IanMc Posted October 13, 2018 Share Posted October 13, 2018 Yes Mike - she’s beautiful. Really pleased for you. Enjoy the rebuild, your now on the home stretch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The General Posted October 13, 2018 Share Posted October 13, 2018 She's looking the dogs mate. Cant wait to see her finished Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monaco Blue Posted October 14, 2018 Share Posted October 14, 2018 16 hours ago, The General said: She's looking the dogs mate. Cant wait to see her finished Seconded! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike. Posted October 15, 2018 Author Share Posted October 15, 2018 Spotted on the A90 between Fraserburgh and Peterhead this afternoon, it’s not often nowadays that you see a Manta in your rear view mirror! Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike. Posted October 26, 2018 Author Share Posted October 26, 2018 Fuel pump set up refurbished and fitted in original location under the boot, 5/16” cupronickel fuel lines run in......not easy stuff to work with but got there in the end, still got the fuel tank to fit with new hoses to attach to the new lines,Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. 3/16”brake lines run in, I’ll spend a little time tomorrow fetteling the pipe work to get it the best I can, I found it a challenge to make the pipe work look tidy in the engine bay as it was intended by Opel, running the brake lines itself was the easy part, getting them to look right is a different matter,Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. the fuel lines in the engine bay I’ll trim shorter when I get my engine in and have a better idea of what’s required, I have given some extra length on these at the moment. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike. Posted November 6, 2018 Author Share Posted November 6, 2018 (edited) One pack of 10 Tetrosyl sound deadning pads (200mm x 500mm each) fitted to floor pans, 3 pads each for front driver and passenger foot wells, 2 pads each for back passenger foot wells, one pack doesn’t go far! Should help though, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. The window washer bottle area when I got the Manta needed attention as it was crusty, new metal was welded in and now she’s painted it’s looking fresh, a view from the drivers steering column and wheel well area, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Passenger side wheel well area and battery tray also needed new metal welded in but again once seam sealed and painted it’s solid, dash was removed and all metalwork behind prepped and painted, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Inner rear drivers side wheel arch, all wax oiled as a preventative measure, I’ll extensively wax oil once I’m finished painting and before final interior trim assembly, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. From inside you can see the klockerholm repair panel joints if you look closely but once the rear cards are on these will never be seen, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Next on my list of jobs to tackle is front and back subframes, engine, gearbox and exhaust, looking forward to getting her off the dolly and back on her wheels. Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Edited November 11, 2018 by Mike. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike. Posted December 1, 2018 Author Share Posted December 1, 2018 Before removing the 2.0E CIH from the Manta I made sure it ran.... all good so out it came for a full strip down and rebuild,Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Fairly quickly it was realised a new camshaft was required,Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Heavy scoring was evident so new camshaft sourced,Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Cylinder head removed and sent up to Precision Engine Services in Inverness, they vacuum checked the head for cracks, de-coked, cut seats and lapped in valves, rebuilt head with new camshaft and new seals and dressed cam bearings, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. The old sump was so rusty I put a wire brush through it trying to clean it up so a new sump was sourced, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Engine now fully reconditioned with a complete top and bottom set of gaskets, new water pump, belt, oil pressure sender, NGK spark plugs, sump and camshaft. Gear box fitted along with new clutch and release bearing, all ready to be fitted,Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike. Posted December 1, 2018 Author Share Posted December 1, 2018 (edited) Manta shell removed from the dolly and lifted on the 2 poster ramp, I intend to fit the engine, gearbox, subframes from below by lowering the shell onto them, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Engine and gearbox bolted together and stored on a wooden pallet then wheeled under the raised shell and positioned carefully then the shell lowered down slowly, inch by inch, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. a few tense moments and plenty of double checking, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Engine fitted like a glove, trailing arm bolt holes lined up, bolts through chassis and training arms fitted, then front shocks, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Front subframe fitted now on to the rear, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. To be honest fitting the rear subframe, panhard rod and prop shaft was more of a hassle than the front, but got there in the end, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Next was on to the Sportex exhaust, first a new gasket on the exhaust manifold then downpipe, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Middle section and back box went on really easily, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Clear celofane still on chrome exhaust tip, but I’m happy with the look of the exhaust. Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. The Sportex system fitted spot on, no hassle or heating with oxy-acetylene, straight bolt on, no alterations, clearances throughout was perfect, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Edited December 2, 2018 by Mike. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike. Posted December 1, 2018 Author Share Posted December 1, 2018 (edited) One whole day, 7am start till 5pm finish has taken this from a shell on a dolly to a rolling project, engine and gearbox in, subframes and wheels on plus exhaust, I’m happy with that for a days work, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Edited December 1, 2018 by Mike. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickfrad Posted December 1, 2018 Share Posted December 1, 2018 Looking good.. it's a great time when things start coming back together again after all the hard work. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
®evo03 Posted December 1, 2018 Share Posted December 1, 2018 Mike, see you have a sunroof, did you extend the sunroof drain pipes out through the sills at the front, you can but a 8mm double nozzle joiner and you need about 6 inches each side of green manta sunroof drain pipe and two grommets to take hose out. Surprising how much even a new seal will let water through! You can also plug, the engine area chassis leg holes, if you are treating the inner chassis cut 2, or 3 inches of garden hose, to stop your treatment running out. Im gonna do this and also, drill and plug holes into the chassis from inside the car, for future treatment Great work, looks really new!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike. Posted December 2, 2018 Author Share Posted December 2, 2018 Thanks evo03, originally my Manta would have been a non sunroof, but I have the addition of the pop up type glass roof. All working perfectly, no drain tubes to worry about and none of the dreaded rust issues that go along with the Opel cassette type tilt or slide versions as the later cars were fitted with, so all good on a sunny day, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
®evo03 Posted December 2, 2018 Share Posted December 2, 2018 See the hole and expected..... the worst! All goodish! All in all it goes help if driving on a really warm day, mantas are generally hot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike. Posted December 2, 2018 Author Share Posted December 2, 2018 (edited) Spent today on fluids, filled brake fluid resivoir and bled brake system starting at the back brakes and working forward, then put new genuine Vauxhall oil into the gearbox and the rear diff, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. I was going to tackle the build up in my garage but speaking to these lads they lent me the use of their garage and ramps for the weekend, it really did make the assembly of the Manta easier having the right tools and equipment, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Finally before I finished for the day I let her down on her wheels then went through all the front subframe bolts and tightened them up, after letting the new rubber bushes settle, she is sitting high at the back at the moment but I’ll see if it’s going to drop slightly once I get her fully assembled with Petrol tank, bumpers, boot, glass etc, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Edited December 2, 2018 by Mike. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GerryC400 Posted December 3, 2018 Share Posted December 3, 2018 Hey Mike , car looks mighty fine. Top job ! Home straight now! 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike. Posted February 10, 2019 Author Share Posted February 10, 2019 (edited) It’s the small details that make a big difference and provide a finishing touch to a project, when I bought the Manta three years ago, there was no boot liner or petrol tank concealing card, I know these can be made but I keep a look out for original parts, not easy to locate but thanks to another Manta owner I now have sourced these and trial fitted to see how it looks, from this, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. To this, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. now the boots tidy, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Pleased with the result. Edited February 11, 2019 by Mike. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1200bandit Posted February 15, 2019 Share Posted February 15, 2019 That’s looking like one of the best Mantas around.lot of work and money put into the Manta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike. Posted February 16, 2019 Author Share Posted February 16, 2019 Thanks for your comments, A Manta GT/E for me has always been a real desire of mine since I was 17 and never being able to own or afford one in my younger days (plus a mid life crisis thrown in..... nearly 50 !) has ignited a passion and real interest in this restoration, I have gained for the first time a hobby of which I can loose hours in the garage and love every minute, it’s been so far a huge learning curve, welding, mechanical, trim cleaning and restoration and a vast amount of time searching for spares. My kids are both up and working now, one time served and one through university so I can now devote my spare time to my Manta without feeling guilty of not spending enough time with them. I must admit it started off with the idea of getting a good example for a runabout on the road with an mot, something tidy enough but as time went on and progress is made on the Manta it’s a case of when I’m at this stage I need to do this right, or at least the best I can, then before I know it it’s went from an idea of a decent example to quite a comprehensive restoration. I have had to pay for some professional work which I haven’t been talented or skilled enough to do or brave enough to tackle but I knew that there would be those bills and issues to deal with, and this so far has been three years worth of work, so a slow drip feed of money instead of all spent in one lump sum which does help. What I don’t want is to be welding for every mot so that’s why nows the time to tackle this right in the hope I can run it for years and enjoy it. I’m hoping to do the North Coast 500 run this summer and possibly the North East 250 plus some classic car shows. I’m waiting for it now to go back into the bodyshop for its final coat of paint, panels, doors and bumpers on, hopefully in the next week or two. 👍 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1200bandit Posted February 16, 2019 Share Posted February 16, 2019 And they say being over the hill is all down hill not when you can carry out a hobby and get a 1st class manta 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike. Posted February 22, 2019 Author Share Posted February 22, 2019 (edited) I have just received an order from Thomas at edelschmiede for the next jobs I have to tackle, the two rubber grommets for the fuel flow and return hoses entering the boot area through the floorpan are beyond salvage due to perishing, so new ones sourced. The thermostat housing is on the list of jobs so I ordered new gaskets for this as well, was able to source a new thermostat locally. Fuel injector housing gasket and seals will also be renewed when I’m at it,Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. should do the job perfectly,Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. spoke to my bodyshop this week to fix a date to get back into the spray booth.......Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. 6 weeks to wait, 8th April is the date I have been given, I still have a lot of work to do once I get her back home, I can see my chances of the North Coast 500 run slipping this year, ah well there is always another time,Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. once I get her back I will feel I have turned a corner and the end is in sight. Should only leave petrol tank, engine hoses, dash, wiring looms, headlining, glass, carpets, door cards, seats, door, boot, bonnet catches and locks, gutter trims, plastic louvres on b pillars, heater matrix, wire up quad lights which I’m expecting won’t be straight forward ........ quite a list when you start. Maybe it will just fall into place when I get going again. Edited February 22, 2019 by Mike. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanMc Posted February 23, 2019 Share Posted February 23, 2019 She looks fabulous Mike, well done. We all know how fast the weeks fly by, so it will be back in that paint shop before you know it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike. Posted April 13, 2019 Author Share Posted April 13, 2019 (edited) Finally............my date for final spray was pushed on another week, what’s another week to wait in the grand scheme of things? But now for the final push. Monday 15th April the bodyshop starts work back on the Manta, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Delivered the Manta to the paint shop first thing this morning, hopefully in a weeks time she will look completely different, doors, bonnet, boot, wings, skirts and bumpers fitted, dash and wiring loom back in, then hopefully the rest of the work will just fall into place quite quickly, don’t want to miss this summer months ahead! Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Edited April 13, 2019 by Mike. 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike. Posted April 19, 2019 Author Share Posted April 19, 2019 This week there has been radio silence from the bodyshop, I didn’t want to bother them but was hoping they were working on the Manta, the bodyshop manager has just e mailed me progress photos from this week, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Front wings stone chipped and painted inside, then mounted on the wing rails, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Front quads and under light trim on for panel alignment testing, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Petrol cap and skirts fitted, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. All good to go, apparently now she will be dismantled for full respray next week, then masked up for semi Matt black gutter and rear quarter window details, Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanMc Posted April 19, 2019 Share Posted April 19, 2019 Wow, wow, wow!! - I'm excited and its not even my car She's looking stunning already Mike - you must be very, very pleased? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike. Posted April 19, 2019 Author Share Posted April 19, 2019 You could imagine how excited I was Ian, opening up the e mail hoping it contained photos, this week has been a long week just waiting but now I can envisage next week taking even longer!! I don’t think I could ever get so enthused or excited about a new car as I do on classics, unless it was an expensive sports car or supercar, I can only dream about those......... so I’ll have to make do with the old Manta 👍 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.