Peugeot 205 GTI Restoration
Discussion
Evening all. I hope this thread is in the correct place. Forgive me if its not, but please feel free to point me in the right direction if it does need to be moved 
I've had in my possession for 13 years or so a 1.9 205 GTI. After a lady decided to reverse into me one day in a car park, the car was written off due to damage to the passenger side door/lower A pillar. Nothing substantial, but the value of the car then versus work required determined its fate.
As with many car projects, I decided it was a prime time to strip the car fully, install a cage, rebuild/change engine and set it up for track days/tarmac rally. Well, 12 years on, nothing has changed. The car is fully stripped, although engine is still in, and I now need to do something with it.
I have decided that I want to restore it to its original (almost) former glory. The only mods currently on the vehicle are new dampers all round and top mounts. I would like to keep these (I think) but keep the rest standard. Majority of the original kit can be used, I hope.
All interior trim is out, engine is in, but will probably want a rebuild. Due to the vehicle being left in a shed (dry, with good airflow) the leather does have some green mildew/algae on it, but it cleans easily after a few small test areas.
However I do not have time now, or in the foreseeable future to do anything with it myself. So my questions to you guys are:
1) Are there any reputable restorers out there that you would recommend for 205 GTI restoration? A google search provided pug1off.com, which I have contacted, but there must be more
2) Any fellow PH members fancy a project, with funding, to restore it themselves?
For reference i'm located not far from Northampton, so preferably someone within a reasonable distance from here would be best. Beggars cant be choosers though!
I've had in my possession for 13 years or so a 1.9 205 GTI. After a lady decided to reverse into me one day in a car park, the car was written off due to damage to the passenger side door/lower A pillar. Nothing substantial, but the value of the car then versus work required determined its fate.
As with many car projects, I decided it was a prime time to strip the car fully, install a cage, rebuild/change engine and set it up for track days/tarmac rally. Well, 12 years on, nothing has changed. The car is fully stripped, although engine is still in, and I now need to do something with it.
I have decided that I want to restore it to its original (almost) former glory. The only mods currently on the vehicle are new dampers all round and top mounts. I would like to keep these (I think) but keep the rest standard. Majority of the original kit can be used, I hope.
All interior trim is out, engine is in, but will probably want a rebuild. Due to the vehicle being left in a shed (dry, with good airflow) the leather does have some green mildew/algae on it, but it cleans easily after a few small test areas.
However I do not have time now, or in the foreseeable future to do anything with it myself. So my questions to you guys are:
1) Are there any reputable restorers out there that you would recommend for 205 GTI restoration? A google search provided pug1off.com, which I have contacted, but there must be more
2) Any fellow PH members fancy a project, with funding, to restore it themselves?
For reference i'm located not far from Northampton, so preferably someone within a reasonable distance from here would be best. Beggars cant be choosers though!
Edited by AdamW on Wednesday 4th October 06:12
Not sure whereabouts you are in the UK, but all work on my GTI is done by Miles @ Pug Racing in Fordingbridge (1/2 way between Salisbury & Bournemouth).
https://www.facebook.com/PugRacing
Top bloke and definitely worth a call to him IMO
Edit - Similar to the post after mine, there are also a few posters / members of the 205gtidrivers forum, in various areas around the UK, that can also help with various jobs as well such as beam rebuilds, suspension, etc. Not sure if you're also registered on there, but if you are it may also be worth asking there.
https://www.facebook.com/PugRacing
Top bloke and definitely worth a call to him IMO
Edit - Similar to the post after mine, there are also a few posters / members of the 205gtidrivers forum, in various areas around the UK, that can also help with various jobs as well such as beam rebuilds, suspension, etc. Not sure if you're also registered on there, but if you are it may also be worth asking there.
Edited by AlexRS2782 on Tuesday 3rd October 22:32
Alex/Hi, thanks for the replies.
Out of interest what are/were the issues with Pug1off? I've not heard back yet but if genuinely bad then I won't follow up with them.
I used to be a member on 205gti forum years ago, but I now cannot log in and it doesnt even register my email. They have blocked any new account so i've emailed the admin asking for reactivation.
If you know anyone that isnt a business but may be interested, then by all means send me their details.
Out of interest what are/were the issues with Pug1off? I've not heard back yet but if genuinely bad then I won't follow up with them.
I used to be a member on 205gti forum years ago, but I now cannot log in and it doesnt even register my email. They have blocked any new account so i've emailed the admin asking for reactivation.
If you know anyone that isnt a business but may be interested, then by all means send me their details.
AdamW said:
Alex/Hi, thanks for the replies.
Out of interest what are/were the issues with Pug1off? I've not heard back yet but if genuinely bad then I won't follow up with them.
I used to be a member on 205gti forum years ago, but I now cannot log in and it doesnt even register my email. They have blocked any new account so i've emailed the admin asking for reactivation.
If you know anyone that isnt a business but may be interested, then by all means send me their details.
Pm me re: 205gtidrivers , I'm admin.Out of interest what are/were the issues with Pug1off? I've not heard back yet but if genuinely bad then I won't follow up with them.
I used to be a member on 205gti forum years ago, but I now cannot log in and it doesnt even register my email. They have blocked any new account so i've emailed the admin asking for reactivation.
If you know anyone that isnt a business but may be interested, then by all means send me their details.
Oh and go see Miles, he built my mi16 engine 13 years ago and converted my car to 16v back then too.
Hi Tortop45, i'll have to take a look at the mileage, its not at my place. I can get back to you. Its G reg, 1989. 3 owners, including me I believe. Again I will need to check this as all the documents are at my parents place and its been 12 years or so since I did anything with it. Colour is Sorrento green and yes it has a sun roof.
Simes205 - pm'd you.
Cheers.
Simes205 - pm'd you.
Cheers.
Interesting project! I've been rebuilding a 106 XSi (in Reader's Cars) and taking my time over it as work is busy, in fits and starts.
Starting to think I may need some help or it won't get done before winter. However, the only major thing that I couldn't do at home was paint, so got it rolling again and trailered it to a paint shop.
The rest can be done on the drive and I think there is a mobile mechanic living <100m away, which may be my solution!
That spreads out the cost of a full rebuild (can do bits and pieces as funds allow), though mine is only finishing off now. Still think it will have cost £8k or so, all told!
But I have upgraded many things and bought new parts where I can.
Do you have the reg of your Sorrento? I had one, as will many others, and it may be a known car on 205 GTi Drivers
Starting to think I may need some help or it won't get done before winter. However, the only major thing that I couldn't do at home was paint, so got it rolling again and trailered it to a paint shop.
The rest can be done on the drive and I think there is a mobile mechanic living <100m away, which may be my solution!
That spreads out the cost of a full rebuild (can do bits and pieces as funds allow), though mine is only finishing off now. Still think it will have cost £8k or so, all told!
But I have upgraded many things and bought new parts where I can.
Do you have the reg of your Sorrento? I had one, as will many others, and it may be a known car on 205 GTi Drivers
Get along to the Northampston PSCUK meets. (www.pscuk.net) The Group Leader, Adrian Sharpe is part way through restoring the underside and engine bay of his 205 GTI.
He fully restored his CTI a few years ago too.
Far better to go along to a meet, chat about the challenges and see what help you can get.
As a novice myself it can be done, I restored my 309 Goodwood on the driveway at my sister in law's and only the paintwork was not done by me/friends. (featured on PH Carpool) https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=15...
He fully restored his CTI a few years ago too.
Far better to go along to a meet, chat about the challenges and see what help you can get.
As a novice myself it can be done, I restored my 309 Goodwood on the driveway at my sister in law's and only the paintwork was not done by me/friends. (featured on PH Carpool) https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=15...
Edited by stufarri on Friday 6th October 14:28
Edited by stufarri on Friday 6th October 14:30
Interesting reading this thread, I too have tried to register on the 205gti forum - I'm helping a friend restore his 89 1.6 GTI he's had since 1991!
I was looking for pointers towards a how-to for a cambelt change we are going to attempt this weekend, we have the Haynes manual but it would be good to read another article on the do's & dont's ?
I was looking for pointers towards a how-to for a cambelt change we are going to attempt this weekend, we have the Haynes manual but it would be good to read another article on the do's & dont's ?
AdamW said:
Same for Hi, can you elaborate on comment about pug1off?
I've heard a lot of horror stories on various forums - admittedly not in the last couple of years (due to lack of forum browsing most probably). Also I have seen a good number of their cars at various shows and have not been impressed with the quality of work when I have had even a brief look at them. Glaring errors like engine not level in the engine bay etc as well as questionable looking welding, poor paintwork etc.Gassing Station | French Bred | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff