Classic Opel Spares

I have been asked if I have any spare gear levers for the 4 speed gearbox used on the Manta / Ascona A series a unit that was also installed in the Manta / Ascona B series, Vauxhall Cavalier Mk1, Opel Rekord C and D series.

Early Manta A series from 1970-73 used the gear lever with the petite black knob, but at some point around 1974 they began installing the larger style of gear knob in a faux blond wood effect and maintained this style through to the early Manta B series.

I have 3 gear levers, 2 work properly the other has a faulty reverse selector. They have all seen a fair amount of use and could do with a lick of paint, but are a long way from being rusty ancient relics! They have been dry stored indoors for the last 20 years.
The early and late types are interchangeable, the later type is easier on the hands as you have a bit more to grab hold of, in my opinion the earlier type is the more elegant design. I would be looking for £10 per item, plus postage charges.

Opel Manta A gear lever early

Opel Manta A gear lever late

3 gear levers for Opel Manta A series and other models

Opel rocker cover #3, this has come from a later vehicle, my best guess would be around 1973-5, someone has welded a pipe to the rear to enable a better location for the larger breather pipe. This will take the later gasket with 2 tags. Available for £20, including a brand new cork gasket.

One issue that can drive an Opel owner to distraction is oil leaks from the rocker cover, it can be difficult to get a good oil seal from older rocker covers especially if they have been over tightened which causes them to warp, the material is thin an quite malleable, if you over tighten the cover the metal distorts and oil leaks out. The more you over tighten the rocker cover the worse the situation becomes!

It will always be a potential problem, but I found that the following technique will make the best of a bad design:

1. Discard the original cork rocker cover gasket and buy a new cork rocker cover gasket available here on the Classic Opel Spares Blog for a nominal fee.
2. Thoroughly clean the mating flange of your rocker cover to remove any traces of old cork, oil, grease and dirt. This may require a wire brush on a small power drill, Dremel tool or just plenty of good old "elbow grease".
3. Wipe the mating flange with degreasing fluid on a clean cloth, specialised products are not required, methylated spirits are ideal and cost little.
4. Fit the rocker cover gasket to the rocker cover using a silicon sealer / adhesive, I found that Blue Hylomar worked excellently. Allow the product some time to set.
5. Wipe some clean engine oil to the bottom surface of the rocker cover gasket and re-fit.
6. Tighten the mounting bolts in a criss-cross sequence to spread the load and use the minimum of force.
7. Run the engine and allow it to warm up.
8. Re-tighten the mounting bolts a second time. If the rocker cover shows any signs of bending, go no further.

One final thought on the matter is that the original hex head bolts can be awkward to fit with a normal socket set due to the restricted space, especially on the right hand side where water pipes run so close by. I changed the bolts for stainless steel hex socket cap (Allen) headed bolts which were much more easily tightened with a long Allen key, never seized up and looked prettier too.


Updates:

01/12/16 - All stock now sold

It occurred to me a few weeks ago that The Classic Opel Spares Blog is a fantastic activity level monitor of Opel and Vauxhall restorers and old car enthusiasts.
For much of the year, at least according to my blog stats, visitors are few and far between and the e-mail enquiries about spares come through at a trickle, but twice a year there are two distinct activity hot spots.

The first arrives at the very start of the year, usually immediately after the New Years Day hangover must have worn off. I can but assume these enquiries are driven either by a nagging partner, or a New Year's resolution to finally getting that old heap back on the road.
The second peak comes later, around Easter, as longer days and warmer temperatures make working on the car less of a chore and more of a pleasure.
Of course the successful amateur car restorers, get the majority of the unpleasant jobs done working through the long nights of those cold winter months. I for one always failed at such good intentions and ended up wasting pleasant summer days under the car instead of being out and enjoying driving it.

So for those of you who are thinking about getting started on jobs on your old Opel and need some hard to find Classic Opel Spares, hurry up, the first classic car shows are in just a few short weeks time and the Classic Opel Spares Blog is brimming with recently unearthed Opel spares.

Brimming with recently unearthed Opel spares

UPDATE 18/04/2012

Matija needed a few points clarified about this book.

This is the real deal, not a photocopy and you get what you pay for.

The pages aren't numbered in total, but each section is numbered, there are 23 sections, the thinner sections have 4-10 pages, the thicker sections up to 40 pages.

Here is a list:

1 Body
2 Frame
3 Front Wheel Suspension
4 Rear Wheel Suspension
5 Brakes
6 Engine and Clutch
7 Transmission
8 Fuel and Exhaust System
9 Steering
10 Wheels
11 Sheet Metal Parts
12 Electrical Equipment
13 Cooling
14 Equipment
15 Paints and Sealing Compound Material
16 Repair Kits
17 Accessories
18 Airflow Heater
19 Oils and Greases
20 Blank
21 Upholstery Material
22/23 Interior Trim

The weight is 3kg.

Opel Rekord D - nothing a lick of paint won't fix!

A couple of months ago, I received an e-mail from Anthony Borg in Malta. He was looking for a complete replacement cylinder head for his 1976 Opel Rekord C series fitted with a 2.0 litre engine.
As it happens I have a spare used cylinder head in my loft of dubious provenance, I am unsure whether it is for the 1.6, 1.9 or 2.0 litre versions of the cam in head engine, I still need to look at the raised vanes on the front and work out its specification.
This was probably not quite what Anthony had in mind, but he seemed keen to buy a replacement camshaft that has sat on the shelf for at least the last five years, if not ten.

FAI brand camshaft kit - been on the shelf for a while

The description on the label was for Carlton 2.0, the Vauxhall equivalent of an Opel Rekord E series. It was hard to tell by sight whether was is for the older C.I.H. engine, used in countless Rekords, Asconas and Mantas or the more modern O.H.C. all alloy engine used from the start of the GM front wheel drive era onwards.

Vauxhall Carlton Camshaft Kit - should also be good for the Opel Rekord

Bearings were not included in the kit, but a strange piece of pipe work was. The cam itself was 435mm long.

Camshaft Kit - Cam, tappets and one weird looking pipe!

I pointed out that the tappets were of the hydraulic type used on later engines and not solid as fitted to earlier engines. I recall that there was a certain amount of interchangability between the tappet designs, the hydraulic versions are quieter and maintenance free, but do not perform quite so well above 5000 rpm!

Hydraulic tappets - maintenance free

Anthony seemed pleased with the deal and saved on a hefty bill to send out to Malta, by arranging a UK delivery address. DHL were amazing, I booked a "economy courier service" through Interparcel.com and before I had a chance to even print out the label to put on the parcel, the door bell rang and they collected it.

If you have noticed the lack of new blog posts in recent months and wondered why I have been keeping quiet for so long, let me tell you why.
My winter time passion is skibiking, this is riding a mountain bike that rides on skis instead of wheels. It is a downhill only device which combines the thrill of skiing with the ease of riding a bike. This year I took a couple of months away from work to explore new places to skibike and network with the movers and shakers of the skibiking community, my adventures are covered in The SkiBiker Skibike Blog.

I also moved from winter into summer by crossing South of the equator for a two week visit to the small South American country of Uruguay where I saw many old classic Opels. They were still in use as daily transport for many Uruguayans, you can read the full story here.

With so many trips abroad, it was impossible to send out parcels normally and posting took place on a few designated post days, whilst briefly back in London between trips. My thanks and best wishes go to those customers who waited so patiently for me to serve their needs.

I have been invited to visit Uruguay on numerous occasions in the past, but this Spring a family member was having a significant birthday which catalysed my trip. Most people have no idea where Uruguay is, it is a small country by South American standards, sandwiched between the power house economies of Brazil and Argentina.

It has no indigenous motor manufacturer, cars have been imported, which has made them an expensive item. As a result people retain cars longer and strive to keep them running. The majority of cars on the road look well worn and far from original, but even the most battered are still far from being rusting hulks.
You see plenty of familiar designs from the 1960s right through to the 1990s, as if trapped in a time warp or a giant classic car show. Chunky angular saloon cars, estates and utility pick-up trucks outnumber the hatchbacks and sports cars are a very rare sight indeed.

I spotted many familiar silhouettes; the Kadett A and B series, Rekord B, C, D and E series. Earlier cars were badged as Opels, but the later models from the front wheel drive era were badged as Chevrolets
The most numerous Opel models, were the Rekord E series and an unusual model variant of the Kadett / Chevette. The centre tub of the car is instantly recognisable, but the front are rear ends are a bizarre mix of parts that appear to be borrowed from the early Vauxhall Nova. It looks like a product from a parallel universe, where the rear wheel drive Kadett C series had evolved into a new vehicle and maintained the rear wheel drive era for another decade.

Uruguayan Chevrolet Chevette - how the Kadett C might have evolved?

Other notable non-GM vehicles included; the Peugeot 504, some in sparkling condition, huge ancient gnarly Ford pick-ups and plenty of VW Beetles, produced in neighbouring Brazil.

Uruguay has modern tolled motorways, but the small provincial towns are served by arterial roads that are dirt tracks, well maintained in places, but still dirt tracks.
It was a novelty to be driving for over 100 miles at around 60 mph on these dirt roads. Ironically I had a similar experience earlier in the year driving a similar distance whilst heading to Geneva on roads covered in fresh snow.

Dirt road in Uruguay - Sports cars not popular here

Our hire car was a Chevrolet Corsa, much like the UK Corsa, but with a boot. Looking underneath I noticed that the suspension control arms have skid plates fitted, possibly a concession to rough off-road driving that prevails.

Going in the bin is this exhaust section from an Opel Manta A series which I had been keeping it as a pattern for future reproductions of exhaust systems for the Opel Manta, but that won't be happening now.

UK version of the Opel Manta A series exhaust

The exhaust on the UK version of the Opel Manta differs from the European versions because of the compromises necessary to rework the design to suit a right hand drive vehicle.
The downpipes have to merge much closer to the exhaust manifold than on a European car, in order to clear; the steering column, clutch cable and brake servo. Whether or not this restricts the flow and reduces horsepower is a moot point.
To complicate matters further, automatic variants of the Opel Manta A series require a couple of extra kinks in the downpipe in order to clear the much bulkier gearbox. I have even heard that on the last of the Opel Manta A series, produced from August 1974 onwards, had a different design of engine mount, moving the engine slightly further forward and requiring a marginally longer front pipe.

Ian Dove has built a replica of the TransEurope Engineering TE2800 for use at classic rallies. If you haven't heard of a TE2800 before and think it looks like an Opel Manta A series on steroids, you'd be correct. TransEurope Engineering bought partially built bodies from Opel, re-engineered the body and suspension, then squeezed a tuned (142 bhp) 2.8 litre Opel six cylinder engine and gearbox into a Manta shell with appropriate modifications to the running gear. Performance was: 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds, 0-100 mph in 22 seconds, and a standing start kilometre in 29.2 seconds. Top speed was 130mph. Bodywork was similar to an Irmscher body kit with a bonnet bulge. A rally version was also produced with an engine tuned to give 230 bhp. Some other special parts fitted were Recaro rally seats, 7" alloys, vented discs, LSD, Nardi steering wheel and uprated suspension.

I was able to supply Ian with an assortment of bits and pieces during his build up. He mailed me because his servo had packed up and I knew there was one in the loft, but could I find it? It had somehow got into a box of cables!
Once found I was able to get it boxed and sent off by courier the next day.

Ian Dove's TE2800 Replica - source Ian Hardy

Dropping into the Scrap Bin today is this Mountney aftermarket steering wheel off an old Opel Manta A series project of mine. Sadly whilst the car was stripped and awaiting a respray the local chavvers decided it needed further lightening and tried to remove this desirable accessory.
Being as they were intellectually challenged, rather than use a screwdriver they tried to yank it off. The attempted theft was unsuccessful but it left the mounting flange distorted and with some paint fractures.
Knowing how fussy some types can be on eBay these days, I consider it unsaleable, so it is en route to recycling heaven, unless you want to intervene of course.

Mountney wheel - a class item ruined by a bunch of neds

As with all other items in the Scrap Bin it is absolutely free if you collect, or pay just the cost of postage. The bin will need to be emptied by the end of September.


Updates:

30/09/2011 - Now scrapped

On offer is an Autodata owners workshop manual for the Opel Manta A series. It is very similar in format to the more common Haynes manuals, I've never seen another one like this.
It covers the Manta and Ascona A series models with the 1.6 and 1.9 engines. It is not quite as comprehensive as the equivalent Haynes manual, but does still cover plenty of common tasks such as; rebuilding the engine and major mechanical components.
It is in fair condition, with some oily pages, perfect for the workshop. It can be sent to within the UK for, or overseas, just mail me for a quote.

Autodata Manual - just like the Haynes version

I have just dug out these 4 plastic sill trims. I think they might be Opel Rekord C series, possibly D series. They bear the following part numbers; 3468175 & 3467366.
They are by no means mint, but might replace a lost or broken one. They go in the scrap bin today and are up for grabs for free. The bin will be emptied at the end of August!

Unknown Sill Trim - Opel Rekord or Commodore?

Updates:

01/09/2011 - Now scrapped

Andy R mailed me a couple of days ago looking for a steering rack for his Opel Manta A series. I assumed that he had a problem getting an MOT, as it turns out he has just bought a left hand drive Manta from Holland. He is now collecting parts for the conversion to right hand drive.
Luckily I had this spare in the loft, last one left.

Opel Manta A steering rack - Another handy find

John L dropped me a line, he needed to replace a duff rear brake cylinder on his Opel Manta A series.

I recommended changing both to ensure even braking and luckily still have a fair few of Bendix made items to clear. Bendix is not a common name among aftermarket parts suppliers, but I used them on one of my own cars about 8 years ago and they're holding up just fine.

I was able to package them up and out the same day, I then did a quick stock check and there are just enough to service five more cars.
The label on the box lists them as being suitable for the Ascona, Manta, Rekord and CD (the Bitter made coupe I assume).
Should you fancy a pair, they are £15 inc UK delivery.

Brake Cylinder - best replaced in pairs

It's time to offer this Haynes manual for the Opel Kadett C series from 1975-79. It is in good condition and covers all the myriad maintenance of tasks you would expect of a Haynes manual for the Opel Kadett.

John Haynes OBE wrote and published his first book, on building an Austin 7 Special, whilst he was still at school in 1956. He wrote two more 'Special' builders' manuals while doing his National Service in the RAF. The first 'proper' Haynes Owners Workshop Manual, for the Austin Healey ‘Frogeye’ Sprite, was published in 1965. Based on the stripdown and rebuild of the project vehicle and with extensive use of step-by-step photographs – a process that has not changed to this day – this manual set the standard for many generations of manuals to follow.

Since Haynes Publishing was founded in 1960, more than 150 million Haynes Manuals have sold throughout the world, more than half a million in the UK last year alone. There are around 300 UK car manuals in print at present with 130 plus UK motorcycle manual titles - not to mention equivalent ranges in the USA, France and Sweden. Actually writing a car manual takes 20 to 30 man-weeks. Authors work in pairs, which shortens the origination time and avoids them going crazy in the middle of long projects. We buy a car at the beginning of the project and sell it at the end - either to staff or on the open market. The workshop phase lasts approximately 4 weeks, although we usually keep the car until the manual is about to print in case of last-minute queries. From the start of a project to the publication of the manual usually takes between three and six months. Motorcycle manuals take about two-thirds as long.

...read more here

Opel Kadett Haynes Manual - Very Useful

Updates:

I have had a back axle for an Opel Manta A series sitting in my back yard for quite a while. I was keeping it in reserve for a stillborn project and the time has come to move it on. Here is a quick run down:

The Good Bits:
It is from a Manta A series 1900 Automatic, this means it will have the longer 3.44 : 1 gear ratios.
The doner car had covered under 100,000 miles and the automatic transmission reduces the normal shock loading.
Unlike the more common Opel Manta B series, the Opel Manta A series has a narrower track. This makes it much better for converting Opel Kadett C series and Vauxhall Chevettes without having to install huge wheel arches.
I removed the half shafts and they have been stored in a dry room indoors.

The Bad Bits:
There is a lot of rust in the spring cups and they will need to be replaced.
The brake back plate is missing one one side, and there are no brake drums fitted.
The unit has stood outside for some years, so a good blasting and repaint is definately overdue.
You should probably replace as many bearings as possible before use.

It is a very large item to send by courier, so I would recommend collection from London. If it will fit in my car I can deliver it to you for the cost of fuel. Bear in mind though that this will be around 15 pence per mile. Anywhere around the North of England will be a 500 mile round trip.

Manta A rear axle - perfect for Kadett conversions

There has been quite a rush on Opel Manta A series indicator switches in recent weeks, I hope that its just coincidence and not something that's going around!

There are two types of indicator switch used on the Manta A, the early models from 1970-73 have just the indicators, headlamp flash and push wash/wipe functions; the later models had all the wiper controls on the arm too.

I had one on a steering column of the earlier type, which was good news for Jason from the Isle of Man because that's what he needed and had been messed around by someone who lied about being able to source one.

Replacing the switch isn't too difficult, but you have to be very gentle getting the steering wheel off, so as not to cause damage to the collapsible steering column. Ideally you would remove the whole steering column, but this would add a few more hours to the time the job takes and is very difficult on your own. The ignition switch housing can be a pain, as if it is original, it is secured with a tear off headed bolt which needs to be drilled and extracted with a stud extractor tool.

None off this is beyond diy mechanics level, just take your time and be methodical.

Manta A Indicator Switch - Removal can be a pain

UPDATES:

01/03/2013 - All stock now sold

Around a year ago I listed a complete fuel injection set up salvaged from a late model Manta B series GT/E. There was no responce, so in the autumn I stripped off all the components and sent the aluminium off to the local scrap dealer.
Now it seems there is demand for these parts; at least they are now ready to post out in manageable chunks. There appears to be a relay in the box of bits, this could well be the fuel pump relay that people keep asking for, more to follow on this subject later.

Opel Manta B GT/E Fuel Injectors - Now in demand

I seem to have an overstock of used Opel Manta A series glove boxes. Without exception they are all finished in black vinyl and are to suit all versions of the Opel Manta A series.

There is a small difference between the early and later types; early cars have a chrome effect twist knob and later cars have a plain black vinyl pull catch.

They fit into the Manta dashboard with self tapping screws. These glove boxes are equipped with a vanity light which were fitted to all UK specification Opel Manta A series as standard, but were only fitted to the deluxe European versions.