Route 66 Mother Road Fest 2005 - Page 3

opeljohn · 09-18-2005

Ok just a couple of weeks to go now. Thought I would let those who are on the fence about making the event know I will post a phone number next week you can call if you are on the road Saturday and may be a little late. This would be a good year to have a great turnout. We should leave the Baymont Inn about 8:00-8:30 but if we know you are on the way we will try to wait or let you know how to join us. I will have window decals for at least the first 25 cars to show up. Last years were yellow this year they are silver. Gil at Opel GT Source has said he will send some door prizes so all we need now is some good weather that weekend and a lot of Opelers. If you get a chance check out the official website of the event at www.route66fest.com. Its kinda interesting to read what Dennis Gage says it takes to get him to film at a car show. Also it says something about them accepting folks who were supposed to make an event called Cruising the Coast that Katrina wiped out. If you have Opel Flags or Banners bring them along. We'll try and make it look like this an Opel show that some other cars got invited to.

tekenaar · 09-19-2005

Much as I would like to come there again this year, I had to make a difficult decision. My choices were to go to this meet or purchase some rare but necessary parts for the latest addition to my stable, my Rekord PII.

You think parts are hard to find for our present Opels? By the time our Opels came on the scene here in the US, most of the common parts for the previous generation were already no longer available. You can imagine what it's like now . . . rare and very, very pricey! So, don't complain too much about the availability and prices of the parts you can still get for your Opels. At least you can still find them.

I think it's probably clear which option I decided on. Availability, actually lack thereof, was the deciding factor in my decision. Sorry. Have found several needed items, but they are at least twice what I expected and I've found only one source for anything thus far. I'll be thinking about you guys and wishing I was there. Sure had a great time last year . . .

saxybiker · 09-19-2005

Otto,

We will miss you!

Vickie & Allen

GoinManta · 09-20-2005

Not sure if this was noted by anyone:

VIEW FROM THE MOTHER ROAD

"MY CLASSIC CAR" COMES TO ROUTE 66 FESTIVAL

Dennis Gage
Host of "My Classic Car"
SPRINGFIELD, IL–SEPT 15, 2005. Dennis Gage parlayed a memorable mustache, knowledge of classic cars and an outgoing personality into a weekly TV show on the Speed Channel that reaches more than 65 million households in the US. And he’s bringing that show, My Classic Car, to this year’s International Route 66 Mother Road Festival & Car Show, Sept 30-Oct 2, according to festival producer Kim Rosendahl.

“Each year we add to our festival roster of car celebrities, which helps to enhance our image as a premier car event,” said Rosendahl. “The national coverage we receive from My Classic Car will put us in front of an entirely new audience of classic and custom car owners,” she said.

Rosendahl added that such exposure will not only encourage car enthusiasts to return, but also will entice first-time attendees who see the show, which will air next year on My Classic Car. “This is one of the highest rated motor sports programs on the Speed Channel, so it’s a great way for the festival to grow,” said Rosendahl.

Mayor Tim Davlin is also enthusiastic about Gage’s presence this year. ”My Classic Car does 26 shows annually and only 13 are on location at car shows,” said Davlin. “Being chosen puts the festival on the map as one of the country’s major car show venues,” he said.

Dennis Gage, who has hosted the program since 1996, said he looks at various aspects when selecting a location. “I look for a hometown feel because the event venue should reflect the culture of the community,” said Gage. “I don’t do parking lot car shows, so I like the idea that the Route 66 Festival is in the heart of Springfield’s historic downtown district,” he said.

Gage added that he also likes the diversity of vehicles that participate. “This car show is not specific to a manufacturer, style or origin, but draws from classic, custom, hotrod, domestic, foreign, so it’s developed a unique karma,” he said.

When asked if there were any other factors that influenced his decision to choose the Route 66 Festival, he was quick to add that persistence gets his attention. “If an event producer bugs me enough, I figure there’s a pretty good reason to be there,” he said.

GoinManta · 09-20-2005

BTW just registered at the club hotel so there is room.

Registered my GTO. Since it will be the transportation of choice probably. Unless I somehow miraculously fix the brakes on the Manta. Which could happen.

In any case I will be there. With with a Opel or an Opel/Holden/Pontiac Mix breed

Charles

greensmurf20 · 09-20-2005

it is a for sure thing now. me and my best friend will be taking the Rallye for the 300 mile or so trip. i have school friday and we plan to leave right after school (3PM), so in all actuality should be there around 10 PM. we'll sleep in the manta since i waited too long to attempt to get a room. anyway i can still register for the show if i show up that late at night? as you all have said, it dont matter what they look like, they all have a blitz and its amazing to see them all together, if it makes any of you feel better mines most likely the worst one there in ways of cosmetics, just like carlisle

manta73wi · 09-20-2005

Jared,
I wouldn't worry about cosmetics; it's all about getting these blitzes together. Your Manta will have some cosmetic company thanks to my dear 15 year old daughter who is learning to drive. My '75 Manta now has a "customized" passenger side thanks to her not seeing a concrete & metal pole. Not too surprisingly, the pole is fine, but the fender and quarter panel are not. Argh! I guess it could be worse as nobody nor anything was hurt. It will be great to have another Manta there!
-Jeff W
'75 Manta
'74 Manta parts car almost stripped...
'73 Manta

opeljohn · 09-20-2005

Figured I would try and reply to some of the recent Posts. First off , Otto we would have like to see you make it but I think we all understand budgets. Maybe next year you can make it with your new Baby. Might have to start an award for oldest Opel. Charles thanks for posting the artical on Dennis Gage. As a matter of fact if you could please post that on the classicopels site. Jared , I'm not sure of your situation but there is a Super 8 Lodge a little closer in to town on So. 6th street that has been showing a rate of 39.00 per night. I know one year Calvin stayed there and said it was okay. Phone number for that is 217-529-8898 and address is 3675 So. 6th str. As long as you are in the parking lot of the Baymont Inn by 8:00 am on Saturday you will be in fine shape. If you do make it late on Friday you can either try and catch the show downtown or see whos at the Motel. Still to early to tell what next weekend will be like but temps have been running above average this week.

GoinManta · 09-20-2005

Originally Posted by opeljohn

Jared... As long as you are in the parking lot of the Baymont Inn by 8:00 am on Saturday you will be in fine shape. If you do make it late on Friday you can either try and catch the show downtown or see whos at the Motel.

Maybe we can find a place to crash together (figuratively), I will be making it in about 2AM.

Charles

greensmurf20 · 09-21-2005

a local thats not a opelgt.com member is coming and he surprised me, said he reserved a room so me, a friend, and mike will be in the hotel.

i am almost positive i can be there by 8AM to line up with the rest of you guys. i dont know why this car eats transmissions, but 3rd gear synchro is going weak. rest of trans is beautifull, changed the fluid for some valvoline 85W-140 and it still grinds if you dont let it fall into gear, but i'll have new tires this weekend on manta wheels. some lucas oil stabalizer might make her ok but wasted trans or not, if she runs she'll be there!!!!

kwilford · 09-22-2005

Originally Posted by greensmurf20

i don't know why this car eats transmissions, but 3rd gear synchro is going weak. rest of trans is beautiful, changed the fluid for some valvoline 85W-140 and it still grinds if you don't let it fall into gear...

Jared,have you checked to see if the pilot bearing is intact? If it is damaged or missing, it can cause the main input shaft on the tranny to overload the front bearing and inner sleeve bearing. Also, auto-equipped Opels didn't have a pilot bearing in the crank, so is there any chance that this crank came from an automatic?

greensmurf20 · 09-22-2005

this paticular engine is from an automatic but i bought a oil embedded bronze pilot bushing....i like the needle rollers alot better though. i have also noticed the clutch chatters alot when taking off the last few days, then again how could you not notice?

kwilford · 09-22-2005

Originally Posted by greensmurf20

this particular engine is from an automatic but i bought a oil embedded bronze pilot bushing....i like the needle rollers alot better though. i have also noticed the clutch chatters alot when taking off the last few days, then again how could you not notice?

Hmm,, perhaps you should change this to a bearing on the next tranny drop. I actually like the idea of a bushing (less parts to be damaged by being a bit "rough" with installing the tranny), but maybe this is part of the problem. I believe it is the same pilot bearing used in the Ford Pinto 2.3, '72 vintage, perhaps others could confirm

GoinManta · 09-22-2005

Not sure if its Pinto 2.3L or not, but I know it fits a Ranger Pick-up mid-80s.

But the pilot bearing is a BIG reason so many Opel trannys lose syncros so often. The Manta (IF I get the brakes up and running) maybe there, but its also got tranny issues, jumps out of 4th and 2nd. When I replace its tranny, I need to check the pilot bearing as well.

Charles

greensmurf20 · 09-22-2005

i now the 2.8 liter S10 engines use the same sized pilot bearing/bushing as opel does too, same with throwout bearing. when i get some freetime i should drop the trans and bellhousing but what a pita it is to get the bellhousing out of there with the exhaust still in place, its a tight fit. i feel the same as you keith, just dreading pulling that bellhousing off and i dont think i'll have time to do it before springfield, busy busy busy, but atleast it'll have some decent tires on it sunday morning

car is just too fun in the rain with bald tires, boy i love it!!!

dcm013 · 09-22-2005

You don't have to remove the exhaust system - just unhook the hangers and let it hang down. If you need, jack up the front of the engine a bit to get more clearance at the rear. And it's way easier to get those top bell housing bolts from the interior with a l-o-n-g extension with the engine tipped. Check your dowels, etc. to make sure you're properly aligned before you re-install. And I've got about 10 4-speeds. I can let one go cheap. Do you still need a Manta pedal sled?

See you Sat. in Springfield,
Don

RallyBob · 09-22-2005

2.0 Ford pilot bearing is an exact fit to a CIH Opel. Never tried a 2.3, but it may be the same.

Bob

neuropel · 09-22-2005

I'm think the Ford 2.8 pilot is the same as well, and perhaps the flywheel bolts too! I rebuilt one in a Ford Ranger I had some years ago and I was amazed at the similarities, then realized the heritage...it originated in Germany (anyone remember the 2.8 Capri from the mid '70s?). For some reason I recall a connection between this engine and the Getrag 265 tranny as well...something about the bellhousing?

greensmurf20 · 09-23-2005

i ran into the last owner of the car the trans came from today and she did say 3rd gear was grumpy sometimes, so maybe it was that way when i put it in and just didnt notice until the transmission began to free up and i could shift faster, it had sat since 1981.

Don: how much would you want for 2-3 of the later style 4 speeds? its pathetic, i had 6 when i started out opeling and i've used 4 of them this summer, i'm fresh out and on my last one. the pedal assembly would be nice too but not a must, i got the bugs worked out of the clutch pedal assembly i found to use.

opeljohn · 09-23-2005

Got a box of goodies today from Gil Wesson at Opel GT Source for the Door Prize drawing on Saturday of the event. I wanted to be sure and say thanks to Gil and the folks that work with him. Gil and the guys commitment to the Opel Community is well known as well as the professional manner in which they do business. Talked to a local Opeler who has a 69 GT with 1.1L in it the other day who I think will attend. Says he has been using it as a daily driver to beat the high cost of gas. Wonder how many other Opels will start seeing more use? A week from today and it will be Opels on the Mother Road.

saxybiker · 09-24-2005

I'm thinking of making the Manta my daily driver for a while (once the front suspension is back in) the SUV is 18 mpg...Manta 25+. Think I'll switch at least till the snow flies and they throw

09-19-2005	#52 (permalink)
tekenaar Cunning Linguist Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Plano, TX 75074 Posts: 4,030 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Pre-empted Much as I would like to come there again this year, I had to make a difficult decision. My choices were to go to this meet or purchase some rare but necessary parts for the latest addition to my stable, my Rekord PII. You think parts are hard to find for our present Opels? By the time our Opels came on the scene here in the US, most of the common parts for the previous generation were already no longer available. You can imagine what it's like now . . . rare and very, very pricey! So, don't complain too much about the availability and prices of the parts you can still get for your Opels. At least you can still find them. I think it's probably clear which option I decided on. Availability, actually lack thereof, was the deciding factor in my decision. Sorry. Have found several needed items, but they are at least twice what I expected and I've found only one source for anything thus far. I'll be thinking about you guys and wishing I was there. Sure had a great time last year . . .

09-18-2005	#51 (permalink)
opeljohn Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Springfield IL Posts: 327 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Ok just a couple of weeks to go now. Thought I would let those who are on the fence about making the event know I will post a phone number next week you can call if you are on the road Saturday and may be a little late. This would be a good year to have a great turnout. We should leave the Baymont Inn about 8:00-8:30 but if we know you are on the way we will try to wait or let you know how to join us. I will have window decals for at least the first 25 cars to show up. Last years were yellow this year they are silver. Gil at Opel GT Source has said he will send some door prizes so all we need now is some good weather that weekend and a lot of Opelers. If you get a chance check out the official website of the event at www.route66fest.com. Its kinda interesting to read what Dennis Gage says it takes to get him to film at a car show. Also it says something about them accepting folks who were supposed to make an event called Cruising the Coast that Katrina wiped out. If you have Opel Flags or Banners bring them along. We'll try and make it look like this an Opel show that some other cars got invited to.

09-19-2005	#53 (permalink)
saxybiker Opel Addicts Join Date: May 2002 Location: Tallmadge, Ohio Posts: 948 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Otto, We will miss you! Vickie & Allen

09-20-2005	#54 (permalink)
GoinManta Opelitis since 1984 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 1,930 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Not sure if this was noted by anyone: VIEW FROM THE MOTHER ROAD "MY CLASSIC CAR" COMES TO ROUTE 66 FESTIVAL Dennis Gage Host of "My Classic Car" SPRINGFIELD, IL–SEPT 15, 2005. Dennis Gage parlayed a memorable mustache, knowledge of classic cars and an outgoing personality into a weekly TV show on the Speed Channel that reaches more than 65 million households in the US. And he’s bringing that show, My Classic Car, to this year’s International Route 66 Mother Road Festival & Car Show, Sept 30-Oct 2, according to festival producer Kim Rosendahl. “Each year we add to our festival roster of car celebrities, which helps to enhance our image as a premier car event,” said Rosendahl. “The national coverage we receive from My Classic Car will put us in front of an entirely new audience of classic and custom car owners,” she said. Rosendahl added that such exposure will not only encourage car enthusiasts to return, but also will entice first-time attendees who see the show, which will air next year on My Classic Car. “This is one of the highest rated motor sports programs on the Speed Channel, so it’s a great way for the festival to grow,” said Rosendahl. Mayor Tim Davlin is also enthusiastic about Gage’s presence this year. ”My Classic Car does 26 shows annually and only 13 are on location at car shows,” said Davlin. “Being chosen puts the festival on the map as one of the country’s major car show venues,” he said. Dennis Gage, who has hosted the program since 1996, said he looks at various aspects when selecting a location. “I look for a hometown feel because the event venue should reflect the culture of the community,” said Gage. “I don’t do parking lot car shows, so I like the idea that the Route 66 Festival is in the heart of Springfield’s historic downtown district,” he said. Gage added that he also likes the diversity of vehicles that participate. “This car show is not specific to a manufacturer, style or origin, but draws from classic, custom, hotrod, domestic, foreign, so it’s developed a unique karma,” he said. When asked if there were any other factors that influenced his decision to choose the Route 66 Festival, he was quick to add that persistence gets his attention. “If an event producer bugs me enough, I figure there’s a pretty good reason to be there,” he said.

09-20-2005	#55 (permalink)
GoinManta Opelitis since 1984 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 1,930 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	BTW just registered at the club hotel so there is room. Registered my GTO. Since it will be the transportation of choice probably. Unless I somehow miraculously fix the brakes on the Manta. Which could happen. In any case I will be there. With with a Opel or an Opel/Holden/Pontiac Mix breed Charles

09-20-2005	#56 (permalink)
greensmurf20 OPEL-LESS!!! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Gobles michigan 49055 Posts: 2,110 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	it is a for sure thing now. me and my best friend will be taking the Rallye for the 300 mile or so trip. i have school friday and we plan to leave right after school (3PM), so in all actuality should be there around 10 PM. we'll sleep in the manta since i waited too long to attempt to get a room. anyway i can still register for the show if i show up that late at night? as you all have said, it dont matter what they look like, they all have a blitz and its amazing to see them all together, if it makes any of you feel better mines most likely the worst one there in ways of cosmetics, just like carlisle

09-20-2005	#57 (permalink)
manta73wi Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Mequon (Near Milwaukee) Wisconsin Posts: 531 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Jared, I wouldn't worry about cosmetics; it's all about getting these blitzes together. Your Manta will have some cosmetic company thanks to my dear 15 year old daughter who is learning to drive. My '75 Manta now has a "customized" passenger side thanks to her not seeing a concrete & metal pole. Not too surprisingly, the pole is fine, but the fender and quarter panel are not. Argh! I guess it could be worse as nobody nor anything was hurt. It will be great to have another Manta there! -Jeff W '75 Manta '74 Manta parts car almost stripped... '73 Manta

09-20-2005	#58 (permalink)
opeljohn Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Springfield IL Posts: 327 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Figured I would try and reply to some of the recent Posts. First off , Otto we would have like to see you make it but I think we all understand budgets. Maybe next year you can make it with your new Baby. Might have to start an award for oldest Opel. Charles thanks for posting the artical on Dennis Gage. As a matter of fact if you could please post that on the classicopels site. Jared , I'm not sure of your situation but there is a Super 8 Lodge a little closer in to town on So. 6th street that has been showing a rate of 39.00 per night. I know one year Calvin stayed there and said it was okay. Phone number for that is 217-529-8898 and address is 3675 So. 6th str. As long as you are in the parking lot of the Baymont Inn by 8:00 am on Saturday you will be in fine shape. If you do make it late on Friday you can either try and catch the show downtown or see whos at the Motel. Still to early to tell what next weekend will be like but temps have been running above average this week.

09-21-2005	#60 (permalink)
greensmurf20 OPEL-LESS!!! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Gobles michigan 49055 Posts: 2,110 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	a local thats not a opelgt.com member is coming and he surprised me, said he reserved a room so me, a friend, and mike will be in the hotel. i am almost positive i can be there by 8AM to line up with the rest of you guys. i dont know why this car eats transmissions, but 3rd gear synchro is going weak. rest of trans is beautifull, changed the fluid for some valvoline 85W-140 and it still grinds if you dont let it fall into gear, but i'll have new tires this weekend on manta wheels. some lucas oil stabalizer might make her ok but wasted trans or not, if she runs she'll be there!!!!

09-22-2005	#62 (permalink)
greensmurf20 OPEL-LESS!!! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Gobles michigan 49055 Posts: 2,110 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	this paticular engine is from an automatic but i bought a oil embedded bronze pilot bushing....i like the needle rollers alot better though. i have also noticed the clutch chatters alot when taking off the last few days, then again how could you not notice?

09-22-2005	#64 (permalink)
GoinManta Opelitis since 1984 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 1,930 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Not sure if its Pinto 2.3L or not, but I know it fits a Ranger Pick-up mid-80s. But the pilot bearing is a BIG reason so many Opel trannys lose syncros so often. The Manta (IF I get the brakes up and running) maybe there, but its also got tranny issues, jumps out of 4th and 2nd. When I replace its tranny, I need to check the pilot bearing as well. Charles

09-22-2005	#65 (permalink)
greensmurf20 OPEL-LESS!!! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Gobles michigan 49055 Posts: 2,110 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	i now the 2.8 liter S10 engines use the same sized pilot bearing/bushing as opel does too, same with throwout bearing. when i get some freetime i should drop the trans and bellhousing but what a pita it is to get the bellhousing out of there with the exhaust still in place, its a tight fit. i feel the same as you keith, just dreading pulling that bellhousing off and i dont think i'll have time to do it before springfield, busy busy busy, but atleast it'll have some decent tires on it sunday morning car is just too fun in the rain with bald tires, boy i love it!!!

09-22-2005	#66 (permalink)
dcm013 Opeler Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Troy, MI Posts: 286 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	You don't have to remove the exhaust system - just unhook the hangers and let it hang down. If you need, jack up the front of the engine a bit to get more clearance at the rear. And it's way easier to get those top bell housing bolts from the interior with a l-o-n-g extension with the engine tipped. Check your dowels, etc. to make sure you're properly aligned before you re-install. And I've got about 10 4-speeds. I can let one go cheap. Do you still need a Manta pedal sled? See you Sat. in Springfield, Don

09-22-2005	#67 (permalink)
RallyBob Project 1450 supporter... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pleasant Valley, CT Posts: 6,658 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	2.0 Ford pilot bearing is an exact fit to a CIH Opel. Never tried a 2.3, but it may be the same. Bob

09-22-2005	#68 (permalink)
neuropel Rice Cooker Join Date: May 2002 Location: Spring Church, PA Posts: 1,510 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	I'm think the Ford 2.8 pilot is the same as well, and perhaps the flywheel bolts too! I rebuilt one in a Ford Ranger I had some years ago and I was amazed at the similarities, then realized the heritage...it originated in Germany (anyone remember the 2.8 Capri from the mid '70s?). For some reason I recall a connection between this engine and the Getrag 265 tranny as well...something about the bellhousing?

09-23-2005	#69 (permalink)
greensmurf20 OPEL-LESS!!! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Gobles michigan 49055 Posts: 2,110 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	i ran into the last owner of the car the trans came from today and she did say 3rd gear was grumpy sometimes, so maybe it was that way when i put it in and just didnt notice until the transmission began to free up and i could shift faster, it had sat since 1981. Don: how much would you want for 2-3 of the later style 4 speeds? its pathetic, i had 6 when i started out opeling and i've used 4 of them this summer, i'm fresh out and on my last one. the pedal assembly would be nice too but not a must, i got the bugs worked out of the clutch pedal assembly i found to use.

09-23-2005	#70 (permalink)
opeljohn Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Springfield IL Posts: 327 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Got a box of goodies today from Gil Wesson at Opel GT Source for the Door Prize drawing on Saturday of the event. I wanted to be sure and say thanks to Gil and the folks that work with him. Gil and the guys commitment to the Opel Community is well known as well as the professional manner in which they do business. Talked to a local Opeler who has a 69 GT with 1.1L in it the other day who I think will attend. Says he has been using it as a daily driver to beat the high cost of gas. Wonder how many other Opels will start seeing more use? A week from today and it will be Opels on the Mother Road.

09-24-2005	#71 (permalink)
saxybiker Opel Addicts Join Date: May 2002 Location: Tallmadge, Ohio Posts: 948 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	I'm thinking of making the Manta my daily driver for a while (once the front suspension is back in) the SUV is 18 mpg...Manta 25+. Think I'll switch at least till the snow flies and they throw