retrocarclub Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 With the Viva project now up for sale I thought I'd do the right thing this weekend and buy another toy. I've been looking for a good Ascona or mk1 Cavalier for awhile now. I had almost completely settled on another Cavalier before this little gem showed up on eBay. After a short trip up the M1, a quick dash to the nearest cash point and a speedy money exchange the orange automatic beast was mine. Apart from some very slight wheel arch lip crustyness and a couple of small dents she really is as clean and solid as she looks. So, not to let it get rusty, the first thing I did today was busy myself scrubbing clean the inner wheel arches and wings and then I coated them in clear protective Waxoil. She cruises very well but the autobox is appalling - very clunky and slow - luckily though the automatic box will be ditched in favour of the Manta 5 speed when my conversion goes ahead. Here's how she looked earlier this week - apologises about the crap lighting! My plans for this year include some nice tasty deep dish wheels, one of these: and lots of this: Cheers, Christian http://www.retrocarclub.co.uk - Dedicated to the retro car enthusiast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MantaMad Posted October 10, 2007 Author Share Posted October 10, 2007 Excellent[] Looking forward to the progress reports and photos. David OMOC Member 420 http://www.mantamad.co.uk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulmanta Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 That looks good, Get that engine fitted and make it a real wolf in sheeps clothing ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mantadoc Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 (edited) Deleted Edited September 26, 2017 by mantadoc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrocarclub Posted October 11, 2007 Share Posted October 11, 2007 quote:Originally posted by mantadoc Convert it to LHD and put an inflatable old dude in the off side front seat, that way you'll really get the drop on folk. No warranty implied or given [] New shorter posts to minimise global warming by conserving ones and zeros [] The uncivilized end of the North West [] Dann Merino should definitely buy one of these. Well not this one..... id="quote">id="quote"> That would be bloody funny! [] http://www.retrocarclub.co.uk - Dedicated to the retro car enthusiast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mantadoc Posted October 14, 2007 Share Posted October 14, 2007 (edited) Deleted Edited September 26, 2017 by mantadoc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrocarclub Posted November 18, 2007 Share Posted November 18, 2007 Some newer better pictures from my new garage showing the good, the bad and the oily bits The most obvious repair on the car Hopefully only surface rust probably caused by a leaking battery or standing water Brand new master cylinder Built in rust prevention aka oil leak And some shots of the Cavalier outside my ridiculously small council garage Thanks, Christian http://www.retrocarclub.co.uk - Dedicated to the retro car enthusiast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keith1200 Posted November 19, 2007 Share Posted November 19, 2007 WoW the car is showroom condition [] very original! 9 out of 10 Opel Manta owners prefer to own 2 or more Mantas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrocarclub Posted November 20, 2007 Share Posted November 20, 2007 quote:Originally posted by keith1200 WoW the car is showroom condition [] very original! 9 out of 10 Opel Manta owners prefer to own 2 or more Mantas. id="quote">id="quote"> I wish it was [] I've been very lucky but it does need a little bit of work. The paint work's been badly touched up in a few places, the rear arches are a bit suspect and the vinyl roof is starting to lift but luckily they're all things that can be fixed. http://www.retrocarclub.co.uk - Dedicated to the retro car enthusiast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vauxsenb Posted November 21, 2007 Share Posted November 21, 2007 My guess is the rust in front of the battery is caused by the brake balance valve having leaked at some time ,the original one would have been black so yours has been replaced, its identical to one of mine. Cheers, Colin.[)] O.M.O.C.6016 QUOTE ME HAPPY . . . . .IT`S A SPORTSHATCH !!!!!!!!!! `78 Cavvy 1.9 4-dr(mint),`80 Sporthatch 2.? (rapid), `94 Senny 24v (thirsty) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mantadoc Posted November 21, 2007 Share Posted November 21, 2007 (edited) Deleted Edited September 26, 2017 by mantadoc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midasmesh Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 Have to say nice looking Cav, it looks like it has been well looked after by the previous owner. Look forward to seeing the car in the future. Midasmesh giving it rear wheel action in the Staffordshire Moorlands. omoc 5285 Based in Leek near to Alton Towers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrocarclub Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 quote:Originally posted by midasmesh Have to say nice looking Cav, it looks like it has been well looked after by the previous owner. Look forward to seeing the car in the future. Midasmesh giving it rear wheel action in the Staffordshire Moorlands. omoc 5285 Based in Leek near to Alton Towers. id="quote">id="quote"> Yeah I thought that too until I discovered this horrific picture taken for an eBay auction shortly before I bought it! Look at those disgusting wheels, I'm glad I saved it when I did! [:0] http://www.retrocarclub.co.uk - Dedicated to the retro car enthusiast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrocarclub Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 quote:Originally posted by vauxsenb My guess is the rust in front of the battery is caused by the brake balance valve having leaked at some time ,the original one would have been black so yours has been replaced, its identical to one of mine. Cheers, Colin.[)] O.M.O.C.6016 QUOTE ME HAPPY . . . . .IT`S A SPORTSHATCH !!!!!!!!!! `78 Cavvy 1.9 4-dr(mint),`80 Sporthatch 2.? (rapid), `94 Senny 24v (thirsty) id="quote">id="quote"> That's interesting, I hadn't thought of that but I suppose it makes perfect sense. So what's the difference between the two valves? http://www.retrocarclub.co.uk - Dedicated to the retro car enthusiast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midasmesh Posted November 22, 2007 Share Posted November 22, 2007 It is a good job you saved it when you did, we can't have it being a CHAValier can we.[] Midasmesh giving it rear wheel action in the Staffordshire Moorlands. omoc 5285 Based in Leek near to Alton Towers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrocarclub Posted November 23, 2007 Share Posted November 23, 2007 quote:Originally posted by midasmesh It is a good job you saved it when you did, we can't have it being a CHAValier can we.[] Midasmesh giving it rear wheel action in the Staffordshire Moorlands. omoc 5285 Based in Leek near to Alton Towers. id="quote">id="quote"> Most certainly not! [] http://www.retrocarclub.co.uk - Dedicated to the retro car enthusiast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrocarclub Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 These have just arrived back from Bigg Red brake caliper re-manufacturers: They're my re-manufactured and polymer coated Vauxhall brake calipers. I only sent them off last Monday... not a bad service at all. http://www.retrocarclub.co.uk - Dedicated to the retro car enthusiast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big B i200 Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 ? dlrow sdrawkcab morf evirra yeht diD doogyreV frawD deR ro emaG erutnevdA eht rebmemer ohw esoht roF [] Big B i200 Member No. :- 5727 i200 Turbo http://www.myspace.com/big_b_i200 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrocarclub Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 quote:Originally posted by Big B i200 ? dlrow sdrawkcab morf evirra yeht diD doogyreV frawD deR ro emaG erutnevdA eht rebmemer ohw esoht roF [] Big B i200 Member No. :- 5727 i200 Turbo http://www.myspace.com/big_b_i200 id="quote">id="quote"> You what? [?] http://www.retrocarclub.co.uk - Dedicated to the retro car enthusiast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sutty2006 Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 LOL "nodnoL! I swear ive been to nodnoL before!!" ------------ Drift on!!!! OMOC 6081 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big B i200 Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 !!! tnorf ot kcab era serutcip rouy bulcracorteR eulC able was I ere I saw elba [] Big B i200 Member No. :- 5727 i200 Turbo http://www.myspace.com/big_b_i200 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mantadoc Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 (edited) Deleted Edited September 26, 2017 by mantadoc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midasmesh Posted November 27, 2007 Share Posted November 27, 2007 []ssalC. Midasmesh giving it rear wheel action in the Staffordshire Moorlands. omoc 5285 Based in Leek near to Alton Towers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrocarclub Posted December 11, 2007 Share Posted December 11, 2007 Right here we go, a week's worth of overhauling the Cavalier in one post. [] Here's how the car looked on Monday in the lockup I rented for the week. How the engine looked fresh back from being machined and reassembled. About an hour in, the disassembly begins! Exhaust off: Some of Andies handy work - spot the difference! [] Then I singlehandedly removed the old 8v... I couldn't get over how long the engine and box where together! Finally out, I felt like some kind of whaler desperately trying to drag the old lump of pig iron out! [] Tuesday morning, Andie finished off the 16v while I had to drive back home for the Cavalier keys I had left on the side. Sump baffle plate modification so the Manta 1800 sump fits OK. Then a sudden jump to Wednesday morning because I forgot my camera. Notice anything different? [] Trail fitting the manifolds. [] Hopefully, I will be able to fill you in with some more pictures soon. What isn't shown here is the new fuel lines, injection fuel tank and lambda sensor modifications to the exhaust manifold. That just leaves the gearbox tunnel modifications, installation of the new Polo heater box, engine wiring and coolant pipe plumbing - then she should be ready to wake the neighbours! I cant wait [}] Finally, a big thanks to Andie, Tom, Jack and Phil from the Retro Car Club - I couldn't have achieved what I did without your help. Thanks guys! [] http://www.retrocarclub.co.uk - Dedicated to the retro car enthusiast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrCarlos Posted December 12, 2007 Share Posted December 12, 2007 Looking really good - change those engine mounts though (the rubber bits) not only are those Cavvy items not up to the job but strongly suspect you'll have bonnet clearance problems too. Too late now if you've already modded the exhaust manifold but you don't need to bother with the lambda sensor even if you are using a loom and engine designed to run one originally. Good luck with the plumbing and finishing off! On the last one I did I got where you are up to now in a weekend and then it took me another 4 weekends to have the thing driving round the block! I have some decent photos of the finer points of all the plumbing & stuff just give me a shout if you are stuck with anything it's all still fresh in my head [:I] Carl[] Located in Sunny Wigan Lancashire 1984 GTE Coupe 2.0XE16v - B623RWW - currently being reshelled... 1996 BMW 328i Touring Alpina Cosmetics Hartge Power - Parts Chaser/Manta Tower/Daily Driver OMOC Member#5937 E-Mail Me - mrcarlos@mantagte.co.uk Into MySpace? Check me out...... http://www.myspace.com/mrcarlos01 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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