Cost of Restoring Your Opel GT

[namba209]

You're ab-so-toot-ley right Rick, the peripheral stuff will definately do you in. That and ALL those little things, like nuts and bolts and washers, that somehow got mislaid. I have a can full of those MT packages to remind me, some of the stuff grew feet, even after it was bagged and labled. Go Figure.

[N61WP]

Guys,

I have been day dreaming lately about selling my GT, so I thought I'd do some research and add up all my receipts tonight for the first time. Now I bought this car in 4/01, built my engine in 02, 5 speed in 04, and added lots of goodies in between. I spent 5k just building the engine and have a total of 14k in receipts!
It is a rust free car (except for the hole under the battery, of course) and even has the original paint. The body has lots of small dings and dents, but nothing serious. I can't believe I'm at 14k and haven't touched the body!

So now I'm wondering where to draw the line.....
James

[Thom71GT]

Day dreaming about selling your GT??? Sounds more like Day NightMares to me. Your dreaming of the wrong thing. You need therapy!!!

[N61WP]

I need therapy all right....you know Stan would like to sell his race car......
jc

[Mike Trout]

To get my 69 GT 1.1 4 speed back to exact all origonal speces im looking around 30k i would not doubt

[nobody]

I was just reading and thinking, good thing the thread is about a singular GT. 4000 in the gold, 3000 in the white 1500 in the silver 12000 in Thumper. Those are fix it prices, now I'm starting another one.

[MikeyOne]

I spent a SMALL fortune (har)

Bought car $624 (ebay)
Towing $ 60
Exhaust $ 90 (custom large pipe and collector)
Wheels with trim and caps$ 5 (recycler.com)
Engine and delivery $110 (Thanks Todd)
Carb (weber) $90 (recycler, came with jets kit, complete weber book and extra air cleaners and stuff)
Fiberglass $15 (remade battery box and built spare tire cover)
Tires $50 (used swapmeet, and mounting)
Recore radiator $190 (Jerry Young - included petcock, three row core)
Seat Covers $5 (blackmarket/swap meet)
Reg and stuff $140 (includes initial taxes)
Hood $40 (Jim at Opel USA)
Gaskets, fluids, bolts, misc $100 (Gil at Opel GT Source and Charles at Goin Manta)


I really dont want to add it up, but I drive this car every day so it was well worth it!

[opelgt73]

I guess I never filled this out before

The yellow GT (see my pictures section):

Bought out of paper for $250 - just rolling body
2nd GT complete for parts - $500
Bodywork and paint done by me though I had to buy about $700 in tools. And about another $700 in paint supplies.
Poly Bushings - $200
Weber Carb - $320
Maching shop cost - $450
Cam - $179
Lifters - $116
Pistons - $380
Gaskets - $125
Clutch - $95
Getrag - $1300
Tires -$250
Shocks - $160
Ignition - $45
Carpet set - $100
Headliner - $20 (my mom made an exact copy out of thicker material)
Breaks - $250
Sprint Exhaust manifold - $90
3 core radiator - $90

Total $6320

All in all I spent over $10K because I bought a bunch of other parts cars, plus I didn't keep acurate records of all the misc supplies that I needed.

[jordan]

let's see

$1300 initial cost
$100 bellypan
$125 ignition
$100 bumper
$300 carpet, weatherstripping, len's gaskets, misc
$150 shocks
$100 front and rear ogts swaybar (bought from member on board)
$225 tires
$175 poly and rubber parts
$350 paint and materials
$65 gaskets
$90 stainless flex brake lines
$200 pads, rotors, bearings, seals
$75 fuel pump, lines, filters
$250 stereo
$250 seats (uninstalled)
$160 exhaust
$80 battery
$75 beauty rings and center caps
$90 mirror
$--- misc

that's $4260 right there, some parts came with the car uninstalled. and I am yet to buy the skins for the fiero seats I bought.

[greenopelgt]

Ms. Opel cost me $3,127 including taxes and in the four plus years I have owned her I have spent $45.13 for a NOS rear resonator and $7.25 for a NOS fan belt. I also bought an extra set of rims, beauty rings and center caps from John G in Carlisle a couple years ago so I could keep the original tires and inner tubes on the original rims for show purposes.

Tom Adkins
1969 Opel GT with the 1.1 Liter engine

[tealcarver]

OK, got the GT new in 1971 3607.00 out the door brand spanking new. Drove for 15 years with minor repairs here and there. Sat in the driveway for another 15 years, then decided it was time to get her back on the road. Well that was a few dollars ago. Here's the list, and it does not count the stainless steel bolts, wet and dry sandpaper, and countless hours of work. I am putting her back together, and will post pictures soon.



"OPEL" letters emblem $40.00
16'" Revo Chrome Rims $1,242.71
205-45-16 Yokahama Tires $527.60
3 point seat belt conversion $180.00
4 Speed Shifter Boot $32.40
Accelorator Pedal $14.40
Antenna $29.00
Battery Box Fiberglass $82.80
Bosh Platinum Spark Plugs $7.96
Brake Booster Hose $21.00
Brake Clutch Pedal 2 sets $20.80
Brake Rotors $32.00
Brake Shims Front $6.00
Brake Tubing Set $63.00
Bump Stop Bushings $40.80
Bumper Gasket Set $6.00
Carbeau Racing Seats $640.00
Carburetor Gasket Thick (2) $14.00
Carpet Replacement Kit $120.00
Cas cap rubber gasket $2.00
Chrome bumpers, door handles $628.00
Chrome for engine compartment $360.00
Chrome Insert Tool $19.00
Chrome One Wire Alternator 100 Amp $119.99
Chrome Strip front and back window $59.00
Chrome Yellow Deltron Paint, Clearcote and reducers $450.25
Clutch and Pressure Plate used $100.00
Clutch Cable New $38.00
Complete Brake Lines new $66.00
Control Arm Bushing Set $50.00
Conversion work for 2.4 $485.00
Cost of used Bumperettes $50.00
Dashboard Refinished plus shifter refinish $814.50
Defroster vents $150.41
Dipstick Tube New $18.00
Distributor Gasket $1.20
Dome Lens $6.50
Door Handle Gaskets $11.40
Door Rubber Channel new $61.00
Door Weather-stripping 24' $79.00
Emblem Grommet Set $5.00
Engine 2.4 liter $2,500.00
Exhaust Flange Gasket $5.00
Exhaust Tips Ansa 2" $66.00
Extra Loud Horn High $12.95
Extra Loud Horn Low $12.95
Filler Neck Gasket $14.00
Firewall material $33.00
Flexible Brake Hoses, 3 $31.47
Floor Plugs $10.80
Floor Plugs $8.00
Flywheel 9" for 2.4 $160.00
Front Bearing Inner $21.98
Front Bearing Outer $19.98
Front Bearing Seal $11.98
Front Blitz Emblem $25.00
Front Brake Hardware $14.00
Front Cowl cover Refinished $200.00
Front Curved Lens Left $29.00
Front Curved Lens Right $29.00
Front Sway Bar $150.00
Front Window Gasket $89.00
Fuel Line to Body Boot $9.00
Fuel Pump Block Off Plate $5.00
Gas Filler Neck Hose $9.00
Gasket Front Curved Lens to Body $5.40
Gasket Front Curved Lens to Housing $5.40
headlight bucket gaskets 2 $27.60
Headliner $85.00
Heater Box Gasket for Heater Tubes $9.00
Heater control plate $134.20
Heater Valve $42.00
Heavy Duty Upper Stop $7.00
Hood Bumpers, 4 $14.00
Hood Bushings $15.36
Hood Rod Holder $3.50
Hood Special Order from Germany $589.00
Ignition Cap $12.49
Ignition Rotor $3.99
Ignition Wires $14.49
Intake Exhaust Gasket for 1.9 (Return) $13.00
Intake Exhaust Gasket for 2.2&2.4 $22.00
Jensen mp3 player $129.89
Lenses and Gaskets Rear 4 $199.00
License Plate Lenses R&L $48.00
Lower Alternator Bushing 2 $10.80
Lower Ball Joints, 2 $81.98
Lower Spring Hats $24.00
Lower Window Scrapers $50.40
Lug nuts and Wrench $19.49
Metal Gast Tank Fuel Line and Fitting $19.00
Micro Switches for Headlights (4) $38.00
Monroe Front Shocks $27.98
Monroe Rear Shocks $46.99
Motor Mount $58.00
Noise Killer 2 gallons $120.00
Noise Killer3 1/2 gallons $125.00
Oil Pan Gasket 2.4 $16.00
Oil Pick up Gasket $1.00
Oil Pressure Sending Unit $69.00
Oil Tube bracket for 2.4 $7.20
Parking Brake Boot $20.00
Petronix system with chrome coil $101.45
Pilot Bearing $11.00
Pinion Shaft Rubber $14.32
Points $7.99
Power Brake Booster Rebuilt $185.00
Primer for painting $18.57
Primer for painting $21.28
Primer for painting $42.55
Quarter Window Gaskets $80.00
Rack and Pinion Boots $24.00
Rack Bushings $14.50
Rear Brake Drums, 2 $136.00
Rear Brake Hardware $18.00
Rear Package Tray $40.00
Rear Spoiler $234.50
Rear Suspension Bushing Kit $99.00
Rear Sway Bar $150.00
Rear Wheel Cylinders new $36.00
Rear Window Gasket $27.00
Rebuilt Bosch Starter $64.40
Rebuilt Caliper Drivers $48.99
Rebuilt Caliper Passenger $48.99
Rebuilt Distributor $62.95
Rebuilt Master Cylinder $45.49
Rebuilt Starter $64.40
Rechrome Bumperettes $100.00
Seat rails $85.00
Shock Covers $6.00
Side Markers with Gaskets $101.00
Spare Tire Cover $40.00
Speakers Pioneer $101.00
Spring Eye Bushings $25.00
Steering Shaft dust bool seal $9.00
Steering Wheel $106.00
Sway bar brackets rear $60.00
Thermostat Gasket $1.50
Throttle Grommet Driver $3.50
Throttle Grommet Passenger $3.50
Throw out bearing $58.80
Tie Rod Ends, 2 $49.98
Torque Tube Donut $39.60
Torque Tube Support Bushing $72.00
Total Cost Parts and Services for 2.4 conversion w/5peed $926.28
Transmission Conversion Kit $500.00
Transmission Getrag 5 speed $1,399.00
U Joint Lock Plate $7.20
Under Hood Rubber Set $25.00
Upper Alternator Bushing Kit with Bolt $19.20
Upper Ball Joints, 2 $73.98
Upper Ball Joints, 2 $90.00
Upper Door Bumper $7.00
Upper Spring Hats $24.00
Visor Metal Hinge $16.00
Water Pump New $59.00
Weber 38 for 2.4 Engine $453.57
Window Grommets pop out window $13.00
Window Regulators Rebuilt $102.53
Window Tinting $100.00
Wire to rewire car $60.73

Total $18,635.74

Got about another 1500 to go and then she is on the road and better than her former glory. My wife has never been into cars, but she always liked the Opel (I dated her in the GT in 71 and 72). When she saw the finished paint job, she set up a date, she gets first ride as soon as it's ready to go. Nothing like living the old days again.

Bob

[jeff denton]

This is very interesting! Whether it's a $5000 investment or $19,000 it seems to be well worth it, regardless of the car's resale value, really a moot point because GTs seem to be worth whatever somebody is willing to pay or what an owner will let it go for.
I now have well over eight thou in mine, the hourmeter reads eleven hours. It is on its second set of tires this year as of today, its second oil change will happen tomorrow night.
It isn't quite as pretty as most, but man, will it go around a left hand corner!
It was the fastest Compact Class car on the track tonight in practice, it really likes its new tires with 2-1/2" rear stagger and the new "roll oversteer" characteristics that came from playing with just where the right rear control link mounts to the spring bucket. It just keeps getting better...

[nobody]

OK. I've read that list 3 times now and have to ask the question.......Just who in the world are you buying parts from? Every one I saw was 20 to 50 % over stock price. 1500 or so just to put in a 2.4. 1400 for a 5 speed come on now lets get back to reality. If this is all true double check your vendors because you are getting raped. I've got a pristine rear axle or two only 4k plus shipping. Hey and Hella lenses at the bargain price of 200 each.......
let's not kid around with those that watch the prices, honestly those prices are absurd, check your vendors or your buying tactics, it's a spoof or your getting screwed.

[tealcarver]

I bought most of the parts from Opel GT Source. The 2.4 engine was ready to drop in, the transmission was rebuilt, and all modifications were done by OGTS. In fact almost every part was bought there with the exception of parts that I got on ebay at a reduced price from OGTS. I am not sure what parts you are refereing to when you say it's 20% to 50% over priced.

I bought several parts from discount auto parts stores that were supposed to fit the GT, but they didn't so I had to return them and go through that process and then reorder them from OGTS, so I finally figured that I would cut out the order and send back process and just order it from OGTS.

If you have sources that can save me 50% and they are the same quality and have someone like Gil and Dennis standing behind them and providing all the information to get the part in, I am all ears believe me.

As for my list, it is quite real, but I think the point is my car is absolutely rebuilt from the ground up. The only thing that has not been rebuilt or new is the rear end running gears. Everything else is new. Getting raped? I travel five days a week for my company, and sometimes paying more for a completely rebuilt transmission with all the modifications already done makes more sense than working on it for six weekends. The engine is ready to drop in, it includes the reboring of the dip stick hole, the oil pick up, and a couple other details that need to be taken care of. Although the price may seem high for some of the items, they usually include work that is not detailed on the Excel Spreadsheet that I keep my expenses for the GT. The list on my post is a direct copy and paste from the spreadsheet. If there is a particularly puzzling charge that I have posted that looks really high, I would be glad send you a copy of my receipt. I don't consider myself particularly ignorant when it comes to prices for parts, but I am not sure that you have calculated the service level received along with the part. Replacing parts in a bargin engine is no bargain. When my engine goes in, I know it will work, and if by some chance it does not, I will call Dennis and Gil and I know that they will make it good. (Service I was refereing to).

Again, if you have sources for new parts and they are substantially less than the prices you see posted here, you could do a service to everyone on the board by sharing your sources. I would have appreciated saving 50% on the cost of my restoration. I could have done the same thing for around $9500.00 and banked the rest, that would have really made me happy. I do have some more parts that need to be purchased, so I would appreciate any discount, full service part houses you can recommend.

Thanks,
Bob

[Killer Texas GT]

"tealcarver"s price list is inline with reality especially for the 2.4 conversion. just getting a 2.4 into the States is costing $2320, that does not include the cost of the 2.4 and plans for a rebuild when it arrives, possible another $2000. I know in My GT that I have owned since '76 it has had a ground up restoration and customizing( which I did my self) I had at least $12000 in it back in '98, and yet it still is taking money for all the Modifications I have done and its about ready for another ground up restoration which will cost approximately another $6,000 and I just got through buying a set of wheels and tires for $2200.
And, I LUVS ME CAR, cause I will never get back what I have put in it, and don't plan on it, cause it ain't for sale!!!!

To me the Opel is 'ART' you either embrace it or you through it out, and choose to wrap myself up in it for all it is worth, even if it ain't.

[jeff denton]

Killer, finally I hear from somebody with the right attitude, the realistic and proper love for his passion. I get involved to some extent in lots of hot rod projects, everybody and his brother needs my help in some aspect of his project. I see too many that are in a big hurry, out of money, over budget. I never work on junk and will call a spade a spade, I turn down most of it because I haven't got the time anyway... The first thing that turns me off is a person explaining he needs to get it done so he can sell it. "Then what are you building it for? You can't sell it for what you've got into it. You're upside down, leave me out of it 'cause I don't work for free!"
My hot rods aren't for sale either. And none of them are done. Some of them aren't even driveable. One hasn't run in twenty years. So what?
I've always said if a hot rod is "done" it's owner isn't a hot rodder.

[namba209]

Originally Posted by jeff denton I've always said if a hot rod is "done" it's owner isn't a hot rodder.

Now doggone it Jeff, I've been working on Willit? starting my 5th year this month. It sure doesn't seem like it's been that long, but it has. Margaret wants it done, others on this site want it done, and by golly, I WANT IT DONE, just so I can drive it. Then start on the monza after Willit? has proven to be reliable. Yeah, there are other things I could do to the GT, but right now I want it finished so I can drive it just to see if it's been worth all the time and trouble.

Now just keep the moderators happy, I haven't computed the following info, I'm too afraid of what the real cost has been over the years. 5 years ago I started with a blank credit card and started ordering bits and pieces for Willit?, then came the restoration, all on the same credit card. I've been putting $500 a month on the card since the beginning and it's still not back to zero yet. Now there has been some R & D costs involved along with way, too many mods on things that didn't work and had to be redone. Has it been worth it, yeah, and then some, and I'll keep it as long as I can drive the living daylights out of it. But as I've said numerous times, jokingly, it keeps me out of the bars and brothels and worth every penny. .

[nobody]

I guess the same kinda restore for about half the money is not pheasable? I hate to dissagree but it's very possible and been done. Mechanicly mine is finished, a bit of cosmetics but nothing major by any stretch yet to finish it off. On a normally apirated platform I can't go any further and the rest of it all matches the output and desires I had for it. Yes I rod the living daylights out of it. I also built it and farmed out almost nothing, I wasn't aware of the criteria of no work done yourself, yes this would make the prices higher. I also didn't limit myself to a single source for anything. I knew what the prices were from each vendor VS the price for aftermarket or A grade used. I have less money in the drive train than that rebuilt 2.4 alone and still it can make that 700 dollar 5 speed beg for mercy.

[krad101]

Been in Barn for about 20 years. No rust through. If, interested, krad1019@msn.com and I'll send attached photo. Would like to send attach to this site, but can't figure out how to reduce photo under 300 kb. Sorry. Until then, send to e-mail

[cees]

Greetings from Australia! Like Jim in New Zealand, I spent around 21,000 US Dollars. Perhaps I have gone over the top? However, it is very enjoyable to drive a GT which is in showroom condition. Luckily I have a very understanding wife!

[EJprovost]

I can't vote, I stopped keeping track because I realized it wasn't the amount of money spent to restore this old friend, it was other things like the feeling you get when you drive it and know its a job well done, the exchange of creative ideas with others for solutions, the friendships formed. The Opel GT never really did loose anything in value from the start, it just held its value and gained some. For some reason these cars seem to form a real attachment from their owners, and visa/versa. So thats how I look at it, and I probably will never be done getting things just right.

[Tillerman]

Hi, my name is Dave , and I have an addiction......it's called cars. I've owned GTs off and on since 1973 when I purchased my first, a 1970. It's taken me 10 yrs to get another, and it's like deja vu.
I recently purchased a 1971 off ebay here in southern Oregon and I'm like a 54 yr old little kid.
My opinion on cost is irrevalant to what makes me happy. I figure my cost in smiles per miles as I do with all my vehicles, the newest being 1986. However I do keep a semi running total in my head, and I do keep receipts. Kinda like my own little inside joke. When I'm in one of my other cars (haven't driven the GT yet) and someone driving a new car tells me how nice mine is,or, wow a Jag, I look at theirs and think to myself, well, you could have had this and 3 more for what you paid for that. But, on the other hand I do my own work and they may not.
My biggest problem is I have way to many projects going at once.
1986 XJ6...daily driver...mint
1985 XJ6...daily driver...needs paint (body is mint) and back seat recovered....just bought it 2 weeks ago
1974 XJ6...project...chevy v-8...may become the suspension donor for the truck
1970 XJ6...resting ...old Jags never die, they just rest waiting to be reborn
1970 Chevy truck....purchased to engineer and fabricate parts for the '69 chevy. Jag V-12, turbo 400, all Jag suspended, fold away top, Jag dash etc.
1969 Chevy truck...driver while plans are being worked out


As many have stated, a project is never really done. So far on the GT:
1971 gt
New parts:
Front brake calipers, pads, lines, rotors turned
Rear cylinders, shoes, drums turned, lines
Battery
Spare tire cover...Ogts
Shifter boot...Ogts
Dome lens....Ogts
M/C kit....Ogts
Various other small parts
3 yds of Allegro vinyl ....btw....dead on match for the Opel interior.
2 yds of 1/4 foam
2 yds if 1/8 landau foam
2 yds of 1/4 landau foam
2 pieces of door panel board
Glue
So far the brakes have been rebuilt, the door panels, rear quarter panels, package shelf and spare tire cover.
The trans is out waiting to be painted and detailed.
The driveshaft and front suspension have been done...detailed...PO had new poly bushings and KYB shocks already done.
The seats were done as well as new carpet by PO
The dash top will be the next thing to finish.
The body is one of the most pristine I've run across, 95% of the orig. paint and only a small rusted area under the battery. Still, it will be stripped and refinished. New chrome etc.
Details, details, details, if it comes off it'll be refinished, restored or replaced.


Even if I did care about how much it cost, the way I see it is you have something you definately won't see on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
When we do drive them it's the satisfaction of having something out of the norm.
What New car can you buy for 20 grand that will have the appeal and the lasting style that the GT has. Not to mention what new car will be around in 2030 or so, that anyone would be restoring.

hehehe get the hint I'm not a new car fan? I like being able to find my car in a parking lot.


Dave

[Victoria]

Hey Mike! I guess you are Dman with the best deal sooooo far--
but hehe the joke is no longer on me! I have found my 3rd GT, and just in time for Christmas!! My 2nd GT, ( as seen in the Opels, Opels Opels gallery)
was about 50-60% finished when I was forced to sell it. Anyway I am much older (gray hair included) and 2 divorces wiser and still in love with these GTs!
So maybe I'll be posting a pic of my GT with a red bow soon!! OH yes!!
I've learned a thing about GT's = They don't leave you for another car, and they don't talk back!!!

[nobody]

It's pretty funny, I've got one on both ends of the spectrum. Granted one is a wagon but I have a total of 750 in it and well over 15k in the GT. Both are now on the road and driven all the time. Best guess the wagon will be around 3000 with all the mods planned for it. Not bad to turn out a show quality car for that price tag.

[mustang_170556]

i bought my 69 gt for $100 from a millionaire who cared nothing about it. (luckily for me ) it had been stored in a barn for years and has zero rust. i cleaned the points and it purred like a kitten. i do need to redo the breaks and give it a new paint job. other than that i'm looking pretty good. i don't plan on spending any more than three grand, and that's stuff i want instead of stuff i need.