[twubbena]

Found an Opel GT (73) in my area, looks to be in good condition (although I haven't run it yet). Anything to look for? Am considering this for my son. I live in the Tampa area, and have access to a mechanic that is good with older foreign cars (Austin Healy, Triumph, ...)

Any thoughts? Cost is $3k for the car. Don't know much about Opel's except they are obviously very rare. Last one I saw was when I was 14 (24 yrs ago).

Thanks for help and advice, - just looks like a fun car for a 16 y/o !

Troy

 

[lezliewk (R.I.P.)]

rust

One of the big things to look for is rust in the floor pans. If it came from up here somewhere look it over good, Can be a big problem,Also check the electronics,wiring ect. i lived in tampa for about 13 years,town and country area,Waters av.and hulsey road. i left a GT down there long time ago,well traded it in on a new car, The GT was only 2 years old then, Good luck on new car

 

[opeldean]

buying advise...go for it...IF you want a hobby...

I love MY opel gt...It will cost a lot less ( be easier) to restore the english car...there are a lot of vendors and you can get ALL new parts..including sheet metal...but what is the challenge in that? The Opel supplies come from an expanded brochure..from Opel gt spource..(they are great!).

Do want your son to have a hobby? Then get the opel..It' s a great car to work on.You will learn so MUCH!..Do you have hand tools and a Voltmeter?
A lot can accomplished with that.

If this car has not been driven daily..I predict you will need to spend $1-4,000
at a private shop to make it reliable.I dont think it is a dollar value car if you have to hire it all done...but what 30 Plus year old car is? I saw a 70 mustang for sale in todays paper..owner as $30,000 in it..he wil take 12,000 for it.

it is my opinion that the Opel is a cooler car than any english car...when fixed up, I predict your son will be "voted the coolest car in high school"..but it will take
elbow grease". I believe it is impossible , from a dollar standpoint,to hire it all done, and be satisfied.

If you want reliability..better buy a $3,000 pu truck..if you want a hobby ...

then get the Opel...but you almost need a "back up car" while the opel is in the shop. Your friend in the MG shop has all the skills to restore the Opel. Get a manual for him...it is straight mechanics...

Opel gt ..all the way..my opinion...

 

[Willy_g77]

its a great car...

Im 15, am and i love my 71 opel gt.... I have no one to help me restore it but these cars are so much fun to work on... and you will learn so much. this site and opelgtsource.com are great sites for parts and info.. your son will love an opel.. just make sure he takes good care of it..

 

[Dmcbrass]

I agree that you're number one concern is rust. Check the floor pans, inner & outer rockers and wheel wells. Of these items the floor pans are the easiest to deal with, but make sure the damage is limited to the area under the seats. All of these problems can be addressed, but the cost is prohibitive unless you can do the work yourself. Its quite common for people to cover up rusted metal with undercoating, mastic, fiberglass, and pop riveted sheet metal. So check it out thoroughly. At the price you quoted you should be looking for one of the following criteria at a minimum.

1. Excellent mechanical condition with some minor rust and body work.

2. Fair mechanical condition with no rust and only minor body work.

 

[Old Hippie]

When I picked up my second GT, it had been sitting for a while. If it can be started, do a slow block drive and listen. Mine had a rear brake that would lock up (I was towing it and it left a 40' tire mark. No damage). lezliewk has it right. If it has carpet, push down in the corners of the foot area. If it feels "soft", look at it from under the doors.
It would be a cool car for your son. Just remind him that if abused, the repair cost are higher. Treat it as the pretty street cruiser, not a rice-burner movie car, and he'll enjoy!
My 2c's

 

[twubbena]

opel GT for son

I am appreciative for the advice. My son seems very interested in learning the in's and out's of this car - with some help from a friend who has had a few in earlier days and is an excellent foreign mechanic.

He is not looking for the 'fast and furious' type ride, loves the rarity of the Opel and great looking back-end. Maybe things will work out.

Thanks again