Shug Posted September 11, 2006 Author Share Posted September 11, 2006 Found my phone cable! Look, laugh and take pity [] Still, I'm confident all will be well in the end. [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opel2000 Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 At least there is no rust on the gear linkage Shug[][] On a more serious note though, it is only steel that needs replacing, someone put a link up on here once in Israel or Greece or somewhere a lot hotter than here, and shown us pics of his 'A' and that was bad too but he got it sorted. http://www.customsolutions.me.uk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gunman Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 JAY-SUS dude! I'd worry about how you'll keep the shell shraight! You may need to take to a bare sheel then brace it before you start any repairs. You'll need another car to look at and measure as you go, its difficult to make out what shape the inner gaurds are meant to be[]. Personally I'd walk away from it (or re-shell) but I hope you get stuck in and if you get the car back on the road then you shall be a manta god! If what I say can be taken in 2 ways and one of those ways get you angry....I meant it the other way Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulmanta Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 See you friday mate !! Inverness to Penzance and back........hardcore Manta owner. -----Under neon loneliness everlasting nothingness----- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlantean Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 I don't envy you in your mammoth task! Hope it all goes well for you [] ::::::::::: Is minic a bhris béal duine a shrón. ::::::::::: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted September 21, 2006 Author Share Posted September 21, 2006 Gave the manta a quick rub with wet and dry and a drop of kurust and its all solid again! (ok, theres a possibility its actually a new shell I just got from paul []) Its currently perched on a few fence posts awaiting to be attacked with nitromors, waxoyl and whatever other noxious anti-rust products that catch the eye! I did forget to take photos once home, but heres the view from the drivers seat of my vectra whilst towing it: In other developments I was eyeing up a few bits on Dr Manta's site (and trying to find them on the greek opel parts list!) and it came (including shipping estimate) to about 78 quid. Bit broke at the moment, but I won 78 quid on lottery last night! Its a sign! God approves of my plan! (if only I had been looking at a ferrari site instead!) [] Once I finish stripping the old manta there may be a few bits available. Anyone wanting body panels I can cut off (the few that are solid and not half filler!) I'll see what I can do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 Phew I am glad you got a new shell[] Just looking at the pics was giving me cold sweats lol, and I am not shy about a bit of welding.I think it would have been easier to make a manta from scratch out of old oil drums lol 86 exclusive coupe 88 exclusive pickup 86 GTE Hatch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
upk Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 i thought i was taking on a big project?????? anyway i am currently modifying my a series (see my thread)and will rebuild to non original spec. as build progresses i may be in mind to dispose of some of the original parts. I will not be using the bumpers and mine are in very good condition, nor the original engine and box, and i dont want the original seats, or petrol tank(NOT ROTTEN). if you need anything just pm me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted October 9, 2006 Author Share Posted October 9, 2006 Spent most of this weekend on the beast. Due to time constraint and not wanting any bare metal left to the rust demon, I rushed it a bit so will have to go back at it and do parts of it properly again. I hope Bilt Hamber know their stuff! First up was removal of engine. Radiator was savable so out came the engine shield to get at the underside of it all. I suspect the shield is past saving tho: Then I needed to ease the exhaust from the engine: Slight adjustment to front to make more room: Out comes the engine: Its gonna need a good wee scrub! After that was out, I gave the inner wings a quick rub down and little spray of rust eater. Before After: [] Then rubbed down shell til arms burned and clarted with Bilt hambers finest: I suspect bonnet is past it tho. Even if its blasted rust free its gonna be thin! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbie Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 That shell is a lot better[^] The first shell had more rust than metal [:0] Your have leap frogged way ahead in time and the car is coming along really well for you now. [^] http://www.mantamagic.com OMOC N,Ireland Rep id="blue"> OMOC 5706 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted October 9, 2006 Author Share Posted October 9, 2006 Chassis rails and sills were treated to some dynax 50. Old shell has a new home until all useful bits are off. Looking rather sorry for itself! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devil Fish Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 well looks like storage space isn't a problem for you! [8D] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stonymanta Posted October 17, 2006 Share Posted October 17, 2006 Well done Shug [] another one saved! Down with the tin worm [}] Best of luck with her. Cheers, Simon. Old Mantas never die, they just get faster ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted October 20, 2006 Author Share Posted October 20, 2006 Back up the road for another bash at it this weekend. Will be going at the shell with wirebrushes again to make fully sure I get all rust off it and redo the rushed bits from last time. Will be doing everyones favourite task as well. The joyous 'old underseal removal spectacular' [V] Was hoping to get underseal on but events elsewhere have overshadowed the task and I will be off to a funeral instead so time will be short this time. Still need to finish removing interior, door, lights etc from old one. Seeing as how I have a spare front cross member with upper and lower control arms, might see if I can modify to take a wee bit more cc. You know, from 1600 up a wee bit to maybe 5700 [] Started writing a shopping list for the car. Its scarily big! Tho there will soon be a list of spares for sale as well. Does anyone wanna buy a sunroof or driver side wing? Think I'll also be selling a manifold for twin 45's for the CIH. Most pressing things I need are wheel arches, driverside sill and rear lower quarters. Oh, and a mig welder [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted November 3, 2006 Author Share Posted November 3, 2006 Well, there was more scraping, grinding, sanding and wire brushing done, then on with the hydrate 80. No more pics cos really not much more to see! I guess this is the least exciting, but most important part of the project. On the bright side, I've discovered the carb I have is a weber replacement. Was replaced in 91. Cars been laid up since 94 so its only had 3 years of use. Will probably send it off to be refurbed for peace of mind. Found a place that wants £85 for basic and £130 for full strip down and rebuild. That price about fair? My parts stock is increasing. Added condensor, big end shells and wheel cylinders to the collection. Still need a MIG welder tho! No more progress for a fortnight now. Things to do, people to see [] (and overtime to do to pay for the damn thing! []) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted November 20, 2006 Author Share Posted November 20, 2006 Onto the underside! Though how does one get easy access to the underside of a Manta shell. . . [] And the horror was revealed! [:0] Then with the help of my japanese mate Makita and a wire wool attachment and Mr Bilt Hamber: The jacking point and chassis rail bit below it will be cut out and replaced. Knew I should have gotten to it sooner. [:I] Couple of pin holes appeared do they'll need sorted. Takes a while to sort with a power drill and wire attachment so sand blaster kit on order! Have a rather hefty compressor available so next session should be a bit more productive [8D] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMOC #5988 But I'm a name, not a number dammit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted December 4, 2006 Author Share Posted December 4, 2006 Blast off! Got the sandblaster up and running at the weekend and had a go at the underside. Nice and satifying to see clean metal on a Manta [] However, not all was rosy. I think the jacking point needs attention! Chassis rail beside it needs patched as well. One thing sandblasting does do, is reveal all manner of wee pin holes. [] Gonna take a while to sort all them. I also decided to continue stripping the old shell. If you are of a sensitive nature to Mantas in distress, look away now! First up had to decide how to get car lifted to get front crossmember out. Body not solid enough to jack. So. . . . . Every manta owner should have one of these tools. Invaluable! [] Got the whole front bit off, including a 2 foot section of chassis rail where it connects to trailing arm cos it gave way before the bolt! [:0] This left us with this: Then wondered how to raise rear end. Se moved blocks back to under the middle of the car. Problem was, rear was heavier than front and so wouldn't see saw. So...... [] On a three week break from it now. Overtime to fund the thing to be done! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMOC #5988 But I'm a name, not a number dammit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devil Fish Posted December 4, 2006 Share Posted December 4, 2006 that last picture looks like a nasty accident! South Wales Rep OMOC 5643 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 4, 2006 Share Posted December 4, 2006 I love the horrible inner city backdrop to your outside pictures. Magnificent! Whereabouts are you? Cheers, Joe. Please log in to the Forum from the home page folks. It helps to keep the site at the top of Google. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbie Posted December 4, 2006 Share Posted December 4, 2006 watch u don't damage that good bumper on the front [] http://www.mantamagic.com OMOC N,Ireland Rep The New OMOC Northern and Southern Ireland Forum http://www.vxopel.com/phpBB/ id="blue"> OMOC 5706 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted December 4, 2006 Author Share Posted December 4, 2006 The good bumper has a 3 inch diameter hole rusted through it on other side and plenty rust spots [] The front cross member and arms seem to be, dirt aside, in good nick. Steering rack still shiny and good! Got wee bit more to do to underside then welding time! Then half a year of sanding, filling, and sanding some more in preparation for priming. Little confused about the variety of paints available. Some need lacquer, others dont. Some are 100 quid for 5 litres others 300! How much paint does a Manta need? So many questions. Will be getting someone else to do topcoat, but I think I'll be doing it in primer and prepping it. Should help bring the cost down. Oh yes, the car is sitting in a nice secluded area 20 miles north of Inverness [] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMOC #5988 But I'm a name, not a number dammit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 4, 2006 Share Posted December 4, 2006 [?]You know those sancturies where knackered old horses go? maybe you could open one for knackered old Mantas beyond redemption! you could dot them all about to look like they're grazing, and visitors could nick bits off them in return for a donation, bit like an eco friendly scrapyard![] Just an Idea[V]id="purple"> ¸¸.·*´¯`v´¯`*·.¸¸$©øøßÿ$øø¸¸.·*´¯`v´¯`*·.¸¸ []I love V[8]s I do!!![] A Type 2.4 Berlinetta A Type 2.4 Opel GT http://www.rally-bird-v8.piczo.com Opel Manta: The New Endangered Species. Caution: Aggressive In All Habitats.id="purple"> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MANTAMAN Posted December 7, 2006 Share Posted December 7, 2006 One exists already,its just off the A30 near Penzance in Cornwall. Brown tourist signs will but put up soon directing visitors to 'THE CORNISH MANTA SANCTURY' People will be able to visit and see each Manta in its own container,demonstrations of the working ones will be made,they will be able to visit the workshop to see them under repair,the entrance fee and donations will go toward the upkeep of the species. I'm sure it will become another popular stop on the south west tourist trail! I've got piles of all sorts of Manta parts,i might even have something you need! surplus parts bought,whole cars considerd. M/B 07947 640505 OMOC Member number 2658F Ian Virco,area rep,Beds Herts and North Bucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 7, 2006 Share Posted December 7, 2006 heh heh beat me to it there Ian. OMOC 5885 Hope for the best, expect the worst. How to post Images Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulmanta Posted December 7, 2006 Share Posted December 7, 2006 *looks up and sighs* The only thing is that it is true.....apart from the bit about charging entry, hmmmm..... seriously though folks, if your on holiday my Manta sanctuary is always open for a cup of tea and a chat. -----empty spaces, what are we living for ?----- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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