Opel Manta 400 Replica - with a twist
Discussion
Another project we are working on, this one is a big job!
The brief from our customer (and now friend) was that he had always wanted something that looked like a manta 400, but he wanted some modern comforts, and reliability, and to be able to use it for fast european touring.
The initial plan was a manta 400 replica fitted with a turbocharged vauxhall xe 2.0 16v engine, a fairly standard thing to do. next ideas switched to using a later vxr engine, but still the idea wasn't firmed up. Then came the idea of using the engine and gearbox from an S14 nissan 200sx, and then, during the hunt for a donor, the thought that a Skyline R33 GTST seemed better value came in........
So the starting point(s) are:
a 1 owner from new, manta GTE coupe
and an "on the road" R33 GTST
The brief from our customer (and now friend) was that he had always wanted something that looked like a manta 400, but he wanted some modern comforts, and reliability, and to be able to use it for fast european touring.
The initial plan was a manta 400 replica fitted with a turbocharged vauxhall xe 2.0 16v engine, a fairly standard thing to do. next ideas switched to using a later vxr engine, but still the idea wasn't firmed up. Then came the idea of using the engine and gearbox from an S14 nissan 200sx, and then, during the hunt for a donor, the thought that a Skyline R33 GTST seemed better value came in........
So the starting point(s) are:
a 1 owner from new, manta GTE coupe
and an "on the road" R33 GTST
manta shell stripped and ready for blasting
needless to say, following blasting, the usual opel rot had reared its head, and a mending marathon took place!
I won't bother with all the rot repair pics on here as the rest of this project will be more interesting!
a little early "dangle and chop" to work out positioning, engine mounts already made at this point.
some engine bay fabrication:
fitting bodyshell to the jig ready to start work on the independent rear end:
start cutting out!
bit missing now!
lots of fab work, less words, pics say it better!
needless to say, following blasting, the usual opel rot had reared its head, and a mending marathon took place!
I won't bother with all the rot repair pics on here as the rest of this project will be more interesting!
a little early "dangle and chop" to work out positioning, engine mounts already made at this point.
some engine bay fabrication:
fitting bodyshell to the jig ready to start work on the independent rear end:
start cutting out!
bit missing now!
lots of fab work, less words, pics say it better!
time to get it rolling
manta front end, all blasted and rebuilt, all fasteners new or acid dipped and plated, billet alloy front hubs to nissan pcd, using skyline front brake setup
nissan rear end with driftworks adjustable link kit
blasting headlamp mount parts
all painted
and rolling, safari spec ride height, due to lack of engine and bars instead of coilovers on rear
sound deadening going in
cunning bit of "in-situ" flocking on rear wheelarches!!
started on bespoke loom
manta front end, all blasted and rebuilt, all fasteners new or acid dipped and plated, billet alloy front hubs to nissan pcd, using skyline front brake setup
nissan rear end with driftworks adjustable link kit
blasting headlamp mount parts
all painted
and rolling, safari spec ride height, due to lack of engine and bars instead of coilovers on rear
sound deadening going in
cunning bit of "in-situ" flocking on rear wheelarches!!
started on bespoke loom
strummerville said:
Brilliant work as ever. I've clocked a few other interesting machines in the pics - Mk1 Escort, Sunbeam etc. Is that Volvo 245 (minus front wheels)standard?
Yep lots of stuff in the workshop, think we have 26 cars in at the mo! (though the manta pics were taken in the summer, obviously!)The volvo is actually mine, its a late 240 wagon, fitted with a 2.3 turbo 8 valve and M90 gearbox from a late 940, plus a big turbo and few other bits and bobs, also, being mine, its not finished! it's destined to be a fun work runabout, my yellow labrador in the back will complete the illusion at the traffic lights. the wheels are going, they don't fit, ebay punt!
FWDRacer said:
With the sound deadener - what happens when it gets wet? I'm assuming with a customer build you'll "snag" the car for water leaks outside in the rain before handing it over to customer?
This isn't a criticism - I'm loathe to put deadener in my rebuild until I know it is watertight!
Good question/point.This isn't a criticism - I'm loathe to put deadener in my rebuild until I know it is watertight!
If it gets wet it gets smelly and nasty.
With most cars I'd be pretty confident about having no leaks anyway, but a manta......hmm the b pillar to door glass seal was never much cop new!!
With this one we'll check it with everything in, but check it carefully. Worst case scenario we'd have to pull some trim out, the carpet out and take the sound deadening out to dry it out, but hopefully not!
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