I2A- 21973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
GENERAL INFORlVlATION
CONTENTS
SubjectPage No.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION: (Not Applicable)
DIAGNOSIS: (Not Applicable)
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS:
PaintMaintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2A-2
ChromeMaintenance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2A-2
StainRemoval
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2A-2
MAJOR REPAIR: (Not Applicable)
SPECIFICATIONS:
Bolt
TorqueSpecifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2A-4
Special Body Tools
. . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2A-5
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTSPAINT MAINTENANCE
To remove heavy concentrations of road dirt and
grime, it is recommended that the car be washed
using an automotive shampoo or mild soap, and cold
to lukewarm water. Use of harsh soaps or detergents
is not advised. In areas where salt is used on the
roads during the winter months, more frequentwashing is recommended.
Use of cleaners and polishes are required if no high
luster is obtainable by waxing. To protect the paint
finish, sparingly apply several coats of wax. Each
coat should be thoroughly rubbed to remove any
surplus wax.
Once the car is properly waxed, road dirt may easily
be removed by use of cold to lukewarm water and a
sponge. Dry by use of a chamois.
CHROME MAINTENANCE
Chrome parts should be washed with water and a
mild detergent. If rust or salt corrosion should ap-
pear, they may be removed with Buick Rust Eraser
or equivalent. Do not use scouring powders or stiff
brushes.STAIN REMOVAL
Before attempting to remove spots or stains from
upholstery fabrics, determine as accurately as possi-
ble: (1) Nature and age of the spot or stain. (2) The
affect of stain removing agents on the color, struc-
ture and general appearance of the fabric.
For best results, stains should be removed from
upholstery as soon as possible after they have been
made. If they are allowed to stand for some time,
they often become set, and removal becomes more
diffxult and frequently impossible.
There are three basic types of acceptable’ cleaners
available to car owners: (1) Volatile cleaners, (2) Syn-
thetic detergents, (3) Neutral soap (non-alkaline).
The volatile cleaners are recommended since they
have great solvent powers for grease, oils and general
road grime. Synthetic detergents generally loosen
stains satisfactorily, however, the use of improper
type detergents (containing bleach) involves risk of
damage to the color or finish of fabrics.
Precautions For Cleaning FabricsDo not use laundry soap or detergents containing
bleaches. The use of these agents tends to weaken
fabric and to change its color. Do
not use too much
cleaning fluid. Some interior trim assemblies are pad-
fabric to dry thoroughly; then rub lightly with a
clean cloth dipped in a volatile cleaner. This is the
only further treatment recommended.
Soap and water are not recommended since they will
probably set the stain and cause a permanent dis-
coloration. Drying the fabric by means of heat (such
as the use of an iron) is not recommended.
6. Grease and 02 If grease has been spilled on the
material, as much as possible should be remove by
scraping with a dull knife or spatula before further
treatment is attempted.
Grease and oil stains may be removed by rubbing
lightly with a clean cloth saturated with a volatile
cleaner. Be sure all motions are toward the center of
the stained area to decrease the possibility of spread-
ing the stain.
7. Ice Cream. The same procedure is recommended
for the removal of ice cream stains as that used in
removing fruit stains.
If the stain is persistent, rubbing the spot with a cloth
wet with soap suds (mild neutral soap) may be used
to some advantage after the initial treatment with hot
water. This soap treatment should be followed with
a rinsing, by rubbing with a clean cloth wet with cold
water. After this dries, rubbing lightly with a cloth
wet with volatile cleaner will clear up the last of the
stain, by removing fatty or oily matter.
8.Vomit. Sponge with a clean cloth, dipped in clear
cold water. After most of the stain has been removed
in this way wash lightly with soap (mild neutral),
using a clean cloth and lukewarm water. Then rub
with another clean cloth dipped in cold water. If any
of the stain remains after this treatment, gently rub
clean with a cloth moistened with a volatile cleaner.
SPECIFICATIONS
BOLT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONSLocation
DoorStriker toPillarPostr .^ ...r.ZA- 41973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
9. Shoe Polish and Dressings. On types of shoe
dressing which contain starch or dextrine or some
water soluble vehicle, allow the polish to dry; then
brush the spot vigorously with a brush. This will
probably be all the treatment that is necessary. If
further treatment is required moisten the spot with
cold water and after it has dried, repeat the brushing
operation.
Paste or wax type shoe polishes may require using a
volatile cleaner. Rub the stain gently with a cloth wet
with a volatile cleaner until the polish is removed.
Use
;a clean portion of the cloth for each rubbing
operation and rub the stained area from outside to
center.
10. Tar. Moisten the spot lightly with a volatile
cleaner, and then remove as much of the tar as possi-
ble with a dull knife. Follow this operation by rub-
bing the spot lightly with a cloth wet with the cleaner
until the stain is removed.
II. .X&e. Sponge the stain with a clean cloth satu-
rated with soap suds (mild neutral soap) and rinse
well by rubbing the stain with a clean cloth dipped
in cold water. Then saturate a clean cloth with a
solution of one part household ammonia water and
five parts water. Apply the cloth to the stain and
allow solution to remain on affected area for one
minute; then rinse by rubbing with a clean wet cloth.
I,?.
L,ipslick. The compositions of different brands of
lipsticks vary, making the stains very
diff%cult to
remove. In some instances a volatile cleaner may
remove the stain. If some stain remains after re-
peated applications of the volatile cleaner, it is best
to leave it rather thari try other measures.
Torque
Lb.Ft.
wont saar twacnment to war........................................Seat andShoulderBelt Anchor Attachment
................StationwagonTailgate
HingetoBody............................StationwagonTailgate
HingetoDoor............................Stationwagon Striker Plate on
Body................................Stationwagon
LatchHookonBody..................................Stationwagon Latch on Door
............................................14.18
_^ _^13-1036-46
13-16
13-16
3-4
13-16
3-4
28. B1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K-L
M
N
1 O-9/ 16”
14-9116”
71.7116”90-l/2”
S-3/16”
1 l-S/V
21-9/l 6”
30”
24-314”30-9/l 6”38-l/2”36-3/V
17-5116”Figure
28-3 Opel 1900 Manta Frame Details
1900
- MANTA 1900 - MANTA FRAME MEASUREMENTS
Mating surface of frame rail to horizontal line from center of front crossmember
to frame support bolt hole.
Centerline of front crossmember attaching bolt hole to centerline of front
crossmember to frame support bolt hole.
Centerline of front crossmember attaching bolt hole to center of lower control
arm to frame bolt hole.
Centerline of front crossmember attaching bolt hole to center of rear spring seat.
Rear spring seat to datum line.
Center of spring seat to center of track rod to body attaching bolt hole.
Centerline of front crossmember right attaching bolt hole to centerline of front
crossmember left attaching bolt hole.
Centerline of right front frame bolt hole to centerline of left front crossmember
to frame support bolt hole (inboard side of frame rail).
Distance between frame rails at front crossmember to frame support bolt holes.
Centerline to centerline of torque tube support to frame bolt holes.
Center qf spring seat to center of torque tube support to frame bolt hole
(inboard side of frame).
Centerline of right spring seat to centerline of left spring seat.
Centerline of car to centerline of track rod to body attaching bolt.
DOORSZD- 21
RIGHTLEFT ~-ZD-27
Figure ZD-27 Cables Wound On Regulators
Installation - Right DoorIn clockwise direction, wind cable onto pulley up to
the shoulder and clamp it behind lug. See Figure2D-27.
REMOVING AND INSTALLING
’
TAILGATE HINGES
Removal1. Remove screws securing hinge trim panel covering
tailgate binges and lift out trim panel. See Figure
2D-28.2. Disconnect battery, remove tail
te trun pad, and
withdraw wiring from tailgate.
u3. Mark position of tailgate hinges on tailgate,
remove bolts securing tailgate to hinges and lift off
tailgate.
,’HINGE TRIM
PANEL1IFigure ZD-28 Removing Tailgate Hinge Trim Panel
4. Release and remove torque rods. See Figure 2D-
29.Figure ZD-29 Tailgate Torque Rods
5. Remove bolts securing tailgate hinges to roof
panel and lift out tailgate hinges.
Installation1. Install tailgate hinges to roof panel and secure
with bolts.
2. Install torque rods. Installation of torque rods may
be facilitated by using vise-grip pliers to work torque
rod end over catch.
3. Install tailgate to tailgate hinges.
4. Install wiring to tailgate
5. Install tailgate trim pad and tailgate hinges panel
COVehg.6. Connect battery
FLVTRlJNK PLAT
DRAW BAR16x1-1/2 -DRAW‘ BAR EXTENSION-%GSAFETY CHAIN PLATE6INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1971
- 72 - 73 OPEL 1900 SERIES S/W
GROUP NO. 7.068
REMOVE LICENSE PLATE
STEP 1. ASSEMBLE HITCH AS ILLUSTRATED. HOLD
HITCH IS POSITION WITH FLOOR PLATE RESTING
AGAINST THE CROSS FRAME IN FRONT OF GAS TANK.
CENTER DRAW BAR SUPPORT ON THE REAR BODY
PANEL, RAISE UNTIL LEVEL.
STEP 2.MARK AND DRILL TWO
7116” HOLES IN REAR
BODY PANEL AND ATTACH AS SHOWN.
STEP 3.DRILL TWO
112” HOLES IN CROSS FRAME IN
FRONT OF THE GAS TANK AND CONTINUE DRILLING UP
THROUGH THE INNER FLOOR. NOTE: HOLD DRILL
VERTICAL WHILE DRILLING THROUGH THE INNER FLOOR.
ENLARGE BOTTOM HOLE SLIGHTLY TO ACCEPT SPACER.
STEP 4. ATTACH TRUNK PLATE AS ILLUSTRATED. PLACE
THE FLOOR PLATES ON THE 2
l/2” CARRIAGE BOLTS
AND INSERTS THROUGH THE OPENINGS
iN THE BACK OF
THE TRUNK WELL.INSERT SPACERS AS SHOWN AND
COMPLETE INSTALLATION.
REPLACE LICENSE PLATE.
TIGHTEN ALL
112” NUTS TO A MAXIMUM TORQUE OF
60 FOOT LBS. AND 7/16” NUTS TO A MAXIMUM OF
45 FOOT LBS.
INSTALL BALL USING A MAXIMUM TORQUE OF 150
FOOT LBS.
MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT 100 LBS
MAXIMUM TONGUE WEIGHT 100 LBS.
MOST STATES PROHIBIT OBSTRUCTION OF LICENSE
PLATES, BALL SHOULD BE REMOVED WHEN NOT IN
USE IF IT OBSTRUCTS A CLEAR VIEW.
ZH-9Figure
ZH-9 Opel 1900 Wagon Trailer Hitch Installation
AFETY CHAINPLATEINSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1971-72-73 OPEL 50 SER.. LESS S/WAGON CAR TRAILER HITCH
GROUP NO. 7.068
STEP 1.REMOVE LICENSE PLATE, ASSEMBLE V-BAR AND
SAFETY CHAIN PLATE TO DRAW BAR AS ILLUSTRATED.
HOLD HITCH IN POSITION WITH THE DRAW EAR LEVEL
AND THE V-BAR RESTING ON THE REAR BODY PANEL.
MARK AND DRILL TWO l/2” HOLES THROUGH THE BODY
AND ATTACH THE V-BAR AS ILLUSTRATED.
STEP ‘2. ALIGN THE ORAW BAR IN THE CENTER OF THE
TRUCK FLOOR AND DRILL A
l/2” HOLE THROUGH THE
FLOOR USING THE HOLE IN THE DRAW BAR AS A GUIDE.
ATTACH THE FLOOR PLATE AND FLOOR STRAP AS
ILLUSTRATED. DRILL THE TWO REMAINING HOLES IN
THE FLOOR AND COMPLETE INSTALLATION AS ILLUSTRATED
REPLACE LICENSE PLATE.
TIGHTEN ALL
112” NUTS TO A TORQUE OF 60 FOOT LBS.II\STALL BALL USING A TORQUE OF 150 FOOT LBS.
MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT 1000 LBS.
MAXIMUM TONGUE WEIGHT 100 LBS.
MOST STATES PROHIBIT OBSTRUCTION OF LICENSE PLATES.
BALL SHOULD BE REMOVED WHEN NOT IN USE IF IT
OBSTRUCTS A CLEAR VIEW.
ZH-10Figure ZH-10 Opel 1900
- Manta - Less Wagon -Trailer Hitch lnsfallafion
3A- 21973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
FRONT SUSPENSION
CONTENTS
Subject
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION:SuspensionDescription. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DIAGNOSIS: (Not Applicable)
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS:
FrontWheel
BearingAdjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MAJOR REPAIR:
Removal and Installation of Front Suspension . . . . . . . .Upper Ball Joint Removal and Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lower Ball Joint Removal and
Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Upper Control Arm
Removal andInstallation
. . . . . . . . . .Lower Control Arm Removal and Installation
. . . . . . . .Steering
Knuckle
RemovalandInstallation. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shock Absorber
RemovalandInstallation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Front Spring Removal and Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SPECIFICATIONS:Page No.
3A- 2
3A- 4
3A- 4
3A- 7
3A- 73A-103A-113A-133A-153A-15
Bolt Torque and Front End Alignment Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3A-18
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
SUSPENSION DESCRIPTION
GTThe GT uses a maintenance-free independent front
wheel suspension and features unequal length con-
trol arms and a transverse three-leaf spring. The en-
tire front suspension is attached to the front cross
member and can be removed as a unit if so desired.
The engines installed in the GT are not supported by
mounting brackets but rest on a separate cross mem-
ber. The front suspension cross member is reinforced
in the area of the attachment to the frame. A one-
part damper plate is installed between cross member
and frame.
Ball joints are employed in the conventional manner
to provide pivoting joints between the control arms
and steering knuckles. Upward movement of the
control arms is limited by two large rubber bumpers
attached to the cross member.Road shock is dampened by the double direct acting
shock absorbers and a transverse double or triple
steel band spring. In addition, the shock absorber
limits downward travel of the control arms.
All moving parts, including ball joints, have no need
for lubrication as they have been pre-lubricated for
the life of the vehicle.
For distinguishing the individual front suspension
cross members,.a red label with black letters is stuck
onto the front side of the shock absorber support. See
Figure 3A-3.
Opel 1900. Manta
The front wheel suspension has coil springs and con-
trol arms of different length.
The stabilizer is designed to act as a tie strut. The end
is supported in a rubber bushing which is located in
a piece of tubing welded into the longer control arm.
To minimize brake torque, the horizontal shafts of
3A- 41973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
The two cross-members to body supports are at-
tached to the horizontal part of the cross-member
with two bolts. The oufererbolt serves simultaneously
as support for the lower control arm. As the bolt is
inserted from the front, the cross-member to body
support can be removed without the lower control
arm. The inner bolt attaches simultaneously to the
steering.
The stabilizer is U-shaped and supported in rubber
bushings in the two cross-members to body supports.
The complete front suspension is attached to the
underbody in four places.
The engine damper blocks are bolted to the inside of
the inclined parts of the cross-member.
The front wheel bearings are roller bearings.
All front suspension joints are maintenance-free.
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTSFRONT WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTMENT
1. If wheel has not previously been removed from the
car, remove grease cap, cotter pin, and spindle nut.
Discard cotter pin.
2. Torque spindle nut to 18
lb.ft. while rotating
wheel. This will allow the bearings to settle.
3. Back offspindle nut
l/4 turn. If slot and cotter pin
hole are staggered, further back off nut
l/l2 turn,
but do not tighten, until next slot in nut is in align-
ment with hole in spindle. Install new cotter pin. A
properly adjusted wheel bearing has a small amount
of end play and a loose nut when adjusted in the
above manner.
MAJOR REPAIRREMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF FRONT
SUSPENSION
(COMPLETE ASSEMBLY)
Removal GT1. Prior to raising front end of car, apply parking
brake and block rear wheels.
2. Raise front end of car with a jack. It is recom-
mended that a wood block be placed between thejack and the front cross member to prevent damage
to the cross member.
3. Support front end of car by placing floor standsunde:r jacking brackets.
4. Support engine-transmission assembly in upper-
most position with jack stand at rear of engine, or an
alternate method would be to use Engine Holding
Fixture, Tool J-23375. See Figure 3A-5.
Install tool by removing upper kngine mount nut and
installing fixture. Replace nut and tighten. The en-
gine will now be supported by the tool between the
frame rails.
Figure
3A-5 Engine Holding Fixture Installed
5. Loosen steering mast at the lower universal joint
and take out clamp bolt. Loosen clamp at the upper
universal joint and lift steering mast upwards until it
is free at the lower universal joint. See Figure
3A-6.6. Disconnect brake lines at brake hose.
7. Disconnect shock absorber at upper mounting. It
is necessary to remove air cleaner. See Figure
3A-24.8. Disconnect engine mounts at cross member.
9. Remove front suspension cross member attaching
nuts and lower the cross member.
Removal Opel 1900 - Manta1. Prior to raising front end of car, apply parking
brake and block rear wheels.