1986 Saab 900 Turbo - White
Discussion
Thank you all, I love the anecdotes and careful nods from the Saab MTs - I'm sure we'll need your expertise in due course!
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Robatr0n said:
Looks lovely!
Did I see your wife drive driving this yesterday morning? I left a car meet at Duke of London in Brentford and I'm sure I saw her arriving in it?
If not, your wife has a doppelganger who also drives a D reg white 900 Turbo.
Yes indeed, she was keen to take it to a car meet up and this is fast becoming my favourite. Here it is being perfectly parked mongst the diverse group:Did I see your wife drive driving this yesterday morning? I left a car meet at Duke of London in Brentford and I'm sure I saw her arriving in it?
If not, your wife has a doppelganger who also drives a D reg white 900 Turbo.
20180617_114027Paul S4 said:
Your old SAAB looks a lot better underneath than most modern cars that are only a few years old !
I guess that was when SAAB made very solid cars which was what their reputation was based upon.
Yes it is a great feeling when the car you blindly felt and poked while prostrated in a field, slightly ill-at-ease under the gaze of the owner, actually turns out to be decent. We're planning an underseal before the winter - any recommendations in the south west for an expert?I guess that was when SAAB made very solid cars which was what their reputation was based upon.
Paul S4 said:
That cabin filter seems so easy to replace...unlike the one on my Alfa..!
Also have you considered getting a full stainless steel exhaust system....although I would imagine it would maybe be quite pricey for your car.
I got one fully fitted from the manifold back for about £320, but that was on a 2005 Alfa 156 JTDM.
Yes the cabin filter was the easiest of any car I've had by a large margin. Stainless system...always looking, they seem to be sold within the club for £150 but at present it's a luxury item, headlining and some further service items first!Also have you considered getting a full stainless steel exhaust system....although I would imagine it would maybe be quite pricey for your car.
I got one fully fitted from the manifold back for about £320, but that was on a 2005 Alfa 156 JTDM.
Mikeeb said:
CV boots are easy enough, you just need to pop a spacer in between the upper wishbone and chassis before you jack the car up to stop it dropping. Which gives you enough room to remove the upper ball joint from the hub. With the CV boot off, find the hidden circlip in the CV and the shaft will slide out. Oh happy memories.....
That sounds as easy as a K11 Micra, phew! Really appreciate the tips, thanks.Spinakerr said:
Thank you all, I love the anecdotes and careful nods from the Saab MTs - I'm sure we'll need your expertise in due course!
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I live about 1.5 miles from there and have only just discovered the meet. Really enjoyed it to be honest. Will be going back next month for sure.Robatr0n said:
Looks lovely!
Did I see your wife drive driving this yesterday morning? I left a car meet at Duke of London in Brentford and I'm sure I saw her arriving in it?
If not, your wife has a doppelganger who also drives a D reg white 900 Turbo.
Yes indeed, she was keen to take it to a car meet up and this is fast becoming my favourite. Here it is being perfectly parked mongst the diverse group:Did I see your wife drive driving this yesterday morning? I left a car meet at Duke of London in Brentford and I'm sure I saw her arriving in it?
If not, your wife has a doppelganger who also drives a D reg white 900 Turbo.
20180617_114027Some final easy items addressed last weekend:
Front number plate was the wrong size and both were looking tired, so replacements were ordered and carefully drilled.
Before:
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After. Much better!
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I also changed the air filter. These can be pricey but I found a chap having a clearout and obtained a decent one for a ten pound note. One clip is missing from the air filter housing by the intercooler, will add it to my list of fiddly things to grab from the next one being broken:
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Air filter housing had a wasp and collection of leaves in it, and the filter itself several black circles from being rotated throughout the years! Time for a change.
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Surprisingly, the occasional misfire at idle seems to have been cured - either through the distributor cap or general use, it's sounding a lot healthier. There remains a steady wavering of idle speed, which is likely sensors and vacuum tubes, but otherwise in good shape!
Right. That just about wraps up the easy stuff for the initial honeymoon period of car ownership - now it's time to get into the complicated items and serious repair work! I'll order some CVs and start to research headlining replacement (anyone recommend someone who has the 'biscuit' for a 3 door classic sunroof model?) and the cost of repairing the two arches that have bubbling.
Front number plate was the wrong size and both were looking tired, so replacements were ordered and carefully drilled.
Before:
20180616_13575420180616_132539After. Much better!
20180616_13541820180616_140930I also changed the air filter. These can be pricey but I found a chap having a clearout and obtained a decent one for a ten pound note. One clip is missing from the air filter housing by the intercooler, will add it to my list of fiddly things to grab from the next one being broken:
20180619_202222Air filter housing had a wasp and collection of leaves in it, and the filter itself several black circles from being rotated throughout the years! Time for a change.
20180619_202358Surprisingly, the occasional misfire at idle seems to have been cured - either through the distributor cap or general use, it's sounding a lot healthier. There remains a steady wavering of idle speed, which is likely sensors and vacuum tubes, but otherwise in good shape!
Right. That just about wraps up the easy stuff for the initial honeymoon period of car ownership - now it's time to get into the complicated items and serious repair work! I'll order some CVs and start to research headlining replacement (anyone recommend someone who has the 'biscuit' for a 3 door classic sunroof model?) and the cost of repairing the two arches that have bubbling.
Edited by Spinakerr on Saturday 23 June 12:46
Oh one final easy pair of items! The front indicator lenses were cracked, faded and home to eight of the rustiest screw I have ever met. They looks like exhumed cork mince. I took them off to see if they could be salvaged and check the state of the underlying units.
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Both looked to have suffered from over-enthusiastic screwing of the corners as opposed to actual impact, and unfortunately the units themselves has suffered water ingress, emulsified seals and salty bulb contacts.
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So fresh from a breaker in Germany, two complete units in fantastic condition!
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Old unit come out with a single screw at the back, and two 7mm bolts that can be loosened and slid out.
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A 60 minute intermission followed where I cleaned everything in area, including inner wings, cables, sanded electrical contacts, reassembled plugs, tightened hoses and wiped the whole caboodle down.
All old screws discarded, correct nylon washers sourced and after loosening the units with the bonnet up, they were in and looking magnificent.
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Now, about the gaffa tape on that grill....
20180623_14544620180623_141348Both looked to have suffered from over-enthusiastic screwing of the corners as opposed to actual impact, and unfortunately the units themselves has suffered water ingress, emulsified seals and salty bulb contacts.
20180623_145454So fresh from a breaker in Germany, two complete units in fantastic condition!
20180623_110001Old unit come out with a single screw at the back, and two 7mm bolts that can be loosened and slid out.
20180623_14165820180623_142128A 60 minute intermission followed where I cleaned everything in area, including inner wings, cables, sanded electrical contacts, reassembled plugs, tightened hoses and wiped the whole caboodle down.
All old screws discarded, correct nylon washers sourced and after loosening the units with the bonnet up, they were in and looking magnificent.
20180623_16002020180623_160015Now, about the gaffa tape on that grill....
As we're taking the Saab for a long weekend soon, a few items needed remedying.
The windscreen washer system was struggling, so the jets were cleaned out with a pin and a few hoses pushed onto their connectors to restore pressure. Unfortunately the water in the reservoir I judged to be 'Pirates of Darkwater', so it was unbolted and cleaned up. Bit if a fiddle as some of the wires for the pumps have been shortened:
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A good scrub and the PH cocktail-shaker approach of cleansers and abrasives purged all that nastiness. The surrounding area was cleaned up and electrical contacts sanded from fluffy green to shiny copper, as is becoming the tradition with this car. Washer capability restored.
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Next up, the intermittent window and roof switches. As they were intermittent as opposed to sluggish, I went for the switches first, and it appears our Saab was assembled in a hayloft in 1986. Just how does this much grass get into these things? All the switches were easily pried out of their holders with a thin screwdriver:
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You can see the little tabs that need to be carefully teased out to separate the components:
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In this instance, a thorough clean, sanding of all the contacts and slightly bending of the metal arms brought them all back to non-sticky factory spec.
Before:
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After:
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All three back in their cradles:
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...and back in the car. No expense, thankfully - these switches can be difficult to get hold of!
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The car has of course been ticking over the miles and is unfazed by London's hatred of the motor vehicle. Here it is in Lincoln's Inn looking like it's on the set of Morse:
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Next up - window seals and that terrible noise of something scratching the glass...
The windscreen washer system was struggling, so the jets were cleaned out with a pin and a few hoses pushed onto their connectors to restore pressure. Unfortunately the water in the reservoir I judged to be 'Pirates of Darkwater', so it was unbolted and cleaned up. Bit if a fiddle as some of the wires for the pumps have been shortened:
20180630_19581620180630_202228A good scrub and the PH cocktail-shaker approach of cleansers and abrasives purged all that nastiness. The surrounding area was cleaned up and electrical contacts sanded from fluffy green to shiny copper, as is becoming the tradition with this car. Washer capability restored.
20180630_20224220180630_20414220180630_204145Next up, the intermittent window and roof switches. As they were intermittent as opposed to sluggish, I went for the switches first, and it appears our Saab was assembled in a hayloft in 1986. Just how does this much grass get into these things? All the switches were easily pried out of their holders with a thin screwdriver:
20180705_135457You can see the little tabs that need to be carefully teased out to separate the components:
20180705_141832In this instance, a thorough clean, sanding of all the contacts and slightly bending of the metal arms brought them all back to non-sticky factory spec.
Before:
20180705_135810After:
20180705_141101All three back in their cradles:
20180705_142525...and back in the car. No expense, thankfully - these switches can be difficult to get hold of!
20180705_150120The car has of course been ticking over the miles and is unfazed by London's hatred of the motor vehicle. Here it is in Lincoln's Inn looking like it's on the set of Morse:
20180701_134329Next up - window seals and that terrible noise of something scratching the glass...
Thanks all - I don't think we'll be lowering it any time soon, London's potholes and the dirt track she takes it down are tough enough!
The Saab completed it's first long haul under our ownership - Cornwall and back in a weekend, without hiccup. First off, we got a second set of keys cut with either original or pretty good replica banks:
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We took off late and only stopped for a late night snack, the cassette player reloaded with some proper 90s albums:
20180705_235234 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
...and we made it to Cornwall at the very apex of the night, not a soul stirring at 3am. Arrival:
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The next morning. Perfect!
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The next few days covered Bjork at the Eden project, rescuing a baby seagull and, more importantly, fixing the window seals.
A common issue on the 900, the window seals/weatherstrips are a triponged affair with a metal insert. The clips that secure the assembly a veritable shuriken of sharp edges that are dying to wear through any material to scratch the glass:
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Owners file or grind off these edges, but the inner metal insert of the seal also rusts and expands, pushing the whole unfortunate mess into the glass:
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Luckily it's easy to prise the aluminium trim and clips from the malformed seal, and a call the Steve Lewis the Saab specialist secured the right seals.
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With seagulls wheeling overhead, the waves lapping at the shore and definitely ice cream being immediately nearby the reassembly was sublime, and the renewed windows satisfyingly smart:
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There was also an occasional smell of fuel in the cabin. I changed the fuel cap seal for a Viton spare:
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...but sadly no change. I can see the external filler plastic is cracked, but there are also some bills for fuel filter and lines so I'll be checking all the clips. Any other suggestions for cabin smells from the PH Saab Master Techs?
Still, it got us back without hesitation and was a much easier cruiser at 70 that I would have thought - thank goodness we didn't get a 4 speed 99!
The Saab completed it's first long haul under our ownership - Cornwall and back in a weekend, without hiccup. First off, we got a second set of keys cut with either original or pretty good replica banks:
20180630_151437We took off late and only stopped for a late night snack, the cassette player reloaded with some proper 90s albums:
20180705_235234 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr...and we made it to Cornwall at the very apex of the night, not a soul stirring at 3am. Arrival:
20180706_041139The next morning. Perfect!
20180706_122101The next few days covered Bjork at the Eden project, rescuing a baby seagull and, more importantly, fixing the window seals.
A common issue on the 900, the window seals/weatherstrips are a triponged affair with a metal insert. The clips that secure the assembly a veritable shuriken of sharp edges that are dying to wear through any material to scratch the glass:
20180706_160844Owners file or grind off these edges, but the inner metal insert of the seal also rusts and expands, pushing the whole unfortunate mess into the glass:
20180705_16373420180706_15524120180706_160352Luckily it's easy to prise the aluminium trim and clips from the malformed seal, and a call the Steve Lewis the Saab specialist secured the right seals.
20180706_15550920180706_162938With seagulls wheeling overhead, the waves lapping at the shore and definitely ice cream being immediately nearby the reassembly was sublime, and the renewed windows satisfyingly smart:
20180706_16415120180706_170612There was also an occasional smell of fuel in the cabin. I changed the fuel cap seal for a Viton spare:
20180714_14183520180714_141918...but sadly no change. I can see the external filler plastic is cracked, but there are also some bills for fuel filter and lines so I'll be checking all the clips. Any other suggestions for cabin smells from the PH Saab Master Techs?
Still, it got us back without hesitation and was a much easier cruiser at 70 that I would have thought - thank goodness we didn't get a 4 speed 99!
Pericoloso said:
I'm a bit hazy on years of cars that were affected by this but could be a broken nipple off the fuel filler neck for a breather hose.
Just remove inner boot trim and fish about with your hand for a hose not connected to anything.
Thanks - I'll check it tomorrow when she's back. I also think the filler neck itself being cracked contributes to the octanedraught:Just remove inner boot trim and fish about with your hand for a hose not connected to anything.
2018-07-28_07-31-33Wife continues to scamper about the countryside in it with her free time - and it's keeping good company. She knows to take photos 'for that forum':
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2018-07-27_04-59-10Oh yes, and the headlight needs tweaking tomorrow as well. Many complaints from oncoming drivers on the way back from Cornwall. Apologies to anyone H4ed.
What a great thread?!
Gotta love a Saab! I am more a 9000 man, but as some point I would love a c900 to have as a high days and holidays kind of car.
Great progress so far and how lovely to see it being used a regular transportation - so much more interesting than the majority of boring Euro boxes or even worse Korean 'throw-away' hatches.
Keep up the hard work!
Gotta love a Saab! I am more a 9000 man, but as some point I would love a c900 to have as a high days and holidays kind of car.
Great progress so far and how lovely to see it being used a regular transportation - so much more interesting than the majority of boring Euro boxes or even worse Korean 'throw-away' hatches.
Keep up the hard work!
Another everyday eyeline issue resolved - the beautiful ItalVolanti steering wheel was missing a horn button.
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These seem to be impossible to track down - insert suitable unicorn/rocking horse waste reference here. However, a stroke of luck when taking the seat out for some carpet cleaning. That's not a Munchie...
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Two tiny tabs were also present, hanging by a thread, so some surgery was required with Araldite and a small brass nail trimmed to be a support:
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We are missing the spring (these are horn buttons) but a layer of insulating material and it all clipped back together nicely. Much better!
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20180804_195219These seem to be impossible to track down - insert suitable unicorn/rocking horse waste reference here. However, a stroke of luck when taking the seat out for some carpet cleaning. That's not a Munchie...
2018-08-12_11-25-43Two tiny tabs were also present, hanging by a thread, so some surgery was required with Araldite and a small brass nail trimmed to be a support:
20180804_19070920180804_194833We are missing the spring (these are horn buttons) but a layer of insulating material and it all clipped back together nicely. Much better!
20180804_195611Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 12th August 22:36
Very nice work, and loving the detail of the reports. Had mine out a couple of times this week, walked the MOT and running nicely.
Would you mind sharing where you got the trim/scrapers from for the windows? My glass is all screwed anyway but if it stops more water draining into the door innards it's got to be good. How fiddly are they to fit?
Would you mind sharing where you got the trim/scrapers from for the windows? My glass is all screwed anyway but if it stops more water draining into the door innards it's got to be good. How fiddly are they to fit?
e30m3Mark said:
Good save! Devil is in the details! 
Thanks, I was really annoyed with the missing button during purchase and pointed it out to the wife as an 'unobtainable issue'. At present on this car it is almost entirely details as funds and time have evaporated, but I'm hoping to get some bigger work underway in the autumn. Light17 said:
Lovely place Fowey isn't it? There's a white E34 M5 that lives around where you were staying, is that still about?
An idyll, pure and simple. We're lucky to occasionally have use of a family house down there, and every time I feel vivified. When the sea was 20 degrees and no one is about at 8am the swimming is even better. Plus the fish and chips in town is top notch.NiceCupOfTea said:
Very nice work, and loving the detail of the reports. Had mine out a couple of times this week, walked the MOT and running nicely.
Would you mind sharing where you got the trim/scrapers from for the windows? My glass is all screwed anyway but if it stops more water draining into the door innards it's got to be good. How fiddly are they to fit?
Great news - always a worry off the list when the MOT is done, especially with the new rules. I'll send you a PM, the rubbers are fiddly but just ensure you have good long nose pliers and its straightforward. On mine the main issue was pulling out all the mangy rubber and rusted nonsense. As a tip, I have relocated the clips so I can spot if they start to mark the windows again.Would you mind sharing where you got the trim/scrapers from for the windows? My glass is all screwed anyway but if it stops more water draining into the door innards it's got to be good. How fiddly are they to fit?
Some minor jobs today while waiting for tea to brew:
Passenger mirror glass had Dali'd itself and was carefully prised off and reglued with the finest Araldite:
20180812_133640Twigs served as props:
20180812_134716Front offside headlight adjusted, in daylight without a wall, by opening the bonnet and simply twirling a plastic knob. Clever Saab. Note the slam panel which is one of the more obviously scabby pieces.
20180812_120411Fuel smell not tracked down yet, but this cracked and perished return hose needs replacing and could be a cause:
20180812_121446The injectors also look past their prime, with spots of rust. After success swapping single pintle Bosch units for later quad-pintle EV6s on my Alfa Romeo 164 (with the same flow rate), I'm researching what could replace these - 02800150706. I'm not sure these are the original units, as I have many conflicting reports for 900 T16s with 0280150947 (later replacement?), 0280150761 (US market?) and others ending 12 and 11.
All information or tips well received - I know the fuel system is quite finickety on these!
20180812_121823Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 12th August 22:47
What an excellent thread, seems like an excellent buy OP.
We have two c900s a 9000 and now a 006 too. They're great cars and really do get under your skin. My girlfriends daily in summer is a white convertible one and she loves it.
You seem well read on these but I was wondering if you knew about their front reversing lights? As you will not the old light cluster shown below has a hole drilled in it, if you put a sidelight build in there and have a fish around in the wing you should find a plug that (iirc) looks the same as the sidelight and indicator plugs. Get yourself another plug holder to plug it to and you should have better lighting for your London parking.
We have two c900s a 9000 and now a 006 too. They're great cars and really do get under your skin. My girlfriends daily in summer is a white convertible one and she loves it.
You seem well read on these but I was wondering if you knew about their front reversing lights? As you will not the old light cluster shown below has a hole drilled in it, if you put a sidelight build in there and have a fish around in the wing you should find a plug that (iirc) looks the same as the sidelight and indicator plugs. Get yourself another plug holder to plug it to and you should have better lighting for your London parking.
Spinakerr said:
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