Opel GT "Things to Know" (Top Ten List)
This is a list of 10 things all Opel GT owners (or, persons buying an Opel GT) need to know.
(This is primarily for “new” or prospective GT owners, but also includes “refresher” tips for all.)
All vehicles have their idiosyncrasies -- the Opel GT is no exception -- but with specific
attention and repairs, including reference to, and use of, OMC tech tips, more time can be
spent driving and enjoying your vehicle.
1) Identify What Year Is It
Knowing the model year of an Opel GT, with its VIN number
(located on the firewall plate — as seen on right — GT model
numbers start with either "94", "77" "0Y0"or "93") or by certain
parts types, will help you to know what major year-to-year parts
or service procedure changes apply to your vehicle.
(To learn more, see the "What Year Is It" page at www.opelclub.com, or view the original article in the Nov. 1995 OMC Blitz).
2) Inspect Body and Drivetrain Condition
The Opel GT is now a 30+ year old all-steel unibody vehicle, so when inspecting a GT for purchase
you need to check for rust. Try to purchase cars you can see in advance (when not on Ebay),
and pay closer attention to vehicles “doctored” for sale by dealers.
The areas of common treatable rust are below the battery mount area in the
front belly pan and behind the rear wheels. Difficult rust repairs (shown at right)
are located in the floor pan near the rocker panels, below the windshield, and
on the doors above the mid-line of the exterior panels. Be wary of GT's from
the Northern US, as suspension bolts also rust solid and the upper
shock tower (top of front shocks) rusts through, in critical stress areas.
Also avoid body damage -- Use a magnet to locate “bondo” body-filler areas.
When damage is in the rotation area of the GT headlights, it can be very difficult to repair to an aesthetic satisfaction.
Door and side panel repair is easier, with used sheet metal replacements (when available).
Generally, when a choice is available, we suggest buying a higher-priced undamaged GT over lower-priced
GTs requiring repairs to rust or damaged areas.
Verify the engine will turn over, by removing the spark plugs,
squirting a teaspoon of oil into each cylinder, then use a
19mm wrench to rotate the front crankshaft bolt in a
clockwise direction. Be patient — In some cases it takes a
few days for engine to move freely.
Also verify vehicle can be moved, by pushing it to loosen
grip of the brake and transmission/clutch and rear axle parts.
Inspect critical rubber suspension and torque tube parts.
If battery is available, check wiring and briefly test
operation of the dash controls and light circuits.
It’s a good idea, whenever possible, to tow a newly-purchased
vehicle home on a 4-wheel dolly or flatbed for added safety.
3) Decide on Mechanics or Do-It-Yourself
Many mechanical repairs on the Opel GT can be done by the
owner, presuming a reasonable skill level, correct parts, some
metric or special tools, instructions, and some time for the job.
The advantages of this approach include saving the costs
of mechanic's labor, and learning about your GT as you go along.
GT owners have found doing this can be personally empowering!
Others have hired professionals to work on their car.
The advantages are that they can bring certain expertise to
the job (particularly recommended for machine work on
engines and transmissions, and skilled paint & body work).
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