🚗 2000 Toyota Celica GT – Restoration & Custom Build
Status: Active – Roadworthy & Continuously Evolving
Type: Car Restoration + Custom Modification
Vehicle: 2000 Toyota Celica GT
Built by: Eric Flesher
🔧 Overview
This 2000 Toyota Celica GT started out as a $1,500 gamble — bought during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic from a cabin-dwelling owner in the woods. Dirty, damaged, leaking, and running on only three cylinders, the car needed serious attention. But for me, that was the point.
What began as a rescue mission has turned into a full-on restoration and custom build, one phase at a time.
🛠️ Initial Condition
-
Severe dirt, water leaks, and musty interior
-
Suspension problems
-
Engine running on 3 of 4 cylinders
-
One headlight, two blinkers, fog lights, dome light, and sunroof not working
-
Driver door, hatch, gas door, driver fender, and passenger quarter panel all damaged
-
Interior smelled due to water intrusion
-
Missing engine bay trim
-
Driver-side window inoperable
🔧 Engine & Electrical Repairs
-
Replaced valve cover gasket, spark plugs, and one coil pack
-
Changed all fluids and resolved leaks
-
Cleared engine codes – back to running on all four cylinders
-
Repaired headlight connector and replaced bulbs
-
Cleaned electrical connections to restore sunroof and dome light
-
Fully functional and passed state inspection
💦 Leak Resolution
-
Identified body panel seam failure and resealed it with color-matched sealant
-
Discovered clogged sunroof drains and cleared them
-
Stripped interior and had it professionally detailed — no more odor
🎨 Cosmetic Restoration
-
Replaced driver-side door and rear hatch with matching silver OEM parts
-
Replaced gas door (non-matching color)
-
Installed all missing engine bay plastic dress-up pieces
-
Replaced worn interior carpet with near-new replacement
🧱 Custom Modifications
-
Installed full body kit (front/rear bumpers and side skirts)
-
Repainted entire car in original silver color for seamless consistency
-
Stripped interior to the firewall, painted it black, and added full soundproofing
-
Converted all interior trim to black (primed, painted, and sealed)
-
Stained seats and headliner black
-
Installed Android Auto–capable head unit
-
Custom-stitched leather steering wheel wrap
-
Coilover suspension installed
-
New rims with low-profile tires
-
Custom headlights and taillights
-
Installed custom component audio system
🔧 Current Work & Future Plans
-
Minor hail damage and a small rust spot in the wheel well
-
Rear glass defogger needs repair and glass needs to be resealed
-
Ride quality is rough — plans to upgrade suspension and wheels again
-
Currently replacing clutch (held up by a stubborn motor mount)
-
Temporarily off the road until clutch install is complete
💬 Notes from Eric
This project means more than just restoring a car — it represents the same rebuilding mindset that helped me turn my life around. It’s a rolling expression of what’s possible when you don’t give up, even when the work is dirty, frustrating, or full of surprises.
It’s not perfect — and it’s never finished — but that’s what makes it mine.