Nov Dec 2008 Denis - Opel Motorsports Club

Inside
Inside this
this issue:
issue:
350 cid Swedish Blender, Opel at War
Stuttgart Opel Meet by G. Rust
Manta Museum Racer, Congressional Motors?
Opel Owner in WA & MD meets Press
Tech: Demystifying the GT Air Filter
OMC New Years Party Details, Opel Nationals, Early Info
Volume 28, Issue 6
OMC Editor’s Central
We want submissions!
November/December 2008
Welcome to the Opel Motorsport Club
T HE OPEL M OTORSPORT CLUB IS CELEBRATING ITS 28TH YEAR OF DEDICATION TO THE PRESERVATION AND APPRECIATION OF ALL GERMAN OPELS , WITH
SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON M ODELS IMPORTED INTO THE UNITED STATES . WE ARE HEADQUARTERED IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA, AND HAVE CHAPTERS
ACROSS THE COUNTRY, IN EUROPE, AS WELL AS MEMBERS IN CANADA AND M EXICO. MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE SUBSCRIPTION TO OUR NEWSLETTER , T HE BLITZ , LISTINGS FOR PARTS AND SERVICE SUPPLIERS , BLITZ INDEX & TECH T IP INDEX (1985-DATE), FREE CLASSIFIED ADS (3 PER YEAR ), CLUB
ITEMS, M EMBER ROSTER , OWNER SUPPORT AND ACTIVITIES , INCLUDING MEETINGS AND OUR ANNUAL P ICNIC & CAR SHOW
The Club
Regional Chapters
The Blitz
TO APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP
CONTACT:
OMC TREASURER, c/o Dick Counsil
3824 Franklin Street
La Crescenta, CA 91214-1607
European Chapter (Netherlands)
Contact Louis van Steen: (011 31) 297 340
536 (please take note of the time zone
before calling), fast60gt (at) yahoo.com
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MEETINGS:
The OMC meetings are as announced, at
varying locations. Please consult the OMC
Blitz calendar or OMC website to find out
who is hosting the next meeting or event.
Online Opel Sites
Florida Chapter (Coral Gables, FL)
Contact John Malone: 305-443-8513
Michigan Chapter
Contact John Brooks: 616-233-9050 ext 12
Johncinquo (at) hotmail.com.
Mid Atlantic Opel Club (Richmond, VA)
Contact Charles Goin: 804-379-9737
cgoin (at) mindspring.com
New England Opel Club (Swansea, MA)
Contact Gary Farias: 508-679-2740
Gary (at) opelgt.com
North American Opel GT Chapter
(Chicago, IL)
Contact Jim Toler: 630-964-9797
Northern California Chapter (Sonora,
CA) Contact Gil Wesson: 209-928-1110
Opelgts (at) opelgtsource.com
Ohio Chapter (Columbus, OH)
Contact Larry Shal: 614-861-1565
Pacific Northwest Chapter (Shelton,
WA) Contact Paul Kaman: 360-426-9267
OMC is on the Internet. The site features
Club News, Event Coverage, Tech Tips,
OMC & Opel History, features and much
more.
Rocky Mountain Opels (Security, CO)
Contact Branston DiBrell Jr 719-391-9421
dibrellb (at) rmi.net
Visit us at: www.opelclub.com
San Diego Opel Motorsport Club
Contact TBA when available.
Other Good Opel Sites:
www.opelgt.com
Website of the NEOC
Includes a Tech help Bulletin Board
Texas Opel Club (Leonard, TX)
Contact Rodney Killingsworth, 903-5879640 Tyrodk (at) fanninelectric.com
[email protected]
Subscribe to this useful e-mail posting site
Carolina Opel Club
Contact Roy Bell: 704-782-1866
E-mail: CarolinaOpelClub (at) aol.com
http://clubs.hemmings.com/
frameset.cfm?club=oana
The OANA Website
We chose to use (at) in place of @ for spam
2007 OPEL MOTORSPORT CLUB
OFFICERS & STAFF
CLUB OFFICER’S
E-MAIL ADDRESS
[email protected]
PRESIDENT PAUL HEEBINK
VICE PRESIDENT Jerry Hendrix 805-526-3765
ACTIVITIES TBA
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ON THE COVER:
Face: OMC Blitz Staff
Upper right: Manta Tuning
President’s Letter
Economic downturns, recession, and cutbacks effect
everyone in some way, and in the first week of December
it hit me too as I lost my job of 12 years as General
Manager of an NBC television station in Yuma Arizona.
I even had to give up my company car!!
No fear as my trusty 1975 Sportwagon was pressed
into service. Driving around town in my 33 year old car
“sans” power windows, cruise control, and automatic
transmission became good metaphor for appreciating
life and the basic joys. I have my health and my family
and I very optimistic about becoming reemployed.
Recently I removed the rear seat and created a very
functional platform to carry things. The Sportwagon was loaded to the hilt this past Saturday as I carried a load of tables
and chairs to my young son’s birthday party. Everywhere I went I got a thumbs up or a question. The under 40 crowd
asked ”Is that a Datsun?” or “Is that a Vega?” The older people smiled and said “I haven’t seen one of those in years… it
looks great!” It is good to be brought back to earth sometimes and I can’t think of a better way than in my 1975 Opel
timemachine….Happy Holidays to all!!
Paul
Letter From The Historian
Obsession: excessive preoccupation with an idea,
or delusion.
Webster’s Dictionary
This summer, two thousand and eight, marks my 25th anniversary of continual
uninterrupted Opel ownership. The event would have gone completely unnoticed
if RallyeBob on ‘opelgt.com’ had not mentioned his quarter century milestone
online. And if owning one brand of automobile is not obsession, then please tell
me what is! It also go me to thinking: What was the most sought after improvement we as Opel owners desire or crave? The
answer for me was multifaceted, but eventually boiled down to seeking more performance and more power.
Invariably, people at car shows have ask me, ‘Do you have a V 8 in there?’, or as the Dodge commercial years ago asked, ‘Does
that thing have a Hemi?’ Horsepower and cars go hand in hand and as a nation we judge our automobiles in 1/4 mile increments. Pick up any car magazine, such as Road & Track, and you will see the 1/4 mile potential of their feature car. Of course
you will also find other specifications, but the 1/4 mile still times still rules. If you want more proof, grab the TV remote and
look for the reality show “Pinks”. Do you want to know the 1/4 mile time of a 1995 Toyota Tercel? No problem. The 1/4 mile
time is listed online as 18.4 seconds.
Note: In contrast the stock Opel GT ran the 1/4 mile in 17.6 seconds and the 1974 Manta did so in 18.3 seconds.
I myself started craving for more power back with my first 1974 Manta in 1983. I dropped in a set of oversize 9:1 compression
pistons, a 292 degree .450 lift cam, added a Weber and a 4 into 1 tube header. Since then I have installed built a number of
Opels with performance engines. As I have gotten older (remember 25 years) my obsession for performance has drifted from
all out horse power to something a bit more mature. This ‘more-mature’ route had me chose engines that not only made
power, but that would deliver reliable daily performance. To fulfill that goal I turned to larger displacement Opel engines
with fuel injection and more high tech Opel engines. Jury: I present Exhibit A. My 1973 GT with a fuel injected 2.4L. Exhibit
B. My 73 Manta with the 150 hp Opel 2.0 16V engine. However an automobile can not live on HP alone.
As my obsession progressed I realized that any automobile must be a total package to be truly brilliant. The driveline must be
able to handle the extra power, corner with confidence, and haul you down from triple digits speeds without drama! My quest
turned to bigger clutches, 5 speed transmissions, 4 wheel disk brakes, larger sway bars, polyurethane bushings, performance
shocks, and either stiffer or lowering springs. This obsession (or drive to perfection, if you wish) has even spread to my more
mundane cars. such as my daily driver 1980 Buick Regal. She started life as a 105hp 3.8L V6 but now sports a ’89 Trans Am
GTA L98 engine with tune port injection and 240 hp with 340 foot pounds of torque. The suspension received a full polyurethane bushing upgrade with boxed control and trailing arms, revised upper control arms and spindles with massive 12 inch
slotted rotors and rear disk brakes. The stock automatic was replaced with a 200R4 overdrive transmission with a 5400 rpm
governor with the rear differential received a limited slip with 3.42 gears.
As I reflect back on a quarter century with Opels, I can see that the drive for performance, reaped perfection and how that
drive for perfection has reaped obsession. Left to its own devises obsession can end up being a bad thing, but in perspective
as a balance package, obsession does have its rewards.
Dennis G.
Treasurer’s Report Sept. - Nov. 2008
Membership Report August 1st. - October 31st. 2007
Treasurer’s Report
September - November 30, 2008
Beginning Balance September 1, 2008
$8,902.60
Income
Member Dues
Sept 1st. - November 30th.
$1,031.00
Regular 2 New & 22 Renewals
Online 8 New & 0 Renewals
Blitz Advertising, Sales, Etc.
Paypal Transfer to Bank Account
Income Subtotal
44.00
45.34
$1,120.34
470.50
Expense Subtotal
$470.50
Closing Balance
November 30, 2008
Name
$9,552.44
September - November 2008
Blitz Publication w/ Postage Sep-Oct
Blitz Publication w/ Postage Nov-Dec
400.00 est.
400.00 est.
9,152.44
8,752.44
Deposits
09-04-08
11-03-08
$227.00
$940.00
Total Deposits Sept. - Nov. 2008
State
AL
OH
CA
OH
WA
CA
Canada
Membership Renewals 15
Expenses
Blitz Publication w/ postage July/Aug
New Memberships 10
Name
City
Dennis Chin
{Online}
Kristopher Christi
{Online}
Enterprise
Michael Collins
{Online}
Robert Harden
{Online}
Maple Heights
Carl & Joy Herzog {Online}
Lakeside
Jo Anne Jenkins
{Online}
George & Cathy LaPlace
Electric City
Stuart McCallister {Online}
Anders Rothausen {Online}
Alan Simpson
{Online}
Fallbrook
Mark & Mary Sinclair {Online}
Windsor
Nancy & Don Camison
Dr. Armund Chaput
Steve D’Auria & Jennifer LaPlante
John & Connie Dickerson
Jack Elizares
Thomas Hoffmann
Paul & Karen Kaman
Terry & Dorothy Lee
Kris Nudson
Jack Rauch
Cameron R.G. Smith
Don & Debbie Stewart
Gary & Susan Townsend
Michele & Butch Whitehouse
Michael & Jacky Wilson
City
State
Watsonville
Fort Worth
Sierra Madre
Springfield
Kelseyville
San Diego
Shelton
Covington
El Segundo
Effort
Tucson
Palos Verdes
Cottage Grove
Brentwood
Prescott Valley
CA
TX
CA
IL
CA
CA
WA
WA
CA
PA
AZ
CA
OR
NH
AZ
$1,167.00
2009 OMC Events
January
New Years Blow Out
Where: Laguna Niguel, CA
Date: Saturday January 12th.
see the back page of this issue for details
April
Opel Show
Where: Charlotte Spring Auto Fair
Lowe’s Motor Speedway
Charlotte, NC
Date: April 4th & 5th.
May
Carlisle Import Show
Where: Carlisle, PA
Date: May 15th thru 17th.
July
Steinmetz Calendar from 1974: Depicted is May with a silver 1974 Opel
Ascona with the ubiquitous Steinmetz fender flares and wide wheels.
Opel National
Hosted: Opels of Washington
Where: Tacoma, WA
Date: July 17th. & 18th.
Opel Power in Colorado
The Opel GTs, in the photo above, are all super low mileage
1973 models ranging between 45 to 65 thousands miles. The
GT on the left belongs to a Mr. Feynman. The 87 Porsche 911
and the two GT on the right belong to Mr. Kutyna of Colorado.
Mr. Kutyna also owns a two other 1900 wagons and a Manta.
Revel Models: Manta 400 Homoligation car and the Manta 400 Rallye car (Rothmans)
Both models are 1:18th scale measure in at just under 10 inches long. Both are highly detailed with proper interior and appropriate engine compartments. Either models would be a fine addition for your Opel display case. Cost wise these are not
the most inexpensive models at 60 Euros ($83 dollars) but are well worth it.
Manta 400 interior
Engine Bay: Manta 400 Rothmans
Swedish-American Blender
5.7L Twin Turbo
Kadett Wagon
Take one Plain-Jane 1978 Kadett C wagon, mix in a 452 HP twin turbo fuel injected
small block Chevrolet and you have a recipe for some serious fun.
Many an owner has dreamed of stuffing a V8 under the hood of their Opel, few have ever done so and even fewer
to this extent. Contrary to what you might be thinking, this is no ‘install what-cha got kicking around the garage
motor’. Housed between the fenders is an all aluminum Chevrolet Donovan racing block and aluminum cylinder
heads topped with Brodix valve covers and a Big -Ram high flow EFI
manifold twin turbos and a front mounted intercooler. All in all this
small block puts out a respectable 452 hp and 730 foot pounds of
torque under a moderate 7 psi of boost. The all-aluminum engine was
chosen to keep the front weight down and retain the handling. Due
partly to the light weight, this Chevy-powered Opel will charge the 1/4
mile just under 11 seconds at 136 mph. To handle the power the rear of
the wagon was mini-tubbed and fitted with a shortened Ford 9 inch
differential suspended by a pair of Koni coilover shocks. Under close
scrutiny the rear fenders have been slightly stretched to accommodate
the large 17 inch diameter 11 inch wide wheels.
Swinging around to the front we find two pencil beam lamps integrated into a custom made front air dam which
was created by extending the stock sheet metal considerably. The bumpers and all chrome trim were removed
giving this subtle wagon a more aggressive all-business appearance.
In keeping with the subtle appearance the interior was left spartan and augmented only with a pair of Momo
racing seats, large dash mounted tachometer, custom built cage, fuel cell, and nitrous bottle. Even the battery was
relocated to the spare tire opening for better weight distribution. Subsequently this light weight double duty street
legal wagon is as home on the track as it is safe on the street. In Europe the Kadett C suspension is almost
legendary for its ability to carve corners, however with over 450 horsepower on tap the brakes required serious
upgrades to be street legal in Sweden. 13 inch front and 12.4 inch rear cross drilled brake rotors with multi-piston
AP racing calipers are required to rein in all of this power.
The conclusion: With careful selection of light weight parts and the
elimination of superfluous trim and interior parts, this 1978 Opel
wagon will not only pin you to the Momo racing seats under full
acceleration, but throw you against the seat bolsters and the 5 point
racing seat belts under cornering and braking. An absolute Monster.
B
L
I
T
Z
-
F
A
C
T
S
Engine: 5.7L Donovan small block Chevy twin turbo; Specs: 452 hp and 730 lbs. ft. torque with 7 psi of boost;
Best ETA: 10.93 1/4 mile, top speed 218 kph; Brakes: Front 330 x 32mm, Rear 315 x 20mm and AP Racing Calipers
Suspension: Lowered 2.5 inches with front and rear Yellow Konis; Wheels: TSW VX1 rims; Front: 17x7 with 225-40-17,
Rear: 17x11 with 335-35-17 rubber; Featured: Bilsport Magazine in Sweden, March 2001 pg 84; Owner: Frode Englund
Club Affiliation: http://www.opelmotorsport.com/
OPEL at WAR
Opel Worker’s Magazine during WWII:
Der Opel Kamerad, January 1941.
(translated: The Opel Companion)
Cover: The Opel Panzer
During the Weimar Republic Germany suffered under
massive inflation due to crushing war reparation payments
and massive currency devaluation. This climate of unrest
eventually led to Hilter and the Nazi party movement, and
eventually WWII. Just prior to WWII most German companies were Nationalized and General Motors lost possession of Opel.
After 1933 the Opel management published its factory
magazine in cooperation with the press department of the
DAF, the Nazi Party’s “German Labor Front” which had
replaced all trade unions. By 1941 the bimonthly glossy
was distributed across Europe among the Opel workers
who had gone to the front as soldiers and mechanics.
Photo: Anita Kugler
Almost anyone in Europe or North America who
has ever held a steering wheel or a television remote
control can name two U.S. carmakers, market leaders
on both continents, and their German subsidiaries.
General Motors, the largest corporation on earth,
has been the owner since 1929 of Adam Opel AG,
Russelsheim, the maker of Opel cars.
Ford Motor Company, founded by Henry Ford in 1903, is currently the world’s third largest corporation by
revenues. In 1931, Ford Motor built the Ford-Werke AG factory in Cologne. Ford Werke still thrives today as the
headquarters of European Ford.
GM built a military truck factory in Brandenburg,
after an explicit request from the German armed
forces. All this occurred under the aegis of American
managers in Dearborn and Detroit.
At the outbreak of war in 1939, Opel converted its
largest factory to warplane engine production.
Opel’s Brandenburg factory made the aptly named
Opel Blitz, which was considered the best of the
German army’s 3 ton trucks.
The Opel Blitz truck, built for over 2 decades, was designed to be
extremely versatile. It could be used for a variety of tasks from
simple hauling of cargo to use a forestry trucks, fire trucks, fuel
carriers and as a weapon of war. One Blitz truck was even used
to test an early rocket engine that was tied to its roof.
The Blitz Truck’s Seemingly
Inconsistent Missions & Uses
Above: Blitz “Maultier” (Mule) truck with
tank tracks and anti-aircraft gun mounted
in the bed.
Left: Opel Blitz trucks used by the Red
Cross to deliver medial supplies.
Working for the Enemy: Ford & GM during the Second World War
by Reinhold Billstein, Karola Fings, Anita Kugler and Nicholas Levis
Three historians who have published previous German-language works on these
subjects: Reinhold Billstein, Karola Fings and Anita Kugler collaborated with
American writer Nicholas Levis in creating complete and updated versions of their
findings for an English-speaking audience. The team engaged in new research and
collected dozens of photos and other materials that appear the book.
Even after the United States entered the war, the priority at both mother
companies was to preserve their highly productive and profitable German
subsidiaries. The same Americans who had run Opel during the war advised
the targeted bombing of the Opel factory.
Within a few years after the war, during the period of Allied occupation,
the same German managers who oversaw the wartime feats of production
returned to the upper echelons of the top German corporations, including
Ford Werke and Opel.
The situation changed in recent years as former forced laborers and their
lawyers began to take action against German corporations in U.S. courts.
The first U.S. lawsuit seeking compensation for Nazi-era forced labor in
Germany was filed against Ford Motor Company and Ford Werke AG in
March 1998.
General Motors and its subsidiary Adam Opel AG were also sued in a wave of litigation that hit nearly every major
German corporation, from Volkswagen and Daimler-Benz to Siemens and Bosch. At the same time, hundreds of
related suits swept through the German labor courts.
The book’s conclusion reviews the subsequent, immensely complex negotiations towards a settlement - which
involved Germany, the United States, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Czech Republic, Israel & other countries,
as well as representatives of forced labor associations and the German corporations themselves. In December
1999 the United States and Germany reached an agreement under which 10 billion marks were paid in compensations to individual victims of Nazi-era.
The book then turn to the same story viewed from the perspective of individuals trapped within the Nazi
machinery of terror. The second part of the book is an in-depth scholarly and oral history of labor at Ford Werke
in Cologne.
Chapter 3 presents a tribute, by the writer and Russelsheim town historian Bernd Heyl, to Walter Rietig, an
Opel worker who was executed as a resistance organizer by the Nazis in 1942. Rietig kept up contacts between
the German resistance and the French prisoners of war at Opel in Russelsheim.
Stuttgart, Germany 2008
Recap of the 16th Annual European Opel GT Meeting
40th Year of the Opel GT & 30 Anniversary of the GT-Club-Wurttemberg
by George Rust
I recently got a once in a lifetime opportunity to go to Germany for the 40th Anniversary of the Opel GT gathering in
Stuttgart, Germany. I was there for three days, saw over 150 GTs, and made countless new friends.
I have to say, seeing this many GTs in one place is a bit overwhelming for this American. They were nearly all in perfect
condition with an amazing amount of work (and Euros) put into them. I used to think my GT was nice, well it would have
been bottom of the pile at this meeting.
One of many exceptionally clean GTs.
There was everything from convertibles to targas
T-tops and Aeros. Bone stock to wild. Some
phenomenal paint jobs as well and it was nice to
see such a variety of colors to get ideas. I tried out
the little German I know when I got the chance
but I as amazed how many people there spoke very
good English. There were twelve Americans there.
We’ve had meeting here in TX with less! The swap
meet was great as well. Tables and tables full of
parts and all of them for GTs!
Rick from Colorado taking a photo of a 1969 Swiss GT. Note his legs
reflection in the paint and the mural under the hood.
Lower Show Field, approximately 200 Opels GTs made it out for
at least one of the three day event that started Friday evening
with German Brats and Beer.
One of the many parts
vendors at the show.
Everyone there went out of his way to make us Americans feel welcome. And I would personally like to thank Louis van Steen
and Mike Siegel for working very hard to make us feel at home.
I challenge every Opeler to at least once in your life to make the trip to a big Euro meet, you won’t be sorry you did.
I also got the once in a lifetime opportunity to visit with Gerry
Lenk (of Lenk Opel Tuning) & Erhard Schnell (GT head designer).
I left the meet on Monday morning, picked up a rental car (Opel
Corsa) and went and visited with a cousin of mine about 160 miles
north of Stuttgart. We visited some great castles among other
things. On Wednesday I left there and drove to Russelsheim and
went on the Opel factory tour. That was very cool.
From there I drove to Heidelberg to visit one of the largest castles
in Germany. If you go here, take your walking shoes. Below the
castle is literally miles of stores and shops and restaurants. That
night I filled up my 1.2 liter Corsa with $100 worth of gas and drug
myself back to Stuttgart to get ready for the flight out the next
morning.
Six days later with a lot miles under my feet, pictures in my camera, and memories to last me a lifetime, my Getrag and I headed
back to Austin.
by George Rust
Our Good Friends from the Dutch Opel GT Club.
OPEL HERITAGE’S, MUSEUM RACER
There was a time in Germany when poking fun and making jokes about the Opel Manta B owner/driver was a national
past-time. There were even films made about this same Manta owner, which obviously were not very flattering. The movies
portrayed the same as mindless guys (called ’Manni’) with their blond hairdresser girl friend riding in the co-pilot seat…
that was in the 1980’s.
Fast forward to today and most of these Manta B series cars have not survived, much due to the Manni stereotype. The
Manta B, in original condition, is as rare to encounter on the roadways as meeting a Ferrari, much less then the Manta A
series from 1970-75.
Consequently, most people have completely forgotten men like Walter Röhrl who raced the Opel Manta A series, in the
then World Rallye Championship, on road tracks around Europe.
Below I have a number of wonderful images taken during a photo-shoot flogging Opels own museum Manta race car. The
same one Walter himself rallied back in the 1970s.
Take a set of Steinmetz fenders, a super rare cross-flow engine, a set of twin DCOE
Webers, a racing history, in the then WRC (World Rallye Championship), sprinkle in
a number of wins, add one rallye driver (Walter Röhrl) and the restoration shop at
Opel Heritage and you have one rare piece of racing history.
“OOOOH, AAAAH, OPELS”
Opel: Some owners think it’s a gem of a car
John Boespflug’s annual gathering of Opel enthusiasts will draw
Opel fans from near and far. Just be sure to wash your car.
“Junk or jewel, we don’t care, just as long as you get it there.” John
Boespflug’s love of the Opel GT shows up throughout
his epic poem “Cruisin’.” Every line was crafted with care, from:
In and out, up and down, We’ll cruise the wheels off this town, to:
Wake up and tune in, Don’t say it could have been.”
The ode to his favorite car is just one way Boespflug shows
his enthusiasm for the GT. Organizing an annual get-together for
Opel fans of all stripes is another.
Thomas’ Opels
Boespflug’s 18th Annual Opel Gathering takes place Saturday in Spanaway. Its a chance for owners of all types of Opels to get
together, swap stories, rate each other’s vehicles and share info about the latest leads on parts for the rare cars.
Like the poem, the show is a labor of love for Boespflug. “I just happened to be driving along South Tacoma Way
when I saw one in a car lot,” he said of that fateful day in 1982 when he spied a 1971 competition-orange Opel GT.
“I thought, ‘There’s a nice little car.’ I made an offer and ended up getting it.”
In that pre-Internet era, it wasn’t always easy to find information about Opels, which weren’t nearly as common as, say,
Chevrolets and Toyotas. “I had to figure out what to do with it,” Boespflug said. “Once in a while I’d see another one, and I
run ’em down and we’d stop and talk about Opels.” That’s pretty much how the annual gatherings got started, he said. It began with just a few Opel owners getting together to talk about their cars. The first few years were exclusively about the Opel
GT before Boespflug opened the event to every type of Opel.
ALL TOGETHER NOW: The show is one of the largest on the West Coast. There are a few shows in California that draw
hundreds of Opels, but Boespflug’s gathering is the largest in the Northwest. Boespflug said he expects about three dozen
Opels to show up Saturday. Opels from around the state will be at the show, from Paul Kaman’s shop in Shelton to Matt
Alan’s collection in Woodinville.
Opels are a family affair for Ed Thomas of Lacey. Ed, his wife and their daughter will drive three Opels to the show:
a 1969 Opel GT, a 1972 Kadett sedan and a 1969 Kadett Rally. “They’re fun, they’re unique,” Thomas said.
“A lot of people have Chevys and Fords or whatever, but I’ve always liked the handling aspect of the Opels.
And they’re still pretty economic. I usually get over 30 miles per gallon (on the highway). And I like the looks I get.”
Gil Wesson, owner of Opel GT Source, will make his way to Spanaway from Sonora, Calif. According to Wesson,
the shop is the largest supplier of Opel GT parts in North America. Boespflug’s gatherings are exactly what Opel
enthusiasm is all about, Wesson said. “The show has been around for a while,” Wesson said. “It’s a real grass-roots
effort. And you get a nice mix of nice people, a friendly environment and unique cars.” It helps that the show is for a specific
type of car, he said. “It’s nice to have the focus on Opels and not be mixed in with other cars like at other car shows,” Wesson
said. “It’s a chance for us to shine.” The GT, or “baby Corvette,” is probably the most recognizable Opel on the road, Wesson
said. He’s made a career out of selling newly machined parts to GT owners, a business
Boespflug is grateful for. With some rare cars, it can be difficult to find parts. With GTs, “there are more parts in
circulation today than ever before,” Boespflug said.
THE CAR TODAY : Today, Opels are extremely popular in Germany, Wesson said, adding that he’s planning to attend a
one-week Opel history driving tour there this fall. The cars are manufactured in Germany and in North America among other
places. In the United States, they’re distributed as certain types of Saturns. For instance, the 2008 Saturn Vue and Aura are
essential the same cars as, respectively, the 2008 Opel Antara and Vectra, according to caranddriver.com.
The sporty GT is still Boespflug’s favorite. At one point, he had “15 and a half” of them sitting in his backyard.
And he still owns one, which he keeps in storage. He also collects and assembles miniature scale models of Opels,
maintains an Opel newsletter and organizes the annual show.
“It’s really a giant swap meet,” he said. “Everybody brings something to donate for a door prize, we vote on
categories for trophies and give out dash plaques.
“And we have a lot of fun.”
by Bill Hutchens, Tacoma News Tribune 7/14/2008
OUT OF THE PAST:
The Washington Times: It took awhile but Ron Lenzner finally has his 1970 Opel GT.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/10/curvaceous-opel-gt-was-and-is-captivating/
After returning home from a tour of duty with the US
Army in Vietman Ron Lenzner was assigned to Fort
Hood in TX. While there a friend bought a curvaceous
Opel GT that captured Mr. Lenzner’s attention. “It
looked similar to a 1969 Corvette,” he observed.
About 30 years later Mr. Lenzner began looking for a
driveable Opel GT for himself.
He soon discovered that not many of the rust prone
sporty cars had survived into the new century. His
quest continued for four years until April 2004 when
a 1970 model appeared for sale on ebay.
Mr. Lenzner was astonished when he was notified that
he had placed the highest bid. Soon the car was on a
truck bound for Mr. Lenzner’s home in MD.
Papers that arrived with the car indicate that he is the
third owner. The first two owners were Texans.
Before the Opel arrived from Dallas Mr. Lenzner
began to have second thoughts about his purchase.
“I was having fourth thoughts by the time it arrived,”
he says.
His anxiety was warranted. “It barely ran,” Mr.
Lenzner says. “It had no brakes, the lights didn’t work
and it leaked everything.”
Still, the sensuous lines of the Opel GT captivated him
so he set about to repair his car. He did not realize the
task was going to consumer four years.
The Curvaceous Opel GT was, and is, captivating
Note the bulge in the hood to accommodate the carburetor.
A racing carburetor now sets atop the rebuilt 1.9-liter, four-cylinder
engine. The bulge on the right side of the engine hood is there to
accommodate the carburetor.
Mr. Lenzner discovered that Opel built GT models like his from 1968
to 1973. His 13.5 -foot-long two-seat car rolls on a 96-inch wheelbase
supported by 13-inch tires.
It took awhile but Ron Lenzner
finally has his 1970 Opel GT.
Writer: Vern Parker,
Washington Times Friday Oct. 10 2008
Photographs by Bill O'Brien
This Open -Letter was found (anonymously) in my email inbox written, by a non-politically correct and unknown author, about the kind
of car Congress would make… and how they might sell it. It describes a commercial the Federal Government might make in order to inform
the citizenry of the kind of car they will be allowed to purchase if they would like a car over the Federal Government preferred option for
transportation: Public Transportation, Subway, Bus, or using sidewalks provided for your convenience. Warning: Politically In-Correct!!
Congressional Motors Announces The First Car for 2012,
The Pelosi
It’s in the way you dress… The way you boogie down… The way you sign your
unemployment check!
You likes to do things your own way. And on those special odd-numbered Saturdays when driving is permitted, you want it in
your car - It’s that special feeling of a zero-emissions wind at your back and the a road ahead meandering with possibilities.
The kind of feeling you get behind the wheel of the Pelosi GTxi SS/Rt Sport Edition from Congressional Motors.
The all new for 2012, the Pelosi GTxi SS/Rt Sport Edition is the mandatory American car
so advanced it took $100 billion and an entire Congress to design it.
We started with same reliable 7 -way hybrid ethanol-biodiesel-electric clean-coal-wind-solar-pedal power plant behind the
base model Pelosi, but packed it with extra oomph and the sassy styling pizzazz that tells the world that 1974 Detroit is back
again -- with a vengeance. We’ve subsidized the features you want and taxed away the rest.
Powered with its advanced Al Gore designed V3 under the hood pumping out
22.5 thumping, carbon-neutral ponies of Detroit muscle, you’ll never be late
for the Disco or the Day Labor Shelter.
Engage the pedal drive or strap on the optional jumbo mizzenmast, and the
GTxi SS/Rt Sport Edition easily exceeds 2016 CAFE mileage standards. At an
estimated 268 MPG, that’s a savings of nearly $1800 per week in fuel cost
over the 2011 model Pelosi.
Even with increased performance we didn’t skimp on safety. Eleven-point
passenger racing harnesses, fifteen-way airbags, and mandatory helmet -you’ll have the security knowing that you could survive a 45 MPH collision
even if the GTxi SS/Rt were capable of that kind of mind numbing, illegal
speed.
But the changes don’t stop there.
Sporty mag-style hubcaps and an all-new aggressive wedge shape designed by CM’s Chief Stylist Ted Kennedy slices through
the wind like an omnibus spending bill. It even features an airtight undercarriage to keep you and a passenger afloat up to 15
minutes -- even in the choppy waters of a Cape Cod inlet.
Available a rainbow of color choices to match any wardrobe, from Harvest Avocado to French Mustard. Inside, a luxurious
all-velour interior designed by Barney Frank features thoughtful appointments like an in-dash condom dispenser -- perfect
for any social engagement or school training exercise.
A special high capacity hatchback holds up to 300 aluminum cans,
meaning fewer trips to the redemption center, and the standard 3
speaker Fairness ActoPhonic FM low-band sound system means
you’ll never miss a segment of NPR again.
Best of all, the Pelosi GTxi SS/Rt is made right here in the U.S.A. by
fully card-checked unionized workers and Day -Laborers.
Even if you don’t own one, you can enjoy the patriotic satisfaction
that you’re supporting the high wages, good benefits, and generous
political donations that are once again making the American car industry the envy of the world.
With an MSRP starting at only $629,999.99, it’s affordable too.
Don’t forget to ask about dealer incentives, rebates, tax credits, and
wealth redistribution plans for customers from dozens of qualifying
special interest groups. Plus easy-pay financing programs from Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
So take the Metro rail, bus, or walk to your local CM dealer today and
find out why the Pelosi GTxi SS/Rt Sport Edition is the only car endorsed by President Barack Obama.
One test drive will convince you that you’d choose it over the import
brands, even if they were still legal.
Shown with the revolutionary
Solar Cell Pack Trailer
Opel GT: Original Air Filter System
Valve Cover Hoses
Opel GT owners who want to keep their engine
compartment “factory-original,” and others who have
a functional original Solex carburetor, frequently ask
to learn “what parts go where.” Because so many
Opels have had these parts altered or removed, and
because even the factory manuals don’t adequately
illustrate the original Opel GT air filter system,
the original air filter configurations are shown here.
Hoses are simply
pressed in to the
ports on the
valve cover.
Thin Hose
(~7/32”ID)
(~13/32”OD)
(There is
NO PCV
valve used)
Thick Hose
(~15/32” ID)
(~3/4”OD)
Thicker hose, goes to metal “cap” on top of carburetor
Metal Cap
Must sit snugly on top of carburetor ,to avoid
hitting underside of the hood. (Transmission mount
and bracket must also be correctly installed).
Thinner hose, goes to thin vacuum port on intake manifold
(on 1968-1972 manifolds it’s below a thick brake booster hose)
(on 1973-1974 manifolds, it’s on the engine side of carburetor)
Hose port, is where
formed hose connects
to valve cover
Connector Hose
Ring clamp attaches
underside of metal
cap, to top of
carburetor
Clamps
Rubber “accordion style” oval-shaped hose
Attaches hose ends to metal cap and filter lid
Hinged Clamp(s)
Solex
Carb
Holds lid to base
Typical
1968-1972
Opel GT
water-choke
model
(32DIDTA)
Air Filter Lid (Underside Styles)
Inspection of the underside of the lid is required,
to identify which style it is: “Early” or “Later”.
“Early” 1968-1970 underside (at lower left),
had a protruding multiple -hole surface (with
internal “straw-like” material) which will NOT fit
aftermarket air filters that are now sold —
(unless the protruding area is somehow removed).
“Later” 1971-1973 underside (at lower right)
had a large round recessed area, which will fit
aftermarket air filters that are now sold.
Cannister Base with Snorkel
This piece is mounted onto a bracket in the engine compartment.
(The protruding “snorkel” attracts cooler air away from engine
heat, which enhances power with its denser oxygen mixture).
Hardware pieces (listed in descending order) include a bolt
(13mm head), a wide metal washer, a rubber insulator, and below
the canister is a thin metal spacer sleeve and a rubber insulator.
Air Filter (mounts inside)
The typical aftermarket style is shown below.
(Outer top lip, may require some trimming to fit)
A higher-performance filter is also available.
“Early” 1968-1970 style
“Later” 1971-1973 style
www.opelclub.com 11/08
Opels with Aftermarket Weber Carburetors: Air Filter Options
Basic Kit
KIT
A kit (with top and bottom mount plates, a 2 1/2” filter element,
and a plastic elbow for the thick hose to the valve cover) is the
least expensive and most widely used air filter system on
Weber 32/36 DGEV-series carburetors.
Elbow
It’s important to completely secure the 4 mount bolts to the carburetor,
as vibration can cause them to loosen and get sucked into the manifold
(which has ruined pistons and engines over the years).
Variations of this style of kit, include an older “redline” kit (which
has a thinner 1 1/2” tall element) and some older K&N filters
(some are oval shaped, and other models used foam with mesh domes).
Adaptor
An option for Opels, is a 2 1/4” tall adaptor to the
original Opel air filter system. This allows cooler air
to enter the carburetor, via the snorkel which is away
from the engine.
To avoid excessive height from the combination of the
adaptor and the metal cap, a slight modification is
required.
The metal clamp around the base of the metal cap can
be removed, and about 1/2” of its lower lip can be removed (with a hacksaw) to provide clearance
(so that the top of the metal cap doesn’t strike the
underside of the engine hood)
Dome Kit
Metal Cap
(attaches to
connector hose)
Where to cut 1/2”,
(if needed to fit)
Adaptor
Slips over top of
carb
www.opelclub.com 11/08
Dome Kit Components
The newest option for
Webers, is a “dome kit”.
This replaces the original
Opel “metal cap” for
higher-performance
applications.
Connector Hose
This not only looks more
“modern” under the hood,
but is a good application for
engines with performance
parts (by developing more
power with greater airflow).
A round base sits on top of the
carburetor, and the dome attaches on top
of the base.
It also helps solve clearance
issues with the 38DGAS
(which is mounted with a
taller gasket spacer).
This kit can be connected to the
original Opel rubber hose piece to
the air filter, or a filter can be custom-fit
(using a longer connector hose).
Round Base
The 2009 Opel National will be in Spanaway, WA. At the Kelley’s Kafe, 16302 Pacific Ave, Spanaway.
Friday the 17th. There will be a car cruise to Mount Rainier.
Saturday the 18th. We will meet at Kelley’s Kafe.
We will also have event T -Shirts for sale.
Stay tuned for more events and times.
John D. Boespflug, 253-581-5372
THE BLUESMOBILE
Well you know, it’s like from the movie “The Blues Brothers.”
Sometimes you get lucky and get to live out some of your fantasies.
November 1st. I went to a car auction, first time ever. I went to
buy a van and ended up with a police car! To be more specific, a
2001 Ford Crown Victoria County Sheriff’s car, green with the
pusher bars on the bumper and a working spotlight. When I punch
the gas pedal to the floor it’s like being shot out of a cannon!
I guess I’ve kind of always wanted one after seeing that car chase
movie a long time ago. Of course they did remove the door decals,
also the lights on top and police radios. But I’m keeping the rest of
the side stripes and the “DIAL 911” on the rear fenders. The best
part is that I got the winning bid of $850.
The funniest thing is that I find myself being really careful in obeying all the speed limits now, more so than I ever
was before. Seems like I just have to set a good example.
This car cost $25,000 when new and that’s without the police lights and radios. And this car is loaded, power windows,
dual air bags, stainless steel dual exhaust, power mirrors, automatic overdrive in all gears, special rear end for driving
on ice, and air conditioning. I did have to buy new tires, special high speed, high performance, with stiff side walls.
The tire shop said that these are the same tires they install on Viper!
I’ve had more fun driving this car in the last month than I’ve had in the entire last year.
This green machine still almost totally looks like it’s still a real police car. Not too many
people want to speed around me now when I drive exactly the legal speed limit down the
freeway!
This is going to be my “car Club car”, at my Opel car show in 2009, and I’ll lead a car
cruise to Mt. Rainier on the day before. So get out and live your dreams!
John Boespflug,aka The Wanderer
Classified
Ads
The Opel Motorsport Club offers Advertising as a service to its
members and does not endorse or bear responsibility for any claims
made by advertisers. OMC strongly suggests exercising caution in
any transactions for items, including: Checking out Vendor reputation on Internet discussion boards such as at: www.opelgt.com
Sales Brochures
OPEL ORIGINAL sales brochures showing all Opel
models, interiors, features for the year. Great for
Restorations or Gifts! ALL PRICES PER YEAR:
1947-49, $40; 1950-54, $35; 1955-64, $25; 1965-69,
$18; 1970-present, $15. Add $3.85 shipping. Specify
year & model. VlSA/MC. Also have literature, manuals,
all cars, trucks, motorcycles, world-wide.
Visit our website: http://www.autolit.com
Walter Miller, 6710 Brooklawn, Syracuse NY 13211.
315-432-8282. Fx 315-432-8256 or E-mail:
[email protected]
1972 Opel GT parts
Complete drivetrain available, along with interior (steering
wheel not available) and front and rear suspensions. Car
does not run, and has not run for several years. The car is
currently located at Lucky's Race Cars in Phoenixville (PA)
1973 Opel GT
Original owner, 4spd, Almost all original. 21000 actual
miles, driven in Summer only, orange exterior,
has AM radio and original tires, clean inside and out.
$11950 Russ 920-979-5070 (WI)
1973 Opel
Body good, engine runs hot. Call to see. $1200.
Steve 626-497-7008 (CA)
1973 Opel GT
Black, 60k miles on engine, needs carb work. $1000.
303-229-5635 (CO)
Opel Wanted
I’m looking to buy my first Opel. Does anyone have one for
sale in Alabama? Willing to travel. Carrie Cooper
[email protected]
Opels For Sale, by Private Parties
1961 Opel Caravan (Station Wagon)
Restored, looks like 57 Chevy Nomad, engine runs smooth,
stick shift trans, new tires, all glass excellent, gets people's
attention and drives perfect. Also, I can ship to your country.
EUR7000. Please call me at (949) 350 0909. (CA)
1969 Opel Kadett
4spd, driven daily runs great just had front seats recovered
gets 40 mpg. $900. 540-832-2664 (VA)
1969 Opel Kadett Rallye (photo at right)
Second owner. Original miles 40,600. Automatic Trans.
Must see to appreciate. (678)628-5019 (GA)
1970 Opel GT
1.9 engine, 4 speed Project car, restorable, extra parts
623-261-1456. (AZ) $950. Serious inquiries only, please.
Opel GT Funny Car
Street Legal, 2 bodies, will also trade for pre-1970 Corvette
($20k value). NSRA 1970's funny car "Moody Blues."
With many parts, sold as a package deal. $16,900.
Serious calls only, please. Randy 815-467-6353 (IL)
1969 Opel Kadett Rallye
OPEL GT SOURCE
Orders: 1-800-673-5487
Info: 1-209-928-1110
Fax:
1-209-928-3298
Web: www.opelgtsource.com
Email: [email protected]
Open Mon-Fri
8am - 5pm Pacific
9am - 6pm Mountain
10am - 7pm Central
11am - 8pm Eastern
Catalog: $4.00
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4004, Sonora, CA 95370 USA
UPS Shipping Address: 18211 Zeni Lane, Tuolumne, CA 95379 USA
New, Reproduction, Used & High Performance parts for:
Opel GT, Manta A, 1900 Sedan, Wagon & Kadett B
Direct Importer. Same Day Shipping policy. We accept Visa, Master Card,
American Express and Discover. Serving the Opel Community Since 1987
1310 N. TAMARIND AVE.
RIALTO, CA 92376
PHONE: 909-355-OPEL
FAX: 909-355-6557
COMPLETE
PARTS &
SERVICES
FOR ALL OPELS
FROM
1960 TO 1980
“If You Bought It
Somewhere Else,
You Paid Too
Much”
YOUR ONE STOP OPEL SHOP
VISIT OUR WEBSITE:
WWW.OPELSUNL.COM
OMC New Years Party
Saturday January 12, 2009 - Starting about 7 PM
36 South Peak Drive, Laguna Niguel, CA (949) 248-0669
John & Marjorie Maurillo have once again graciously opened up their beautiful home in Laguna
Niguel, to host this year’s New Years party. So come and join in the New Year’s Fun.
As always, the Blowout Party will be a Pot Luck affair, so here is this year’s list of who should bring what:
Your last name begins with: Its your turn to bring:
‘A’ through ‘F’
Dessert
‘G’ through ‘L’
Main Dish
‘M’ through ‘S’
Chips & Dips
‘T’ through ‘Z’
Salad or Side Dish
The Club with provide sodas and non-alcoholic
beverages. If you want something else, BYOB!
DIRECTIONS
1.
Take Interstate 5 to Crown Valley Parkway Exit
2.
Go South (toward beach) for 6 miles to Camino Del Avion
3.
Turn LEFT onto Camino Del Avion
4.
Go 1/4 mile to South Peak
5. Turn LEFT onto South Peak
6.
Go up hill to the 5th cul-de-sac on right side
7.
House number 36 is on the corner,
behind the cul-de-sac address monument