Another new one

[paul19]

Hi All

Thanks for your welcome. I guess I'm a bit of a French car lover as I've had - 2 Citroen Dyanes, a 2CV, a 205 GTI1.9 and a 205 GR. All owned in the UK (originally where I'm from) except for the GR which I had in NZ. Unfortunately I don't own any of those at the moment but thought that the photos I have put up may be of interest for the time being. My first car was the -'79 Dyane which I had for a couple of years before the rust finally signalled its end. I knew very little about them before I owned it but came to appreciate it as time went on. It made it across Europe in the summer of '92 and is pictured parked outside the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul.



It never gave any trouble despite the heat except for a pothole in Bulgaria (which wasn't its fault) where he had to hammer out the wheel rim. I replaced the engine before leaving London as one of the small ends had gone. New engine cost 50 quid and I went and collected it from a back garden in Norfolk. A usefel source of spares for the trip which we ultimately didn't need. After Europe it went all over the UK and around Ireland before breathing its last.

Before coming to NZ I owned a 1.9 GTI which went to Paris a couple of times during the 4 years I had it.



Unfortunately it got rear ended by a van and never recovered. Best car ever I ever had though (although the Dyanes were a close second) I have owned a VW Corrado and a Fiat Coupe which were both faster and more refined but not as fun. I particularly like the minimalist design of the 205 - no frills or unneccesary weight, not a huge amount of power but being very light... -well I'm sure you know -those of you who've experienced it what I mean...

Anyway I'm looking for a 205 1.9 GTI (which I know is a big ask!) can anyone please advise? Trademe lists very few so thought that someone might be in the know or at least might be able to point me in the right direction. I also have questions about where to get them fixed and getting things like CVs and rear suspension done (and how) but will have a look through your posts first before asking. The GR that I had had a clicky CV when I got it and I thought that fixing it would be simple enough. The first mechanic threw in the towel after getting it back from the machinists (it was still clicking). When I called the second mechanic after a couple of days it turned out that he had sent it to the same machining company with the same results. In the end I decided it was too much trouble being busy with new job, kids etc and sold it.

I'm based in Auckland but would be willing to go to anywhere in NZ within reason to get one. I would also consider the 1.6 but the 1.9 is the preferred one having already had one.

Cheers.

[puggy21]

hey mate , welcome to ff. always good to have folks who have owned many frenchies.. some 205's turn up on trade me from time to time . you are right , the best place to start is on here as ther eseem to be cars for sale more often  and by guys who have looked after them .. check out the for sale section (once you have enough posts) good luck with you search

[paul19]

Thanks for the reply Puggy21. I've got 10 now so am keeping my eye on classifieds. Do you know if there are differences in suspension between the 1.6 and the 1.9? Also is the interior different (apart from the seats that is) I'm researching the amount I would need to do to convert a 1.6 into a 1.9. So far I know differences are breaks (front and rear) , wheels, seats, gearbox, motor, driveshafts and hubs. The NZ new 1.6 that's on at the moment looks tempting but being a POM I want a sunroof and I think adding that would be a mission!

[puggy21]

to be fair that one without the sunroof is considered quite rare here.. and is quite mint from the photo's i've seen

[MescaL]

Because of the drum rear beam and what I remember reading I think the suspension components were uprated on a 1.9 GTi - correct me if i'm wrong?. Also be aware that a low comp. Jap import (XUJ91 - DFZ 105hp) is the low comp 1.9 engine on a 1.6 GTi body, so you're better off with a 1.6 GTi (115hp) in those instances.

If you were going to all the hassle and $ for an engine swap/brakes/rear beam etc. on a 1.6, you may as well install an Mi16 (160hp), 306 GTi-6 brakes, 309 rear beam/front wishbones etc. while you were at it.

But if you don't want to go through all of that might be better to look at Joel's (Carpentry) 205, and spend some money restoring it/fixing it up.

For any work contact Greg Kent - http://www.peugeotmechanic.co.nz/ he's worked on countless 205 GTis, might even be worth giving him a ring 'cos he might be able to help you source one/increase your options.

[puggy21]

^^^^^
what he said !!!  looks like all the hard stuff has been done, wouldn't take too much to get it cosmetically sorted . As I said  I have the dash part if needed ..

[paul19]

Because of the drum rear beam and what I remember reading I think the suspension components were uprated on a 1.9 GTi - correct me if i'm wrong?. Also be aware that a low comp. Jap import (XUJ91 - DFZ 105hp) is the low comp 1.9 engine on a 1.6 GTi body, so you're better off with a 1.6 GTi (115hp) in those instances.

If you were going to all the hassle and $ for an engine swap/brakes/rear beam etc. on a 1.6, you may as well install an Mi16 (160hp), 306 GTi-6 brakes, 309 rear beam/front wishbones etc. while you were at it.

But if you don't want to go through all of that might be better to look at Joel's (Carpentry) 205, and spend some money restoring it/fixing it up.

For any work contact Greg Kent - http://www.peugeotmechanic.co.nz/ he's worked on countless 205 GTis, might even be worth giving him a ring 'cos he might be able to help you source one/increase your options.

Thanks for that Mescal, will think it over. I've already been in touch with Joel and he has decided to hang on to it for the moment (who can blame him? certainly not me!). I will talk to Greg in the meantime

[paul19]

^^^^^
what he said !!!  looks like all the hard stuff has been done, wouldn't take too much to get it cosmetically sorted . As I said  I have the dash part if needed ..

Thanks Puggy21. I've heard the dash often goes on them so will let you know (if not this Joel's one , maybe another one). Good to know there are spares around anyway!

[puggy21]

ahh bummer , it gets like that though with these blimmin cars, they do your head in and you think about selling and then there is interest and you get the car ready to sell and take it for "one last drive" then decide not to sell haha.. hope you find one.. there is a tidy little 106 gti on trade me at the mo , just so ya know.. not mine  but looks nice , could be worth a punt , im sure the 106 owners on here will tell you how awesome they are . coming from the uk you prob know all about them anyways..

[paul19]

I do! Just had a look very tempting! My Dad has one and I usually get a go in it when I'm over there (ahh those country lanes..) I had a go in a 106 Rallye once -same performance as the 19 as far as I could tell. Harder suspension maybe but it was a while ago. I prefer the look and feel of a 19 though (and as I had one once..).

[you wont get parts for it mate]

Have you concidered an AX?

http://www.fastfrogs.co.nz/index.php/topic,8565.msg112014.html#msg112014

Shameless plug.

[paul19]

Yes, had a go in an AXGT a while ago and yes they go like stink being so light. Same acceleration as the 1.9 I think from what I remember. Nice car certainly but I prefer the 1.9 for its looks. I'm sure there is not much between them handling wise (I didn't really get a chance to try the AX for that) . Another option is the Saxo but I have to admit I prefer the 1.9 at this point. (may feel differently in  few months!). Appreciate the thought though...

[you wont get parts for it mate]

If yourever in the area. GI in dorkland. Hit me up for a fang in the car.

[paul19]

Thank you. I might! (I work in Rosebank road but it's not that far). Cheers

[bryand]

There's a 405 Mi16 on Trade Me 

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/peugeot/auction-858701545.htm

Looks like a good base for a project. The owner gives some of the history and reason for selling.

Not quite the GTi that you'd like, but a fairly fast frog that might be worth a look at.