Si Bobbs Posted June 15, 2012 Share Posted June 15, 2012 Hi all, I'm trying to identify a set of front springs for an Opel Manta but I'm not sure which model they are from. I had a set of these springs some years ago and now I'm after another set. I know they were from a Manta but can't remember which one. When I tried to source some recently the ones I found were totally different - much bigger diameter and only a few coils. They are actually for a 1954 Ford Zephyr 6. They fit just right and stiffen the front suspension up quite nicely. The original Zephyr spring dimensions are - mean diameter: 105mm, number of coils: 11 number of active coils 9.75 and the free length is just over 400mm. The Manta springs I had about the same number of coils as I remember, and of course the dimensions weren't exactly the same but were close enough. I have a bit more info re. pressures if you need it but I think this is enough info for you to be able to identify the car that they most likely came from. Many thanks Simon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opel2000 Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 Physical dimensions mean jack shit mate. it is the spring rate and then the physical dimensions that are required. Think your gonna be struggling to get springs over 58 years old that are any good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si Bobbs Posted June 17, 2012 Author Share Posted June 17, 2012 Thanks for that very helpful comment. I'll try again. I'm trying to identify an Opel spring that I had some years ago. Let's just start with the diameter - the outer diameter is about 4.5" Does that sound like Manta A or Manta B? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony g Posted June 17, 2012 Share Posted June 17, 2012 Ive got a set of A springs in the workshop. Ill measure the dimensions tomorrow for you. Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si Bobbs Posted June 17, 2012 Author Share Posted June 17, 2012 That's great, thanks Tony. It'll give me an immediate idea whether or not they were the ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony g Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 Si I measured my A fronts tonight and they are : o/d approx 4.6" and i/d 3.6" (yes inches ) hth Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si Bobbs Posted June 18, 2012 Author Share Posted June 18, 2012 Thanks Tony, That sounds like them, like I say, when I tried to get a set recently they were much bigger than that - must have been Manta B. Okay, couple more questions: How many coils? What's the total length (free)? What year Manta and what model are they for? Thanks again. I can find out the spring rate from spec for that vehicle but it sounds like they are the ones I had before. Just thought I'd clarify my original post - on reading it again I guess it could be mis-understood: I'm after some Opel Manta springs to fit to my 58 year old Zephyr not some 58 year old springs to fit to a Manta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony g Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 Ill have to have another measure tomorrow Si Lets see the zeph then:) Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony g Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 Si I measured 14" free length and 10 coils give or take half a coil. Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si Bobbs Posted June 19, 2012 Author Share Posted June 19, 2012 Yeah, them's the ones! Thanks for checking, I appreciate it. Just need to know what year and engine size your car is (don't know if it makes a difference?). That will pin it down for me so I can order some. However, I'm sorry to tell you but I finally found some info on the web, believe it or not, in your forum! It gives the spring rate too - 140lbs per inch compared to the stock Zephyr 105. A useful improvement. I'm guessing there was no variation in spring rate between models on factory cars but I could be wrong. Once I know the model they are from I should be able to look into some aftermarket items to see if there is any more choice re. spring rate. What I still can't fathom is that when I tried to buy some replacements recently, the springs I got said they were for Opel Ascona / Manta 1971 to '89 1.6 to 2 litre but were more like 6" diameter, just 5 coils and total length of approx 10". Surely your Manta fits in this range? Anyway, thanks again mate, you've been a great help. Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony g Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 Si mine is a 72 A series. They would come in the 70-75 years. After that the B series was out with a different set up. As long as you order for the A series you'll be on the right track. Where are you based? If near you could bring a strut over and we can trial fit a spring if you wanted. Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si Bobbs Posted June 20, 2012 Author Share Posted June 20, 2012 That's great - nice one. I'm in Bradford, but since I had some of these before I'm pretty confident I can get the right ones again, well, at least now that I've had a bit of help from you. After yet more searching I did come across a supplier that quotes the spring dimensions too, which gives me more assurance. Thanks again mate, you've been a great help. Getting spring data seems surprisingly difficult - most suppliers I have come across only state what model the springs are for, or maybe state that they will lower the car so many inches but rarely quote specific data. All the best Simon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony g Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 Glad to help Si, do you do the for rod drags or anything at shaky? Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si Bobbs Posted June 21, 2012 Author Share Posted June 21, 2012 Not been to Shaky since it was Long Marston! I go to the Pod for the big events twice a year. Zephyr's a fair way off completion unfortunately so no fun for a while . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony g Posted June 21, 2012 Share Posted June 21, 2012 Lol it still is long marston to me. Hot rod drags is still worth a sleep over too. Great atmosphere over there with bands etc. I do the pod for the fia stuff too, usually vip these days to get one day without walking lol. Well worth the money. Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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