Shug Posted March 1, 2007 Author Share Posted March 1, 2007 quote:Originally posted by paulmanta Astra van rear wheel bearings can be used for the front wheel bearings on a B or C manta, The A is different. If i recall correctly it was about £8 each but i will check. id="quote">id="quote"> Only 8 quid? Sweet, I'll 'ave some! [8D] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMOC #5988 hmackay at opel-manta.com I hae a few guid reasons for drinkin’ And yin juist entered ma heid If a man canna’ drink while he’s livin’ Hoo the Hell can he drink when he’s deid! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted March 13, 2007 Author Share Posted March 13, 2007 This weekends efforts seem somewhat unsatisfying. Don't feel I got a lot done, but done lots of wee things that'd just annoy me later (and one big thing) First up removed the rear axle using precision instrumentation. And the ever sorry looking remains: Don't have the key to the petrol cap tho. Is it possible to replace the lock barrel on these things? Managed to get the cap off the old car: [] And my proud achievement, my first ever weld! and the other side How is it? (much more practice will be had before I go near the manta) Also started stipping the axle and due to a non-cooperative shot blaster used good ol' elbow grease and rust gel on some parts. It was actually condensation in compressor tank I think. Wasn't picking up shot cos air was wet. Which leads me to a warning. If, for any reason, the tap on the drain valve has snapped and you decide to unscrew the the valve I can highly recommend you pay close attention to the pressure in said tank before beginning. There is now a huge hold in the garage floor [] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMOC #5988 hmackay at opel-manta.com I hae a few guid reasons for drinkin’ And yin juist entered ma heid If a man canna’ drink while he’s livin’ Hoo the Hell can he drink when he’s deid! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted April 10, 2007 Author Share Posted April 10, 2007 Threw myself at this near the entire long weekend (minus a trip to kinloss to pick up a gearstick!) and feel like I got bugger all done. :shake Fired a flap disc onto grinder and attacked the underside of boot floor: Turned attention to bad bit of chassis rail and cut out: and cleaned and painted it up Started to take old bushes out of suspension bits using the specialist tools at my disposal: [] and the filled inside of trailing arms with cavity wax, stonechipped and bushed: (photo before I stuck it in vice to finish it off!) Little n large: 5 speed on left. Need to adjust mount so gearstick comes up through transmission tunnel in the right place. And a wee problem with my good spare upper control arm I don't know if I'll get away with welding it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMOC #5988 hmackay at opel-manta.com I hae a few guid reasons for drinkin’ And yin juist entered ma heid If a man canna’ drink while he’s livin’ Hoo the Hell can he drink when he’s deid! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbie Posted April 10, 2007 Share Posted April 10, 2007 I wouldnt weld that arm Shug, better to get a good second hand one, looks like you have a right bit done over the weekend [] http://www.mantamagic.com OMOC N,Ireland Rep id="blue"> OMOC 5706 Please dont shoot me it,s only an opinion not a demand Email robbie @ mantamagic.com (without the spaces) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robah Posted April 10, 2007 Share Posted April 10, 2007 Shug you got alot more done than me, my grit blaster was playing up aswell, so I ended up using a drill and wire wheel. Managed to get my swan neck outer skin to align (well sort of, it's slightly twisted), just have to practise welding before I attack the car. Did you phone up about that A series out of Pratical Classic? Rob Membership No.5890 **Project resumed** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manta Mal Posted April 11, 2007 Share Posted April 11, 2007 Hi Shug, Some nice work going on there over Easter break. You seem to be working on several areas at the same time, like rear floor, front chassis rails and suspension bushes etc. Wish I could do that, as no time is wasted and the car should, in theory, be finished sooner.[8D] Mal...OMOC #6022 malalsal@aol.com Start your Manta restoration today........ before it's too late! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted April 12, 2007 Author Share Posted April 12, 2007 quote:Originally posted by Manta Mal Hi Shug, Some nice work going on there over Easter break. You seem to be working on several areas at the same time, like rear floor, front chassis rails and suspension bushes etc. id="quote">id="quote"> I've frequently wondered if I might get more done if I focussed on one thing at a time! Been taking an age to get bits cleaned up so I've sent crossmember and control arms and bonnet off to local dude to have them professionally blasted. He'll undercoat them for me as well so all I have to do is fire on the stonechip and reassemble! After a set of springs now and found some discs and possibly a man who'll machine them on the cheap for me so the front axle will hopefully be finished when I'm next at it. Off to canada for a week so won't get back at the car till may holiday weekend. Also hope to get the chassis welded up and prep it so I can get some jacking points ordered. Once thats done I can stonechip the underside and finally put the car the right way up again! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMOC #5988 hmackay at opel-manta.com I hae a few guid reasons for drinkin’ And yin juist entered ma heid If a man canna’ drink while he’s livin’ Hoo the Hell can he drink when he’s deid! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Posted April 13, 2007 Share Posted April 13, 2007 You want to try some of the Deox-C for your rusty bits Shug. No blasting needed and they come out looking almost new. You do have to undercoat them yourself of course though. Cheers, Joe. Please log into this site from the Home page folks. It helps to keep it as the first Manta site listed on Google. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted April 13, 2007 Author Share Posted April 13, 2007 Already used deox-c. Its not the rust that needs shifted, its old paint and other crud. Lot quicker this way. When I go back to it, it'll be all ready for me. Which reminds me, I need yet more dynax 50. And maybe their degreaser too. You sure you ain't on commission with them? [] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMOC #5988 hmackay at opel-manta.com I hae a few guid reasons for drinkin’ And yin juist entered ma heid If a man canna’ drink while he’s livin’ Hoo the Hell can he drink when he’s deid! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Posted April 13, 2007 Share Posted April 13, 2007 I wish I was. In fact I probably ought to be given the publicity I give them.[8D] Cheers, Joe. Please log into this site from the Home page folks. It helps to keep it as the first Manta site listed on Google. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted May 6, 2007 Author Share Posted May 6, 2007 The bonnet didnae fare too well at the blasters. Loads of wee holes popped up over it. Either I get stuck in with a leading kit or find a new bonnet. Boot lid has a few wee holes but on the whole is pretty solid. Suspension parts came up a treat. All sprayed up now. All I need now is to get my discs redrilled and front axle rebuild can be finished! Picking up the gas for my welder today (gasless mig sucks!) Weld a few bits on underside, then order the jacking points so they can be welded, then stonechip underside and then I can FINALLY put the car upright again! [] I would show the pics, but darned if I know where I put my phone cable. Again.... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMOC #5988 hmackay at opel-manta.com I hae a few guid reasons for drinkin’ And yin juist entered ma heid If a man canna’ drink while he’s livin’ Hoo the Hell can he drink when he’s deid! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted May 6, 2007 Author Share Posted May 6, 2007 Its been one of those days. So busy all day and when you look back on it.... I sprayed the crossmember with a coat of stonechip. Exhaust manifold done in yon heat paint thingy stuff and removed wheel bearings and sleeves from hub and installed new sleeves. (and lets just say my method will NEVER EVER appear in a haynes manual []) I'm overwhelmed by the progress [] Would have helped if local air products dealer, who are open all week, actually handed out gas on a sunday. So there first thing tomorrow and hope the welding department aint on holiday. Gasless wire sucks. A lot. [xx(] On the bright side, I had a cracking bacon roll, or three [:I] on a morning break. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMOC #5988 hmackay at opel-manta.com I hae a few guid reasons for drinkin’ And yin juist entered ma heid If a man canna’ drink while he’s livin’ Hoo the Hell can he drink when he’s deid! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted May 7, 2007 Author Share Posted May 7, 2007 Got my gas, and metal and was already to patch after I trimmed back just abit. Of course that wee bit showed rust underneath so once I cut the wing off the car (cos someone had glued and welded it on) I find a slightly rotten A pillar. So had to start cutting that out and cleaning it all up and will have to fashion a repair panel. Got fed up and left it for now. Taking a 3 week break so I don't just burn the thing. [xx(] My estimated completion date has just gone back by 1 year. This bloody thing will be the death of me. [] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMOC #5988 hmackay at opel-manta.com I hae a few guid reasons for drinkin’ And yin juist entered ma heid If a man canna’ drink while he’s livin’ Hoo the Hell can he drink when he’s deid! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted May 8, 2007 Author Share Posted May 8, 2007 Found the phone cable so heres some pics. Sprayed up all the suspension bits in stonechip: Once I cut back old jacking point and prised the wing off this is what I saw: So out came the snips, angle grinder and grit paper: So much for my plan to have body finished and axles fitted by end of june. [xx(] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMOC #5988 hmackay at opel-manta.com I hae a few guid reasons for drinkin’ And yin juist entered ma heid If a man canna’ drink while he’s livin’ Hoo the Hell can he drink when he’s deid! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulmanta Posted May 8, 2007 Share Posted May 8, 2007 Grief.... I never had the wings off it as the previous owner had welded them in place, it was on my list of stuff to do but i didnt think that ming would be in there. Still its got to be better than the last shell....... Mind you the shell i bough has needed lots of floorpan and jacking point welding too, and a load in the chassis rails, old cars like to rust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted May 8, 2007 Author Share Posted May 8, 2007 A pile of sheet metal is better than the old shell [] Its not a huge setback actually, was just shattered after 3 straight days at it and feeling like I didn't get much done. My new shocks and springs turned up today so when I get back from holiday should have the front axle finished off. Assuming I can get the old bushes out of the arms. I think fire is the only way. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMOC #5988 hmackay at opel-manta.com I hae a few guid reasons for drinkin’ And yin juist entered ma heid If a man canna’ drink while he’s livin’ Hoo the Hell can he drink when he’s deid! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted May 29, 2007 Author Share Posted May 29, 2007 Well, it was a combination of fire, crafty use of bolts and pipe and a big ******* vice that shifted them thar bushes. Fortunately the new ones went in easily. Oooo, this is looking dangerously like progress! Just need some rubbers for the ball joints and I can finish it off. Got some vented 256mm discs machined for it and the cavalier calipers fit on rather sweetly. And does anyone know where this goes? Can't say the old car is looking at its best the now tho: Sometimes I look at it and think it could be saved.... [)] :lmao: Anyone know how the wiper arms come off? Haynes book of lies method doesn't seem possible. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMOC #5988 hmackay at opel-manta.com I hae a few guid reasons for drinkin’ And yin juist entered ma heid If a man canna’ drink while he’s livin’ Hoo the Hell can he drink when he’s deid! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted June 19, 2007 Author Share Posted June 19, 2007 Its a good thing theres a swear filter on this site now.... I managed to completely remove the wing with a crowbar, tin snips and an angle grinder. Some minor damage caused which now needs repair but it was the only way, and as you will see, had to be done. Chop chop: Now, what could be so bad that I'd have to damage a not cheap wing to get at? Sit down folks: Currently wondering whether to repair, or just replace the whole a pillar and inner wing support bit. Moving on to something positive: A slight improvement! And a real tangible sign of something resembling progress! Thats it all for probably 3 months cos of billing, 4 weddings (no funerals tho!) and going to see asylum seeking albanian leperous lesbians fight off capitalism through the medium of dance. Or the edinburgh festival as its officially known. [] (honestly tho, there are some good shows on) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMOC #5988 hmackay at opel-manta.com I hae a few guid reasons for drinkin’ And yin juist entered ma heid If a man canna’ drink while he’s livin’ Hoo the Hell can he drink when he’s deid! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted July 19, 2007 Author Share Posted July 19, 2007 quote:Originally posted by Shug So much for my plan to have body finished and axles fitted by end of june. [xx(] id="quote">id="quote"> Best make that october I suspect. Its hard going. Ordered an air cutting tool so should hopefully make things a little quicker. Still can't get the brake drums off rear axle tho. [V] What I need most tho, is a decent bit of time to get stuck in for a few days continuously. Fortunately, wedding number 2 is about 3 miles from the car so I'll panic the missus by saying yes, nearly ready when I'm clarted in grease. Nip back in my kilt for a quick blast whilst the photies get done [] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMOC #5988 hmackay at opel-manta.com I hae a few guid reasons for drinkin’ And yin juist entered ma heid If a man canna’ drink while he’s livin’ Hoo the Hell can he drink when he’s deid! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted July 30, 2007 Author Share Posted July 30, 2007 Suffice to say my suggestion didnae go down well with the missus. Got very very very very little done. Just one thing really. I actually welded something. It stayed on. No blow through holes. [8D] From this: to this: Ok, its not much, but I'm still chuffed with my first practical application of a mig welder. The weld wasn't pretty, but darn strong and with an angle grinder and a huge pile of stonechip I made it look semi presentable [] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMOC #5988 hmackay at opel-manta.com I hae a few guid reasons for drinkin’ And yin juist entered ma heid If a man canna’ drink while he’s livin’ Hoo the Hell can he drink when he’s deid! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted October 29, 2007 Author Share Posted October 29, 2007 Hmmm, only took another 3 months to get from last post to here (did include a lotta welding tho): Mmmmm, Dinitrol [] (your fault robbie, I was gonna use waxoyl) Where does this bit go? And now for another month away from it. Be a miracle if I ever get it finished in the next 2 years [xx(] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMOC #5988 hmackay at opel-manta.com Be the change you want to see in the world - Gandhi, India Quit whining and shift yer **** - Shug, Edinburgh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbie Posted October 29, 2007 Share Posted October 29, 2007 Dinitrol rocks, use the dinitrol corromax 3125 for up the box sections and the narrow cavitys, I,ve lost track of the shell now pop a few pics up of what the whole car is looking like, ekkkkkkkk another 2 years, means u'll be mad drunk on the whisky next year again lol http://www.mantamagic.com OMOC N,Ireland Rep id="blue"> OMOC 5706 Please dont shoot me it,s only an opinion not a demand Email robbie @ mantamagic.com (without the spaces) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted October 29, 2007 Author Share Posted October 29, 2007 quote:Originally posted by Robbie use the dinitrol corromax 3125 for up the box sections and the narrow cavitys, id="quote">id="quote"> [:0] Bilt Hamber Dynax s50 I'll have you know. (you can point the gun away from my head now Joe []) The shell kinda looks like this: but has a nice shiny black underside and proper jacking points and new chunks of chassis leg. And front valence is stripped, and wing was painfully removed. Just waiting for delivery from opel GT source then I can finish the rear axle (stripped, blasted, cleaned and primed) and on it goes! Just need a few bolts to finish front axle as well. And now for a stupid question: A coil spring has coils close together at one end, and more spaced out at the other. Which way up does it go? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMOC #5988 hmackay at opel-manta.com Be the change you want to see in the world - Gandhi, India Quit whining and shift yer **** - Shug, Edinburgh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted November 26, 2007 Author Share Posted November 26, 2007 Progress! I built something! And it seems to work!! I welded something too. No pictures cos it ain't the prettiest but will be hidden by the wing so who cares! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMOC #5988 hmackay at opel-manta.com Be the change you want to see in the world - Gandhi, India Quit whining and shift yer **** - Shug, Edinburgh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shug Posted January 7, 2008 Author Share Posted January 7, 2008 Got a weeee bit done over xmas. Firstly, turned the thing the right way up! Finished building this: and this: And rear applied with no small amount of swearing and cursing! Next up, had a look at the inner wing. Shocked to find it was rusty! [:0] [}] So chop chop! Then clean up and weld: Now theres no fire risk to tires, on with the front axle: And we have something that looks vaguely like a manta!!! Cleaned up nose a bit and heres how it looks at the moment: Next up will be welding on the rear wheel arches, driver side sill, spare wheel well and couple bitties inside boot and tiny patches in interior. Engine block to be cleaned up and head going to be re-conditioned and possibly 'fettled' [}] Then a spot of sanding, couple wires and pipes, a seat or two, some glass and a dash of paint and its finished. Easy, eh? [] Oh, and in case anyone was wondering: no, those aren't the wheels I'm gonna be using. Haven't chosen any yet and those were just handy to hold the thing up! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMOC #5988 hmackay at opel-manta.com Be the change you want to see in the world - Gandhi, India Quit whining and shift yer **** - Shug, Edinburgh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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