Where to buy a new 205 shell?
Discussion
Where would you buy a new shell for a Peugeot 205 GTI? While I'm here if you know of somewhere that has a Renault 5 Turbo shell for sale I'd be interested too. I have been looking at a few renovation projects and I reckon a new shell makes more sense than endless welding but can't find them anywhere on the internet. Cheers.
Forget 'em being in stock anywhere...
You MIGHT be able to find one lurking in the back of a long-forgotten workshop, but it's massively unlikely... I suspect there's a few 205 people got new shells tucked away somewhere, and I'm sure I saw one advertised on a forum a while back. Not cheap, though.
R5 probably similar - fewer would have been bought by people rallying/racing when new, just in case, but probably fewer used by them over the years, too.
If you DID find one of either, there's probably a fair chance you'd have to convert it from LHD.
You MIGHT be able to find one lurking in the back of a long-forgotten workshop, but it's massively unlikely... I suspect there's a few 205 people got new shells tucked away somewhere, and I'm sure I saw one advertised on a forum a while back. Not cheap, though.
R5 probably similar - fewer would have been bought by people rallying/racing when new, just in case, but probably fewer used by them over the years, too.
If you DID find one of either, there's probably a fair chance you'd have to convert it from LHD.
I did once go and look at a Fiat 850 rally car to use as a daily drive - the owner had decided to 'move up' to an Abarth 131 replica, for which he had a brand new old stock shell sitting on stands in case he stacked it/it melted!
Rally crowd would be a good shout, but I'd expect if you did find one they'd want some serious cash for it. It won't be matching VIN either, so if concourse is the ambition it'll 'fail' from that perspective. Not sure the GTI is any different in basic structure terms? Might be worthing seeking out a rot free shell to swap the GTI bits in to, as an alternative?
Even painting a new shell properly is going to cost a few k - unless it's really well gone I'd expect to put £4-5k into a resto of the original shell
Rally crowd would be a good shout, but I'd expect if you did find one they'd want some serious cash for it. It won't be matching VIN either, so if concourse is the ambition it'll 'fail' from that perspective. Not sure the GTI is any different in basic structure terms? Might be worthing seeking out a rot free shell to swap the GTI bits in to, as an alternative?
Even painting a new shell properly is going to cost a few k - unless it's really well gone I'd expect to put £4-5k into a resto of the original shell
SonicHedgeHog said:
Bugger. Thanks
Manufacturers pretty much cease offering replacement bodyshells within a couple of years of production ending, or even less. They only ever took a small amount of shells off the line and put into parts store as replacements. No shells were made after that as the line had closed. Once these were used up/sold - that's it, other than a few people that might have bought one at the time and stored away for a rainy day. There probably is a handful dotted around the globe gathering dust in a workshop somewhere, but trying to find one and then trying to prise it from the owners hands is another matter entirely!!!Expecting to be able to buy a new shell 25 years after the last car was built is dreamland I'm afraid, unless you own one of the handful of BL cars that BL Heritage offer re-made replacement shells for.
Shame more manufacturers don't do the same.
Ford would make a killing if they created a Ford Heritage scheme and offered replacement new shells for Mk1/Mk2 Escorts and Mk1/Mk2 Cortinas for example to replace the ones getting stuffed in historic rallying/racing!!
aeropilot said:
Shame more manufacturers don't do the same.
Ford would make a killing if they created a Ford Heritage scheme and offered replacement new shells for Mk1/Mk2 Escorts and Mk1/Mk2 Cortinas for example to replace the ones getting stuffed in historic rallying/racing!!
Something like this...?Ford would make a killing if they created a Ford Heritage scheme and offered replacement new shells for Mk1/Mk2 Escorts and Mk1/Mk2 Cortinas for example to replace the ones getting stuffed in historic rallying/racing!!
https://www.motorsport-tools.com/brand-new-manufac...
There's also third parties doing 'em in the US for the big-money muscle cars.
http://www.dynacornclassicbodies.com/ford_models2.... - note the prices...
And...
https://www.ecas2cvparts.co.uk/body-shell-left-han...
(RHD also available, but nearly twice the price)
TooMany2cvs said:
aeropilot said:
Shame more manufacturers don't do the same.
Ford would make a killing if they created a Ford Heritage scheme and offered replacement new shells for Mk1/Mk2 Escorts and Mk1/Mk2 Cortinas for example to replace the ones getting stuffed in historic rallying/racing!!
Something like this...?Ford would make a killing if they created a Ford Heritage scheme and offered replacement new shells for Mk1/Mk2 Escorts and Mk1/Mk2 Cortinas for example to replace the ones getting stuffed in historic rallying/racing!!
https://www.motorsport-tools.com/brand-new-manufac...
There's also third parties doing 'em in the US for the big-money muscle cars.
http://www.dynacornclassicbodies.com/ford_models2.... - note the prices...
IIRC, he tried to get Ford officially interested in a Ford licenced programme just as happens in the USA with the Mustangs, 1932 5w coupes etc., and the GM licenced shells for the Tri-Five chevy's etc., but for whatever reasons it never happened that way. I think that batch of Mk2 shells were made in China? I've heard once those are all sold that's it no more, but only heard that 3rd hand.
TooMany2cvs said:
aeropilot said:
Shame more manufacturers don't do the same.
Ford would make a killing if they created a Ford Heritage scheme and offered replacement new shells for Mk1/Mk2 Escorts and Mk1/Mk2 Cortinas for example to replace the ones getting stuffed in historic rallying/racing!!
Something like this...?Ford would make a killing if they created a Ford Heritage scheme and offered replacement new shells for Mk1/Mk2 Escorts and Mk1/Mk2 Cortinas for example to replace the ones getting stuffed in historic rallying/racing!!
https://www.motorsport-tools.com/brand-new-manufac...
There's also third parties doing 'em in the US for the big-money muscle cars.
http://www.dynacornclassicbodies.com/ford_models2.... - note the prices...
And...
https://www.ecas2cvparts.co.uk/body-shell-left-han...
(RHD also available, but nearly twice the price)
aeropilot said:
Those 'repro' Escort Mk2 shells were financed by one of the wealthy Irish rally drivers IIRC, or that was the story some years back.
IIRC, he tried to get Ford officially interested in a Ford licenced programme just as happens in the USA with the Mustangs, 1932 5w coupes etc., and the GM licenced shells for the Tri-Five chevy's etc., but for whatever reasons it never happened that way. I think that batch of Mk2 shells were made in China? I've heard once those are all sold that's it no more, but only heard that 3rd hand.
Which says all you need to know about the economics of shell remanufacture, I s'pose.IIRC, he tried to get Ford officially interested in a Ford licenced programme just as happens in the USA with the Mustangs, 1932 5w coupes etc., and the GM licenced shells for the Tri-Five chevy's etc., but for whatever reasons it never happened that way. I think that batch of Mk2 shells were made in China? I've heard once those are all sold that's it no more, but only heard that 3rd hand.
All the panels are available, but jigging them and assembling them, then prepping them, protecting them, storing them, transporting them... Not cheap.
And that's before you get near any legal wrinkles for road use - not so much in the UK, probably large elsewhere.
RPM have a 'new' Porsche 997 GT3 Cup bodyshell if you have deep pockets
https://rpmtechnik.co.uk/sales/vehicle/997-gen2-gt...
https://rpmtechnik.co.uk/sales/vehicle/997-gen2-gt...
TooMany2cvs said:
And that's before you get near any legal wrinkles for road use - not so much in the UK, probably large elsewhere.
Very much so in the UK as well, if you read the 8-14 point rule from DVLA etc.You'd loose 5 points as new shell not supplied by manufacturer forcing you to be creative in what you say has been replaced....i.e, its not a new shell guv, just replaced some panels during the restoration.........
Lets face it, very few Escorts these days haven't had replacement inner wings, so the only stamped chassis number will have gone (or been re-stamped on the new inner wing)
aeropilot said:
TooMany2cvs said:
And that's before you get near any legal wrinkles for road use - not so much in the UK, probably large elsewhere.
Very much so in the UK as well, if you read the 8-14 point rule from DVLA etc.You'd loose 5 points as new shell not supplied by manufacturer forcing you to be creative in what you say has been replaced....i.e, its not a new shell guv, just replaced some panels during the restoration.........
Lets face it, very few Escorts these days haven't had replacement inner wings, so the only stamped chassis number will have gone (or been re-stamped on the new inner wing)
https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration/rebuilt-ve...
gov.uk said:
A rebuilt vehicle can keep its original registration number if you can prove you’ve used:
the original unmodified chassis or bodyshell (car or light van)
a new chassis or monocoque bodyshell of the same specification as the original (car or light van)
You must also have 2 other major components from the original vehicle from the following lists.
For cars or light vans:
suspension (front and back)
steering assembly
axles (both)
transmission
engine
8pt is a bit greyer - it just says "straight from manufacturer" - it doesn't state that has to be the car's original manufacturer.the original unmodified chassis or bodyshell (car or light van)
a new chassis or monocoque bodyshell of the same specification as the original (car or light van)
You must also have 2 other major components from the original vehicle from the following lists.
For cars or light vans:
suspension (front and back)
steering assembly
axles (both)
transmission
engine
https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration/radically-...
gov.uk said:
Keep the original registration number
Your vehicle must have 8 or more points from the table below if you want to keep the original registration number. 5 of these points must come from having the original or new and unmodified chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame.
Part Points
Chassis, monocoque bodyshell (body and chassis as one unit) or frame - original or new and unmodified (direct from manufacturer) 5
And, yes, that's gov.uk's usual simplification - do you happen to know what the actual legislation is behind it?Your vehicle must have 8 or more points from the table below if you want to keep the original registration number. 5 of these points must come from having the original or new and unmodified chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame.
Part Points
Chassis, monocoque bodyshell (body and chassis as one unit) or frame - original or new and unmodified (direct from manufacturer) 5
The 2cv shell situation is what I know best - chassis are routinely replaced, either with original-style (the supplier took on Citroen's jigs and has their approval) or with simpler-style. 2cv bodyshells are new to the market, but Mehari bodies have routinely been replaced for years - both tupperware skin and metal armature (which is in two main sections).
Then there's Landies - chassis are routinely replaced, again with aftermarket, but what actually counts as the "bodyshell", anyway? Bulkhead? They're available brand new, or exchange-remanufactured, from various suppliers...
It's all a very grey can of worms.
^^^ Indeed, a messy can of worms.
Trouble is Govt, likes a one size fits all approach to everything, and in 90% of cases that creates a grey area which only needs common sense applied........which obviously doesn't fit with Govt. as common sense and Govt are not mutually compatible!
The use 2 of following components from original car, is that original at time of manufacture or original at time car is re-built?
On a 70-80 year old car, for example the axles, transmission, engine etc may have been replaced umpteen times...and never recorded.
And like your Landy example, same goes for a lot of WW2 mil vehicles that get restored, Jeeps for example, again separate chassis with a tub body bolted on top. Many Jeep specialists offer brand new body tubs, but IIRC the identity is with the chassis frame, not the body, like a lot of pre-war car design. Mil vehicles were routinely rebuilt refurbished with what ever was expedient at the time, in both war and peacetime....and were often triggers brooms in service anyway.
Trouble is Govt, likes a one size fits all approach to everything, and in 90% of cases that creates a grey area which only needs common sense applied........which obviously doesn't fit with Govt. as common sense and Govt are not mutually compatible!
The use 2 of following components from original car, is that original at time of manufacture or original at time car is re-built?
On a 70-80 year old car, for example the axles, transmission, engine etc may have been replaced umpteen times...and never recorded.
And like your Landy example, same goes for a lot of WW2 mil vehicles that get restored, Jeeps for example, again separate chassis with a tub body bolted on top. Many Jeep specialists offer brand new body tubs, but IIRC the identity is with the chassis frame, not the body, like a lot of pre-war car design. Mil vehicles were routinely rebuilt refurbished with what ever was expedient at the time, in both war and peacetime....and were often triggers brooms in service anyway.
Norfolkandchance said:
I'd look for a rust free late base model, probably still pottering about, probably somewhere hot and dry like inland Spain or Portugal.
Or Malta and Cyprus for a RHD shell.Lots of 70's Escorts/Capri's etc., with nice rot free shells have been brought back from both of those islands during the past 10 years or so.
Norfolkandchance said:
I'd look for a rust free late base model, probably still pottering about, probably somewhere hot and dry like inland Spain or Portugal.
Off topic but - I've just Googled Mehari prices. Blimey!
Exactly my thoughts, snapped this in every day use in Albufeira (Portugal), would be ideal, and there's plenty more out there:Off topic but - I've just Googled Mehari prices. Blimey!
Norfolkandchance said:
I'd look for a rust free late base model, probably still pottering about, probably somewhere hot and dry like inland Spain or Portugal.
205GTi shells are different to non-GTi. The front subframe's very different, and (IIRC) attaches differently, and there's relatively minor differences around things like arches. Not sure it's insurmountable, but it's something to be aware of. Probably definitely easier than de-rotting one, though...Norfolkandchance said:
Off topic but - I've just Googled Mehari prices. Blimey!
Everything's available to build one - but Cassis's prices... <wince>Some bent tube...
https://www.mehariclub.com/ensemble-chassis-tubula...
Some flimsy tupperware...
https://www.mehariclub.com/carrosserie-complete-an...
A frame tent...
https://www.mehariclub.com/jeu-de-bache-origine-4-...
https://www.mehariclub.com/barres-pour-baches-meha...
TooMany2cvs said:
Norfolkandchance said:
I'd look for a rust free late base model, probably still pottering about, probably somewhere hot and dry like inland Spain or Portugal.
205GTi shells are different to non-GTi. The front subframe's very different, and (IIRC) attaches differently, and there's relatively minor differences around things like arches. Not sure it's insurmountable, but it's something to be aware of. Probably definitely easier than de-rotting one, though...Norfolkandchance said:
Off topic but - I've just Googled Mehari prices. Blimey!
Everything's available to build one - but Cassis's prices... <wince>Some bent tube...
https://www.mehariclub.com/ensemble-chassis-tubula...
Some flimsy tupperware...
https://www.mehariclub.com/carrosserie-complete-an...
A frame tent...
https://www.mehariclub.com/jeu-de-bache-origine-4-...
https://www.mehariclub.com/barres-pour-baches-meha...
Norfolkandchance said:
Plus not as much fun in UK as in, say South of France. When I get the barn, maybe...
I used to have a Mehari as my sensible daily - living and working in Slough...I've got another one now (albeit a project) - in the Welsh borders...
I think I like being wet. I must do.
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