OPEL 1900 1973 Service Manual

2H-381973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
BUMPERS
CONTENTS
Subject
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION: Protective Moldings
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DIAGNOSIS: (Not Applicable)
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS: (Not
Applicable) MAJOR REPAIR: Removal and Installation
1900
- Manta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer Hitch Installation, . , . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SPECIFICATIONS: (Not Applicable) Page No.
2H-38
2H-38
2H-39
2H-41
DESCRIPTION ‘AND OPERATION
PROTECTIVE MOLDINGS
All 1973 Opel bumpers are equipped with rubber
protective moldings as standard equipment. The
moldings are easily removed by removing the attach-
ing nuts located on the inboard side of the bumper.
MAJOR REPAIR
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF FRONT
BUMPER AND BUMPER GUARDS
(OPEL 1900 -
MANTA)
Removal
1. Remove bumper attaching screws on inside
- left
and right
- and from left and right brackets. See
Figure
2H-2.
2. From the front, unscrew bumper guard attaching
screws. See Figure‘
2H-2.
Remove bumper and bumper guards.
Installation
1. Attach bumper guards to bumper.
Figure ZH-2 Bumper Attaching Screws
2. From the front, secure bumper guards with attach-
ing screws. See Figure
2H-2.
3. Install attaching bolts on left and right brackets,
and on left and right inside. See Figure
2H-2.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF FRONT
BUMPER BRACKETS (OPEL 1900
- MANTA)
The front bumper brackets are attached with three
screws. Removal of the three screws will allow re- moval and installation of the front bumper brackets.
See Figure
2H-3.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF REAR
BUMPER AND GUARDS (OPEL 1900
- MANTA)
1. Remove license plate lamp.
2. Remove bumper attaching screws and bumper
brackets. See Figure
2H-4.

BUMPERS21-1-39--..,2H-3 i
Figure ZH-3 Bumper Bracket Screws
Figure ZH-4 Bumper Attaching ScrewsREMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF FRONT REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF FRONT
BUMPER ASSEMBLY
(GT)BUMPER ASSEMBLY (GT)1. Remove grille. 1. Remove grille.
2. Disconnect bumper at points shown in Figure2H-5 and remove bumper. 2. Disconnect bumper at points shown in Figure2H-5 and remove bumper.
Installation
Installation1. Install bumper and secure at points shown in Fig-
ure 2H-5. 1. Install bumper and secure at points shown in Fig-
ure 2H-5.
RemovalFigure ZH-6 Removing Tail Lamp Assembly
Figure 2H-5 Front Bumper Attaching Points
Figure 2H-7 Rear Bumper Attaching Points

z-l-401973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
2. Install grille.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF REAR
BUMPER ASSEMBLY (GT)
Removal1. Remove tail lamp assembly. See Figure 2H-6.2. Remove bumper attaching nuts accessible through
lamp opening. See Figure 2H-7.Installation1. Install bumper and secure with attaching nuts
accessible through lamp opening. See Figure 2H-7.
2. Install tail lamp assembly. See Figure 2H-6.

3116” SPACERSAFET‘;. CHAIN PLATE
(Dl -l/Z x 3INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1969
- 73 OPEL GT TRAILER HITCH LESS BALL
GROUP 7.068
STEP 1.REMOVE ONE RIGHT HAND AND ONE LEFT HAND
TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY,
STEP 2.PLACE TIE BAR (C) UNDER THE REAR BODY
PANEL BY PULLING DOWN ON THE EXHAUST PIPES AND
SLIDING THE TIE BAR OVER THE PIPES AND INTO
POSITION. PLACE DRAW BAR (Al UNDER TIE BAR ICI
AND FASTEN WITH A
112 x 2” HEX BOLT WITH LOCK
WASHER AND NUT UNDER DRAW BAR (A). PLACE TIE
BAR (8) UNDER DRAW BAR IAl AND SAFETY CHAIN PLATE(DI UNDER TIE BAR
(B) AND FASTEN WITH A 112 ‘x 2-114”HEX BOLT WITH FLAT WASHER, LOCK WASHER AND NUT
BELOW SAFETY CHAIN PLATE IDI.
STEP 3. HOLD HITCH IN POSITION WITH TIE BAR (Cl
UNDE~R THE REAR BODY PANEL AND TIE BAR (RI
BETWEEN THE BUMPER GUARDS. USING THE HOLES IN
THE ENDS OF TIE BAR (Cl AS A GUIDE, LOCATE, MARK
AND DRILL TWO
112” HOLES IN THE VERTICAL PORTION
OF THE REAR BODY PANEL. PLACE THE 3/16” SPACERS
ON THE
112 x l-l/2 HEX BOLTS AND BY REACHING
THROUGH THE TAIL LAMP OPENINGS, INSERT THE BOLTS
THROUGH THE BODY PANEL AND TIE BAR (Cl AND
FASTEN WITH LOCK WASHER AND NUT.
STEP 4. ALIGN TIE BAR (8) BETWEEN THE
BUMP,ER GUARDS
AND LOCATE, MARK AND DRILL A 112~ HOLE THROUGH
BOTH SIDES OF THE BUMPER GUARD USING THE HOLES
IN TIE BAR IBI AS A GUIDE. MAINTAIN
112 lNCH.MlNlMUM
CLEARANCE BETWEEN TOP OF DRAW BAR.(A) AND
BOTTOM OF BACK-UP LIGHT. FASTEN TIE BAR
(Bl ,TO’THE BUMPER GUARDS WITH 112 x 3” BOLTS WITH TWO.112”
SPACERS AND ONE 318” SPACER INSIDE EACH BUMPER
GUARD. REPLACE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLES.
TIGHTEN ALL
112” NUTS.TO A MAXIMUP,.TOROUE OF
60 FOOT LBS.
INSTALL BALL US1NG.A MAXIMUM.TOR~DUE OF
150 FOOT LBS.
MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT 1000 LBS.
MAXIMUM TONGUE WEIGHT 100 LBS.
MOST STATES PROHIBIT OBSTRUCTION OF LICENSE.
PLATES. BALL SHOULD BE REMOVED WHEN NOT IN
USE IF IT OBSTRUCTS A CLEAR VIEW.2H.8
Figure 2H-8 GT Trailer Hitch Installation

FLVTRlJNK PLAT
DRAW BAR16x1-1/2 -DRAW‘ BAR EXTENSION-%GSAFETY CHAIN PLATE6INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1971
- 72 - 73 OPEL 1900 SERIES S/W
GROUP NO. 7.068
REMOVE LICENSE PLATE
STEP 1. ASSEMBLE HITCH AS ILLUSTRATED. HOLD
HITCH IS POSITION WITH FLOOR PLATE RESTING
AGAINST THE CROSS FRAME IN FRONT OF GAS TANK.
CENTER DRAW BAR SUPPORT ON THE REAR BODY
PANEL, RAISE UNTIL LEVEL.
STEP 2.MARK AND DRILL TWO
7116” HOLES IN REAR
BODY PANEL AND ATTACH AS SHOWN.
STEP 3.DRILL TWO
112” HOLES IN CROSS FRAME IN
FRONT OF THE GAS TANK AND CONTINUE DRILLING UP
THROUGH THE INNER FLOOR. NOTE: HOLD DRILL
VERTICAL WHILE DRILLING THROUGH THE INNER FLOOR.
ENLARGE BOTTOM HOLE SLIGHTLY TO ACCEPT SPACER.
STEP 4. ATTACH TRUNK PLATE AS ILLUSTRATED. PLACE
THE FLOOR PLATES ON THE 2
l/2” CARRIAGE BOLTS
AND INSERTS THROUGH THE OPENINGS
iN THE BACK OF
THE TRUNK WELL.INSERT SPACERS AS SHOWN AND
COMPLETE INSTALLATION.
REPLACE LICENSE PLATE.
TIGHTEN ALL
112” NUTS TO A MAXIMUM TORQUE OF
60 FOOT LBS. AND 7/16” NUTS TO A MAXIMUM OF
45 FOOT LBS.
INSTALL BALL USING A MAXIMUM TORQUE OF 150
FOOT LBS.
MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT 100 LBS
MAXIMUM TONGUE WEIGHT 100 LBS.
MOST STATES PROHIBIT OBSTRUCTION OF LICENSE
PLATES, BALL SHOULD BE REMOVED WHEN NOT IN
USE IF IT OBSTRUCTS A CLEAR VIEW.
ZH-9Figure
ZH-9 Opel 1900 Wagon Trailer Hitch Installation

AFETY CHAINPLATEINSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1971-72-73 OPEL 50 SER.. LESS S/WAGON CAR TRAILER HITCH
GROUP NO. 7.068
STEP 1.REMOVE LICENSE PLATE, ASSEMBLE V-BAR AND
SAFETY CHAIN PLATE TO DRAW BAR AS ILLUSTRATED.
HOLD HITCH IN POSITION WITH THE DRAW EAR LEVEL
AND THE V-BAR RESTING ON THE REAR BODY PANEL.
MARK AND DRILL TWO l/2” HOLES THROUGH THE BODY
AND ATTACH THE V-BAR AS ILLUSTRATED.
STEP ‘2. ALIGN THE ORAW BAR IN THE CENTER OF THE
TRUCK FLOOR AND DRILL A
l/2” HOLE THROUGH THE
FLOOR USING THE HOLE IN THE DRAW BAR AS A GUIDE.
ATTACH THE FLOOR PLATE AND FLOOR STRAP AS
ILLUSTRATED. DRILL THE TWO REMAINING HOLES IN
THE FLOOR AND COMPLETE INSTALLATION AS ILLUSTRATED
REPLACE LICENSE PLATE.
TIGHTEN ALL
112” NUTS TO A TORQUE OF 60 FOOT LBS.II\STALL BALL USING A TORQUE OF 150 FOOT LBS.
MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT 1000 LBS.
MAXIMUM TONGUE WEIGHT 100 LBS.
MOST STATES PROHIBIT OBSTRUCTION OF LICENSE PLATES.
BALL SHOULD BE REMOVED WHEN NOT IN USE IF IT
OBSTRUCTS A CLEAR VIEW.
ZH-10Figure ZH-10 Opel 1900
- Manta - Less Wagon -Trailer Hitch lnsfallafion

I
GROUP 3
SUSPENSION
AND
STEERING I
SectionTitlePage No
3AFrontSuspension. . . . . . . . . .3A- 2
3BSteering Linkages38-l 9
3C Front End Alignment3C-22
3DSteering Gear.._........3D-27
Steering Column
3E1900 - Manta ,._________...3E-35
GT
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3E-42
3FRear Suspension. . . . . . . . .3F-51
3GWheelsand Tires. . . . . . . . . .36-55

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

FRONT SUSPENSION3A- 34RM“PPtR BALL
SHOCK ABSORBER UPPER CONTROL,
UPPER CONTROL
ARM SHAFT
“:,‘,:“,‘,“,“, ,“pd,,‘, T/RUBBER BUMPER
\CROSSMEMBER
ROTOR
/LOWER BALL JOINTFRONT SPRING
Figure 3A-2 GT Front Suspension (Disc Brakes)
the upper and lower control arm are not in parallel
(anti- dive).The lower control arm is connected to the steering
knuckle with a ball joint.3A-4
Figure 3A-3 Cross Member Marking
Figure 3A-4 Front Suspension
- Opel 1900 Manta