205 to track or restore?

[JollyGrnMonster]

Bought a cheap 205 gti 1.9 last month.
It seems reasonably sound mechanically but body work needs work.

Can't decide whether to track it or restore it.




Been fun so far and always wanted one but had to go 309 route in mid 90s

Simon

[AlexRS2782]

How bad's the bodywork, to warrant stripping it back for a track car?

Personally i'd try & save it / keep it as a road car - quite a few have been stripped / converted for track already & a lot of the time when they go up for sale in the future the owner can't shift it for ages. Whereas a decent looked after relatively standard example seems to command a pretty decent price nowadays & would probably hold / increase it's value over the next few years based on the current pricing

[JollyGrnMonster]

I dont plan to strip it for track - nothing nonreturnable at the moment. So might do front seats and remove interior but will be kept so can go back in.
Its had suspension done and exhaust and various engine painted when it was rebuilt so its not standard.

Needs a dent removed from one door both quarters and some bad paint on a wing. Its rust free, not sure all the paintwork would polish up enough so worse case a respray.

[JollyGrnMonster]

The dents appear to be storage dents, stuff falling on it etc.
minor issue starter motor wiring wise - started another thread, passenger door doesnt lock, needs front fog lights, otherwise its there.

Simon

[JollyGrnMonster]

[newestie]

Do both! I've owned four 205 Gti's and I always track them. My current one (bought earlier this year after a lengthy break from 205s) is in lovely condition but it hasn't stop me booking it on a trackday already. As long as you maintain it correctly it'll be a riot. My last 'track car' was a Westfield, and whilst obviously that was a better all round car for track work, the humble Pug is 90% of the fun for 10% of the cost.

I did track prepare one a few years ago but there really is no need for the occasional trackday. Fit some decent front brake pads (DS2500 or similar) and you're away.

[JollyGrnMonster]

sounds good to me.. guess I should do a track day first before booking it into a paintshop lol

[Caddyshack]

If you do track it the I would change the brake fluid for fresh and add 306 calipers and discs (front)with brake lines from miles

Ten just check the rear brake lines that go over the fuel tank as they often fail.

This gives brilliant pedal feel and awesome stopping power for very little cash.

[MuZiZZle]

Keep it looking stock but fettle with it, best of both worlds!