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Posted by: STom205 May 13, 2017 - 1:37 AM

Hi all,

First post here, so I apologize in advance if anything is amiss.

So, I just picked up my "new" ST205. I got through auction, I brought it blind other than some dodgy photos and info on the auction sheet. It's my first Celica, and the first car I've owned that will potentially be a major project car and not a daily driver. I have a rally track five minutes down the road, so am hoping to get some time in it down there.

It's a 1996 St205 with a bit under 100k miles on the clock (150,000km). I'm still waiting on the paper work, but seems there was only one owner prior to me. I was pretty shocked at the state of it when I picked it up, as the auction sheet listed the condition pretty highly, and straight away I can see that it needs a full paint job at the minimum. Looks like it's been stood for a long time, both exterior and interior pretty filthy. However it starts without issue, and sounds sweet. Seems pretty stock other than what looks like a turbo timer, later wheels, and I can't place the spoiler.

After picking it up I drove it back for about an hour and a half (mainly highway). The only issues I can see are the alignment of the steering wheel, and the brakes seem a little spongy. Other than that seems ok so far.

I've little experience with mechanics, so not much idea on the steering wheel and brakes, (guessing brakes could just need bleeding) but if any of you can suggest a good check list to work through it would be appreciated. I've got it booked in for testing on Monday, so hopefully will get it through that without any major issue, but will at least know what I'm dealing with after the tests.

I'll get some photo's up as soon as I can work out how to on this forum.

Posted by: bloodMoney May 13, 2017 - 4:02 PM

Welcome! Post up a little more, then post up some pictures! We love seeing 205s around here haha

Posted by: Box May 13, 2017 - 4:42 PM

Welcome! As far as the brakes go it could just need bleeding, as the brake fluid ages it absorbs water and water is slightly compressible. Main thing would be check the condition of the brakes and suspension and then replace all the fluids in the car; coolant, engine oil, brake fluid, clutch fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid, and power steering fluid. The steering wheel being crooked is probably from alignment being off, but an inspection should show whatever the cause is. In order to post pictures you'll need to upload them to an image hosting site and then embed the url link into the forum post.

Posted by: STom205 May 14, 2017 - 5:41 PM

Thanks chaps. Of to get tested in a minute. Will try and get pics and results up tonight

Posted by: STom205 May 22, 2017 - 7:32 AM

Ok, Finally, hopefully some pictures bellow:









Car passed it's test without much bother, just a quick fix on a slight leak on the exhaust. I've managed to give it a couple of runs since, and so far, so good (done about 500 + km on the clock now) goes well, brakes actually seem fine. So just the steering wheel, seems to track ok, perhaps pulling ever so slightly, but sits way off centre as you can see in the pic.

Posted by: Wild202 May 22, 2017 - 10:02 AM

Rear spoiler must be changed

Posted by: STom205 May 22, 2017 - 10:13 AM

Yeah, not sure what the deal is with the one on it.

Posted by: Box May 22, 2017 - 3:24 PM

A car can still track straight enough but the alignment still be way off. All in all the car looks to be in good shape though, and I could be mistaken but I think that's the right spoiler for '95-96 GT-Fours and they went back to the high rise in '97.

Posted by: richee3 May 22, 2017 - 3:33 PM

Your front toe is out. That will cause the wheel to sit crooked without pulling either way. Either that or somebody removed the steering wheel and put it back on crooked at some point, but more than likely it's your toe. Also, the three post rear spoiler is t that uncommon on '96+ GT4's.

Posted by: slavie May 22, 2017 - 7:12 PM

That is the stock spoiler for 96-99 GT-Four. They went away from the lifted 2-post spoiler to standard 3-post, same as regular GT.

I actually think the spoiler looks nice - a bit more reserved. Besides, too many people have the raised two post.

Nice find!

Posted by: STom205 May 23, 2017 - 2:34 AM

Makes sense on the spoiler, I thought it seemed stock, but haven't seen any others, so couldn't place it.

So, I need to get my toe sorted then