stradacab Posted October 11, 2015 Author Share Posted October 11, 2015 Engine installation. I had plans to take loads of progress pics but we put it on the sling, jacked it up, lowered it in and it was all over! Ade was determined to get it running so we did the fuel pipes and ran from a can. We fitted the front pipe as that's all I have at the moment and had to mess around with the engine earth that I will need to do properly later. We thought it was the starter before we realised. Next pain was the static timing as I have converted it to electronic ignition and it was put together the way I thought was right. It wasn't ! After that we robbed an emergency coil and amp from the Ascona (yep, that doesn't work either) and finally had a spark 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. Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Now it doesn't have the nose pointing skyward and more. I think it will settle with use and a bit more weight in it yet (glass and seats etc) 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCP Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 Nice that your keeping original look great work, will be nice when I get my engine back in (my parents will also be glad as its been in their spare lounge for about 4 years ) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MANTAMAN Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 Next pain was the static timing as I have converted it to electronic ignition Be aware that with points ignition Opel/Vauxhall cars of this era the original wire from the ignition switch to the coil is ' ballasted '. for electronic ignition this requires replacing with a plain wire. I do like the wearing of surgical gloves to ' operate ' on this Manta, i can imagine behind the camera there was a stainless steel trolly with all the tools laid out in order of use !! The first ' Fire up ' after a major overhaul / restoration is a major turning point, it is only mechanical items doing what is expected of them but somehow it means much more, the car transforming from a collation of bits into something that has life, you must be like a proud dad !! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stradacab Posted October 18, 2015 Author Share Posted October 18, 2015 More engine bay detailing and work Repainted the rocker cover as I wasn't happy with it then refitted with the lead guide from (I think) a 2.4. Throttle cable set up, heater matrix in and all the heater hoses fitted, fuel pipes finished and a nice set of yellow leads. Also done the oil and filter restoring and painting the rad next, it's just sat there loose atm Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stradacab Posted December 20, 2015 Author Share Posted December 20, 2015 (edited) December update. i have finished some brake fluid leaks and bled. Also finished the engine bat refinishing and modding the air cleaner to fit the carb etc. After some (loads) of fettling to get the headliner as I wanted it I have started to fit it in properly. There are two ways to fit the sunroof, place the trim shell over the headliner or trim the shell when fitted. To give it a factory look I'll trim it. Fitting underway... 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. 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 20, 2015 by stradacab 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mantadoc Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 A few boxes of bulldog clips can help a lot with getting it to stick both sides of the seam the screen rubber sits on 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
®evo03 Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 Clothes pegs, or rubber door seal, off any car holds it in place. Looking good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stradacab Posted January 10, 2016 Author Share Posted January 10, 2016 Big up to Dave Boulton for helping me fit the front and rear screens today. Many thanks Since the last update I have continued the fitting of the headlining very methodically to try to get it looking as good as possible. You can see the relocated courtesy light and the roof shell trimmed over so it looks as factory as it's going to get. I need to source some black edging and will probably plastic paint the handle and finisher to tie it in. I need to locate a drivers sun visor too. With the glass in place the material has tightened and the last of the wrinkles should disappear when the grab handled, rear side windows etc are fitted. The rear shelf was all wobbly so I sourced a good grey one, removed the carpet, painstakingly cleaned off the old glue and repainted Matt black (your local Hobbycraft acrilic paint) so that looks fresh with just the factory custom upgraded speakers to fit now. Spent the rest of the night cleaning the rear cards and repairing them. 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. Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Front screen with newly painted arms and blades fitted Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
®evo03 Posted January 11, 2016 Share Posted January 11, 2016 Thats one classy looking manta, and will be completed just in time for hopefully some good weather! Keep em pics coming.......... Is that screen new? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stradacab Posted January 12, 2016 Author Share Posted January 12, 2016 On 11 January 2016 at 7:21 PM, brady said: Thats one classy looking manta, and will be completed just in time for hopefully some good weather! Keep em pics coming.......... Is that screen new? Thanks! Screen is second hand used and just about OK. If I can source a better over time I will but finding non tinted glass is a challenge. Last night I waxoyled the rear of the sills, fitted and glued one card in, did the seat belts and weather strips etc. the rear shelf is fitted properly now. Tonight I will do the opposite side. 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...
mantadoc Posted January 12, 2016 Share Posted January 12, 2016 I believe I still have one clear laminated found in a '76 cavalier coupe now in my parents shed in Crewe 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stradacab Posted January 14, 2016 Author Share Posted January 14, 2016 On 12 January 2016 at 8:54 PM, mantadoc said: I believe I still have one clear laminated found in a '76 cavalier coupe now in my parents shed in Crewe Wow. If it is in good condition and available I might be up for an upgrade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christina Posted January 14, 2016 Share Posted January 14, 2016 That looks absolutely lovely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mantadoc Posted January 14, 2016 Share Posted January 14, 2016 14 hours ago, stradacab said: Wow. If it is in good condition and available I might be up for an upgrade. I should hope it is I put it away over 13 years ago after it did a stint in the pink hatch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MANTAMAN Posted January 14, 2016 Share Posted January 14, 2016 1 hour ago, mantadoc said: the pink hatch W T F !!! you now have to post pictures of this, you can not drop something like that into the conversation without further expanation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scribe of Lincoln Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 Quality job James! Keep up the good work. Look forward to seeing it in the metal! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stradacab Posted January 24, 2016 Author Share Posted January 24, 2016 (edited) It was dry for long enough to push the car out of the garage today and clean back. Thought I could get some shots and do an update. Went in the loft of the garage and retrieved the front seats that have been up there since 2008 and the rears stored in the house. They were a tad dusty but did try for a blitz effect 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. they are a bit baggy but are the best and closest the the honeycomb cloth I could find. I may retrim these at a later date or locale some Recaros Two interior shots, I haven't tidied my tools out so it could look better but just to give an idea 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. still lots of work to do. I need a subframe to chassis are, revised decals, wheels to be blasted, fit radio, drop glass weather strips, windscreen inserts, raid fitted, exhaust, new servo and loads of other bits too. I feel like I'm on the home stretch though 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 January 24, 2016 by stradacab 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CRAZYDAVE Posted January 24, 2016 Share Posted January 24, 2016 (edited) Is it not possible to remove the original covers from the seats to tweak and refit to tighten them up? Car looks great Edited January 24, 2016 by CRAZYDAVE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stradacab Posted January 24, 2016 Author Share Posted January 24, 2016 The foam disintegrates over time. It is possible to on pick the stitching and sew in a new piece of foam and backing then re sew the seat fronts back into the vinyl. Just a long and mucky job. If I was going to the bother I would start with the honeycomb cloth, sew and let in new fronts for authenticity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seangteowens Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 On 20 December 2015 at 6:16 PM, stradacab said: December update. i have finished some brake fluid leaks and bled. Also finished the engine bat refinishing and modding the air cleaner to fit the carb etc. After some (loads) of fettling to get the headliner as I wanted it I have started to fit it in properly. There are two ways to fit the sunroof, place the trim shell over the headliner or trim the shell when fitted. To give it a factory look I'll trim it. Fitting underway... 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. 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. Great job. Were did u get the roof liner? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stradacab Posted February 8, 2016 Author Share Posted February 8, 2016 I had the headlining made. I obviously had the old one as a pattern and I got the material from and excellent company called Martrim. After that it was just a question of finding a local trimmer to make it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robah Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 22 hours ago, seangteowens said: Great job. Were did u get the roof liner? Got mine from http://www.carbon-car.com/ under the Manta B items, very good quality items. 90103 Himmel in Skai, Farbe nach Wahl/headliner vinyl- any colors 140,-- € 90101 wie 90103 aber Schiebedachversion/like 90103 but sun roof version 150,-- € 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stradacab Posted February 20, 2016 Author Share Posted February 20, 2016 I'm a bit of a nerd when it comes to period ICE so I present the Pioneer KE4300 in all its glory. I have a bit of a collection of Sharp and Pioneer entertainment from around 1980 to 1985 so none of my cars will ever want for the correct stereo. Back in the day these units were in the 150 quid price range so we're very expensive bits of kit. Well built and the sound is excellent. Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. You can also se a fader control has been fitted in the correct factory position (again, the dash was already drilled) and topped off with a rear wiper knob with the logo carefully removed to complete the "dealer fitted" look The door speakers are not correct but the cards had already been cut but the shelf speakers have been upgraded with a set of 3.5 Alpine custom fits and refitted in the correct position Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. Finally, I have got a set of blasted arms from Chris T that now have two coats of satin black and are ready to take some new bushes which will get me closer to the MOT station Project images are available to Club Members Only, Click to become an OMOC Member. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manta again Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Top work as usual James. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stradacab Posted June 27, 2016 Author Share Posted June 27, 2016 Dreadfully long time since my last update so thought I had better post. The grand plan was scuppered by the move by the VBOA of Billing to the following week (I had been very organised and booked all my leave in October last year) The idea was that the car would make it's grand appearance at Billing 2016 but, as I won't be attending, the return to the road has been more of a soft launch so to speak. It was MOT'd about 3 weeks ago and passed first time. Something I was amazed about as it is a collection of parts and a car that has stood for 18 years. Also, it drives really nicely, again, axle, box, engine etc etc were all an unknown quantity so to get something right first time is a big bonus, The car made its debut at the Bristol Classic Car Show and I think ther might be a piece on it in this weeks Classic Car Buyer which will be a nice momento. Again, it had only done 5 miles locally before the drive to Shepton Mallett and it didn't let me down. We went to castle Combe this weekend and I used it on Dunday for pottering. I love it. I will post some pics later and detail what I still have to do (Which is lots before I am happy) but a very rusty, accident damaged Manta GT-J that was last taxed in 1998 has a new lease of life when it would probably ended up being broken in 2008 when I bought it. I only did it cause I liked the spec and it has come out exactly as I intended in my minds eye. What the hell am I going to do in the evenings now?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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