Malcolm's Targa is coming home to the US - Page 5

spdkilz02 · 03-19-2006

my gt has those in them and they really look like crap...

soybean · 03-19-2006

JVC has a 12 Cd changer that has a small remote that can be mounted inconspicuously. The Stereo could be mounted under the bottom tray or in the tire tray in front of the spare. The speakers are another story. Hth somewhat, Jarrell

asdasc · 03-19-2006

OK Adam,
you can't leave a comment like that without photos!!!

You should know by now that making fun of your own car without sharing the laugh in photos is unacceptable!

spdkilz02 · 03-19-2006

ok ill take a pic of it tomorrow, remember the car was like this when i got it...just havent got to ripping them out yet, more worried about upgrading the drivetrain...

ConreroGT · 03-19-2006

ahhh....who needs a radio in something like that...listen to the breeze with that roof off. I'm already jealous.

baz · 03-19-2006

it did have some high end stereo in it at 1 time so it might be worth a word with malcolm to find out where he had it
and the english company that fixed the body is welsh btw

i dont know if malcolm told you the colour , its ford radiant red(im sure i think ?) from the uk and european market (see my photos for a pick of one of my cars in that colour), if the paint shop needs the mix ratio to get it i should be able to get it here and send it to you in gravametric scale (fancy way to mix colours by weights in grams )

wrangler · 03-19-2006

Craig,
One solution I had considered for myself was using the Optimus Pro X77 speakers that RS used to sell. They have a great sound for such a small (4x4x6), self-contained speaker and have a metal housing that could be easily painted to match your interior. I looked on e-bay and there are quite a few pairs for sale, although none offered the optional mounting brackets. They are very heavy, so some type of moutning would be a must unless you are accustomed to driving with a helmet on! lol Sony also used to offer a small bookshelf type speaker, but as I recall, a comparable sounding pair were selling in the $100s of dollars.
Brett

gtzero · 03-19-2006

Originally Posted by crliwa

In addition to the fitted cover I have a second lined cover, an extra set of mirrors, a set of RED seat belts, Opel manuals& books as well as a cd of the stiffness problem that Lenk didn't address but that J&G (the English co.) fixed.

Hi Craig,

I would be very interested in the CD pertaining to the stiffness issues. Might I get a copy from you? Just tell me how much.

Thanks,

Manny

crliwa · 03-19-2006

Thanks for the feedback on the stereo and speakers... The Car did have a quality stereo in the dash .. now I have an empty space..The original dual knob holes are there. I am considering just mounting rear speakers in the spare tire area They should still be heard thru the rear seat.

Baz, I haven't been able to get in touch w/Mal (by the way did you get my PM or mail to your regular email address?) Thanks dfor the info on the Ford color.. My son works for Ford and his friend that owns the body shop doesn't expeect to have a problem matching the colior.

At the show this morning, The Targa got a lot of lookers and positive comments.. After 30 + years of owning GT's, I am getting tired of hearing "poor man's Vette".. If I wanted a vette I'd own one ... like the 25 other vette guys that were at the show.. along with 2 Vipers 3 New Ford Gt's, a HRE Gt40, 3 or 4 Cobra clones, 20+ Mustangs. various mopar and GM products, a dozen street rods from the thirties and fourties. . The cars that were the rarest were a NEW 1965 GT350SR owned by a rich JERK , a lotus 7 and my Targa.. It's nice to have something Unique ( at least here on Long Island) not something that anyone with the money is likely to walk in and pluck down the cash to own one.

gtzero · 03-19-2006

Originally Posted by crliwa

It's nice to have something Unique ( at least here on Long Island) not something that anyone with the money is likely to walk in and pluck down the cash to own one.

Well said.

namba209 · 03-19-2006

Originally Posted by crliwa

After 30 + years of owning GT's, I am getting tired of hearing "poor man's Vette".

Craig, I don't know who said it, a member of this site, but I've been using this for a while now. No it's just the other way around, really, "a Corvette is just an Opel GT on steroids". It makes them think just a bit, especially now.

wrangler · 03-19-2006

Originally Posted by crliwa

After 30 + years of owning GT's, I am getting tired of hearing "poor man's Vette".. If I wanted a vette I'd own one ... .

I wonder if they ask the vette owners about their "rich man's Opel Gt"?

Vette's are great, power options etc, but am sure I would never have someone track me down at the local pub to ask me about my vette. I'm sure the mods contribute to the interest and confusion, but all has been positive comments and many statements about having not seen an Opelt Gt 'in years'.
I can only imagine the interest your GT creates Craig.

baz · 03-19-2006

well we all thought you must be rich craig but we would never call you names

mumble under our breath and chutter on about having the targa yes but never call you names

and yes i got your messages

crliwa · 03-19-2006

Manny- R U going to Carlisle- I can make a copy and bring it .. It really shows, Unfortunately, that Lenk just didn't do the job right and that Malcolm had to pay a second time to get it done correctly. I can only imagine his frustration.
As far as GT's in general go I think you get a lot of fun for the money. I trend to gravitate to this type of car as did my Father . so it's in my blood . He totally rebuilt his bugeye by taking out the seams and removing the windshield, bumpers etc., adding a roll bar etc and after thoroughly enjoying it ,giving it to my son for high schoolgraduation. He also gave me his very fast very rare 67 factory suroof VW beetle that won best in show some years back. He was happier with those cars than with any new car..Although He did say a gullwing would also do the trick.

yxy · 03-19-2006

Hi Craig..............I have just returned from Bulgaria, and have replied to your e-mails. The GT was never fitted out with stereo.........only put in for show.
For interest I have put in the "Opel Photo Gallery" some pics of the origional YXY762..........An Opel Manta GTE Exclusive 1988. Now as you can see that had a stereo AWESOME. Sorry I cant find pics of the engine bay.......That IS WOW.......you could eat you dinner off of it......Will upload when I come across them. Packing up for my move at present!!

IMAGES ARE WAITING TO BE APPROVED
Mal

baz · 03-19-2006

they are there to see now

crliwa · 03-19-2006

Mal
That is one awesome Manta... You really know how to do them up nice

namba209 · 03-19-2006

There are no adjectives sufficient enuff to describe that car. Speechless is a good start. Drooling would work also.

yxy · 03-19-2006

Hi Craig..........My next step would have been to do the braided hoses the same on the GT.Did you notice the chrome on the underneath of the boot lid...The bonnet was done the same.....when I find the pics I will put them up, you will see the braided hoses...real smart!
Mal

crliwa · 03-19-2006

Mal, Yes I've noticed. Chrome is a great accent.. I'm going to be taking a lot of it off to polish it up properly then reinstall it.. I'm also going to have some duplicate pieces painted, probably Red so that I can keep the chrome pieces in good shape for the shows.. I'm spoiled having a 5th gear , it was great when I got over 60mph this morning, it was just taking it easy . By the way how many miles are on the engine? was it put in the same time as the Targa Top?

yxy · 03-19-2006

Hi Craig......60 MPH............you can take it out of 2nd!!!! The engine has done only 2500 miles....all under 60 MPH....has been gently run in. J & G had the engine set up again...but that was 2 years ago....although its only done 60 or so miles, it mat be worthwhile setting it up on a rolling road again. Also one of the dutch guys has an excellent Targa, he has had power steering fitted..........if your going to drive it it may be worth looking into. With the low profiles, steering is a liitle hard.
The engine was put in by the last owner...just before he sold it to me.

Mal

crliwa · 03-19-2006

Mal. I'm not sure what "settng it up" means I'm familar with "breaking in". Since I've had it, all I've done is change the plugs and run 50km or so on all different types of roads. It seems to run a little rich. I love how easily it starts with fuel injection. I'm curious as to the horsepower. any idea?
Does Anyone else with a 2.4 know what HP they started with? My son tricked out my 1.9 /2.0 with a 1.5 head , cam, Aluminum flywheel, etc and it seems about equal to the 2.4 ... I guess my son and I will be having a race one of these days... The Targa definately corners better than my 73 flat and quiet w/ no effort on parkway off ramps.

baz · 03-19-2006

craig "setting it up " neans having a tuning shop with a rolling road look at it and adjust it to get the best out of it , as you say it seams to be running a little rich it would be worth while then you can have it " set up" to run on the local gas as it is of a lower grade than we get here

i think the 2.4 had about 130 bhp with injection when new

btw if you want to make the folks on site drool post somr good pics of the rear suspension . the ones i took did not come out good enough to post

03-19-2006	#105 (permalink)
ConreroGT Senior Contributor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Wa Posts: 655 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	ahhh....who needs a radio in something like that...listen to the breeze with that roof off. I'm already jealous. Last edited by ConreroGT; 03-19-2006 at 03:26 PM..

03-19-2006	#115 (permalink)
yxy Opeler Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Newcastle U.K. Posts: 87 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Yxy762 Hi Craig..............I have just returned from Bulgaria, and have replied to your e-mails. The GT was never fitted out with stereo.........only put in for show. For interest I have put in the "Opel Photo Gallery" some pics of the origional YXY762..........An Opel Manta GTE Exclusive 1988. Now as you can see that had a stereo AWESOME. Sorry I cant find pics of the engine bay.......That IS WOW.......you could eat you dinner off of it......Will upload when I come across them. Packing up for my move at present!! IMAGES ARE WAITING TO BE APPROVED Mal Last edited by yxy; 03-19-2006 at 05:28 PM..

03-19-2006	#121 (permalink)
yxy Opeler Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Newcastle U.K. Posts: 87 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Yxy762 Hi Craig......60 MPH............you can take it out of 2nd!!!! The engine has done only 2500 miles....all under 60 MPH....has been gently run in. J & G had the engine set up again...but that was 2 years ago....although its only done 60 or so miles, it mat be worthwhile setting it up on a rolling road again. Also one of the dutch guys has an excellent Targa, he has had power steering fitted..........if your going to drive it it may be worth looking into. With the low profiles, steering is a liitle hard. The engine was put in by the last owner...just before he sold it to me. Mal Last edited by yxy; 03-19-2006 at 07:53 PM..

03-19-2006	#101 (permalink)
spdkilz02 1000 Post Club Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Akron, OH Posts: 1,724 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	my gt has those in them and they really look like crap...

03-19-2006	#102 (permalink)
soybean Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Reidsville N.C. Posts: 2,160 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	JVC has a 12 Cd changer that has a small remote that can be mounted inconspicuously. The Stereo could be mounted under the bottom tray or in the tire tray in front of the spare. The speakers are another story. Hth somewhat, Jarrell

03-19-2006	#103 (permalink)
asdasc Senior Contributor Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Mt. Clemens, Michigan Posts: 888 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	OK Adam, you can't leave a comment like that without photos!!! You should know by now that making fun of your own car without sharing the laugh in photos is unacceptable!

03-19-2006	#104 (permalink)
spdkilz02 1000 Post Club Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Akron, OH Posts: 1,724 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	ok ill take a pic of it tomorrow, remember the car was like this when i got it...just havent got to ripping them out yet, more worried about upgrading the drivetrain...

03-19-2006	#106 (permalink)
baz opel free after 25 years Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: sunderland england Posts: 4,668 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	it did have some high end stereo in it at 1 time so it might be worth a word with malcolm to find out where he had it and the english company that fixed the body is welsh btw i dont know if malcolm told you the colour , its ford radiant red(im sure i think ?) from the uk and european market (see my photos for a pick of one of my cars in that colour), if the paint shop needs the mix ratio to get it i should be able to get it here and send it to you in gravametric scale (fancy way to mix colours by weights in grams )

03-19-2006	#107 (permalink)
wrangler Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pensacola, Florida Posts: 464 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Craig, One solution I had considered for myself was using the Optimus Pro X77 speakers that RS used to sell. They have a great sound for such a small (4x4x6), self-contained speaker and have a metal housing that could be easily painted to match your interior. I looked on e-bay and there are quite a few pairs for sale, although none offered the optional mounting brackets. They are very heavy, so some type of moutning would be a must unless you are accustomed to driving with a helmet on! lol Sony also used to offer a small bookshelf type speaker, but as I recall, a comparable sounding pair were selling in the $100s of dollars. Brett

03-19-2006	#109 (permalink)
crliwa Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Long Island, N.Y. Posts: 325 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Thanks for the feedback on the stereo and speakers... The Car did have a quality stereo in the dash .. now I have an empty space..The original dual knob holes are there. I am considering just mounting rear speakers in the spare tire area They should still be heard thru the rear seat. Baz, I haven't been able to get in touch w/Mal (by the way did you get my PM or mail to your regular email address?) Thanks dfor the info on the Ford color.. My son works for Ford and his friend that owns the body shop doesn't expeect to have a problem matching the colior. At the show this morning, The Targa got a lot of lookers and positive comments.. After 30 + years of owning GT's, I am getting tired of hearing "poor man's Vette".. If I wanted a vette I'd own one ... like the 25 other vette guys that were at the show.. along with 2 Vipers 3 New Ford Gt's, a HRE Gt40, 3 or 4 Cobra clones, 20+ Mustangs. various mopar and GM products, a dozen street rods from the thirties and fourties. . The cars that were the rarest were a NEW 1965 GT350SR owned by a rich JERK , a lotus 7 and my Targa.. It's nice to have something Unique ( at least here on Long Island) not something that anyone with the money is likely to walk in and pluck down the cash to own one.

03-19-2006	#113 (permalink)
baz opel free after 25 years Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: sunderland england Posts: 4,668 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	well we all thought you must be rich craig but we would never call you names mumble under our breath and chutter on about having the targa yes but never call you names and yes i got your messages

03-19-2006	#114 (permalink)
crliwa Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Long Island, N.Y. Posts: 325 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Manny- R U going to Carlisle- I can make a copy and bring it .. It really shows, Unfortunately, that Lenk just didn't do the job right and that Malcolm had to pay a second time to get it done correctly. I can only imagine his frustration. As far as GT's in general go I think you get a lot of fun for the money. I trend to gravitate to this type of car as did my Father . so it's in my blood . He totally rebuilt his bugeye by taking out the seams and removing the windshield, bumpers etc., adding a roll bar etc and after thoroughly enjoying it ,giving it to my son for high schoolgraduation. He also gave me his very fast very rare 67 factory suroof VW beetle that won best in show some years back. He was happier with those cars than with any new car..Although He did say a gullwing would also do the trick.

03-19-2006	#116 (permalink)
baz opel free after 25 years Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: sunderland england Posts: 4,668 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	they are there to see now

03-19-2006	#117 (permalink)
crliwa Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Long Island, N.Y. Posts: 325 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Mal That is one awesome Manta... You really know how to do them up nice

03-19-2006	#118 (permalink)
namba209 5,000 Post Club Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Imperial Beach, CA South of San Diego Posts: 5,968 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	There are no adjectives sufficient enuff to describe that car. Speechless is a good start. Drooling would work also.

03-19-2006	#119 (permalink)
yxy Opeler Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Newcastle U.K. Posts: 87 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Hi Craig..........My next step would have been to do the braided hoses the same on the GT.Did you notice the chrome on the underneath of the boot lid...The bonnet was done the same.....when I find the pics I will put them up, you will see the braided hoses...real smart! Mal

03-19-2006	#120 (permalink)
crliwa Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Long Island, N.Y. Posts: 325 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Mal, Yes I've noticed. Chrome is a great accent.. I'm going to be taking a lot of it off to polish it up properly then reinstall it.. I'm also going to have some duplicate pieces painted, probably Red so that I can keep the chrome pieces in good shape for the shows.. I'm spoiled having a 5th gear , it was great when I got over 60mph this morning, it was just taking it easy . By the way how many miles are on the engine? was it put in the same time as the Targa Top?

03-19-2006	#122 (permalink)
crliwa Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Long Island, N.Y. Posts: 325 Classified Rating: 0% (0)	Mal. I'm not sure what "settng it up" means I'm familar with "breaking in". Since I've had it, all I've done is change the plugs and run 50km or so on all different types of roads. It seems to run a little rich. I love how easily it starts with fuel injection. I'm curious as to the horsepower. any idea? Does Anyone else with a 2.4 know what HP they started with? My son tricked out my 1.9 /2.0 with a 1.5 head , cam, Aluminum flywheel, etc and it seems about equal to the 2.4 ... I guess my son and I will be having a race one of these days... The Targa definately corners better than my 73 flat and quiet w/ no effort on parkway off ramps.