1986 Saab 900 Turbo - White
Discussion
darkyoung1000 said:
Now that is a very good thing to come back to. I'm very glad you have another exhaust ticked off and that it sounds good. It can really make the character of a car or bike!
One more to go, which I'm aiming to tackle myself! Good idea in the winter on my own, right? It'll probably be fine...Cambs_Stuart said:
That is a nice exhaust. Good to see more time and attention on the SAAB.
So, are you hoping for a MIG welder or a welding course for Christmas?
Both! Given the last 18 months of disruption I haven't been to my freind's workshop... I think it'll be a home lesson via Zoom in the new year.So, are you hoping for a MIG welder or a welding course for Christmas?
bolidemichael said:
You could detail/protect it with FinishKare1000 or Bikt Hamber Double Speed Wax. Either of those (amongst a number of alternative options) will make subsequent cleaning of the exhaust deposits a simple task.
Excellent idea - in my ignorance of 'nice things for cars' I didn't realise you could actually protect the shiny bits effectively. Too many years poking rust and replacing bits, not enough keeping them looking smart! Thanks.The wife took it for a good run yesterday and is very happy - crucially no hint of gasses in the main cabin, and not a single ding from a speed bump.
I will look into a video at a suitable venue - it will need both of us, bear with me...
I took it out to a local brewery to take shipment of their latest stout yesterday. Still in love with this shape.
The 900 has been in a lot of use of late, so much so that we both missed a big number...
...but I think that exemplifies this car - it used, year round, leant on, stacked full of plants, parked ont he road, down muddy tracks and off at the drop of the hat for 200 miles for a midnight emergency. My wife missed the 200k as she was flying down the M3 - so it goes.
To do list for 2022 look surmountable - patch holes, find reputable paint shop, fit headlining and trim driver's seat. Keep driving it.
Oh and the exhaust high temp wax only turned up after the wife took it through the aforementioned...
Never mind.
...but I think that exemplifies this car - it used, year round, leant on, stacked full of plants, parked ont he road, down muddy tracks and off at the drop of the hat for 200 miles for a midnight emergency. My wife missed the 200k as she was flying down the M3 - so it goes.
To do list for 2022 look surmountable - patch holes, find reputable paint shop, fit headlining and trim driver's seat. Keep driving it.
Oh and the exhaust high temp wax only turned up after the wife took it through the aforementioned...
Never mind.
mercedeslimos said:
Strange how the valance only comes down as far as the bumper - very rare to see that nowadays more like a fifties vehicle.
Yes the Turbo typically had either a full Aero body kit or a bumper that came down further with a cutout.https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b...
This car had all its trim removed by the previous owner to make it look like a 90/99, so its a bit of a mongrel looks-wise. The exhaust is a bit 'obvious' but I think the metal will dull with rage and I'll just keep the final twin tip waxed.
Cambs_Stuart said:
Good to hear It's providing reliable service and 200k is a good innings. Have you narrowed down the bodyshop options?
It might have to be the cheapest and worst one available - me!Spinakerr said:
mercedeslimos said:
Strange how the valance only comes down as far as the bumper - very rare to see that nowadays more like a fifties vehicle.
Yes the Turbo typically had either a full Aero body kit or a bumper that came down further with a cutout.https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b...
This car had all its trim removed by the previous owner to make it look like a 90/99, so its a bit of a mongrel looks-wise. The exhaust is a bit 'obvious' but I think the metal will dull with rage and I'll just keep the final twin tip waxed.
Liking the sound of the exhaust rage
Neat to see your SAAB, a spitting image of the '85 8 valve I had years ago, even down to the Super Incas and absent wheel arch trims. I remember the head gasket going on it, it was replaced by a local garage but they re-used all the old manifold and exhaust gaskets so I ended up re-doing them myself. It also had a curious habit of cutting out on rapid left hand bends, I forget what cured that little foible now.
I was tempted by the remains of a flat front 16S a couple of years ago, but it was in a bad way with rust in every panel so I declined.
RJ
I was tempted by the remains of a flat front 16S a couple of years ago, but it was in a bad way with rust in every panel so I declined.
RJ
200k is quite a significant threshold to have surpassed without having captured! I passed 170k in the FFRR on the M6 recently and missed that too. Most unusual for me, then again, I haven't significantly contributed to its prolonged roadworthiness as I have the E500 which, incidentally, aslo recently crossed the 170k threshold. Well done for maintaining its road presence, however!
mercedeslimos said:
Liking the sound of the exhaust rage
Sort of a type there, but actually so do I know I reread it!occrj said:
Neat to see your SAAB, a spitting image of the '85 8 valve I had years ago, even down to the Super Incas and absent wheel arch trims. I remember the head gasket going on it, it was replaced by a local garage but they re-used all the old manifold and exhaust gaskets so I ended up re-doing them myself. It also had a curious habit of cutting out on rapid left hand bends, I forget what cured that little foible now.
I was tempted by the remains of a flat front 16S a couple of years ago, but it was in a bad way with rust in every panel so I declined.
Lovely! White is a devil to keep clean as you know, but that number plate probably kept you attentive (OCD)! Yes Super Incas are more common on the 8Vs I think - these were definitely a retro-fit but sadly wheel choice it limited to 114 wheels for earlier 900s due to the flat front peculiarities (I think the front handbrake is the main issue). I do have some plans as the front tyres need to be changed...I was tempted by the remains of a flat front 16S a couple of years ago, but it was in a bad way with rust in every panel so I declined.
Cut out on bends it often something in the fuel lines - old pumps/tanks pumps and filters. Nothing troublesem yet on ours... and the fuel lines look relatively recent but not tempting fate on the E10 too much. Regular use seems to be key.
A rusty flat front will be a full time project - this one did not attract my instant affection and plenty still to do, but it is solid in the right places. "Always buy the best you can afford" etc.
bolidemichael said:
200k is quite a significant threshold to have surpassed without having captured! I passed 170k in the FFRR on the M6 recently and missed that too. Most unusual for me, then again, I haven't significantly contributed to its prolonged roadworthiness as I have the E500 which, incidentally, aslo recently crossed the 170k threshold. Well done for maintaining its road presence, however!
Ha! Congrats on the E500, and the RR thread and your trips recently have been a great write-up on real life ownership experiences. I think one of those would be too complicated for me! Only 30k to go - good luck!
A few minutes tinkering today in the dry - luckily rear bulbs were just one blown sidelight bulb and one dodgy contact, freshly sanded.
These lamp covers are never any good... blast...
Following the lead of a fellow PHer, dropped down to a bodyshop today for quotes... this may be an expensive spring for the 900. A good run showed the 900 firing nicely but the brakes need adjustment (again). These front calipers wiht the annoying handbrake attachments (dropped after a few years by Saab) will be the end of me!
These lamp covers are never any good... blast...
Following the lead of a fellow PHer, dropped down to a bodyshop today for quotes... this may be an expensive spring for the 900. A good run showed the 900 firing nicely but the brakes need adjustment (again). These front calipers wiht the annoying handbrake attachments (dropped after a few years by Saab) will be the end of me!
Just found this great thread!
My Dad had a 900i on a C plate as a company car, as an impressionable young teenager I was blown away with it compared to his previous Cavalier. I was extremely disappointed to test drive a 9000 around 15 years ago and I've always fancied a 900. I always preferred the slightly earlier rear lights on it to yours, but even back then the majority were the later version.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_900#/media/File...
It was a very nice pale green metallic, either my memory is ropey or it was a rare colour as I can't find an image. Beige interior, heated seats, dashboard like an airplane cockpit layout, economy gauge (wow!), used to love earning my 50p for washing it.
Looking forward to the bodywork.
My Dad had a 900i on a C plate as a company car, as an impressionable young teenager I was blown away with it compared to his previous Cavalier. I was extremely disappointed to test drive a 9000 around 15 years ago and I've always fancied a 900. I always preferred the slightly earlier rear lights on it to yours, but even back then the majority were the later version.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_900#/media/File...
It was a very nice pale green metallic, either my memory is ropey or it was a rare colour as I can't find an image. Beige interior, heated seats, dashboard like an airplane cockpit layout, economy gauge (wow!), used to love earning my 50p for washing it.
Looking forward to the bodywork.
toastyhamster said:
Just found this great thread!
My Dad had a 900i on a C plate as a company car, as an impressionable young teenager I was blown away with it compared to his previous Cavalier. I was extremely disappointed to test drive a 9000 around 15 years ago and I've always fancied a 900. I always preferred the slightly earlier rear lights on it to yours, but even back then the majority were the later version.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_900#/media/File...
It was a very nice pale green metallic, either my memory is ropey or it was a rare colour as I can't find an image. Beige interior, heated seats, dashboard like an airplane cockpit layout, economy gauge (wow!), used to love earning my 50p for washing it.
Looking forward to the bodywork.
Ah that would be Acacia Green or Moselle Green metallic - amazing colours that looks fantastic on earlier 99s and 900 GLS with flat front and geometric grill.My Dad had a 900i on a C plate as a company car, as an impressionable young teenager I was blown away with it compared to his previous Cavalier. I was extremely disappointed to test drive a 9000 around 15 years ago and I've always fancied a 900. I always preferred the slightly earlier rear lights on it to yours, but even back then the majority were the later version.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_900#/media/File...
It was a very nice pale green metallic, either my memory is ropey or it was a rare colour as I can't find an image. Beige interior, heated seats, dashboard like an airplane cockpit layout, economy gauge (wow!), used to love earning my 50p for washing it.
Looking forward to the bodywork.
You haven't found the right 9000 - if you can find a 9000 2.3 turbo manual or Carlsson early flat front they are incredible to drive!
bolidemichael said:
I've just clocked that the VRN reads 'DIZZERV' -- intentional?
Tis the original plate from registration, but yes I am occasionally referring to it as 'Dizzy'!The Saab had not been out for few weeks, and as the sunlight parted the clouds yesterday we decided to take it on a few afternoon errands.
Scope creep is a common theme in any car related activity, and ten minutes after setting off for some supplies I remembered the two front tyres were looking a little low, so we took advantage of a docile M3 and pulled into Micheldever tyre centre.
Two Goodyear EfficientGrip 195/60/R15s ordered. The fronts had only done 4 years and 20k, but perhaps some of the enthusiastic turbo deployment and braking issues over the years had led to avobe-average wear.
My previous track rod end work and general 'decrusting and lubrication' led to a very easy laser alignment, a far cry form the swearwords deployed four years ago at Micheldever, and once balanced we were on our way.
A recurring theme on this car is the accursed front brake setup, and this instance of 'wheels off' highlighted another deficiency on the nearside that will need further bludgeoning. I may have to find replcement front handbrake calipers, have them refurbed and work out the setup issues myself, as this is just becoming too frequent to rely on others for.
Offside fine.
To cap it off, the temperature sensor decided to stop but it appears to be just a crusty connector rather than the sensor itself.
A few more items for the to do list!
No responses from anyone I bothered to take the car down to for bodywork quotes. It seems a hardworking Saab is not a favoured vehicle amongst the welding community at present.
Scope creep is a common theme in any car related activity, and ten minutes after setting off for some supplies I remembered the two front tyres were looking a little low, so we took advantage of a docile M3 and pulled into Micheldever tyre centre.
Two Goodyear EfficientGrip 195/60/R15s ordered. The fronts had only done 4 years and 20k, but perhaps some of the enthusiastic turbo deployment and braking issues over the years had led to avobe-average wear.
My previous track rod end work and general 'decrusting and lubrication' led to a very easy laser alignment, a far cry form the swearwords deployed four years ago at Micheldever, and once balanced we were on our way.
A recurring theme on this car is the accursed front brake setup, and this instance of 'wheels off' highlighted another deficiency on the nearside that will need further bludgeoning. I may have to find replcement front handbrake calipers, have them refurbed and work out the setup issues myself, as this is just becoming too frequent to rely on others for.
Offside fine.
To cap it off, the temperature sensor decided to stop but it appears to be just a crusty connector rather than the sensor itself.
A few more items for the to do list!
No responses from anyone I bothered to take the car down to for bodywork quotes. It seems a hardworking Saab is not a favoured vehicle amongst the welding community at present.
Thanks for the update, sorry I missed your earlier reply to my comment. I think I've got my dates mixed up and it's a later car and possibly in Beryl Green. My Dad had a (new company car) C plate mk3 Cavalier, but then got the Saab as a company car when he left to set up his own firm with a couple of others. So it would have been more like a G or H plate. I don't think there are any photos unfortunately.
Good luck with the bodyshops, I spent two years finding somebody to do a full respray on my 996, even when I got quotes I'd get ghosted trying to book it in. Local fb car groups were a good source for me.
Good luck with the bodyshops, I spent two years finding somebody to do a full respray on my 996, even when I got quotes I'd get ghosted trying to book it in. Local fb car groups were a good source for me.
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