Chev / Opel Ranger

[bugga-ree]

Hi

I've just bought a Ranger from this dude that needed to sell ASAP. I need some assistance with completing the job on the car.

There is a Rover 3.5 v8, Cressida 5spd box, dunno what diff

The Brakes : std with small discs in front and drums at the back.

I can post pics.

[bugga-ree]

Does anybody know where i can locate the manual for this car?

[ZA Perana]

Welcome to the forum, you may find a manual difficult to obtain as this was SA's first supposedly home grown car, the mix being Opel and to a lesser degree Vauxhall if I recall correctly.

Zahistorics on the forum may be able to help.

[Johann65]

Welcome to the forum, you may find a manual difficult to obtain as this was SA's first supposedly home grown car, the mix being Opel and to a lesser degree Vauxhall if I recall correctly.

Zahistorics on the forum may be able to help.

This was Operation Mayflower, that I was involved with from 1965 to 1966. Opel and Vauxhall were one and the same car with exception of trim. The Ranger had the McKinnon 2.5 liter motor and not the German OHC motor. Trim originally had the Springbok head on the bonnet and on the seats. Sold my 73 SS in 1984.

[ZA Perana]

Welcome to the forum, you may find a manual difficult to obtain as this was SA's first supposedly home grown car, the mix being Opel and to a lesser degree Vauxhall if I recall correctly.

Zahistorics on the forum may be able to help.

This was Operation Mayflower, that I was involved with from 1965 to 1966. Opel and Vauxhall were one and the same car with exception of trim. The Ranger had the McKinnon 2.5 liter motor and not the German OHC motor. Trim originally had the Springbok head on the bonnet and on the seats. Sold my 73 SS in 1984.

Very interesting Johann. I think the decision to go with the McKinnon motor was a good one as to this day they remain one of the most rugged and reliable motors. Any idea how it ended up being called Operation Mayflower as to me to the name Mayflower bring up iimmages of pilgrims setting sail for America.

I think the Ranger was a very brave project at the time and I still sometimes see a SS coupe and perhaps the rarest of all variant a station wagon.

[mahleu]

Hi

I've just bought a Ranger from this dude that needed to sell ASAP. I need some assistance with completing the job on the car.

There is a Rover 3.5 v8, Cressida 5spd box, dunno what diff

The Brakes : std with small discs in front and drums at the back.

I can post pics.

That's a very nice combination of engine and gearbox. Light V8 plus strong 5 speed. If I had a car with no engine that's pretty much what i'd buy.

[Johann65]

Very interesting Johann. I think the decision to go with the McKinnon motor was a good one as to this day they remain one of the most rugged and reliable motors. Any idea how it ended up being called Operation Mayflower as to me to the name Mayflower bring up iimmages of pilgrims setting sail for America. I think the Ranger was a very brave project at the time and I still sometimes see a SS coupe and perhaps the rarest of all variant a station wagon.

Those days the top management were state side with a few Brits and Germans making up the next level. I can only think the decision was theirs. I've heard of other codes, but this is the one that I re-call while I was part of the team.
My office was about 5 paces away from the project on the lower level. Saw it take shape with the Vauxhall 2000 grill, South African soft trim, Opel body and the Canadian Chevy II engine. So it was never realy a true South African Car.

[ZA Perana]

Those days the top management were state side with a few Brits and Germans making up the next level. I can only think the decision was theirs. I've heard of other codes, but this is the one that I re-call while I was part of the team.
My office was about 5 paces away from the project on the lower level. Saw it take shape with the Vauxhall 2000 grill, South African soft trim, Opel body and the Canadian Chevy II engine. So it was never realy a true South African Car.

Great, its amazing that sheer scale of GM in the 60's and 70's in SA the developement of the Ranger, the Nomad and all the other projects, like the Firenza and all the other hybrids like the Chev SS. I must say one thing about the Ranger the basis shape still looks pretty good today but in all probability the best thing about them was the drivetrain which seemed to outlast pretty much anything.

If you think about it those were very different times, I couldnt see something like the Ranger ever happening today, in this corporate world....

[Johann65]

With Global marketing, it will never happen,
Phillips made in Taiwan, china, Nokia made in Hungary, You name it, it is made elsewhere!

[RangerReg]

Welcome to the forum, you may find a manual difficult to obtain as this was SA's first supposedly home grown car, the mix being Opel and to a lesser degree Vauxhall if I recall correctly.

Zahistorics on the forum may be able to help.

This was Operation Mayflower, that I was involved with from 1965 to 1966. Opel and Vauxhall were one and the same car with exception of trim. The Ranger had the McKinnon 2.5 liter motor and not the German OHC motor. Trim originally had the Springbok head on the bonnet and on the seats. Sold my 73 SS in 1984.

Oom Johann,
How to tell if a McKinnon vs standard 2.5L engine? I am hopefully going to taks a final look at the Ranger this week and if all OK take it