Topic: Can someone who had a tour through the GM plant in Wilmington please help me?

[Ironhide]

Hi

Did someone notice if they manufactured the complete Opel GT or if the car had been built as Saturn and they replaced the the Saturn parts in Germany with the Opel ones?

[dengel]

From what I recall, the cars had to be built as Opel GTs from the start.  In addition to the exterior pieces that have a different appearance, the bumpers had to meet European standards for pedestrian impacts (which I believe are stricter than US standards) and the wiring, at least for the lighting, is different, as anyone who has swapped out the Sky tail lights and back-up light knows.

[DaveOC]

The cars were built in Wilmington as Opel GTs, and were reported as Opel GTs in the monthly totals published by GM at the time.

[Critterman]

^ What they said ^

[Sol Asylum]

So all the Opel parts were installed on the car before it left Wilmington and wouldn't require any changes once the car arrived in Europe?

[Critterman]

Exactly.  The same for the few Deawoo they built for Korea all 300 or so

[DaveOC]

So all the Opel parts were installed on the car before it left Wilmington and wouldn't require any changes once the car arrived in Europe?

That is my understanding of how it worked. 

The Opels also had unique VIN numbers.  Solstice VINs started with 1G2, Skys started with 1G8 and Opel GTs started with 1G0.

[ihawk95]

Agree with everyone else regarding the build in Wilmington.  I remember they told us the Opels had different windshield specs from the Sols and Skys.  It had something to do with the tint in the glass.

Can't remember all the things that were different for the overseas badges, but I do remember the differences being mentioned on the tour and they showed us some of the stock parts to show them.

[Sol Asylum]

Is there a thread that documents the changes between the Opel and Saturn kappas?  Might not be a bad idea to create one if it doesn't exist.

[Kelu]

There is one on skyroadster forum.

[Ironhide]

There is one on skyroadster forum.

Yes noticed that, too.

So when we are talking about the differences:

- different bumpers
- different taillights
- ashtray in both door trims and cigarette lighter on driver side
- seats without Sky logo
- no aluminum pedals
- no theft alarm
- no amber parking lights
- no side markers
- Opel badges
- red center stoplight
- no cupholder
- undercoating


As you know I want to take my car with me when time has come for immigration (still need a green card).
So I'm replacing all Opel parts (except the front bumper) to bring the car in compliance to U.S. law.

I've checked the wiring (there's another post about taillight wiring) and I think it will be easy to restore the configuration for the stoplights.
Maybe I'll have to reprogram the BCM, because I need an additional stoplight signal on the turninglight wire, which is standard in the U.S.
But first I'll check out if there is no signal on the wire.

[TomatoSoup]

You shouldn't need to change the rear lights for compliance reasons.  Either method (flashing stop lights OR separate turn and stop) is legal in US.

Similarly you can have (or not have) rear fog lights.

[ihawk95]

Yeah, I don't think your tail lights will be a problem here in the US.  As long as you have a white reverse light, red brake lights, a 3rd brake light...I don't think there are any other requirements.  The new Mustangs have sequential rear turn signals now.

If your lights are some strange color, such as blue...then you would have trouble.  For example the lighted Wind Restrictors that use the brake light module.  In most states, as long as it is red, it is no issue.  Some states do not allow any other color than red.

Doing a quick read...you need whatever is required by US agencies to pass.  Especially emissions.  I don't know of any differences in the cat so you should be ok with emissions.  Most of the differences in the Opel and Sky are cosmetic.  The info I saw suggests you contact GM in the US and they can tell you what is necessary to change.

BTW, I also read you'll have to have the car professionally cleaned.  The US Agricultural Department is very picky about bringing insects into the US.  Even across the US.  I had to fill out tons of paperwork when I moved from Illinois to Ohio in 2011 saying I didn't live in an area having certain pests.

[Ironhide]

Doing a quick read...you need whatever is required by US agencies to pass.  Especially emissions.  I don't know of any differences in the cat so you should be ok with emissions.  Most of the differences in the Opel and Sky are cosmetic.  The info I saw suggests you contact GM in the US and they can tell you what is necessary to change.

BTW, I also read you'll have to have the car professionally cleaned.  The US Agricultural Department is very picky about bringing insects into the US.  Even across the US.  I had to fill out tons of paperwork when I moved from Illinois to Ohio in 2011 saying I didn't live in an area having certain pests.

Called GM aftersales manager two years ago, has been a pain in the a....
Since Opel and GM (funny Opel belongs to GM) are figthing a little war you don't get any information from GM about my car.
So 3 years ago I've called Opel and asked them about the motor and emission and yeah your correct it's the same motor, cat etc.
They just removed the labels down here and so I'll need to get new ones, this job can only be done in the U.S. by a registered importer.
I'm pretty sure it will be no problem.
Cleaning up the car will be a hard job, because there are dead insects and soil everywere in the engine compartment.

[ihawk95]

Called GM aftersales manager two years ago, has been a pain in the a....
Since Opel and GM (funny Opel belongs to GM) are figthing a little war you don't get any information from GM about my car.
So 3 years ago I've called Opel and asked them about the motor and emission and yeah your correct it's the same motor, cat etc.
They just removed the labels down here and so I'll need to get new ones, this job can only be done in the U.S. by a registered importer.
I'm pretty sure it will be no problem.
Cleaning up the car will be a hard job, because there are dead insects and soil everywere in the engine compartment.

That's what else I saw...a US importer should be able to tell you exactly what you need to do.  I'd almost bet since the important stuff is the same, you won't need to change much else.  It's gonna depend upon how picky the customs agent is on the day it clears customs.