1973 Opel GT

[Lockley]

Will try to have this Opel on the road next year, but not completely restored. Drive train looks to be OK and most of the car is there but need front bumper and it does not need to be perfect so if you have one and you are around Asheville, NC let me know. Dave KI4UBK

[hrcollinsjr]

Dave, I'll be coming through Asheville Friday on my way to Mocksville. I can throw some bumpers in the truck for you to look at if you're interested. Anything else since I'm coming from Mid. TN?

Haroldc(at)united.net

[neuropel]

I believe there used to be a prominent Opel-related business in Black Mountain, NC (I grew up in nearby Marion), so you might want to ask some of the "old timer mechanics" in your area - there could be parts stashes somewhere. My recollection is that the business was destroyed by a fire at some point.

Todd Kirby

[Lockley]

Thanks Todd, I'll look around. I am new to this area in Old Fort.

[hrcollinsjr]

I believe there used to be a prominent Opel-related business in Black Mountain, NC (I grew up in nearby Marion), so you might want to ask some of the "old timer mechanics" in your area - there could be parts stashes somewhere. My recollection is that the business was destroyed by a fire at some point. Todd Kirby

There WERE a few parts left. By the way, Lance is planning on visiting with us at the AutoFair.

Harold

[Lockley]

Well it will run and most of the car is there but the carb needs rebuilt, bearings in the rear end, wiring work, new hoses, water pump, floor pan glassed, carpet, seats redone, headliner, dash pad, and enough body work to keep me busy for weeks. Question is "Is this one worth saving?".

[Lockley]

I do like the wheels, now on to the car. Maybe

[Lockley]

Did a little work with the grinder and a 4 inch cup brush, found about what I thought I would. Small can of Bondo should do the job. Carb rebuilt and the jet and check ball put back in place from sitting in the bottom of the bowl. Riped out the added wiring to lights, will repair the wiring the way it should be. Brakes will need a little work at some point but I did move the car a little around the yard. Seats are not too bad but most of the interior is missing so I have been looking at pics on the internet to see what it should look like inside. If all goes as fast as this work I should see Ya'll at Charlote next year with the car in drivable shape. Dave KI4UBK

[opel kid]

wow it's looking a whole lot better!

[Lockley]

Well I am now starting the car every day after putting a patch on the fuel line coming out of the tank and it sounds ok for an engine running on old points and plugs. It has been a long time since I set the dwell on an engine but I guess I'll be doing that with the GT.
Starting to learn what is what on the car and getting ideas about the interior, which will be a bit simple on this one.
The bodywork is coming along but the rear panel is in very poor condition and it would save a lot of sanding to replace it and the rear deck.

[bgdowski]

Not to be a perfectionist, or to be consitered anal, but I wouldnt have repaired the front fender with bondo... The fender is not a critical structural point, but would have benefited from sheet metal. I realized on my project the flexablility of that section of the fender, and that simply filling it with bondo may result in cracking and eventually the bondo falling out... Just my 2 cents, if you have a welder and some extra sheet metal laying around, i would go ahead and weld in a piece THEN throw body filler over it...

Good luck with the car, its starting to look good!

[Lockley]

Ok back to a little work on the Opel GT. The rear panel was going to be more work than it was worth so ask and did get a rear clip. This may seem like a lot of work but looking at the cut and splice it’s going to save me a lot of time and effort.

I did put new plugs in, change the oil, and clean the breaks; it sure runs smooth. Dave

[ungermm]

The rear clip that you're intend to use looks to be in pretty poor condition. Are you sure, you want to use that rusty old thing?

Jerry

[Lockley]

It's a lot better than the one on the car. This will not be a show car just one kept out of the scrap yard. I will do one more after this one that will be mint.

[bellamy]

Not sure if you considered this option yet, or is you already started the other one but just an idea.

[url=http://www.opelgtsource.com/catalog/shop.cgi?cart_id=6966599.4632&page=catalog.htm&key words=info.htm]

it's bound to be easier and look better in the long run.

[bellamy]

Well that didn't work... lol. It was supose to be a link to the fiberglass rear from Opel GT Source --- Welcome. It is $220

[bellamy]

Just saw this too..

opel gt rear panel:eBay Motors (item 330359549806 end time Sep-19-09 09:21:49 PDT)

[Lockley]

Hey thanks guys but I do not have the money for the glass one and I did see the one on fleabay. Started the prep today; looks like it will be ok. I’ll get some pics soon. This is a very poor GT to rework so it will only get so much of my time.

I do have a question about the light system, where are the switches and relay on the GT? I do not have a shop manual or another car to view.

[hrcollinsjr]

Hey thanks guys but I do not have the money for the glass one and I did see the one on fleabay. Started the prep today; looks like it will be ok. I’ll get some pics soon. This is a very poor GT to rework so it will only get so much of my time.

I do have a question about the light system, where are the switches and relay on the GT? I do not have a shop manual or another car to view.

Dave, need a FSM? I'm still in NC and headed back sometime tomorrow.

Harold

[Lockley]

I could use one Harold. Give me a call if you get a chance.