolant.

Change the tranny and differential oil with new 80/90 weight hypoid (EP, or Extreme Pressure) oil. Make sure that the tranny isn't leaking, especially where it bolts to the bellhousing. This has a gasket between them, and it often isn't installed correctly, or the bolts loosen (TIGHTEN THEM!). Loss of tranny lubricant is also fatal (ask me how I know!)

Carry a spare rotor, points and distributor cap. Install new plugs. Also a spare fan belt, since the right size can be hard to find at 10:30 at night in the middle of the desert.

Post some pictures so we can see what you have bought, and make us jealous by telling us how little you paid for it.

HTH, and good luck!

oldopelguy · 01-24-2003

GET that AAA membership, it will pay for itself tenfold.

Thoses fuses can be hard to find, start looking now.

I would add a battery terminal brush to my list of stuff too. The aluminum light bulb sockets like to corrode and make the lights not work, but a battery brush cleans them up right-quick.

blackbird · 01-24-2003

Ok guys, thanks. I paid 1850.09 and had a friend check it out....its in awesome condition. We will see if the icture works (i am computer illiterate) and If not I will have my boyfriend post them later.

blackbird · 01-24-2003

It seems really solid. An old friend of my dads (who of course will be outta town when I go get it) looked it over and called me yesterday. Still, I trust that all will be fairly well and I appreciate everyones help

opelgt722002 · 01-24-2003

Did you look at the GT for sale in Chandler Arizona? It is listed in the Collector Car Trader on line but without a price.

Looks like your trip is roughly 500 miles. You should ask here and on the yahool classic list for people that will be near your route that will help out if you should run into any problems.

baronbors · 01-24-2003

Do every thing that those on the list suggest, then go and get a St. Christopher medal and hang it on the rear view mirror. Good luck

kwilford · 01-24-2003

I saw that GT sell on ebay, and it seemed like a pretty good price. But pictures can be deceiving, so it was a VERY good idea to have a friend check it over.

Just so you know, there is a pretty good network of Opel'ers out there, and usually at least one within a reasonable drive who is willing to look over a prospective car and give their "experienced" opinion. And all for the love of the marque. Except Jim M, who might want to charge you a fee (sorry Jim, I couldn't resist a bit of "smooth talkin' used car salesman" bashing!)

blackbird · 01-24-2003

yeah the trip is about 400 miles. The guy in Chandler wanted at least 5000 for his and he really didnt tell me much. As I am going to college next year, I wanted something I could do a little work on....gradually. This car seemed the best canidate. I actually bought the car before having it looked at (not smart I know) but it all panned out fine. The seller is an avid opeler and also has a 69. He put a lot of extras and updates on the car and took really good care of it. It was a daily driver until recently (carseats in a gt arent the most conventional thing) Hes your classic hobbiest who just had the first kid type character and so I trust him. I talked to him extensively before bidding but with no promises because gt's seem to be hot right now and most of them live in the rust belt

I would restore every one in the world if I could. However, this one seemed perfect (I mean it has its paint issues and a few rust holes in wheel wells ect) but nothing too drastic. I have a feeling that the drive home will go smoothly and I am not going alone anyway. So the countdown to my trip begins.....Opel!Opel!Opel!

bodie38 · 01-24-2003

Already some great suggestions here so I don't have too much to add but always bring duct tape. Make sure the car has a jack and lug wrench. Mine had a great spare but no jack/wrench when I bought it. You can bring a piece of PVC and some hose clamps that might allow you to make a radiator hose repair if you don't have a spare. I think it was already mentioned but bring a jug of anti-freeze, water, and oil. Lastly, don't get too excited with your new car on the drive back. It's 30 years old so take it easy.
Congratulations and good luck!

Bodie

blackbird · 01-24-2003

Dont worry...I will drive nice.... I am afraid of hurting such a perfect vehicle. I have more respect for this car than anything else on the road including the ferrari I park next to at school. Duct tape is a good point, thanks. I have a friend who put his car back together with the stuff

jpiper · 01-25-2003

Hey Blackbird;
I see in the replies that all the important things have been covered except for a couple of items that are never thought of until they are needed. A jack and a wheel wrench . A spare tire is useless unless you have the proper tools to install it. The original jack for the car doesn't look like much but it works well and doesn't take up much space. Also ensure the wheel wrench fits the lugs installed on the wheels.
Good luck and happy motoring. Will be waiting to hear how your trip went.

blackbird · 01-26-2003

Hi guys! The trip went GREAT!!!!! The car is beautiful and the bst cash I ever spent, and everything held together for the most part. She gets new tires tomorrow, as the old hard cracked things have had it, and the breaks need bleeding and adjustment. Keith was right...... we shouldda brought a notebook. We were driving through santa monica only to hear "dude what kind of car is that.....opel. whats and opel?!?!?....dude looks german to me" followed by older citizens and there "so and so had one when I was in college....I havent seen one in years....they still exsist?" I mean you would think they had seen christ. The car is beautifully perfect for its age, the interior is the worst part, and even that isnt bad. Is there supposed to be some sort of boot on the light lever though? I am getting some hot air there. At any rate, this car is a crowd pleaser ( I mean, mr lane, the guru of old cars wanted to drive it and approved of it, icky breaks and all....I mean "Kate, if you ever get tired of this car call me " approved. ANd the victorious battle cry resounded "Opel!Opel! Opel!" So nothing exploded, burst into flame, had to be pushed ect and all is happy in the land of arizona opels!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks again everyone!

baronbors · 01-26-2003

Originally posted by blackbird
Keith was right...... we shouldda brought a notebook. We were driving through santa monica only to hear "dude what kind of car is that.....opel. whats and opel?!?!?....dude looks german to me" followed by older citizens and there "so and so had one when I was in college....I havent seen one in years....they still exsist?" I mean you would think they had seen christ. !

Driving an Opel is a religious experience. BTW- watch out for other drivers on the road when your on the freeways. Here in Texas, I have almost been run into 3 times by some cowboy driving his pick up pulling up along side of me and trying to figure out what I'm driving. Not to mention all the young dudes who want me to show them the engine in my 71. I have even been followed into parking lots by Harleys and the biker wanting to look at my GT. Have fun

01-23-2003	#1 (permalink)
blackbird Opel Obsessed Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chandler Arizona Posts: 50 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	new opel I just bought my first opel and am going to pick it up on saturday. Its a black 73! I am really excited. However, I am driving it from hollywood to chandler arizona and have never driven one before. My mother used to have one but her tips are useless because she crashed it into a bridge seven times (she cant drive) and she doesnt even know what year it was. Any advice on what to expect/ check before departure would be much appreciated.

01-24-2003	#8 (permalink)
oldopelguy Have Opel, Will Travel Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickens, SC Posts: 1,610 Classified Rating: 0% (0) Logbook Entries: 3	good call! GET that AAA membership, it will pay for itself tenfold. Thoses fuses can be hard to find, start looking now. I would add a battery terminal brush to my list of stuff too. The aluminum light bulb sockets like to corrode and make the lights not work, but a battery brush cleans them up right-quick.

01-24-2003	#11 (permalink)
opelgt722002 GT Owner Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 228 Classified Rating: 100% (1)	Another GT Did you look at the GT for sale in Chandler Arizona? It is listed in the Collector Car Trader on line but without a price. Looks like your trip is roughly 500 miles. You should ask here and on the yahool classic list for people that will be near your route that will help out if you should run into any problems. Last edited by opelgt722002; 01-24-2003 at 03:21 PM..

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01-23-2003	#2 (permalink)
likengtj Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: 07712 Posts: 113 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	I know the first thing I would check is to make sure it has a full tank of gas . . . Good luck!!!!!!!

01-24-2003	#3 (permalink)
Gary Site Admin Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Swansea, MA Posts: 4,764 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Lets see, first off, check all the fluid levels and the brakes. Then get a good pair of sunglasses so you won't get distracted by all the people gawking at your Opel. A pad and pen to keep track of all the thumbs up that you get. Get "before" pictures so you can show them to your friends when you get home to explain why you are speechless and have this stupid grin plastered to your face. Finally, tell your mom she can look but can not drive it. On a more serious note.. it might be good to bring a spare fuel filter and an extra set of points along.

01-24-2003	#4 (permalink)
blackbird Opel Obsessed Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chandler Arizona Posts: 50 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	got alot of that stuff and the gawkkng is already done as I already have pics. No, mom cant drive it and I really dont want her to look as she isnt thrilled about the whole idea. I mean, she hates that I can drive and taught my sister too.... seriously, is there anything else I should check? One of the guys said that the headlight wiring is important because they can catch fire. I plan on fully changing the oil and all of that nice stuff before I go and the seller is making sure that the spare is good. I am just not real sure on any other specifics. I dont want to forget anything in my excitement. I have drooled over opel gt's of 10 years and theyre great. Isaw two in one day (probably all of them in my area) and decided it was my turn. I had been seriously looking for a while and this one happened to be in awesome condition and really cheap. Hehehe I am estatic!!!!

01-24-2003	#5 (permalink)
Rodney Caruther Opeler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Charleston WV Posts: 5 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	hello I'm a new owner also hope your first trip goes well. The day I got my new opel I had the carb catch fire no damage other than my pride but I'm happy now that its home . had lots of kids slowing down to look real cool GOOD LUCK.

01-24-2003	#6 (permalink)
blackbird Opel Obsessed Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chandler Arizona Posts: 50 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	so youre telling me to bring an extinguisher? Please dont tell me the car is going to burst into flame!!! I am nervous already! And not to mention pyrophobic.

01-24-2003	#7 (permalink)
kwilford Über OpelGT.com Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 3,773 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	The rubber headlight wiring insulation on the GT between the buckets and the main loom under the hood deteriorates, and can (does) cause fatal short circuits. If you don't have time to re-wire them BEFORE the trip, just add an in-line 30 amp fuse to the 12 guage red wire that runs from the center of the fuse box to the silver relay box next to it. Opel didn't think to fuse the headlights, and the outcome can be car ending. But replace the bad wiring at your EARLIEST convenience. New brake fluid would be good, and check that the brakes actually work. Especialy since old flex hoses (front and back)collapse internally, and block fluid flow, even if the hoses look good externally. Check the front pads. New coolant and perhaps some water pump lubricant. Check the rad hoses, especially the lower hose, since it weakens first, and has to special ordered from an Opel supplier. Carry a jug of extra coolant. Change the tranny and differential oil with new 80/90 weight hypoid (EP, or Extreme Pressure) oil. Make sure that the tranny isn't leaking, especially where it bolts to the bellhousing. This has a gasket between them, and it often isn't installed correctly, or the bolts loosen (TIGHTEN THEM!). Loss of tranny lubricant is also fatal (ask me how I know!) Carry a spare rotor, points and distributor cap. Install new plugs. Also a spare fan belt, since the right size can be hard to find at 10:30 at night in the middle of the desert. Post some pictures so we can see what you have bought, and make us jealous by telling us how little you paid for it. HTH, and good luck!

01-24-2003	#10 (permalink)
blackbird Opel Obsessed Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chandler Arizona Posts: 50 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	It seems really solid. An old friend of my dads (who of course will be outta town when I go get it) looked it over and called me yesterday. Still, I trust that all will be fairly well and I appreciate everyones help

01-24-2003	#12 (permalink)
baronbors I'm slow but GT is fast Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: League City Texas Posts: 1,076 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Do every thing that those on the list suggest, then go and get a St. Christopher medal and hang it on the rear view mirror. Good luck

01-24-2003	#13 (permalink)
kwilford Über OpelGT.com Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 3,773 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	I saw that GT sell on ebay, and it seemed like a pretty good price. But pictures can be deceiving, so it was a VERY good idea to have a friend check it over. Just so you know, there is a pretty good network of Opel'ers out there, and usually at least one within a reasonable drive who is willing to look over a prospective car and give their "experienced" opinion. And all for the love of the marque. Except Jim M, who might want to charge you a fee (sorry Jim, I couldn't resist a bit of "smooth talkin' used car salesman" bashing!)

01-24-2003	#14 (permalink)
blackbird Opel Obsessed Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chandler Arizona Posts: 50 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	yeah the trip is about 400 miles. The guy in Chandler wanted at least 5000 for his and he really didnt tell me much. As I am going to college next year, I wanted something I could do a little work on....gradually. This car seemed the best canidate. I actually bought the car before having it looked at (not smart I know) but it all panned out fine. The seller is an avid opeler and also has a 69. He put a lot of extras and updates on the car and took really good care of it. It was a daily driver until recently (carseats in a gt arent the most conventional thing) Hes your classic hobbiest who just had the first kid type character and so I trust him. I talked to him extensively before bidding but with no promises because gt's seem to be hot right now and most of them live in the rust belt I would restore every one in the world if I could. However, this one seemed perfect (I mean it has its paint issues and a few rust holes in wheel wells ect) but nothing too drastic. I have a feeling that the drive home will go smoothly and I am not going alone anyway. So the countdown to my trip begins.....Opel!Opel!Opel!

01-24-2003	#15 (permalink)
bodie38 Opel Pilot Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: San Diego Posts: 12 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Already some great suggestions here so I don't have too much to add but always bring duct tape. Make sure the car has a jack and lug wrench. Mine had a great spare but no jack/wrench when I bought it. You can bring a piece of PVC and some hose clamps that might allow you to make a radiator hose repair if you don't have a spare. I think it was already mentioned but bring a jug of anti-freeze, water, and oil. Lastly, don't get too excited with your new car on the drive back. It's 30 years old so take it easy. Congratulations and good luck! Bodie

01-24-2003	#16 (permalink)
blackbird Opel Obsessed Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chandler Arizona Posts: 50 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Dont worry...I will drive nice.... I am afraid of hurting such a perfect vehicle. I have more respect for this car than anything else on the road including the ferrari I park next to at school. Duct tape is a good point, thanks. I have a friend who put his car back together with the stuff

01-25-2003	#17 (permalink)
jpiper Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Halifax,Nova Scotia, Canada Posts: 114 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Hey Blackbird; I see in the replies that all the important things have been covered except for a couple of items that are never thought of until they are needed. A jack and a wheel wrench . A spare tire is useless unless you have the proper tools to install it. The original jack for the car doesn't look like much but it works well and doesn't take up much space. Also ensure the wheel wrench fits the lugs installed on the wheels. Good luck and happy motoring. Will be waiting to hear how your trip went.

01-26-2003	#18 (permalink)
blackbird Opel Obsessed Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chandler Arizona Posts: 50 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Hi guys! The trip went GREAT!!!!! The car is beautiful and the bst cash I ever spent, and everything held together for the most part. She gets new tires tomorrow, as the old hard cracked things have had it, and the breaks need bleeding and adjustment. Keith was right...... we shouldda brought a notebook. We were driving through santa monica only to hear "dude what kind of car is that.....opel. whats and opel?!?!?....dude looks german to me" followed by older citizens and there "so and so had one when I was in college....I havent seen one in years....they still exsist?" I mean you would think they had seen christ. The car is beautifully perfect for its age, the interior is the worst part, and even that isnt bad. Is there supposed to be some sort of boot on the light lever though? I am getting some hot air there. At any rate, this car is a crowd pleaser ( I mean, mr lane, the guru of old cars wanted to drive it and approved of it, icky breaks and all....I mean "Kate, if you ever get tired of this car call me " approved. ANd the victorious battle cry resounded "Opel!Opel! Opel!" So nothing exploded, burst into flame, had to be pushed ect and all is happy in the land of arizona opels!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks again everyone!

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