Classic Saab 900 Turbo Convertible
Discussion
As promised in another thread....
The background
After a bad bike accident a couple of years ago that left me with multiple compressed and fractured vertebrae, I got rid of my old jacked-up Nissan Patrol. Not so much because it was hard to get in and out of, or the terrible ride, or the ridiculous turning circle, or the horrendous fuel consumption, but more because it was a complete dog and I couldn't reach under the bonnet every thousand miles to pour another gallon of oil into the b
d and scrub it off the drive when it leaked out the bottom end the next day. 'Character' is not always a winner!
What car?
I'm now trying to push myself harder to get back to a more active lifestyle, and decided a practical classic would help with morale and getting about. The lack of power steering and need to be constantly underneath them meant old Triumphs and MGs were out of the question (I did test drive an MGB, but couldn't turn the wheel lock-to-lock when parking!), so decided it would have to be something a bit more modern.
Living in Australia, it had to be a convertible! I thought about an Mk1 MX5, but the lack of p/s and difficulty getting out with the hood up killed that. I quickly whittled my options down to an E36/E30, old E Class or a 900. I was quite keen on a E300 Merc, but it was impossible to find one that had been properly maintained, and a badly maintained Merc is a moneypit. Then I test-drove a Saab 900 auto convertible.... I feel very old writing this, but the seats sold me! I've never sat in a car seat that was so comfortable; apparently Saab brought in orthopaedic specialists when they were designing the interior for the 900.
Finding my car
I really, really didn't want an auto - the 900 Auto used a 3 speed box that is simply ste. It has no redeeming features whatsoever, other than that it connects the engine to the wheels. Unfortunately, manuals are rare in Australia, and Saab manuals even rarer due to their tendency to eat gearboxes. I looked at a 2l manual, but the hood was knackered and the engine sounded like a bag of spanners going down a fire-escape. Then I looked at a nice one, but it was very expensive and, more to the point, knocking-shop red. Eventually I started looking at other stuff, including a Volvo 240 with a small-block V8 conversion, before chancing across an out of state Turbo Convertible on Scumtree. The advert was one sentence long 'Saab 900 for sale lost history good condition WA registered'. I took a gamble and went for a look......
The car
The car is a 900 Turbo 16v from 1988 in blue with grey leather. It was as described, although 'good' was a bit of an exaggeration - a lack of use had meant that various things had started to go wrong, but it was obvious that the car had been well maintained. Coming from Western Australia, it was totally rust free; the only rust is a small bubble on one wheel arch where it's been scuffed. The hood motor had died, but there was a new pump in the boot to be fitted. Oh yes, and it smoked like a burning oil rig when first started. After a test drive, a deal was done that reflected the work required to get it through a 'blue slip' (NSW roadworthy test for out-of-state vehicles).
I drove it home and put it straight into the garage whilst I prepared a maintenance and improvement plan. TBC
The background
After a bad bike accident a couple of years ago that left me with multiple compressed and fractured vertebrae, I got rid of my old jacked-up Nissan Patrol. Not so much because it was hard to get in and out of, or the terrible ride, or the ridiculous turning circle, or the horrendous fuel consumption, but more because it was a complete dog and I couldn't reach under the bonnet every thousand miles to pour another gallon of oil into the b
d and scrub it off the drive when it leaked out the bottom end the next day. 'Character' is not always a winner!What car?
I'm now trying to push myself harder to get back to a more active lifestyle, and decided a practical classic would help with morale and getting about. The lack of power steering and need to be constantly underneath them meant old Triumphs and MGs were out of the question (I did test drive an MGB, but couldn't turn the wheel lock-to-lock when parking!), so decided it would have to be something a bit more modern.
Living in Australia, it had to be a convertible! I thought about an Mk1 MX5, but the lack of p/s and difficulty getting out with the hood up killed that. I quickly whittled my options down to an E36/E30, old E Class or a 900. I was quite keen on a E300 Merc, but it was impossible to find one that had been properly maintained, and a badly maintained Merc is a moneypit. Then I test-drove a Saab 900 auto convertible.... I feel very old writing this, but the seats sold me! I've never sat in a car seat that was so comfortable; apparently Saab brought in orthopaedic specialists when they were designing the interior for the 900.
Finding my car
I really, really didn't want an auto - the 900 Auto used a 3 speed box that is simply s
te. It has no redeeming features whatsoever, other than that it connects the engine to the wheels. Unfortunately, manuals are rare in Australia, and Saab manuals even rarer due to their tendency to eat gearboxes. I looked at a 2l manual, but the hood was knackered and the engine sounded like a bag of spanners going down a fire-escape. Then I looked at a nice one, but it was very expensive and, more to the point, knocking-shop red. Eventually I started looking at other stuff, including a Volvo 240 with a small-block V8 conversion, before chancing across an out of state Turbo Convertible on Scumtree. The advert was one sentence long 'Saab 900 for sale lost history good condition WA registered'. I took a gamble and went for a look......The car
The car is a 900 Turbo 16v from 1988 in blue with grey leather. It was as described, although 'good' was a bit of an exaggeration - a lack of use had meant that various things had started to go wrong, but it was obvious that the car had been well maintained. Coming from Western Australia, it was totally rust free; the only rust is a small bubble on one wheel arch where it's been scuffed. The hood motor had died, but there was a new pump in the boot to be fitted. Oh yes, and it smoked like a burning oil rig when first started. After a test drive, a deal was done that reflected the work required to get it through a 'blue slip' (NSW roadworthy test for out-of-state vehicles).
I drove it home and put it straight into the garage whilst I prepared a maintenance and improvement plan. TBC
After getting the car home I had planned to make a giant list of everything that needed doing. Once I started, however, I realised I was being a bit ambitious - better to get the car through it's Blue Slip inspection first so I could actually drive it.
For those who complain about UK MOT test requirements, be glad you're not in New South Wales: The test is full of various strange and bizarre requirements that are particularly difficult for older cars. Seats cannot be torn or have burst stitching. Dashboards and dashtops cannot have any visible cracks. Just about everything is supposed to be OEM or have an engineer's report. The engine, transmittion and cooling system cannot have any leaks, including evidence of leaks, so a previously leaking head gasket that has left a snail-trail of oil down the side of the block will be a fail. It's silly, it's anal, but you've got to suck it up.
With this in mind, I started drawing up a shorter and less ambitious list;
- adjust the handbrake
- replace front ARB bushings
- replace some of the front suspension bushings
- adjust headlights
- fit seat covers and dash cover
- flush engine
- engine oil and filter change
- gearbox oil and filter change
- replace dashlights
- fit new power hood pump
- adjust hood mechanism
- new sparkplugs
- replace o/s lower ball joint
- check head to see if it is totally knackered or merely tired
- investigate wear in timing chain (rattling like crazy when cold)
- adjust gear linkage
- adjust clutch mech
- rebuild power steering rack
- investigate and fix intermittent indicators
Gritting my teeth, I sent the car up country to a fantastic Saab specialist. He's actually an aero mechanic, but loves/collects old 900s so does a few homers. Dropped the car off in early November with the aim being to get it back before I headed to the UK for Christmas.
Unfortunately, life got in the way (doesn't it always?), parts coming from the UK were delayed, and I had to leave the car with Rich whilst I was home in the UK.
For those who complain about UK MOT test requirements, be glad you're not in New South Wales: The test is full of various strange and bizarre requirements that are particularly difficult for older cars. Seats cannot be torn or have burst stitching. Dashboards and dashtops cannot have any visible cracks. Just about everything is supposed to be OEM or have an engineer's report. The engine, transmittion and cooling system cannot have any leaks, including evidence of leaks, so a previously leaking head gasket that has left a snail-trail of oil down the side of the block will be a fail. It's silly, it's anal, but you've got to suck it up.
With this in mind, I started drawing up a shorter and less ambitious list;
- adjust the handbrake
- replace front ARB bushings
- replace some of the front suspension bushings
- adjust headlights
- fit seat covers and dash cover
- flush engine
- engine oil and filter change
- gearbox oil and filter change
- replace dashlights
- fit new power hood pump
- adjust hood mechanism
- new sparkplugs
- replace o/s lower ball joint
- check head to see if it is totally knackered or merely tired
- investigate wear in timing chain (rattling like crazy when cold)
- adjust gear linkage
- adjust clutch mech
- rebuild power steering rack
- investigate and fix intermittent indicators
Gritting my teeth, I sent the car up country to a fantastic Saab specialist. He's actually an aero mechanic, but loves/collects old 900s so does a few homers. Dropped the car off in early November with the aim being to get it back before I headed to the UK for Christmas.
Unfortunately, life got in the way (doesn't it always?), parts coming from the UK were delayed, and I had to leave the car with Rich whilst I was home in the UK.
TooMany2cvs said:
Looks good...
The autobox isn't great, you're right, especially with the extra weight of the ragtop - the guy who looked after my T16 tintop used to loan me a non-turbo autobox convertible. So familiar, yet SO different...
I read somewhere that nearly 3/4 of the convertibles sold in Oz were autos. When my car was sold, it cost more than a Mercedes 350SL. I have no idea why anyone would have bought a Saab with a 3 speed auto when they could have an SL for less money The autobox isn't great, you're right, especially with the extra weight of the ragtop - the guy who looked after my T16 tintop used to loan me a non-turbo autobox convertible. So familiar, yet SO different...
bangerturner said:
Gratuitous pic of my old one, mine was a manual lovely car but used to drive me mad having to put it in reverse to get the key out! 
Lovely! I do like the 3 spoke alloys [scuttles off to fleabay].I don't really mind the reverse before removing key thing as I've had so many cars with crap handbrakes that I do it automatically! I also quite like the logical quirkiness of it for some odd reason; every time I get into or out of the car I'm reminded that "only one aircraft manufacturer makes cars: Sierra Alpha Alpha Bravo"
Edited by spitsfire on Tuesday 31st March 10:57
After giving the car a good once over, Rich emailed me with details of what he'd found:
A Volvo oil filter had been fitted, significantly reducing oil flow. This is likely what had caused the wear in the valve seats. The timing chain was actually in better condition than I'd thought - the restriction in oil flow was making the chain sound very loud. The exhaust back-box also needed replaced. Other than that, the car was surprisingly free of nasty surprises.
This was the first time in my life I'd waited until a car had been serviced before giving it a good ragging. Had I done so, I'd probably have killed the engine. The Gods were indeed smiling on me!
Rich completed the work on the car, and it passed the inspection. With my wallet considerably lighter, I took a half day from work and collected it on a Friday afternoon. The drive back to down to Sydney went without a hitch, and I tucked the Saab up in the garage that night a very happy man!
Once the plates had been changed, I started doing a few longer weekend runs and giving her a good fettling
Next up will be the first stage of improvement/mild restoration and I'll need to address the big decision - to modify, or not to modify? Will the lack of structural rigidity in the 'vert and limited gearbox defeat the purpose?
A Volvo oil filter had been fitted, significantly reducing oil flow. This is likely what had caused the wear in the valve seats. The timing chain was actually in better condition than I'd thought - the restriction in oil flow was making the chain sound very loud. The exhaust back-box also needed replaced. Other than that, the car was surprisingly free of nasty surprises.
This was the first time in my life I'd waited until a car had been serviced before giving it a good ragging. Had I done so, I'd probably have killed the engine. The Gods were indeed smiling on me!
Rich completed the work on the car, and it passed the inspection. With my wallet considerably lighter, I took a half day from work and collected it on a Friday afternoon. The drive back to down to Sydney went without a hitch, and I tucked the Saab up in the garage that night a very happy man!
Once the plates had been changed, I started doing a few longer weekend runs and giving her a good fettling
Next up will be the first stage of improvement/mild restoration and I'll need to address the big decision - to modify, or not to modify? Will the lack of structural rigidity in the 'vert and limited gearbox defeat the purpose?
Paul S4 said:
Nice Saab. If I recall correctly, Wheeler Dealers did a programme on a Saab drophead; not sure if it was this model but they did some sensible improvements. I realise that you may not be able to access UK TV , but you may be able to view the past programmes online.
Thanks, Paul! WD did one episode with a 900 Turbo Coupe ages ago that I remember. I'll need to look through ermmm..... a DVD shop or analogous resource 
to find a copy..Here's Top Gear's original review - "The kind of build quality that would give a British Shop Steward a heart attack!"
The Saab has been going from strength to strength, and has seen service commuting and a couple of long Sunday runs. Apart from the lack of ABS I'm very happy with it.
It's time for me to pull my finger out and start improving it!
I've managed to locate a replacement, crack free dashboard. Unfortunately, it's on the other side of Australia and can't really be trusted to couriers, so it won't be getting fitted immediately!
First big job to tackle is the tired looking bumpers; They've got scrapes on all four corners (I think this might be because they stick out far more than in more modern cars and other drivers don't notice them)
And have faded badly in the somewhat intense Aussie sunshine.
I reckon a elbow grease and a cloth will remove the rainbow of other cars' paint, and a bit of wet and dry will smooth out any scrapes. I'm not sure what to do about the bleached trim.....
I'd heard peanut butter works. I tried it. It doesn't work. And the neighbours look at you very strangely when they see you rubbing Skippy on your car.
Does anybody have any better suggestions for restoring colour to plastics?
It's time for me to pull my finger out and start improving it!
I've managed to locate a replacement, crack free dashboard. Unfortunately, it's on the other side of Australia and can't really be trusted to couriers, so it won't be getting fitted immediately!
First big job to tackle is the tired looking bumpers; They've got scrapes on all four corners (I think this might be because they stick out far more than in more modern cars and other drivers don't notice them)
And have faded badly in the somewhat intense Aussie sunshine.
I reckon a elbow grease and a cloth will remove the rainbow of other cars' paint, and a bit of wet and dry will smooth out any scrapes. I'm not sure what to do about the bleached trim.....
I'd heard peanut butter works. I tried it. It doesn't work. And the neighbours look at you very strangely when they see you rubbing Skippy on your car.
Does anybody have any better suggestions for restoring colour to plastics?
spitsfire said:
The Saab has been going from strength to strength, and has seen service commuting and a couple of long Sunday runs. Apart from the lack of ABS I'm very happy with it.
It's time for me to pull my finger out and start improving it!
I've managed to locate a replacement, crack free dashboard. Unfortunately, it's on the other side of Australia and can't really be trusted to couriers, so it won't be getting fitted immediately!
First big job to tackle is the tired looking bumpers; They've got scrapes on all four corners (I think this might be because they stick out far more than in more modern cars and other drivers don't notice them)
And have faded badly in the somewhat intense Aussie sunshine.
I reckon a elbow grease and a cloth will remove the rainbow of other cars' paint, and a bit of wet and dry will smooth out any scrapes. I'm not sure what to do about the bleached trim.....
I'd heard peanut butter works. I tried it. It doesn't work. And the neighbours look at you very strangely when they see you rubbing Skippy on your car.
Does anybody have any better suggestions for restoring colour to plastics?
Awesome car. I'd love one to smoke about in.It's time for me to pull my finger out and start improving it!
I've managed to locate a replacement, crack free dashboard. Unfortunately, it's on the other side of Australia and can't really be trusted to couriers, so it won't be getting fitted immediately!
First big job to tackle is the tired looking bumpers; They've got scrapes on all four corners (I think this might be because they stick out far more than in more modern cars and other drivers don't notice them)
And have faded badly in the somewhat intense Aussie sunshine.
I reckon a elbow grease and a cloth will remove the rainbow of other cars' paint, and a bit of wet and dry will smooth out any scrapes. I'm not sure what to do about the bleached trim.....
I'd heard peanut butter works. I tried it. It doesn't work. And the neighbours look at you very strangely when they see you rubbing Skippy on your car.
Does anybody have any better suggestions for restoring colour to plastics?
Gtechniq C4 is great for restoring colour, but it usually makes scuffs look worse.
I'd highly recommend this stuff:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PLASTIC-BUMPER-DASH-BODY...
No need to prime, goes on really nicely and looks very factory. Haven't tried any other brands, but they're probably decent enough.
W00DY said:
Awesome car. I'd love one to smoke about in.
Gtechniq C4 is great for restoring colour, but it usually makes scuffs look worse.
I'd highly recommend this stuff:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PLASTIC-BUMPER-DASH-BODY...
No need to prime, goes on really nicely and looks very factory. Haven't tried any other brands, but they're probably decent enough.
Wow! That Gtechniq stuff looks impressive, although it does cost $80 for 15ml Gtechniq C4 is great for restoring colour, but it usually makes scuffs look worse.
I'd highly recommend this stuff:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PLASTIC-BUMPER-DASH-BODY...
No need to prime, goes on really nicely and looks very factory. Haven't tried any other brands, but they're probably decent enough.
I've looked at all the off-the-shelf 'trim restorer' stuff; according to the reviews, it only lasts for a couple of months. Looks like a more radical, aerosol based solution may be required....
I had a t16s convertible a decade ago that only went for scrap a couple of years back. They are wobbly jelly cars with the most seductive of exhaust noises and a so pleasing sense of occasion about them. mine was a daily driver and proved to be a rock solid car even at 170k and 35k miles a year.
You need to keep in top of rust because once started it gets everywhere very quickly and make sure the turbo oil pipe (the one that travells across the engine bay is rust free and solid because if it fractures the resultant oil fire is a smidge messy to sort out...)
You need to keep in top of rust because once started it gets everywhere very quickly and make sure the turbo oil pipe (the one that travells across the engine bay is rust free and solid because if it fractures the resultant oil fire is a smidge messy to sort out...)
The SAAB hasn't seen much use for a while; as is so often the case with older cars, not using it seems to provoke more trouble than using it!
After some good trips earlier in the year, work commitments and travel left it in the garage for a couple of months. Taking it out for the first time, I noticed a rattle from the front. Two track rod ends later, I put the car back in the garage, and realised one of the CV joints was tired. Driving it back to the mechanic for round 2, the turbo started smoking again.
The CV joint was replaced, and a new turbo priced
Meanwhile, I'd done a little bit of other work to the car including re-colouring the bumpers and deep cleaning the wheels. Kiwi shoe polish did a good job on bringing the bumpers back up, although it does seem to fade over time - several coats may be required over a longer period. As a cheap solution to the problem, I'd recommend it.
After cleaning the wheels, I decided I still didn't like them, and a call to the local SAAB breaker got me a set of directional Aero wheels.
I've also managed to procure a replacement dash (without cracks) and a set of untorn buffalo grey leather seats. The seats appear to be a little bit cracked and faded, but generally in pretty good condition. Is it worth giving them a clean/feed/colouring the new seats before fitting? Any advice gratefully received...
After some good trips earlier in the year, work commitments and travel left it in the garage for a couple of months. Taking it out for the first time, I noticed a rattle from the front. Two track rod ends later, I put the car back in the garage, and realised one of the CV joints was tired. Driving it back to the mechanic for round 2, the turbo started smoking again.
The CV joint was replaced, and a new turbo priced
Meanwhile, I'd done a little bit of other work to the car including re-colouring the bumpers and deep cleaning the wheels. Kiwi shoe polish did a good job on bringing the bumpers back up, although it does seem to fade over time - several coats may be required over a longer period. As a cheap solution to the problem, I'd recommend it.
After cleaning the wheels, I decided I still didn't like them, and a call to the local SAAB breaker got me a set of directional Aero wheels.
I've also managed to procure a replacement dash (without cracks) and a set of untorn buffalo grey leather seats. The seats appear to be a little bit cracked and faded, but generally in pretty good condition. Is it worth giving them a clean/feed/colouring the new seats before fitting? Any advice gratefully received...
MrMoonyMan said:
Looks great!
I've just bought a white '92 turbo convertible for my girlfriend.
Should be fun!
Congratulations! First thing to do is read this thread from SAAB CentralI've just bought a white '92 turbo convertible for my girlfriend.
Should be fun!
Got any pics?
Since my last post the SAAB has had the replacement dash fitted (eye-watering in labour costs), electrical niggles sorted, some new hoses and coolant. A lot of coolant. More on that later....
I picked up some cheap seats to replace the very tired ones in the car. Coming from a neglected low mileage car they had some cracking, but weren't too bad. I ended up getting them refinished anyway.
New dash and seats fitted
Another fluid and filter change, a replacement roof handle fitted, and the car was looking a lot better! It's been getting a bit more use after the refresh, and it seems quite thirsty. So I got a fuel app, and it turns out it is quite thirsty; 26mpg thirsty on moderate mixed driving, sub 20 pushing on. But I do get turbo badges
It also seemed to like coolant. This had me perplexed; occasionally I'd be able to smell coolant, but only occasionally. It didn't visibly leak, and it didn't happen every time the engine was hot, but I was topping up the coolant every week.
Then I found out why. Or rather, it found me out in rush hour traffic as the engine boiled merrily. The leak was easily identified. At some point the hose to the heater had caught against the alternator belt (remember the engine is back to front
) and had a tiny nick out of the elbow. It wasn't consistently leaking because it required 1) The fan and heater to be off 2) hot engine 3) high revs.
Whilst waiting for it to cool down, I got talking to a passer by. He invited me to have a look in his lockup, where I was amazed to find the Humber Pullman used by Brenda for her tour of Australia in 1954. Original, unrestored, and just about running!
Since fitting a replacement hose, the car has behaved perfectly. Now that it's running reliably and looks reasonable, I'm thinking about selling it to make space for something a bit more silly.
I picked up some cheap seats to replace the very tired ones in the car. Coming from a neglected low mileage car they had some cracking, but weren't too bad. I ended up getting them refinished anyway.
New dash and seats fitted
Another fluid and filter change, a replacement roof handle fitted, and the car was looking a lot better! It's been getting a bit more use after the refresh, and it seems quite thirsty. So I got a fuel app, and it turns out it is quite thirsty; 26mpg thirsty on moderate mixed driving, sub 20 pushing on. But I do get turbo badges
It also seemed to like coolant. This had me perplexed; occasionally I'd be able to smell coolant, but only occasionally. It didn't visibly leak, and it didn't happen every time the engine was hot, but I was topping up the coolant every week.
Then I found out why. Or rather, it found me out in rush hour traffic as the engine boiled merrily. The leak was easily identified. At some point the hose to the heater had caught against the alternator belt (remember the engine is back to front
) and had a tiny nick out of the elbow. It wasn't consistently leaking because it required 1) The fan and heater to be off 2) hot engine 3) high revs. Whilst waiting for it to cool down, I got talking to a passer by. He invited me to have a look in his lockup, where I was amazed to find the Humber Pullman used by Brenda for her tour of Australia in 1954. Original, unrestored, and just about running!
Since fitting a replacement hose, the car has behaved perfectly. Now that it's running reliably and looks reasonable, I'm thinking about selling it to make space for something a bit more silly.
Edited by spitsfire on Sunday 17th April 12:27
spitsfire said:
MrMoonyMan said:
Looks great!
I've just bought a white '92 turbo convertible for my girlfriend.
Should be fun!
Congratulations! First thing to do is read this thread from SAAB CentralI've just bought a white '92 turbo convertible for my girlfriend.
Should be fun!
Got any pics?
Here it is as it sits for the moment although it's had a polish and attention to the hood now too as well as some mechanical love. It's the lpt so has the shorter gearbox which is good fun around town and a/b roads.
Don't sell yours yet - turn the boost up!
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