1986 Saab 900 Turbo - White
Discussion
Thanks all!
Back to the Saab and MOT prep was the order of the day yesterday. I think it is all in vaguely good order, but the uneven idle and vacuum hissing is driving me to distraction. After several sprays of water at joins, pinched hoses and other attempts I have taken out the one way valve for the crankcase breather.
This was a cheap item I added following a diagram on the Saab owner's club along with all the silicone spaghetti, but I think it may be adding too much resistance. I took it out and the idle steadied, but other hidden vipers are hissing in the bay... any suggestions for decent long lasting one way valves out there?
The low exhaust cause has been partially identified - a broken bracket at the back.
This should gain me an inch, and the front holder looks to be adjustable so I'll see what Nelson at NDS can help with.
shalmaneser said:
Wow that SZ is a rare sight!
My sympathies with the wiring, it looks like a complete nightmare! Are replacement part looms available?
Rumour has it some are in the Saab community... one was offered earlier in this thread so hopefully I can track it down!My sympathies with the wiring, it looks like a complete nightmare! Are replacement part looms available?
Cambs_Stuart said:
There are some lovely cars in that car park. Do you think its likely you wife will suggest trading in the old faithful saab for some muscular looking slab of Americana?
No she won't change from a Saab, I did check, but I think if we go to America we might have to look into a classic rental..Back to the Saab and MOT prep was the order of the day yesterday. I think it is all in vaguely good order, but the uneven idle and vacuum hissing is driving me to distraction. After several sprays of water at joins, pinched hoses and other attempts I have taken out the one way valve for the crankcase breather.
This was a cheap item I added following a diagram on the Saab owner's club along with all the silicone spaghetti, but I think it may be adding too much resistance. I took it out and the idle steadied, but other hidden vipers are hissing in the bay... any suggestions for decent long lasting one way valves out there?
The low exhaust cause has been partially identified - a broken bracket at the back.
This should gain me an inch, and the front holder looks to be adjustable so I'll see what Nelson at NDS can help with.
darkyoung1000 said:
I had a MASSIVE bill shortly after getting the Corrado, when having got the Supercharger rebuilt, a while host of other problems were uncovered (new front subframe...)
Thanks - I spoke to Nelson at NDS Saab (more below on the visit) and he gave me the details of another bodyshop that are familiar with 900s. The new quote was half the old one. We'll see how that goes...silentbrown said:
Just listening to this and was reminded of your car (and my old ones!). Hope the sunroof gutters aren't blocked on this...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05o1gMSEOLo
Nice red one there. When all this work is done perhaps this one can earn some money back being rented out for similar productions!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05o1gMSEOLo
I had a look through the records and noted I hadn't changed the plugs, as they had looked pretty much ok when we bought the car two years ago. I found a NOS set of platinum BCP7EX, in a wonderful period NGK box, and fitted them this week.
Access is easy, one access panel with four screws, and the plugs are tilted towards you for removal.
I noted one of the plub ends was bent... could this be the cause of occasional idle hiccup?
Old onee look all ok.
Bit of copper grease on the threads and in they go...
Following the COVID disruption, the MOT was due so I booked it in with Nelson at NDS for a quick once over. Also, I wanted him to attend to three items: screeching brakes (which he fitted), the offside CV joint weeping grease (which he fitted) and the exhaust hanging too low (which he fitted).
MOT thankfully passed, but the tester noted the reason for the low exhaust was a rear bracket rotting away! Nelson adjusted the other two items, and a new certificate was obtained. Phew.
Nelson also said the starter motor was on the way out, so I'll obtain one of those and see about changing that myself.
Full time job this particular vehicle!
On the way back from the second welding quote above the Saab overheated in London traffic, and once home the fan temperature sensor switch was quickly confirmed as the problem. Again. That's two switches in as many years, one from eBay and one from a Saab supplier.
After a sigh-inducing delve into the examination of parts quality I picked a Lucas item.
Having done the job before I didn't even put a bucket underneath - just unscrewed with a 29mm spanner and jabbed the new one in quickly. Quick run up to temperature to rid it of air pockets and the fan was running normally once more.
You can't see the fan really, but that's because it it spinning, honest!
I had thought the issue might have been air trapped around the top of the radiator and so the switch was not triggered, but all the blue sloshy stuff appears to be in the right placed in the right quantities.
Next up - starter motor. It's always been a 50/50 chance on whether the motor would actually engage (I can hear the solenoid), but recently it's got to be a Luke Rhineheart-esque 'one in six' chance of firing. Bosch number 0 001 108 038... B202 900 engine number... bah!
I think I'll check over he connectors and cables, plus the actual voltage given the existing electrical 'improvements' that have been uncovered, then likely admit defeat and buy a new starter in any case.
After a sigh-inducing delve into the examination of parts quality I picked a Lucas item.
Having done the job before I didn't even put a bucket underneath - just unscrewed with a 29mm spanner and jabbed the new one in quickly. Quick run up to temperature to rid it of air pockets and the fan was running normally once more.
You can't see the fan really, but that's because it it spinning, honest!
I had thought the issue might have been air trapped around the top of the radiator and so the switch was not triggered, but all the blue sloshy stuff appears to be in the right placed in the right quantities.
Next up - starter motor. It's always been a 50/50 chance on whether the motor would actually engage (I can hear the solenoid), but recently it's got to be a Luke Rhineheart-esque 'one in six' chance of firing. Bosch number 0 001 108 038... B202 900 engine number... bah!
I think I'll check over he connectors and cables, plus the actual voltage given the existing electrical 'improvements' that have been uncovered, then likely admit defeat and buy a new starter in any case.
Well, that was a particularly awkward job, even for this car - starter motor replacement. I am typing this with sweeping knuckles and wounded spirit.
After checking the cables and connections, the starter really was the only remaining suspect to the irregular starting. I took a chance on what was a well-used but tested & guaranteed exact Bosch replacement, rather than anything aftermarket or 'refurbished', for the princely sum of £34 delivered. Most flashier looking items appeared to have Bosch motors but cheap aftermarket solenoids attached.
Doesn't look especially fresh and vibrant, does it? I had my doubts, and so before the bizarrely awkward operation began I tested it on my 'testbed' in the boot. Battery disconnected from the engine, jumper cables to positive post and negative to body, then bridge the positive to the 12V exciter terminal, in this case with a highly specialised old screwdriver.
It sprang into eager life with gusto, scurrying about the boot floor like a gnarled Bosch tortoise. I gave it a good scrub, showered it in brake cleaner and covered any rust in Bilt Hamber, then set it to one side.
The starter is located under the intake manifold, and with Saab's 'back to front' engine and gearbox placement, the flywheel is of course right at the front of the car. Wife helped me remove the bonnet (two bolts and it just pulls off), and I began a bit of an access inspection after disconnecting the battery.
Under the intake manifold somewhere...
I found a few patchy descriptions, the Haynes manual was of no use so I just started taking out the air intakes, turbo piping and various stray vacuum and electrical entanglements.
Something shiny under the airbox...
Oh. Lovely. Not one of mine, but.. great. Thanks, previous owner or mechanic! Add 'Great tool storage' to Saab 900 benefits.
I really didn't want to take off the throttle cable and butterfly chamber, but various coolant and air hoses were free and moved out of the way.
With a few more bolts the flywheel cover was technically loose, though it is quite a wrestle to move it over the clutch line and 'up and out' in the bay.
There is it - two 14mm bolts (with 17mm nuts) a the flywheel end, and two 12mm bolts on a bracket at the very back, under the intake manifold. Neither were fun - in the end the 12mm was a small socket with all my extensions, the front a combination of 17mm snapper holding the nuts and socket set or spanner to encourage movement. Plus plenty of penetrant spray!
Free... but entangled. The fuel line, radiator hose, key electrical connectors and many vacuum lines are all having a party in this area, so nothing could be rushed or forced... There was also a bracket on a 17mm bolt that holds the throttle body to the engine block! Eventually I moved it 'down and around' the engine block and took it out where the airbox was.
Old and new. It looks like the solenoid had been swapped for a cheap unbranded aftermarket one - the 'green gold' case is a giveaway for me. Back on the test bench boot floor, I was delighted to find it was as intermittent as it was on the car, so I had confirmed the culprit. Phew.
I swapped the rear engine block bracket as mine arrive bent, and began the reassembly process. I took the opportunity to change a few jubilee clips that were looking crusty, and worked slowly to make sure I hadn't trapped any wires, hoses or plugs under the intake manifold!
Everything went back relatively quickly, and I couldn't stop grinning when the wife came out to try it and it fired on the first crank.
My back was complaining, my fingers crooked and as she pointed out 'you're beyond filthy', but it was very satisfying to hear it start with such vivacity. I had a long bath and we took the Saab for a celebratory Indian. It started on the first crank, every time, and not a single complain from any clunking solenoid!
Next up - finishing the stereo and some new replacement panels...
After checking the cables and connections, the starter really was the only remaining suspect to the irregular starting. I took a chance on what was a well-used but tested & guaranteed exact Bosch replacement, rather than anything aftermarket or 'refurbished', for the princely sum of £34 delivered. Most flashier looking items appeared to have Bosch motors but cheap aftermarket solenoids attached.
Doesn't look especially fresh and vibrant, does it? I had my doubts, and so before the bizarrely awkward operation began I tested it on my 'testbed' in the boot. Battery disconnected from the engine, jumper cables to positive post and negative to body, then bridge the positive to the 12V exciter terminal, in this case with a highly specialised old screwdriver.
It sprang into eager life with gusto, scurrying about the boot floor like a gnarled Bosch tortoise. I gave it a good scrub, showered it in brake cleaner and covered any rust in Bilt Hamber, then set it to one side.
The starter is located under the intake manifold, and with Saab's 'back to front' engine and gearbox placement, the flywheel is of course right at the front of the car. Wife helped me remove the bonnet (two bolts and it just pulls off), and I began a bit of an access inspection after disconnecting the battery.
Under the intake manifold somewhere...
I found a few patchy descriptions, the Haynes manual was of no use so I just started taking out the air intakes, turbo piping and various stray vacuum and electrical entanglements.
Something shiny under the airbox...
Oh. Lovely. Not one of mine, but.. great. Thanks, previous owner or mechanic! Add 'Great tool storage' to Saab 900 benefits.
I really didn't want to take off the throttle cable and butterfly chamber, but various coolant and air hoses were free and moved out of the way.
With a few more bolts the flywheel cover was technically loose, though it is quite a wrestle to move it over the clutch line and 'up and out' in the bay.
There is it - two 14mm bolts (with 17mm nuts) a the flywheel end, and two 12mm bolts on a bracket at the very back, under the intake manifold. Neither were fun - in the end the 12mm was a small socket with all my extensions, the front a combination of 17mm snapper holding the nuts and socket set or spanner to encourage movement. Plus plenty of penetrant spray!
Free... but entangled. The fuel line, radiator hose, key electrical connectors and many vacuum lines are all having a party in this area, so nothing could be rushed or forced... There was also a bracket on a 17mm bolt that holds the throttle body to the engine block! Eventually I moved it 'down and around' the engine block and took it out where the airbox was.
Old and new. It looks like the solenoid had been swapped for a cheap unbranded aftermarket one - the 'green gold' case is a giveaway for me. Back on the test bench boot floor, I was delighted to find it was as intermittent as it was on the car, so I had confirmed the culprit. Phew.
I swapped the rear engine block bracket as mine arrive bent, and began the reassembly process. I took the opportunity to change a few jubilee clips that were looking crusty, and worked slowly to make sure I hadn't trapped any wires, hoses or plugs under the intake manifold!
Everything went back relatively quickly, and I couldn't stop grinning when the wife came out to try it and it fired on the first crank.
My back was complaining, my fingers crooked and as she pointed out 'you're beyond filthy', but it was very satisfying to hear it start with such vivacity. I had a long bath and we took the Saab for a celebratory Indian. It started on the first crank, every time, and not a single complain from any clunking solenoid!
Next up - finishing the stereo and some new replacement panels...
B'stard Child said:
Christ that looked like a fecking mission to get that out.......
I’m now guessing that the production line started with a starter motor hanging on a string and then Saab built the car around it??????
Ha! Yes, it probably made sense on the original Triumph block, the right way round and at a time the term turbo was only used on flying machines, but here it was a hassle.I’m now guessing that the production line started with a starter motor hanging on a string and then Saab built the car around it??????
NGRhodes said:
Wonder how much a garage would of charged for that.
That's as bad as having to take the rear seats (which is a 2 man job as they are big slidy MPV seats), remove the centre console and lift the carpet to change the handbrake cable on my old Grandis.
Nelson at NDS says its 1.5 hours in the old Saab books, and that he can do it in 1 if no bolts shear or hoses split. I took 3 hours as I was being very careful with wires and suchlike, and learning as I went. The Haynes manual actually says 'unbolt at both ends, lift flywheel cover, remove and replace'. That's as bad as having to take the rear seats (which is a 2 man job as they are big slidy MPV seats), remove the centre console and lift the carpet to change the handbrake cable on my old Grandis.
Same with the Rover 75 I have! Handbrake cables sometimes seem to be nearer to the Earth's core than the car you're working on...
Finally got the stereo back in after Steve Lewis came up trumps with the correct wiring harness adaptor, and I reassembled the front dash bulbs and switches...
Doesn't look abysmal, and this particular Pioneer was chosen as:
1) they are cheap on eBay
2) it has minimal pointless distracting graphics
3) it has a good selection of colours for matching older cars
4) I have one in the Alfa 164 so I know it's a solid unit
At ignition the long-dormant electric aerial groaned into life (and a surprisingly high extension) while the sorry state of the speakers was also confirmed. I think I have some spares somewhere from 'the haul', but any recommendations on modern units that fit under the dash would be welcome.
The 900 is back in daily service as my wife begins retraining in the wake of COVID-related work upheaval, and she's extremely happy that the car starts at the first turn of the key, every time. Insert your own Anchorman quote here for the previous situation. Radiator switch seems to work correctly too, and I have an idea for the low-hanging exhaust....
Pennies are audibly scraping now for the replacement panels for the wheel arches, though 'Panels Assemble' is unlikely to be a box-office draw, so I'll get an update when the repair work begins properly.
Doesn't look abysmal, and this particular Pioneer was chosen as:
1) they are cheap on eBay
2) it has minimal pointless distracting graphics
3) it has a good selection of colours for matching older cars
4) I have one in the Alfa 164 so I know it's a solid unit
At ignition the long-dormant electric aerial groaned into life (and a surprisingly high extension) while the sorry state of the speakers was also confirmed. I think I have some spares somewhere from 'the haul', but any recommendations on modern units that fit under the dash would be welcome.
The 900 is back in daily service as my wife begins retraining in the wake of COVID-related work upheaval, and she's extremely happy that the car starts at the first turn of the key, every time. Insert your own Anchorman quote here for the previous situation. Radiator switch seems to work correctly too, and I have an idea for the low-hanging exhaust....
Pennies are audibly scraping now for the replacement panels for the wheel arches, though 'Panels Assemble' is unlikely to be a box-office draw, so I'll get an update when the repair work begins properly.
Speakers are on order - pushed the boat out a slight amount, but nothing skipping two pints in a lockdown pub wouldn't cover!
The Saab is currently very active and covering a lot of varied ground with my wife's new vocation. She has a pretty special parking space now at Hampton Court one day a week.
I'm also happy to report I have assembled the wheelarch repair panels (inners and outers) and quote from an experienced shop who have many previous examples completed in Wembley. It'll be packed off next week for some surgery, and then we can finish off the paint. Very exciting.
I've had a complete headlining in the garage over a year...I think I'll fit some sound deadening too before it all goes back in. Oh and I need to tidy up the sunroof rust, reroute the wiring that is dangling out of the boot hinge... and a few more bits, no doubt!
The Saab is currently very active and covering a lot of varied ground with my wife's new vocation. She has a pretty special parking space now at Hampton Court one day a week.
I'm also happy to report I have assembled the wheelarch repair panels (inners and outers) and quote from an experienced shop who have many previous examples completed in Wembley. It'll be packed off next week for some surgery, and then we can finish off the paint. Very exciting.
I've had a complete headlining in the garage over a year...I think I'll fit some sound deadening too before it all goes back in. Oh and I need to tidy up the sunroof rust, reroute the wiring that is dangling out of the boot hinge... and a few more bits, no doubt!
She thinks so too, thanks for that!
I'm quite excited by the prospect of getting all the rust out of this car (well, except the door bottom but that can be a job for 2021), though I'm dreading the day of scraping and reapplying the underseal to the underneath. Might have to borrow a heated garage with a lift for that...
I'm quite excited by the prospect of getting all the rust out of this car (well, except the door bottom but that can be a job for 2021), though I'm dreading the day of scraping and reapplying the underseal to the underneath. Might have to borrow a heated garage with a lift for that...
Thanks all - love those alloys on the red turbo DaytonaMike!
Work has started, though unfortunately its revealed a good chunk of vintage filler. Good thing I picked up a whole new front wing by the sounds of it.
True greatness comes from within, except in the case of rust.
Some before shots, for posterity:
Front left:
Rear right:
From the bodyshop - truly crusty at the top cut marks and plaster of Paris below the wheeline...
Rear also liberally fillered, but as its the whole side of the car it will have to be just patched:
I'm already scared of what the next images will be...
Work has started, though unfortunately its revealed a good chunk of vintage filler. Good thing I picked up a whole new front wing by the sounds of it.
True greatness comes from within, except in the case of rust.
Some before shots, for posterity:
Front left:
Rear right:
From the bodyshop - truly crusty at the top cut marks and plaster of Paris below the wheeline...
Rear also liberally fillered, but as its the whole side of the car it will have to be just patched:
I'm already scared of what the next images will be...
Thanks all - looks like the team managed to find some good metal and begin the rebuild... front and rear coming together nicely.
Unfortunately the front wing will need quite a bit of fettling to accommodate the earlier flat front design, but I'm hopeful it can be rectified! Very happy to see the nooks and crannies on the inside actually looking respectable:
Front:
Rear:
Unfortunately the front wing will need quite a bit of fettling to accommodate the earlier flat front design, but I'm hopeful it can be rectified! Very happy to see the nooks and crannies on the inside actually looking respectable:
Front:
Rear:
Thanks everyone - yes the light clusters might benefit from a bit of a spruce up - LED bulbs I'm undecided on, only ever had miserable ones that failed after installation. Recommendations welcome!
The Saab is back, and the work has been completed. Initial impressions of the work are good - the front wing and inners/outers were fettled to a good fit, the inners and outers have all been seam sealed, waxoiled and thoroughly painted. All looks very solid, and a definite improvement.
The car or panels will be painted at a later date - I'm going to tackle the sunroof and some other areas underneath, plus the purchase of a starter welding rig for the exhaust hook before I get excited about any large scale repaint.
The only downside to the work are peripheral annoyances - the cars is filled with dust, there overspray and waxoil over all the mudflaps and underside (not really an issue) and the boot lock has been pushed in. Presumably someone tried to open the group without realising the release button is not the lock. The indicator clip is also broken (I have another) and the car picked up a lot of marks, including a teacup stain.
In summary - I got a good quality job but a level of service commensurate with price.
I think given some of the quotes for painting I'm going to at least try a quick aerosol application to the rear quarter. Next up - sunroof...
The Saab is back, and the work has been completed. Initial impressions of the work are good - the front wing and inners/outers were fettled to a good fit, the inners and outers have all been seam sealed, waxoiled and thoroughly painted. All looks very solid, and a definite improvement.
The car or panels will be painted at a later date - I'm going to tackle the sunroof and some other areas underneath, plus the purchase of a starter welding rig for the exhaust hook before I get excited about any large scale repaint.
The only downside to the work are peripheral annoyances - the cars is filled with dust, there overspray and waxoil over all the mudflaps and underside (not really an issue) and the boot lock has been pushed in. Presumably someone tried to open the group without realising the release button is not the lock. The indicator clip is also broken (I have another) and the car picked up a lot of marks, including a teacup stain.
In summary - I got a good quality job but a level of service commensurate with price.
I think given some of the quotes for painting I'm going to at least try a quick aerosol application to the rear quarter. Next up - sunroof...
Yes I think a DIY job here with cans should suffice for the interim, as almost all the panels are different shades of Cirrus white in any case. Givens me an excuse to buy a giant gazebo for the driveway too.
On the panel - the entire new wing was used for the outer front, although they kept the old bonnet runner and made a a few very neat adaptations for the flat front fixings. The old panel was main filler and rust, with only a solid top edge!
On the panel - the entire new wing was used for the outer front, although they kept the old bonnet runner and made a a few very neat adaptations for the flat front fixings. The old panel was main filler and rust, with only a solid top edge!
Mikeeb said:
@ Spinnakerr. I don’t suppose in amongst your spares you have a thermostat housing with the bleed nipple do you?
Hiya - sorry I do not - try Steve Lewis or 2Stroke2Turbo who I know have a few in their scrap yard.Recurring issue in the Saab - non-working cigarette lighter and rear demister - Fuse 29 in the book but from prior experience I know this will be the reversing lights (Fuse 13), which inexplicably also share that circuit.
Good news - the demister switch, relay and wiring are intacts - I changed the fuse and took the car out of reverse and the necessary operation was restored.
The rear light clusters have always been a little suspect (see earlier in the thread), and with the recent horizontal rain episodes they were now mini fishtanks for the bulbs...
I gave the situation a hefty sigh, and on queue another downpour started... and decided to unbolts both units for resealing and proper drying time.
The seals are all perished/compressed and so appear to have failed with a deliciously damp cocktail of time, dirt, mould and previous ... bathroom sealant attempts.
Easy access through the rear hatch carpet, two 10mm bolts and easily unclipped wires for each bulb - no multiplex connectors here.
Cobwebs likely contributing to structural rigidity.
There are two seals - a foamy item for the cluster to the bodywork and a rubber square item for the lenses.
The outer foamy ones are completely gone - someone has attempted partial repairs on the corners before with a hard-setting superglue, which had a negative effect, and at the top edge the foam has been steamrollered to a wafer-thin gasket that has no waterstoppageability.
After suitable tea thinking time and cleaning away all the gunk, I've decided to install some butyl sealant for the bodywork item, and see if the original lens rubber will seal after cleaning as they are still in one piece.
As I need access to the bulbs via the lens seal, I'd prefer not to use anything aftermarket or permanent if possible. I know, I know, you'll all say 'LED bulbs are the answer'!
This also give me the opportunity to clean up and seam seal some of the rear bodywork that is starting to show some rust.
Rear lights sorted, I hope, for the time being.
The 2mm and 6mm butyl tape arrived this week, so this morning I started feeding the thin stuff into the gap for the lens side, and the larger stuff on the bodywork affixing side.
They look hypnotic from this angle don't they?
To ensure the lenses remained removeable, I reinstalled the original 3mm seals (that had cleaned up nicely and remained in a vaguely useful shape) on top of the butyl. The butyl on the lens side is effectively bolstering the existing flattened seals and gaps.
Back to the car itself, I had a good poke at the various multicoloured tendrils and a good prod of the area.
Sadly, there was some ferrous oxide lurking on the right hand side, so the trust wire brush and blunt screwdriver removed the offending particles. Any shades of brown on both sides were then introduced to some Bilt Hamber products and left to dry.
Fortunately during this episode I found the probable source of recent issues - a wire rubbed through with evidence of shorting. The wire itself was not compromised to a terminal extent, just the plastic shield, so I tried a combination of heatshrink and tape to ensconce it. Sadly I could not get it to adhere properly, so ended up embalming it tightly with plastic, tape and gaffer.
I spent a few moment ensuring the connectors were tight, applied some electrical compound and clipped all wire back in. Mounting the clusters took a bit of care to ensure the butyl made a complete seal, with alternating turns of the 10mm bolts on the inside.
Bulbs back, lenses back on, a little tight with the extra tape but with careful application of the 4 torx screws its all neatly in place.
Turning the key I listened out for the tell-tale whispered 'snap' of the fuse.... but it didn't come! All bulbs working, heated window and 12V socket have agreed to resume operation. Excellent.
I think I need to do the same for the front indicator tomorrow...
The 2mm and 6mm butyl tape arrived this week, so this morning I started feeding the thin stuff into the gap for the lens side, and the larger stuff on the bodywork affixing side.
They look hypnotic from this angle don't they?
To ensure the lenses remained removeable, I reinstalled the original 3mm seals (that had cleaned up nicely and remained in a vaguely useful shape) on top of the butyl. The butyl on the lens side is effectively bolstering the existing flattened seals and gaps.
Back to the car itself, I had a good poke at the various multicoloured tendrils and a good prod of the area.
Sadly, there was some ferrous oxide lurking on the right hand side, so the trust wire brush and blunt screwdriver removed the offending particles. Any shades of brown on both sides were then introduced to some Bilt Hamber products and left to dry.
Fortunately during this episode I found the probable source of recent issues - a wire rubbed through with evidence of shorting. The wire itself was not compromised to a terminal extent, just the plastic shield, so I tried a combination of heatshrink and tape to ensconce it. Sadly I could not get it to adhere properly, so ended up embalming it tightly with plastic, tape and gaffer.
I spent a few moment ensuring the connectors were tight, applied some electrical compound and clipped all wire back in. Mounting the clusters took a bit of care to ensure the butyl made a complete seal, with alternating turns of the 10mm bolts on the inside.
Bulbs back, lenses back on, a little tight with the extra tape but with careful application of the 4 torx screws its all neatly in place.
Turning the key I listened out for the tell-tale whispered 'snap' of the fuse.... but it didn't come! All bulbs working, heated window and 12V socket have agreed to resume operation. Excellent.
I think I need to do the same for the front indicator tomorrow...
Cambs_Stuart said:
I know I've said this before, but the time and attention to detail you give these cars is amazing.
It's thoroughly put me off having a "modern classic" as a daily, but I'm very envious of your skills.
Thanks and sorry! After this many years the cars really are a form of relaxation and fun for me, even when they are a complete pain and I end up bloody, frozen and beaten - there's always the opportunity to stop and reconsider regroup and rebuild. Its been especially helpful in 2020 to have a number of projects to keep the brain occupied; seeing the Saab emerge after two years to a redoubtable year-round driver is helpful. As its the wife's car and she loves taking it everywhere, its also reassuring to know as much of it as possible is reliable, sorted and safe.It's thoroughly put me off having a "modern classic" as a daily, but I'm very envious of your skills.
I resealed the front indicators this morning. You may recall I bought new lenses when we got the car, but already the water ingress, frost and UV had taken its toll:
I disassembled them carefully and removed the clear sealant I had added in attempt to help the seals. They actually didn't look too bad - I think the water source may have been the screw holes!
The seals were cracked and stretched a bit too far to be reused with confidence. I tried some 3mm butyl to seal them in, but the cracks and distortions just becaume more apparent.
I salvaged the 3mm for the screw retainers. It may look like a glossy bird dropping, but at least it is waterproof.
6mm butyl for the rest of the units, with a drainage gap as the bottom.
New screws and very careful bedding in(with a screwdriver the ease the joins), and the units should, hopefully, survive a few more winters.
Sunroof summary - crusty.
Sadly the Saab's sunroof aperture is a little worse for wear, with pustules attempting to breakout along the edges. Its clear a poor repair with filler-over-rust and paint-over-rubber was attempted. I took a bit of time to scrape away protruding and loose debris for further investigation.
Not an ideal basis for a repair after a bit of digging. The good news is all the mechanism and sunroof 'cassette' is in good order, and a quick blast of air down the drain pipes confirmed that was all in good order.
I have applied some bilt hamber along the surfaces after a loosening as much debris as I could.
I'm at a loss as to what exactly to do here - 2Stroke suggested a donor section but I think some modern products and rust killer applications might stop it for much less money, effort and retain the original shell. Any suggestions from PH community?
Sadly the Saab's sunroof aperture is a little worse for wear, with pustules attempting to breakout along the edges. Its clear a poor repair with filler-over-rust and paint-over-rubber was attempted. I took a bit of time to scrape away protruding and loose debris for further investigation.
Not an ideal basis for a repair after a bit of digging. The good news is all the mechanism and sunroof 'cassette' is in good order, and a quick blast of air down the drain pipes confirmed that was all in good order.
I have applied some bilt hamber along the surfaces after a loosening as much debris as I could.
I'm at a loss as to what exactly to do here - 2Stroke suggested a donor section but I think some modern products and rust killer applications might stop it for much less money, effort and retain the original shell. Any suggestions from PH community?
The Saab gets the most use in these strange times, as it seems perfectly at home in our 'extreme' weather that would be labelled normal in Trollhatten.
As we have hardly ventured out since the second full lockdown, a recent pickup of a takeaway was my sole drive of January.
Some of the interior lights are intermittent, but all the main one illuminate, bleary-eyed, after either a light tap is administered to the general vicinity or the temperature gets to around 10 degrees internally.
Nothing else to report. Please let spring bring some daylight and dry patches to allow some work to be done!
As we have hardly ventured out since the second full lockdown, a recent pickup of a takeaway was my sole drive of January.
Some of the interior lights are intermittent, but all the main one illuminate, bleary-eyed, after either a light tap is administered to the general vicinity or the temperature gets to around 10 degrees internally.
Nothing else to report. Please let spring bring some daylight and dry patches to allow some work to be done!
Thanks all - yes it is yet another component of the ongoing dread having to see the cars outside being lashed with rain, hail, snow and detritus. A feeling of powerlessness is present in many corners of life for everyone at present, but the cars should be a safe haven!
spreadsheet monkey said:
Love this thread, and didn't realise you were the guy behind the K11 Micra thread!
OP, you're clearly handy with the spanners. Have you worked in the automotive trade in the past, or have you just learned through hands-on experience?
Just hands-on experience, like minded friends and an all-pervading will to never pay anyone else anything if at all possible! As friends have given up and moved to modern cars or ditched working on them altogether I just kept going and am always interested in learning more, especially considering much of my day job is screen-based.OP, you're clearly handy with the spanners. Have you worked in the automotive trade in the past, or have you just learned through hands-on experience?
Stay strong everyone - I'm hoping spring will allow us all time at least to spend some time outside the house, and yes I have just ordered a finger sander following 99T's lovely detailed guide!
We'll have to form smaller groups on PH to keep each other motivated on projects and point/laugh over Zoom or something.
I know exactly what the Rover is going to be replaced with, but sadly the sale of it to friend nearby fell through. The values are quite low, seemingly no matter how tidy it is or how much work has been done. This doesn't help my will to list it somewhere and get lowball offers.
I do want it to go to a Rover fan, so I'm hoping Jules or the 75 network will come up with a lead...
We'll have to form smaller groups on PH to keep each other motivated on projects and point/laugh over Zoom or something.
I know exactly what the Rover is going to be replaced with, but sadly the sale of it to friend nearby fell through. The values are quite low, seemingly no matter how tidy it is or how much work has been done. This doesn't help my will to list it somewhere and get lowball offers.
I do want it to go to a Rover fan, so I'm hoping Jules or the 75 network will come up with a lead...
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