1973 OPEL MANTA ABS

GENERAL INt=ORMATION OA-1
GENERAL INFORMATIONKEYS AND LOCKSEvery key has a number engraved on one side which
identities the key blank manufacturer. On the oppo-
site side of GT keys, is a removable adhesive foil on
which, the profile and cutting code letters and num-
bers are imprinted. Attached to the protective key
cover of Opel
1900 and Manta keys, is a tab on which
the profile and cutting code letters and numbers are
imprinted. Record the key cutting code letters and
numbers before the adhesive foil or plastic tabs are
discarded as this information is necessary to obtain
replacement keys.
In the event of lost keys and code records, one or
more locks may be removed to obtain the code num-
bers. The codes are stamped on the trunk and igni-
tion lock cylinders and on the door lock plunger
shaft. If a lock cylinder is damaged, it must be re-
placed. This then means that the owner will have an
additional key.REMOVE ANDDOOR &
IGNIKEY CODELOCK. OPELIGNITION
LOCKGAS CAP LOCKGTGT
Figure OA-1 1973 Keys
FEDERAL CERTIFICATION LABELIn accordance with Federal Motor Vehicle Regula-
tions, a certification label is
affIxed to all 1973 mod-
els.The label has a certification statement, vehicle iden-
tification number, and month and year that the vehi-
cle was built. The label is attached vertically to the
left front door inner panel lock facing. See Figure
OA-2.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
Model Identification PlateThe model identification plate as illustrated in Fig-
ure OA-3 is attached to the inside right front inner
fender panel on Opel
1900 and Manta and on top of
the right side of the cowl on the GT. The information
embossed on this plate includes such things as; type
and model of vehicle, allowable front axle load, al-
lowable maximum vehicle weight, allowable rear
axle load, paint color code and chassis serial number.
The key to identification is that the first two digitsFigure OA-2 Federal Certification Label Location
of the serial number represents the vehicle model.
The remaining digits are the actual serial number.
Figure OA-3 Model Identification Plate
Engine Number
The engine number is stamped in a machined boss on
the upper left center of the engine block. The number
starts with 1.9US which denotes the displacement in
Liters and also that the engine is equipped with the
Opel Emission Control System.
Vehicle Identification NumberA new thirteen digit vehicle identification number is
used on all Opel models imported for 1973. It is
embossed on a narrow strip of metal which is at-
tached to the left windshield post on Opel 1900 and
Manta models and to the top of the left end of the
instrument panel cover. In all cases the number isvisable when looking through the windshield from
outside the vehicle.
This new identification number includes; model
designation, engine code, model year, assembly plant
and the sequential number. See Figure OA-4.

Tigure lG-2 Horn Button and Contact
HAZARD; WARNING FLASHER
The hazard warning flasher is operated by the button
on the
toi, of the steering column. When the button
is
press&@ down and released, all four turn signal
lights
WIU flash. To turn the flasher system off, press
down
oni the button and release. When the hazard
warning
hystem is operating, a flashing light in the
iristrumeht cluster will operate. The hazard warning
flasher
&itch is part of the directional signal switch.
BRAKE $YSTEM WARNING LIGHT
The brak; system warning light is located in the left
side of
tpe instrument cluster assembly. The light
will
come on when the brake pedal is depressed and
the ignition is on if there is a hydraulic leak in the
brake system. The light will go out when the foot is
removed!from the brake pedal. The light will also
glow with the parking brake applied and the ignition
on. (On
Iautomatic transmission equipped vehicles,
light is
a! reminder to release parking brake; and on
manual
fransmission equipped vehicles, light glows
when
the clutch pedal needs adjustment,)
I
DlAGNfXlS
SIGNAL SYSTEM
The indiLator light on the dash will show defects in
the directional signal system as follows:
1.
Indic One of
tie switched-on directional signal lamp bulbs
is defective. The other signal lamp will continue to
flash.
Thi most common defect is a burned out bulb.
2.
Indicdtor light on dash stays on when directional
signal
leier is switched to either side. Check flasher
unit. I
SIGNAL SYSTEMSlG- 55
MAJOR REPAIR
Removing and Installing Directional Signal Switch
Proceed as outlined in Group 3, Section E.
HORN REMOVAL
1. Remove grille (GT only).
2. Remove horn bracket attaching bolt.
3. Disconnect wires and remove horn.
Installation
1. Install horn with bracket attaching bolt.
2. Connect horn wire.
3. Install grille (GT only).
Removing Horn Contact
1. Disconnect battery.
2. Remove horn cap.
3. Bend lockplate tabs down and remove steering
wheel nut, lockplate, and washer.
4. Mark shaft and wheel hub for reassembly align-
ment.
5. Remove steering wheel using Wheel Puller
J-
21686.
6. Remove horn contact from wheel.
installation
1. Replace horn contact.
2. Before installing steering wheel, lubricate return
pin and slide area on directional signal switch return
cams and contact ring.
3. With steering wheel properly aligned to shaft, in-
stall washer, lockplate, and nut. Torque nut to 15
lb.ft.
4. Bend up lockplate tab and install horn cap.
5. Connect battery.

GENERAL INFORMATIONZA- 3
ded with rubber, and volatile cleaners are generally
solvents for rubber. The application of too much
cleaner may destroy these rubber pads. Do not use
volatile cleaners on vinyl coated fabrics.
Procedure For Cleaning
Vinyl Fabrics With Synthetic Detergents
1. Make a solution of the synthetic detergent in luke-
warm water, working up a thick, frothy suds.
2. With a clean cloth or sponge, dampened with
lukewarm water, apply suds only to the surface of the
upholstery using light to medium pressure, repeating
several times, applying more suds with a clean por-
tion of the cloth or sponge.
3. With a second clean cloth, dampened with luke-
warm water, rub over the area with medium pressure
to remove excess detergent and loose material.
4. With a clean dry cloth, wipe off all excess mois-
ture. A vacuum cleaner may also be used.
5. Allow the upholstery to dry partially; then repeat
the above treatment if necessary to remove stain.
6. When the upholstery is satisfactorily cleaned, al-
low to dry completely before using.
Instructions for the Removal of
Specific Stains From Automotive
Upholstery Materials
Some types of stains and soilage, including blood,
ink, chewing gum, etc., require special consideration
for satisfactory results. For thkse, and other stains,
specific instructions are outlined in succeeding para-
graphs. It must be expected, particularly where wa-
ter treatment is specified, that discoloration and
finish disturbance may occur. In some cases fabric
disturbance may be considered preferable to the stain
itself. By following the procedures outlined below,
reasonably satisfactory results can be expected.
1. Bafrery Acids. Apply ordinary household am-
monia water with a brush or cloth to the affected
‘area, saturating it thoroughly. Permit the ammonia
water to remain on the spot about a minute, so that
it will have ample time to neutralize the acid. Then
rinse the spot by rubbing with a clean cloth saturated
with cold water.
This treatment will suffice for both old and new
stains. However, no type of treatment will repairdamage.to fibers resulting from the actidn of the
acids on the fibers particularly after the spot has
dried.
2.
Blood. Do not use hot water or soap and wateron blood stains since they will set the stain, thereby
making its removal practically impossible.
Rub the stain with a clean cloth saturated with cold
water until no more of the stain will come out. Care
must be taken so that clean portions ofcloth are used
for rubbing the stain.
This treatment should remove all of the stain. If it
does not, apply a small amount of household am-
monia water to the stain with a cloth or brush. After
a lapse of about one minute, continue to rub the stain
with a clean cloth dipped in clear cold water.
If the stain remains after the use of water and am-
monia, a thick paste of corn starch and cold water
may be applied to the stained area. Allow the paste
to remain until it has dried and absorbed the stain.
Then pick off the dry starch. Brush the surface to
remove starch particles that remain. For heavy
stains, several applications of starch paste may be
necessary.3. Candy. Candy stains, other than candy contain-
ing chocolate, can be removed by rubbing the af-
fected area with a cloth soaked with very hot water.
If the stain is not completely removed, rub area
lightly (after drying) with a cloth wet with a volatile
cleaner. This will usually remove the stain.
Candy stains resulting from cream and fruit-filled
chocolates can be removed more easily by rubbing
with a cloth soaked in lukewarm soap-suds (mild
neutral soap) and scraping, while wet, with a dull
knife. This treatment is followed with a rinsing by
rubbing the spot with a cloth dipped in cold water.
Stains resulting from chocolate or milk chocolate can
be removed by rubbing the stain with a cloth wet
with lukewarm water. After the spot is dry, rub it
lightly with a cloth dipped in a volatile cleaner.
4. Chewing Gum. Harden the gum with an ice cube,
and scrape off particles with a dull knife. If gum
cannot be removed completely by this method, mois-
ten it with a volatile cleaner and work it from the
fabric with a dull knife, while gum is still moist.
5. Fruit, Fruit Stains, Liquor and Wine. Practicallyall fruit stains can be removed by treatment with very
hot water. Wet the stain well by applying hot water
to the spot with a clean cloth. Scrape all excess pulp,
if present, off the fabric with a dull knife; then rub
vigorously with a cloth wet with very hot water. If
the stain is very old or deep, it may be necessary to
pour very hot water directly on the spot, following
this treatment with the scraping and rubbing. Direct
application of hot water to fabrics is not recom-
mended for general use since discoloration usually
results.
If the above treatments do not remove stain, allow

SEATS, INTERIOR TRIM AND HEADLINING26-33SEATS, INTERIOR TRIM AND HEADLINING
CONTENTS
SubjectPage No.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION: (Not Applicable)
DIAGNOSIS: (Not Applicable)
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS: (Not
Applicable)
MAJOR REPAIR:
Removal and Installation
FrontSeat
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RearSeat
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Glove Compartment Lock ..,.........................................
Front
SidePanelTrimPad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Headlining
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RearSidePanelTrimPad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SPECIFICATIONS: (Not Applicable)26-33
26-33
26-3426-34
26-3526-37
MAJOR REPAIRREMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF FRONT SEAT
1. Pull hook out of seat lock. See Figure 2G-2.
2.TZ.Gy3at towards the front and unscrew. See Fig
Figure
2G-2 Pulling Hook Out of Seat LockFigure
2G-3 Seat To Underbody Attachment
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF REAR SEAT
BACK1. Push seat towards seat back and unhook it to-
wards the top. See Figure
2G-4.
2. Unscrew safety belt on left and right side and bendup metal tabs below seat back. See Figure
2~3-5.

26-341973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
a 13/16 inch deep socket, and remove. See Figure2G-6.Figure
ZG-4 Seat to Underbody Hook
Figure
ZG-5 Seat Back Metal Tabs
3. Remove seat back towards the top.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
OF GLOVE
COMPARTMENT DOOR LOCK
1. Unscrew nut of glove compartment lid lock, usingFigure ZG-6 Removing Glove Compartment Lock
2. Install new glove compartment lid lock.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF FRONT SIDE
PANEL TRIM PAD
1, Lift up door sill shield and pull off sealing strip up
to the instrument panel cover. See Figure 2G- 7.
Figure
ZG-7 Pulling Off Sealing Strip

SEATS, INTERIOR TRIM AND HEADLININGZG-35
2. Push off side panel trim pad. Trim pad is held in
position by a retaining button.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATIONOF HEADLINING
Removal
1. Disconnect battery.
2. Lift out rear seat cushion (sedans only).
3. From trunk area, loosen tabs holding cardboard
against rear seat cross brace and lift out cardboard
(sedans only).
4. Pry up two tabs holding lower portion of rear seat
back in position, swing back of seat forward and lift
out (sedans only).
5. From trunk area pry out parcel shelf plastic retain-
ers and lift out parcel shelf (sedans only).
6. Remove rear-view mirror, sun visors, interior
lamp, assist straps and coat hooks. Remove front and
rear windows on all but Wagon Models. On Wagons,
remove the front window and the quarter windows.
7. Work door opening pinchweld finishing strip
away from pinchweld as far as necessary to expose
edge of headlining.
8. Start at: left or right windshield pillar and pry
headlining loose.
9. Roll back headlining to expose metal tabs securing
headlining listing wire to roof and unhook headhn-
ing front listing wire from metal tabs using a blunt
edge tool.
10. Pull loose the edges of headlining cemented to
door openings, rear quarter window openings, rear
quarter pillar and from under rear window rubber
channel. On rear quarter pillars, slightly bend down
cardboard of rear quarter trim pad to facilitate re-
moval. During removal, special care should be taken
not to tear headlining at seams.
11. After edges of headlining have been pulled loose,
tilt remaining listing wires with headlining forward
or rearward and pull listing wires free from side roof
rails. Lift out headlining and listing wires.
Installation1. Check secureness of noise insulation pad on inside
of roof panel and recement as necessary using asphalt
cement. If headlining is to be replaced, insert listing
wires into headlining according to their markings.
Progressing from the front listing wire to the rear
wire, the left ends of the wires are color coded as
follows:1st listing wire
- No marking, wire is thinner than
other wires
2nd listing wire
- Red
3rd listing wire
- Blue
4th listing wire
_ Green
5th listing wire
- Brown
6th listing wire
- White
2. Install 1st listing wire ends into retainer slots in-
side roof rails and hook listing wire into six metal
tabs above windshield. Lightly bend tabs with a ham-
mer as shown in Figure
2G-8.
HEAOLlN’lNdA-----
26-8Figure
2G-8 Headlining With 1st Listing Wire Hooked
Onto Metal Tabs
LISTINGWIRE
SECTIOND-D
4 26-9Figure 2G-9 2nd and 5th Listing Wire Attachment

SEATS, INTERIOR TRIM AND HEADLINING20.378. If wagon, install front window and quarter win-
dows. It other than wagon, install front and rear
windows.9. Install coat hooks, assist straps, interior lamp, sun
visors, and rear view mirror.
10. Install parcel shelf and plastic retainers (sedans
only).
11. Install rear seat back into position and bend over
tabs holding lower portion of seat back (sedans only).
12. In trunk area instail cardboard against rear seat,
cross brace, and bend over tabs (sedans only).
13. Install rear seat cushion (sedans only).
14. Connect battery.REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF REAR SIDE
PANEL TRIM PAD
1, Unscrew shield on lock pillar. See Figure 2G- 11.
2. Pull off sealing strip on lock pillar and rear quarter
window. See Figure 2G- 12.
3. Remove ash tray.
4. Remove rear seat and push retaining button out of
trim pad. See Figure
2G-13.5. Pull out trim pad towards the front.
6. Prior to installation, press together sealing strip
ends to obtain a tight seat.

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