Checking interest on another run of Manta/Ascona front suspension gussets

[RallyBob]

I'm just gauging interest in possibly making another production run of steel weld-on reinforcements for the Model 50 (Manta, Ascona) front suspensions. I have a few people interested in more of these, but not enough to justify having a batch run again. I'd need 4 or 5 more people to do another run.

These reinforcements serve two purposes. One, they make the suspension stiffer and stronger for performance use. And two, they repair crack-prone areas of the front suspensions which are only getting worse as the years pass by.

Don't let this happen to you!

Here are some pics of the gussets themselves, and the areas they are welded onto.

[Rionart]

How are you going to work this Bob...supply 'kits', or reinforce customers arms that they send you?
The parts look great, but are useless without quality welding...I for one would be a lot happier to send you the control arms to be modified than trusting some local joint to fab it up.

[BQS4]

Bob;
Since I still have two more Wagons, and my nephew has a Manta, it would interest me greatly. We're about to put my white Wagon back on the road with these mods and I'm REALLY interested to see and feel the difference.

[deanh74_2]

Bob,

I would feel like Rionart, I would rather have you or someone who knows about Opels weld this up. I am not a good welder nor own a welded at this time.

My other question, is approx. cost. I know it will depend on demand but, are we talking $100 or $300 or ???

I hope to get the Manta in my garage this weekend. I need to see what it all needs other then EVERYTHING

Dean

[guyopel]

This is a great upgrade for the Manta front suspension because it addresses the weak areas in the production parts that are going to fail ( you just don't when ) and you can get your bushings and etc. from "Opelgtsource.com"

John

[BQS4]

Bob,

I would feel like Rionart, I would rather have you or someone who knows about Opels weld this up. I am not a good welder nor own a welded at this time.



Dean

Dean, et-al:
I didn't have Bob do my welding (couldn't afford him) But, the person who did my welding for me, their welds are not as "pretty" as Bob's but, they will stand up to the task.
This is a critical area for ALL Manta/Ascona owners. DO NOT take this for granted. This by no means lessens my love for Opels, on the contrary, this makes me feel better that I can drive my Opel longer now. I cannot stress what the consquences that could happen if this area or areas broke while driving along. I was blessed in that it happened to me when I was just backing out of a parking space. If you don't need it now, at least buy Bob's "kit" and store it away till you do rebuild, it's far cheaper than your life........

[jerseydave]

I would be interested in a kit. As stated above, $$$ amount for the parts kit and as a finished product.

[jlthunder]

Dean, et-al:
I was blessed in that it happened to me when I was just backing out of a parking space.

This is exactly when this happened to mine back in 1980 to my '72 "Manta" Raylle.

Got a replacement from a '75 Manta in the graveyard.

[RallyBob]

How are you going to work this Bob...supply 'kits', or reinforce customers arms that they send you?
The parts look great, but are useless without quality welding...I for one would be a lot happier to send you the control arms to be modified than trusting some local joint to fab it up.

I can do both. I can just supply the kits or I could weld them on. My only concerns with this is shipping costs and the condition of the existing parts. Shipping the crossmember especially is very cost prohibitive due to the size and weight. And there are only 4 gussets that go onto the crossmember. Might be best to do that locally.

For me to TIG the gussets in place there must be no paint or rust on the parts. So the owner could have them sandblasted first. Or I could have them done locally...my powdercoater offers 'sandblasting only' in addition to the powdercoating services he offers. However I don't know the exact fee to do all the parts offhand. I'd need to bring a set of all the parts to him for a solid quote.

That said, the price would be the same as the previous production run.

Gusset kit (picked up locally) $50.00
Gusset kit (shipped via priority mail in the US) $55.00
Labor to TIG weld all gussets to front suspension parts except crossmember: $110.00
Labor to TIG weld all gussets including crossmember: $120.00

Note the welding would not include shipping 'to or from', and would not include the sandblasting required.

I can request the costs to sandblast only, or to sandblast and powdercoat.

And previously a few people had asked about upgrading the lower ball joints to the Chrysler ball joints, which lowers the ride height by 7/8" and improves the suspension geometry. I need to find my notes on that since I can't recall the costs I posted on my old ad.

Bob

[crliwa]

Bob, I'm glad I happened to go on the site today...I would like to get 2 sets ...One for the Silver 1900 that has the front suspension apart and another set for the Car and Driver 1900..... I expect to be able to have them welded locally in Phoenix, AZ. How do you want to get paid... I can pay by mail or in person at Carlisle...THANK YOU

[RallyBob]

I guess I need a solid count then. So far:

Old list
Me - one set
Jim - one set
Bill - two sets

New list
Craig - two sets
Dave - one set
Gene - ?
(Robbie - 30 sets? ...j/k Robbie, that's probably not enough for all your cars)

So it looks like seven confirmed sets anyway. That should be enough to get things rolling.

I can do Paypal, cash, MO, etc. when the time comes.

[cadence]

i would also like a set of these please.

[opelbits]

Bob-

Add me to the list for a set. If you decide to do the welding for people, then I'll decide on that later as I have a pair of control arms already blasted and with a coat of spray primer (to be cleaned off).

[tomking]

I would be in for one set Bob, kit only. Thanks.

[saxybiker]

Hi Bob!

Two kits shipped to us, please.

Thank you!

Vickie

[Rionart]

(Robbie - 30 sets? ...j/k Robbie, that's probably not enough for all your cars)

I'll take 10 sets Bob, I'll buy them kit form and keep them with you, then I can rotate a couple of front ends through you at a time...I'm only going to do the cars that might get driven enthusiastically....

[BQS4]

Just as a thought, for those who are ordering the kits, if you don't want to have your car down, then find a used front end off a Manta/Ascona that matches your year (1971-73 early and 74-75 for late) as the motor mounts are different. This way you can slowly have various pieces done, like bead blasted, then welded, then powder coated, or even just POR-15. when you have all your pieces done, assemble it and swap the entire unit. I know I have literally thrown away about a dozen front ends over the years

[RallyBob]

I'll take 10 sets Bob, I'll buy them kit form and keep them with you, then I can rotate a couple of front ends through you at a time...I'm only going to do the cars that might get driven enthusiastically....

Joking or serious? If so I will add them to the order. I already gave them the go-ahead to produce them today.

[BQS4]

Bob;
You put a question mark by my name. I'll take 3 sets, I can't pay for them all at once, but, if you hold them, I'll get them off you one set at a time.

[Rionart]

Joking or serious? If so I will add them to the order. I already gave them the go-ahead to produce them today.

100% serious Bob....