zublet Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 Hello chaps, I've been looking for a practical classic as an everyday runner for a while and yesterday finalised a deal to buy myself an Opel Manta! I'm a complete Manta rookie, and I know NOTHING about them But this is what I (think I) know! Its a Manta B GT/J in silver. Being sold to me on the road and needing some small cosmetic jobs (rear arches etc...), things which I fully expected to do with a 70's/ 80's car. This one is on an 'A' reg, so I believe that makes it an '82? Unfortunately I havent got any pictures yet, but as soon as I do I'll get some up here for you guys to judge! She's lovely and original, down to the original radio! Never been molested by a Halfords magnet and runs very nicely. I also understand that the GT/J is a rather scarce model now? Any information about what I'm letting myself in for would be much appreciated! Cheers, Sam. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dog321fish Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 (edited) See http://www.howmanyle...ned/opel_gt%2Fj & http://www.howmanyle...el+manta+gt%2Fj Hope you like getting your hands dirty! "Sliding" brake calipers very prone to sticking on the front but easy fix. (strip & grease) On the plus side never changed drums or rear shoes in 75000 miles, still 5mm on them. Be interested to see what other people think. Edited April 18, 2012 by dog321fish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msjrb5 Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 Hello Sam, Welcome to the club, I'm a new Manta owner too, had mine for a couple of weeks now and loved every minute of it! "A" reg would make it 83 - 84 Get some pics up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zublet Posted April 18, 2012 Author Share Posted April 18, 2012 Wow, they're nearly extinct!! Yeah i'll get some pictures up the next time I see it. Should be picking it up in a week or two Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
16valves-V-Turbo Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 Nice , welcome aboard ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smiffy220 Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 Welcome to the site mate, look forward to seeing some pics. Yep, A reg would be 83-84. And an original GT/J would be a rare gem these days. Trying to think, that would be the 1.8 OHC engine wouldn't it? Lots of members in and around your way too, so you shouldn't be short of local assistance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scribe of Lincoln Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 Great to see a GT/J that hasn't been buggered about with. Welcome to the club! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zublet Posted April 18, 2012 Author Share Posted April 18, 2012 Cheers guys, cant wait to pick her up and start tidying! The rear wheel arches are pretty bad, but i've noticed that its pretty easy to come by replacement sections. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manta88 Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 (edited) Hi Sam ,welcome to the site,it will be nice to see a few pic's of the GT/J. There are a few Manta's around Leicestershire and Retro Power who specialise in restoring old cars and can now supply body repair panels. Edited April 18, 2012 by manta88 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robah Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 Welcome to the forum, and to life as a Manta owner. Good luck with your car, hope you get plenty of joy from it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zublet Posted April 18, 2012 Author Share Posted April 18, 2012 It's nice to know I can get the panels if I need them! (which I probably will ) This Manta will be my everyday user. It wont be mint, but i'm not the type to travel around in a **** heap! She'll be tidy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymanc Posted April 18, 2012 Share Posted April 18, 2012 hi sam and welcome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irmscher Man Posted April 19, 2012 Share Posted April 19, 2012 Hi Sam. Sounds like a nice project you've got there. 1.8GT/J's weren't made for long, so it was a rare model even back in the day. Welcome to the forum and hope to see you at some meetings in the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zublet Posted April 19, 2012 Author Share Posted April 19, 2012 Thanks I plan on keeping it as stock as I can (possibly with a couple of modernisms!) Also I've got my eyes on some GTE alloys which should set it off nicely! The original GT/J steels would be retained for events and displays etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monza Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 Not long to wait now marra - you've just gotta get those wheels cleaned up turkey!!! Get your lazy arse into gear!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zublet Posted April 27, 2012 Author Share Posted April 27, 2012 Picking it up tomorrow with 'Monza', some slight excitment building now . Will get pics up as soon as its back safe and sound! (Went straight through an MOT by the way!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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