
3116” SPACERSAFET‘;. CHAIN PLATE
(Dl -l/Z x 3INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1969
- 73 OPEL GT TRAILER HITCH LESS BALL
GROUP 7.068
STEP 1.REMOVE ONE RIGHT HAND AND ONE LEFT HAND
TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY,
STEP 2.PLACE TIE BAR (C) UNDER THE REAR BODY
PANEL BY PULLING DOWN ON THE EXHAUST PIPES AND
SLIDING THE TIE BAR OVER THE PIPES AND INTO
POSITION. PLACE DRAW BAR (Al UNDER TIE BAR ICI
AND FASTEN WITH A
112 x 2” HEX BOLT WITH LOCK
WASHER AND NUT UNDER DRAW BAR (A). PLACE TIE
BAR (8) UNDER DRAW BAR IAl AND SAFETY CHAIN PLATE(DI UNDER TIE BAR
(B) AND FASTEN WITH A 112 ‘x 2-114”HEX BOLT WITH FLAT WASHER, LOCK WASHER AND NUT
BELOW SAFETY CHAIN PLATE IDI.
STEP 3. HOLD HITCH IN POSITION WITH TIE BAR (Cl
UNDE~R THE REAR BODY PANEL AND TIE BAR (RI
BETWEEN THE BUMPER GUARDS. USING THE HOLES IN
THE ENDS OF TIE BAR (Cl AS A GUIDE, LOCATE, MARK
AND DRILL TWO
112” HOLES IN THE VERTICAL PORTION
OF THE REAR BODY PANEL. PLACE THE 3/16” SPACERS
ON THE
112 x l-l/2 HEX BOLTS AND BY REACHING
THROUGH THE TAIL LAMP OPENINGS, INSERT THE BOLTS
THROUGH THE BODY PANEL AND TIE BAR (Cl AND
FASTEN WITH LOCK WASHER AND NUT.
STEP 4. ALIGN TIE BAR (8) BETWEEN THE
BUMP,ER GUARDS
AND LOCATE, MARK AND DRILL A 112~ HOLE THROUGH
BOTH SIDES OF THE BUMPER GUARD USING THE HOLES
IN TIE BAR IBI AS A GUIDE. MAINTAIN
112 lNCH.MlNlMUM
CLEARANCE BETWEEN TOP OF DRAW BAR.(A) AND
BOTTOM OF BACK-UP LIGHT. FASTEN TIE BAR
(Bl ,TO’THE BUMPER GUARDS WITH 112 x 3” BOLTS WITH TWO.112”
SPACERS AND ONE 318” SPACER INSIDE EACH BUMPER
GUARD. REPLACE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLES.
TIGHTEN ALL
112” NUTS.TO A MAXIMUP,.TOROUE OF
60 FOOT LBS.
INSTALL BALL US1NG.A MAXIMUM.TOR~DUE 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.2H.8
Figure 2H-8 GT Trailer Hitch Installation

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

FRONT SUSPENSION3A- 11UPPER CONTROL ARM SHAFT
INNER SLEEVE
OUTER SLEEVE
RUBBER DAMPENIN
GUIDE SLEEVE
ABSORBER SUPPOR
SHOCK ABSORBER SUPPORT
ON FRONT SUSPENSION
CROSS MEMBER
-TOOTHED WASHER
l-UPPER CONTROL ARM
RUBBER BUSHINGS
PLATE WASHER
Figure
3A-19 Upper Control Arm Shaft and Bushings
placement part of lesser quality or substitute design.
Torque
valves must be used as specified during reas-
semb/y to assure proper retention of these parts.1. On installation of the upper control arm, make
sure that damper bushing with the rubber shoulder
on both sides is always located in the rear.
2. Attach upper control arm to cross member and
torque to
40 lb.ft. Always use new self-locking hex
nut. The upper control arm must be tightened in
horizontal position only. This applies also to all other
attaching joints in connection with rubber damper
bushings in the control arms of the front suspension
so that the rubber parts under load are in an almost
twist-free condition. This position exists, if the hooks
J-23697 are used.
3. Attach ball joint to upper control arm and torque
to 29
lb.ft.4. Install wheel and torque nuts to 65
lb.ft. Lowercar.LOWER CONTROL ARM REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION
Removal GT
1. Raise car and support at rear of front frame rails.
2. Remove front wheel.
3. Remove cotter pin from castle nut on ball joint
stud and back off castle nut two (2) turns. Hit ball
stud a sharp blow to break it loose. DO NOT
REMOVE NUT.
4. Install spring compressor (J-21689) and compress
spring until a distance of
3-l/8 inches is achieved
between spring compressor and lower spring leaf.
5. Disconnect and compress shock absorber.
6. Support rail of spring compressor with a jack.
Remove lower control arm from frame cross mem-
ber. Nuts may have to be removed with a punch. See
Figure 3A-20. Discard the lock nuts.
7. Remove lower ball joint stud nut. Slightly lower

3A. 141973 OPEL SERVkE MANUAL
Figure 3A-22 Caliper Removed and Hung by Wire
steering knuckle. Swing steering arm and tie rod to
the side.7. Remove castle nut cotter pin, unscrew nut and
pull steering knuckle off lower control arm ball joint.
Installation GTCAUTION: Fasteners are important attachingparts in
that they could affect the performance of
viral com-
ponents and systems, and/or could result in major
repair expense. They must be replaced with one of
the same part number or with an equivalent part if
replacement becomes necessary. Do not use a re-
placement part of lesser quality or substitute
desig.Torque values must be used as specified during reas-
sembly to assure proper retention of these parts.
1. Always replace paper gasket when installing dust
shield on steering knuckle. Lightly coat both surfaces
of paper gasket with chassis lubricant before installa-tion and torque attaching bolts to 47
lb.ft.2. Install lower ball joint in steering knuckle. Torque
castle nut to 54
Ib.ft. Install new cotter pin.
3. Attach shock absorber at lower end. Torque boltsto 30 lbs. ft.
4. Install upper ball joint. Torque castle nut to 29
lb.ft. Install new cotter pin.
5. Remove spring compressor.6. Install hub and disc on spindle and tighten spindle
nut as stated under MAINTENANCE AND AD-
JUSTMENTS in this section.
7. Install caliper on steering knuckle and torque boltsto 72
lb.ft. See Figure 3A-21.8. Install wheel and torque wheel nuts to 65
lb.ft.
Installation Opel 1900
- MantaCAUTION: Fasteners are important attachingparts in
that they could
affit the performance of vital com-
ponents and systems, and/or could result in
ma&repair expense. They must be replaced with one of
the same part number or with equivalent parts, ifrepfacement becomes necessary. Do not use a re-
placement part of lesser quality or substitute design.
Torque values must be used as specified during reas-
sembly to assure proper retention of these parts.
1. Attach steering knuckle to lower control arm ball
joint. Torque castle nut to 54
lb.ft.
2.
Atl,ach brake cover plate and steering arm to steer-ing knuckle. If required, install new paper gasket
between cover plate and steering knuckle. Care for
proper seat of T-head bolts. See Figure
3A-23.Figure 3A-23 Attaching Brake Cover Plate
3. Install front wheel hub and brake caliper.
4. Attach steering knuckle to upper control arm ball
joint. Torque castle nut to 40
lb.ft.5. Steering arm to steering knuckle
_ 58 lb.ft.6. Brake caliper to steering knuckle
- 72 lb.ft.7. Adjust front wheel bearing clearance.
8. Remove stands and lower car

3A- 161973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
INNER RUBBERSTUD.1 /2”\E
/
PLASTIC COVER
DAMPENING RING
RETAINERRUBBER DAMPENING RING-
-zSELF-LOCKING NUT
UPPER RUBBER
GROMMET RETAINERLOWER
RUBIGROMMET RETAINER
WHEEL HOUSE
SHOCK ABSORBER
SHOCK ABSORBERSA-25Figure
3A-25 Shock Absorber Upper Attachment
7. Remove lower ball joint stud nuts. Slightly lower
jack so that the spring and lower control arm assem-
bly is removed from the front cross member and
steering knuckle.
8. Lower jack, spring compressor, and front spring
and control arm assembly. Remove lower control
arm to spring nuts.
9. Relieve tension on spring compressor and remove
control arm attaching bolts and control arms.
Removal (Opel 1900 - Manta)1. Prior to raising car, install upper control arm
hooks J-23697.
2. Raise car and stipport with stands. Hoist should
be left in the raised position to maintain pressure on
lower control arm.
3. Remove front wheel.
4. Detach both stabilizer supports from cross mem-
ber to body support.5. Remove shock absorber.
6. At lower control arm ball joint, remove castle nut
cotter pin and remove nut.
7. With suitable drift, detach lower control arm ball
joint from steering knuckle.
8. Loosen nut that retains lower control to front
cross member.
9. Slowly lower hoist to release spring tension.
10. Swing lower control arm downwards and remove
front spring.
Installation (GT)
CAUTION:
Fasteners are important attachingparts in
that they could at&t
the performance of vital com-
ponents and systems, and/or could result in major
repair expense. They must be replaced with one of
the same part number or with an equivalent part if
replacement becomes necessary. Do not use a
re-
placement part oflesser quality or substitute design.

3A- 161973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
SPECIFICATIONS
Torque Specifications
Use a reliable torque wrench to tighten all parts listed to insure proper
tightness without straining or distorting parts. These specifications are for
clean and lightly-lubricated threads only; dry or dirty threads produce in-
creased friction which prevents accurate maasurement of tightness.
LocationFront Suspension Crossmember to Front Frame
Clamp, Steering Mast to Steering Mast Flange
(GT)
........................................................................................
Clamp, Steering Mast to Steering Mast Flange(1900
-Manta)..................................................................
Clamp,UpperUniversalJoint(GT)..................................Clamp, Lower Universal Joint (GT)
..................................
WheelNuts............................................................................Lower Control Arm Shaft to Lower Control Arm
..........Lower Control Arm Ball Joint to Steering Knuckle
......Upper Control Arm Ball Joint to Steering Knuckle
(GT)........................................................................................Upper Control Arm Ball Joint to Steering Knuckle
(1 900 Manta)
..................................................................Upper Control Arm Ball Joint to Upper Control Arm
ShockAbsorbertoLowerControlArm..........................Steering Arm to Steering Knuckle (1900
- Manta)......
Brake Backing Plate or Brake Disc Shield andSteering Arm to Steering Knuckle
(GTJ
Hex Head Bolt M 10......Hex Head Bolt M 8
......
Brake Backing Plate to Steering Knuckle(1900 Manta)
..................................................................
Brake Caliper to Steering Knuckle.................................
Lower Control Arm to Front Spring Eye (GT)................
Brake Disc to Front Wheel Hub........................................Upper Control Arm to Crossmember (1900
- MantajLower Control Arm to Crossmember (1900
- Manta)
Steering Gear Housing to Front Suspension
Crossmember (GT)
............................................................
Steering Gear Housing to Front SuspensionCrossmember (1900
- Manta)........................................Stabilizer Bar to Lower Control Arm
(Opel 1900
- Manta)........................................................Tie Rod Clamp Bolts
(GTJ....................................................
CastleNut,TieRodtoSteeringArm..............................Upper Control Arm Shaft to Shock Absorber Support
and Upper Control Arm (GT)
..........................................
CrossMember to
BodySupport Attachment................
FrontSuspensionAssemblytoFrame............................Front End Alignment Specifications
Torque
Lb.Ft.36
1522
14
22
6540
5429
ii30
5847
18
58
72
1836
40
43
1830
87
:i33
58
47ModelCaster’
Camber”1900‘3
l/2-6 l/2GT
3+1-:%+*Permissible deviation from left to right wheel
- Max. 1’.
Toe-In”Min.-Max.
l/8-3/ 16
l/32-1/8Outer Wheel
When Inner
Wheel at 20
19
l/418
l/2

OPEL 1900 AND MANTA STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY 3E.35
II
OPEL 1900 AND MANTA STEERING COLUMN
ASSEMBLY
CONTENTS
SubjectPage No.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION:
Description and Operation of Directional Signal
Lever. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Description
andOperationofHorn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Description of Steering Column Assembly
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .DIAGNOSIS: (Not Applicable)
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS: (Not
Applicable)
MAJOR REPAIR:
3E-353E-363E-36
Removal and Installation of Steering Column
Assembly
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RemovalandInstallationofSteeringWheel. . . . . . . . . . . .Disassembly and Reassembly of Direction Signal
Switch
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Disassembly and Reassembly of Steering and
Ignition Lock Cylinder, and Electrical Switch
from Mast Jacket Assembly
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SPECIFICATIONS:
Steering
ColumnSpecifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3E-363E-383E-393E-403E-41
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATIONDESCRIPTION AND OPERATION OF
DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL LEVERhigh to low beam or vice versa. On all
19M) Rallye
cars, when switching from low to high beam posi-
tion, with the fog lamp instrument panel switch ON
The direction signal switch lever is a multi- purpose
lever controlling direction signals, passing signal and
headlight high and low beams. See Figure
3E-2.The dire&M signal lever is provided with a two-
step mechanism for operation of headlight high and
low beams, and passing signal (not in N.J.). With
headlights off, moving the lever repeatedly towards
steering wheel flashes headlights as a passing signal.
With headlights on, moving the lever repeatedly to-
wards steering wheel up to first stop also flashes
passing signal regardless whether or not the direction
signals are switched on. When the lever is moved up
to the second stop, the headlights are changed from
SE.2Figure
3E-2 Directional Signal Lever Position for
Headlamp Operation

3E- 361973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
and ignition switch in RUN position, the fog lights
are automatically switched off. Direction signals
work in the normal manner; pushing the lever up for
right turn signal and pulling the lever down for left
turn signal.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION OF HORN
The horn button is located in the center part of the
steering wheel. The horn is actuated by pushing on
the ends of the spokes for the Opel 1900 - Manta and
by pushing on the center horn button on 57R, 57L,
and GT. The button is provided with a plug connec-
tion for each springloaded plunger. See Figure
3E-3.Figure
3E-3 Horn Button Connections (Opel 1900Manta)DESCRIPTION OF STEERING COLUMN
ASSEMBLYThe steering column mast jacket is provided with a
tube-frame section
.(See B of Figure 3E-4) with
bulges which compresses or folds itself, if a suffi-
ciently large energy is exerted to one or other end of
the steering mast jacket assembly. This tube-frame
section absorbs most of the energy. The steering col-
umn consists of two parts, the upper and lower mast
jacket assembly and’the steering shaft. The
upp,ersteering mast is firmly connected to the tube while
the lower steering mast is clearance-free attached to
the tube by means of injected plastic (See Figure
3E-4). Consequently, the steering mast withstands
all torsional stresses.
As soon as the primary energy becomes effective, the
plastic pins (c) shear off and the steering shaft com-
presses. Thereafter the steering mast jacket is partly
compressed.
A slide-off base is welded to the steering mast jacket.
It is provided with two (2) slots for the respective
attaching bolts. A metal piece (See Figure 3E-4) is
located in each slot which is attached to the slide-off
base with injected plastic. The open sides of the slots
face the driver so that the primary energy cannotpush the steering mast jacket assembly into the pas-
senger compartment. The secondary energy caused
by the driver can on the other hand effect a shearing
of the plastic pins and loosening of the slide-off base
so that it moves downwards. Thereby the steering
mast jacket assembly is compressed further and ab-
sorbs the impact energy to a large extent.
The energy absorbing steering is not more suscepti-
ble to damage than a standard steering. However, the
steering mast jacket assembly, especially if removed,
has in contrast with the standard steering to be given
a difierent treatment.
Figure
3E-4 Energy Absorbing Steering Column
The energy absorbing steering column must by no
means be subject to impacts or blows. A sharp blow
onto the exposed steering shaft ends, leaning onto
steering column or dropping may loosen or even
shear off the plastic attachments which bring about
rigidity of assembly. In spite of a steering column
damaged in this way the operating function of the
steering is retained due to the lateral flattenings on
steering shaft tube and lower steering shaft. How-
ever, after a short period of operation rattling noises
will be noticeable so that the steering column has to
be replaced. For pulling steering wheel off steering
column use appropriate special tool. Therefore, it is
of importance that the instructions for removal and
installation as well as disassembly and assembly are
Strictly adhered to.
MAJOR REPAIRREMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF
STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY
The removal of this assembly is only necessary for