High School Opel Project

[littleD55555]

I have recently obtained a 1973 opel 1900 G.T that is a little rough around the edges. It needs paint but first I must have it inspected, so i can get it BC registered, but I don't even know where to start. I was wondering what kind of things on the car they would be inspecting? I have checked the front brakes and they are good, but I am having some problems getting the rear drums off so I can see their condition. They seems to be seized to the center piece, any suggestions on how to get them off? I am currently brazing in new sheet metal under the drivers pedals, dune to rust ,and under the batterie also. When I first got the car the dash was just wires and gages hanging, but I am getting it worked out. Not without problems though. The switch for the blower doesn't seem to have the right wires to connect to it and it doesn't work, any suggestions on what the problem is, and will this fail it on the inspection? I am also having problems with the controls for the heater that don't seem to want to fit in the plastic housing properly, any suggestions? The interior lights don't work either and I hooked the switch up properly according the the wire diagram in the downloads sections? The signals only work when they want to, but the hazard lights work so i know its not the bulbs, any suggestions? Plus yesterday when i shut the door it stoped opening, I tried both handles inside and outside. How can I open it? The break lights don't work at all I'm thinking fuse but Ill try that tomorrow, what else could it be? The engine is in good condition with the compression test averaging 130ish, the highest being 145 psi. It has a stock weber and stock everything I believe. I have changed the oil, rad fluid, spark plugs, and thermostat. Next is brake fluid, and transmition fluid, it is a 4 speed. I am really new to cars in general and I really need all the help I can get. It is very aprietiated.

[namba209]

Normal problem with the brake drums hanging up on the axle, use some rust preventative/penetrating oil liberally. After a while rap the drum on the outer edge with a hammer, hopefully it will vibrate the drum loose. I have had to lever it off with a pry bar at times. Before you get to the brake fluid, change the three brake hoses, one at each front wheel and the one on the differential, they have been known to become one-way check valves if they are fairly old. Brake lites could be either the fuse #6, which is next to the outboard in the gang of four fuses, or a wire not connected to the switch on top of the brake pedal. For the blower switch, I would check the wires at the blower for voltage, it could be the blower motor could have trash in it causing it not to turn. HTH.

[CDN OpelNut]

Not that you shouldn't repair the car properly, but why do you need to get it inspected? Did it come in from out of Province? Do you require AirCare in Westbank? If that is the case, they will only visually inspect the engine (which they won't recognize) and test the emissions.

As for your issues, try to find a real manual or a Destec diagram if your wiring is that messed up.

[littleD55555]

The car was imported from Germany in 2004, since then it was in California, and i just recently bought it. It has never been bc registared so it must go through inspection.

[jlthunder]

Originally Posted by littleD55555 The signals only work when they want to, but the hazard lights work so i know its not the bulbs, any suggestions?

The contacts on the hazard switch might be dirty. When you turn the hazards off, push really hard and you should get the turn signals back. Cycle the hazard switch a few times as this should also clean up the contacts. I have this problem every so often in my GT.

Since this was imported from Germany, does it have driving lights where the front turn signals(US versions) are or do you have the large round turn signals? Do you have rear side marker lights? Does it have an electric windsheid washer pump which is activated by a button on the turn signal lever? Just wondering if this was an original US car which went to Germany that was shipped back or if it is a Euro spec GT.

[littleD55555]

It has the big round turn sygnals, but im not sure if it is the US of European version. I have picture in my members album.

[jlthunder]

It appears to be a US spec car with the turnsignals and side marker lights with reflectors. To determine if the 4 slot wheels are for the GT, it will be stamped GT near one of the slots. They are Opel wheels, but if they didn't say GT on them, then they are from a Manta or Ascona(1900). The GT wheel did have a different offset, but I don't know if the Manta/Ascona rims will cause any problems. The one wheel with many square holes around the rim is from a Chevrolet Vega. They will bolt up, but I don't believe they are a perfect match. I'v seen this on Opels before.

[littleD55555]

ya I have them on there until I get new tires on the original rims, which do say GT I finally got the drum off the axle, it took a little hammering but i got it No luck with the break lights or opening the door started brazing the floor in and tig welding the holes where the seat attaches. I really need to get the door open, sould I take the door panel off?

[traytodd]

Don't forget to check the head light wiring. The original insulation goes bad leaving bare wires and a potential fire situation. If the PO replaced the wiring it will be OK but confirm this. Check all the wiring from the distributor forward.

Other things that are frequently bad are the rubber in the torque tube donut and front suspension. Repalcement parts are available for Opel GT source.

[sbarc]

I've got a car I recently imported from the US into BC. My understanding is the inspection will cover all items that will make the car safe. Brakes....steering....lights.....windshield wipers etc. Bacically fix everything that has any connection with safe operation of the vehicle and she should pass the test.

I'm still trying to get my car sorted for tyhe test so I can't comment on specifics. Sorry.

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by jlthunder The one wheel with many square holes around the rim is from a Chevrolet Vega. They will bolt up, but I don't believe they are a perfect match. I'v seen this on Opels before.

The Vega wheel is a 4x4" bolt pattern and the Opel is 4x100mm. The Vega wheel won't center on the studs and will splay them outward when the lug nuts are tightened. Will they work, yes. Are they safe? Hmm, they are bending all 4wheel studs slightly. Would I run them, NO.

HTH,
Harold

[littleD55555]

The brake light work but I can't get the door open how can I open in manualy I had it open by wiggling the lock mecanism and pushing the door button at the same time, but i had to close it at the end of class and now it wont open again.

[littleD55555]

I have the doors working and the floor patched now i just have to put it all back together and get it inspected

[littleD55555]

For the new matal where the seats bolt on. Instead of drilling a hole then welding a nut to the bottom in the exact place it needs to be to line up, I just welded a small quarter inch plate the the bottom of the new sheat metal roughley in the area it needed to be. Then I used the seats to mark out the holes once it was all welded in, grinded down ect. and drilled it with a hand drill then ran some a taps. Beats all that measureing and it fits prefect

[littleD55555]

I have these fog lights on the front of my car and there is a light bulb, one of them is burnt out so I went on the search for one at the local Lordco but it came up unsuccessful. There is no part # or writing on it so I am out of luck. Any guess on the type of fog lights or the type of bulb?

[dkrizon]

I built my opel for my graduation project or senior project also. Mine was a wagon though. I got an A on the project im sure you will to.

[BQS4]

Originally Posted by littleD55555 I have these fog lights on the front of my car and there is a light bulb, one of them is burnt out so I went on the search for one at the local Lordco but it came up unsuccessful. There is no part # or writing on it so I am out of luck. Any guess on the type of fog lights or the type of bulb?

You might want to do a google search for CIBIE lights, what you have looks like a series 35, but, as you say, no markings. The site will have a bulb chart though.

[jtb]

HI,

I wonder if I know your shop teacher, ask if he/she knows James at BCIT.

What grade are you in? hopefully you have more than just the rest of this school year to work on it!

Anyways, the BC inspection is fairly straightforwards, as mentioned they check for safety items - lights and signals, brakes, steering, suspension, tire wear, and so on. There is a provincial inspection and also a federal. Canadian Tire, believe it or not, is the standard for Federal testing, and they do provincial inspections too. I'm not recommending them, but they will be able to answer any specific questions you have regarding inspection.
BTW, euro-spec cars as old as ours are no problem. We have different regulations than the U.S.
To my knowledge, there is no emissions inspection in Westbank, it's a lower mainland thing only.
Your door problem does sound like the lock mechanism. If you can get the panel off, you will be able to reach into the door and unlock/lock it. When you get it open, check to make sure the striker plate is not loose, that can cause things to jam up.

Good luck with your project!

jtb

[littleD55555]

I find my neighbor owns a shop and can do inspection. which came in handy when it didnt pass inspection, it needed a rack and pinion bushing, but I got the from opel gt source and all is good. because I know him I didnt need to pay for two inspections, which helps the hole in my wallet. It will pass and once I get it registered it will be another opel on the roads. Not to soon after I get it on the road it is going to be taken appart and preped for paint.

[manta2009]

this might be french bulbs. thought they were not longer produced but i find out i was wrong. think i can get you those bulbs. you can send me an email if you want. what i would need would be a good pic. maybe you can messure it or at least lay a ruler next to so that i can imagine the size.