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  • Frequently Asked Questions

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    • Irmscher Man
      Fitting the Decals :
      Initially, make sure the decals are flat. If they have any ripples in them, they will not fit properly. Ensure that the area on the car is clean and perfectly dry. Wash the car first, then wipe over with meths to remove any wax or residue.  Now make sure that you know where the decals have to go. The blitz obviously sits centrally on the front panel. The “Manta GT/E” on either side of the car with one word on the door and the other on the wing. These fit just above the swage line.  The  remaining GT/E’s go on the front lower airdam and the bootlid. Without removing the backing paper, lay the decal in its intended position to ensure fit and layout. If the decal needs to be aligned with something, ensure that you know where it has to go.  If you need a guide to ensure the decal goes on straight, use masking tape which can be removed after the decal application.  When you have the positioning sorted out, spray the surface of the job liberally with a weak detergent solution from a trigger spray bottle. A few drops of Baby shampoo mixed in clean water is ideal for this. Hold the decal up and remove the backing paper to expose the adhesive. Spray the exposed adhesive liberally with the detergent solution.  The detergent solution allows the decal to be positioned correctly, (it allows the adhesive to slip on the prepared surface). If the decal won’t slip easily then there is not enough detergent in the mix. The detergent also allows you to squeegee the air bubbles out from under the decal.  When the decal is in the correct position, use a squeegee to force the detergent solution from under the decal, so that the decal sticks to the surface. At the same time you are also bursting tiny beads of adhesive that make the decal sticks properly. Work from the middle of the decal to the outside, to remove all of the liquid and air between the decal and the paintwork. Use a clean paper towel to dry up as you go.  Allow the decals to dry for at least 24 hours in a warm area if at all possible. You can download these instructions and print them out if you need something to refer to in the garage. Simply click on the file below to open.
      Decal Pack sheet.pdf
    • Irmscher Man
      When the Opel Manta was launched in 1970, the world was a much simpler place.
      Fashion and Style - This was a decade when men wore stylish leatherette or Faux Suede and as far as colours were concerned, modern science had discovered a way of imitating the distinctive colour only usually seen when very young calves have an upset tummy. 

      Panache - With every Manta ordered from your main Opel dealership came a guide on how to wear your Leatherette sports jacket over your shoulder, in fact in 1972 a Common Market directive made this compulsory for both men and women.

      Sex Appeal- Way back in 1970, sexism hadn't been invented and it was important that both men and women were the target of the Opel press machine. In fact it was very important that women realised that they could climb onto the bonnet of their husbands new Manta to perform those simple household chores like cleaning the windows or repairing the roof of the garden shed.

      Forward Thinking - A little known fact was back in the 1970's due to the power shortages and coal miners strikes, every new car owner was presented with a pair of white nylon slacks for use if they needed to recharge the car battery. 5 minutes of country dancing would produce enough electricity to fully charge a 55Amp hour battery.

      Environmentally Aware - Even as far back as the early 1970's, Opel recognised the need to preserve wildlife. With every purchase of a new Opel in 1972, the proud new owner was able to choose from a Great Dane for S denoted models, A Black Panther for SR models and African Elephant for all range topping GSI models.

       
       
       
      It surely must go without saying that naturally, none of this is true but the 70's sure were the most awesome decade!
    • Irmscher Man
      There have been a few books printed that feature the Manta. Naturally, some of the best ones are from Germany but there are several english language books that are worth picking up, if you can find them.
      Occasionally, we do find surplus copies of some of these books and will keep a small supply of them in the club shop - click here to visit the shop.
      Here is a list of some of the known publications:
      Title & Hyperlinks Publisher ISBN No. Summary Price Guide Supplier Manta A series Haynes 0-85696-157-4 Although some mistakes exist, this is still the definitive Manta A repair guide. The eagle eyed will still find a copy or two at auto jumbles. £5-£15 www.amazon.co.uk  
      Opel Manta-Ascona-Voyage from 1970 Intereurope 0-85666-036-1 Similar in format to the Haynes manual but lighter and less verbose. It still has plenty of data sheets so it makes a good service manual for when you need to check on valve clearances etc. £5 www.amazon.co.uk Ascona & Manta B series 1975 to 1977 Haynes 0-85696-316-X For all 1.6 and 1.9 B series models from 1975-1977. Bear in mind that there is no coverage of fuel injection, 5 speed gearbox or other later Manta refinements. £5-£10 www.amazon.co.uk Vauxhall Cavalier Saloon & Coupe 1975 to 1977 Haynes 0-85696-315-1 For all 1.6 and 1.9 B series models from 1975-1977. £5 www.amazon.co.uk Ascona & Manta B series 1975 to 1988 Haynes 1-85010-578-2 This one covers the lot including the 1.8 ohc engine, 5 speed gearbox, fuel injection and hatchback. £5-£15 www.amazon.co.uk Vauxhall Cavalier/Opel Ascona & Manta 1975-1982 Autodata 0-85666-322-0 For all 1.6, 1.9 & 2.0 litre models from 1975-1982. Bear in mind that there is no coverage of fuel injection, 5 speed gearbox or other later Manta refinements. £5   Opel Wheels to the World Princeton Publishing 0-915038-16-1 Opel's own guide to the history of the company from the early days of bicycles and sewing machines, through two world wars and right up to the front wheel drive range of world cars. £25   Opel Manta 1970-75 Brooklands Books 1-85520-3642 A fine collection of road tests and articles reprinted from contemporary magazines. Note that US, South African and Malaysian variants of the Manta A are featured. £16.99 www.amazon.co.uk  
      Das Grosse Manta Buch     Probably the best history of the Manta ever written. However it is currently only available in a German language edition. approx. £50+ www.amazon.co.uk Opel Manta und Ascona 1970 - 1975 Schrader Verlag 3-613-87163-7 Shorter version of the above, covering only the Manta & Ascona A series approx. £10+ www.amazon.co.uk Opel Manta im Test. Manta A und B 1970-1983 Verlag Johannes Kuhny   A collection of road tests and articles reprinted from German magazines. £Unknown   Opel Manta (1970-1988) Transport Source Books 1-85847-008-0 Another collection of road tests and articles reprinted from contemporary magazines compiled by enthusiast Trevor Alder.. £Unknown www.amazon.co.uk
    • mantaray

      How much is my car worth?

      By mantaray, in Body,

      How much is my car worth?
      This is the most common question asked, shown below are typical prices. (2018)
      Concours cars - £10,000+
      Fully restored examples don't come up for sale very often but expect to pay £10,000 + for one with a good build quality and photographic evidence of the restoration work.
      Condition 1 - £5000 +
      These are not concours or mint cars but they must be original in appearance. Restoration work should be to a high standard with correct detailing and not just temporary cosmetic rejuvenation. Bodywork and paintwork should be relatively unmarked with correct panel gaps and shut lines. Interiors should be inviting and undamaged. They should have a current MOT with fit mechanicals. Engines should not display low oil pressure, excessive consumption or smoke. Gearboxes clutch and axles should be in proper working order. History should be available in part or in full. Condition 2 - £3000
      Cars in this category should be of reasonable appearance requiring some attention to paintwork but not requiring major panel replacement. Interiors should be complete and relatively original, possibly needing carpets and localised retrimming. They should also have a current MOT and major components such as engine, gearbox & back axle should be in working order and not require any immediate serious expenditure. Ancillaries like alternators, starter motors, shock absorbers etc. may need replacement. Condition 3 - £1000
      These are not ruins with cob webs, but running cars. They will be tatty and need extensive paintwork and body repairs, mechanical reconditioning and interior work. They will show signs of poor quality repairs and be in part non-original. They will have had many owners and be of high mileage. Further Information
      Prices have started to rise over the last few years. Provided the standard of engineering is high, modifying a car doesn't reduce its value. The Turbo model is worth roughly double the value of the standard model. The SR/Rallye with manual transmission is considered to be the most desirable standard model. The deluxe with automatic transmission is considered to be the least desirable model.
    • mantaray
      What do the numbers on the chassis plate mean?
      The chassis plate is an aluminium plate and is fixed to the body by two rivets.

       
      Location
      It is located on the offside front (drivers side in the UK) chassis rail in front of the brake servo and close to the exhaust manifold.

      This page shows the information you can discover about your Manta A from it.
      Chassis number e.g. 599976542
      This is an x or xx digit number which carries three pieces of information.
      Model Code Year Code Sequential Serial Number 59 9 976542 The 1st & 2nd digits describe the model of the car, UK cars should be 59 which means Manta A 'L' .
      Other numbers could be 57 - Manta A USA or 58 - Manta A.
      The 3rd digit shows the approximate year of manufacture as described in the following table:
      Year Code Year Produced 2 1970 - August 1972 9 August 1972 - August 1973 8 August 1973 - August 1974 5 August 1974 - August 1975 The remaining xx digits are a body serial number.
      So our example 599976542, is a Manta A 'L' produced between August 1972 and August 1973 of serial no. 976542
      Body Colour code & Trim code
      This is a letter followed by two groups of three digits which carry two pieces of information.
      The 1st group of three numbers tell you the paint code/colour
      2nd group of three numbers tells you the trim colour.
      This information can be summarised in the table below:
      Paint Code
      Colour
      Trim Code
      Cloth
      Colour
      Trim Code
      Vinyl
      Colour
      416
      Arctic White
      301
      311
      341
      351
      391
      Beige
      Blue
      Red
      Black
      Black
      711
      721
      741
      751
      791
      Blue
      Light Gray
      Red
      Black
      Black
      408
      Sierra Beige
      301
      341
      351
      Beige
      Red
      black
      721
      741
      751
      Light Gray
      Red
      Black
       
      446
      Citrus Yellow
      301
      351
      Beige
      Black
      751
      791
      Black
      Black
      411
      Ochre
      351
      391
      Black
      Black
      751
      791
      Black
      Black
      529
      Flame Red
      351
      391
      Black
      Black
      751
      791
      Black
      Black
      503
      Cardinal Red
      341
      351
      391
      Red
      Black
      Black
      721
      741
      751
      791
      Light Gray
      Red
      Black
      Black
      530
      Tarragona Red
       
       
       
       
      205
      Logo Blue
      311
      351
      Blue
      Black
      711
      751
      Blue
      Black
      204
      Cosmos Blue
      311
      351
      Blue
      Black
      711
      751
      791
      Blue
      Black
      Black
      134
      Granite Grey
      311
      341
      351
      Blue
      Red
      Black
      711
      741
      751
      Blue
      Black
      Black
      404
      Sahara Gold Metallic
      301
      351
      391
      Beige
      Black
      Black
      721
      751
      791
      Light Gray
      Black
      Black
      235
      Monza Blue Metallic
      311
      351
      391
      Blue
      Black
      Black
      711
      721
      751
      791
      Blue
      Light Gray
      Black
      Black
      412
      Bronze Metallic
      351
      391
      Black
      Black
      721
      751
      791
      Light Gray
      Black
      Black
      304
      Pampus Green Metallic
      301
      351
      391
      Beige
      Black
      Black
      721
      751
      791
      Light Gray
      Black
      Black
      135
      Silver Metallic
      311
      341
      351
      391
      Blue
      Red
      Black
      Black
      711
      741
      751
      791
      Blue
      Black
      Black
      Black
      420
       
      Costarica Brown
      301
      351
      451
      Beige
      Black
      Black
      721
      751
      791
      Light Gray
      Black
      Black
       
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