1973 Opel GT * Bare Shell Restoration
Bare Shell Restoration: 1973 Opel GT
1.9 updated to 2.0 with Automatic transmission. Multiple Videos at end of description!
This 1973 Opel GT has been stripped to a bare shell and repainted in a very attractive Oxide Gray Metallic with Sikens Industrial paint The engine was professionally rebuilt to a 2.0 at a speed shop. All specs on the Engine rebuild are included with the photos. The car is ready to be driven and has drawn a lot of attention at car shows. Opportunity to purchase some mountain property has prompted the sale, along with out Jaguar XJS (already sold on Hemmings).
This was a 6-year project with great care to produce a very reliable car but still keeping the Opel appeal. It comes with a 3-ring binder containing all the tech specs for what has been done. Restoration was done by prior owner in Green Bay, WI. Per prior owner engine had approximately 20 hours at time of sale. Also, all the receipts for parts purchased. Stainless steel hardware was used for all nuts, bolts and screws with the exception of the OEM high-grade bolts. The Engine hrs. are listed because the speedometer/odometer was not operating originally but works now.
Odometer reads 69145 and the Title is clean.
Engine and transmission.
Motor was completely overhauled with modifications to improve performance. See attached photo of the work that was done and parts replaced. ported heads new larger valves new pistons (Have the papers)
New Weber carburetor jetted for the 2.0 with a custom Rally Bob intake manifold. New water pump, Timing chain and all components All new hoses, New Aluminum Radiator electric fan and Dual Transmission coolers one mounted to the radiator and a Finned cooler in the front. Slow coolant seep that was present at purchase. Added electric fuel pump, new alternator with the gauge mounted in place of the dash clock. A Petronix electronic ignition and high-torque starter. All new hoses. Polished valve cover. The transmission was completely overhauled by a professional. Drive shaft was completely rebuilt with all new components added. New Speedo cable with new gears and kick down cable Engine Bay was taken down to bare metal and primed and painted. New Firewall matt installed.
Body
The body was completely taken down to bare metal. A few dents repaired and some pin hole rust spots in the front lower fenders and rear fenders by the door were cut out and replaced with steel. The headlight buckets and hood where powder blasted. Rear quarter skirts and side skits added. Along with the rear spoiler that was painted black with the same metallic to highlight it. The floor was stripped and painted with POR-15 from the rear panel to the firewall. Soundproofing material was laid over the POR-15. The paint used was Sikkens paint by AkzoNobel. The paint color is Oxide Gray Metallic and really sparkles with over 20 different colors. The under carriage was left alone and is in the original state with a lot of the undercoating intact. Fuel tank was powder blasted flushed and coated inside. New sensor and fittings installed. There are some very small bubbles in the passenger side rear quarter that are very hard to see.
Electrical and lighting
Stock wiring was completely replaced with all new quality wire. Deutsch connectors and heat shrink connectors. The harness is well labeled and documented, new style fuse panel. high-flex wire where the headlamps rotate, the headlights are turned on with switch in dash. and a relay board was added for the following circuits New HD starter, Heater, Horn, and headlights. A new battery mount was also installed. With new Interstate battery and an electronic battery disconnect added. The Dash was also completely rewired and all connectors cleaned. Along with the steering Colum. All bulbs replaced with LED’s Headlights are Grote LED’s and a LED backup light added. All new lenses installed. Heavy gauge wires ran to the rear for future upgrades like rear window defrost and 3rd brake light.
Brakes and suspension.
Completely replace all brake components New OEM large style brake booster. SS Lines Rotors, Drums.
The front Suspension was completely removed from the chassis and all components replaced. Ball Joints Tie rods shocks leaf spring ext. Polyurethane bushings where used. The same was done with the rearend also using Polyurethane bushings. new shocks and leaf springs. Professional alignment was done.
Period correct Opel rims were sourced with matching caps and new Laufenn tires fitted in 2023 with less than 100 miles on them. All components were stripped down to bare metal and painted with POR-15
Interior.
The Black interior was completely removed and cleaned. The headliner was not removed and is original. All the interior is original and shows wear. The dash has one long crack next to the vin and a few small cracks on passenger side. All the rubber seals for the windows are new. Steering column was rebuilt with all new wiring and connectors. (Note the left turn signal return to neutral mechanism stopped working)
New hoses for the heater and new heater control. The windshield wash system was overhauled and the rubber squirt ball replaced and all new wiring added. The front windshield was replaced in 2023. Also, the door window regulators were removed and cleaned up and all new plastic and rubber replaced. New rubber for the rear pop out windows. LED interior lights added at the driver and passenger leg area.
Videos available:
Opel GT 1973 review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lT7nJn76aH8&t
Opel GT 1973 cold start
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNi8EnO5BM4&t
Opel GT 1973 electronics and exhaust review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrgukCPx99g&t
Opel GT 1973 Highway Drive
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uHbs3y3KCM
