1972 Saab 99 L - Green
Discussion
Very nice indeed - you really do have a special lady there!
The "B" 2.0 engine is a bonus - a little more power than the 1850 and probably better parts availability as it was used through until about 1980-ish when they changed to the "H" version that resides in your T16S (albeit with added turbo, twin cam head etc.)
As you get used to the car, you'll find out how good the steering feel is in a 99. Sure it can be a bit weighty when maneuvering, but it will come alive on the open road
The "B" 2.0 engine is a bonus - a little more power than the 1850 and probably better parts availability as it was used through until about 1980-ish when they changed to the "H" version that resides in your T16S (albeit with added turbo, twin cam head etc.)
As you get used to the car, you'll find out how good the steering feel is in a 99. Sure it can be a bit weighty when maneuvering, but it will come alive on the open road
Thank you all! I'm glad there's a few Saab fans that won't mind the non-turbo standard variety on PH!
Steering and double wishbone setup is in great shape, it handles liek a dream. PS. Username checks out.
Mikebentley said:
What a stunner. I believe it was originally a Worcestershire car as my mums second car I remember was SUY 174L a Viva HA van.
Pure 70’s class.
Yes that would make sense -see below on the uncovered history...I also love the fact that 99L is in the numberplate. According to legend, Saab dealers bought up 96, 99, 90, 900 flavoured plates.Pure 70’s class.
sunbeam alpine said:
I love that - my mother had one just the same - WUC 71N.
I remember trying to impress my mates with a handbrake turn in a gravel car park, only to find that the handbrake worked on the front wheels.
Just looked it up and it was last on the road in 1986.
Ha! At most it would just stand on its tip toes. I have a love/hate relationship with the front handbrake Saabs but this one at least is behavings itself... so far...I remember trying to impress my mates with a handbrake turn in a gravel car park, only to find that the handbrake worked on the front wheels.
Just looked it up and it was last on the road in 1986.
Panamax said:
Soylent and Sproston?
Soylent is a great name for the car, but sadly my wife took one look at the number plate, and the colour and named it 'Soil'. As she's a gardener and it will no doubt be trudging through pastures and carrying a lot of compostbags/tools about, this is appropriate. Damn, I love Soylent...99t said:
Very nice indeed - you really do have a special lady there!
The "B" 2.0 engine is a bonus - a little more power than the 1850 and probably better parts availability as it was used through until about 1980-ish when they changed to the "H" version that resides in your T16S (albeit with added turbo, twin cam head etc.)
As you get used to the car, you'll find out how good the steering feel is in a 99. Sure it can be a bit weighty when maneuvering, but it will come alive on the open road
Thank you - all advice and sources for parts greatly received, but yes I am very much relieved it is the 1985. I may even be able to find some coolant hoses. And the oil filter is the same spin on size as the 900! This also means I won't have to don a moustache and cape to infiltrate the Triumph club, which I just cancelled the membership for after sellign the GT6, to find things. Phew. Solomite-shaped bullet dodged.The "B" 2.0 engine is a bonus - a little more power than the 1850 and probably better parts availability as it was used through until about 1980-ish when they changed to the "H" version that resides in your T16S (albeit with added turbo, twin cam head etc.)
As you get used to the car, you'll find out how good the steering feel is in a 99. Sure it can be a bit weighty when maneuvering, but it will come alive on the open road
Steering and double wishbone setup is in great shape, it handles liek a dream. PS. Username checks out.
dimots said:
Lovely car, perfect colour. Will you be keeping it outside or garaged? Hope it's not leaky, I've given up on daily duty classics after multiple soggy footwell nightmares.
We have a free garage space, so I will dodge particular weather but I have a suspicion she will be driving this any chance she gets. I have said 'not on a salt day'. Definitely a few leaks, likely hard seals and such. To be investigated but not terrible.Glassman said:
Replaced the windscreen (which was made to order) on one of these very recently. Same colour, year etc. Lovely looking cars.
Thanks - hopefully we won't need your services for the time being!Well, Sunday didn't go entirely to plan as I had to attend to other matters - a shame as it was bright and clear - now frost and rain seems to be on the menu for the week. Drat.
Some more pictures from a quick walkaround in the light:
Original steelies could do with a refurb, but it has four hubcaps and Toyo 310s from 2016 fitted. Not cheap - full tread, no cracks (yet) - These will do for a while.
Passenger door is a replacement - it has the wrong colour and a mismatched mirror (crackerd), and there's evidence of it not fitting as well as the other panels. We'll see what we can polish here at some stage...
Said chromed bad luck charm:
Some former Saabness:
Hmm could this be here because the replacement door isnt a good fit?
Ingrained mud and grime...I can't wait to get the detailing implements out for this!
Here's the first batch of fresh moss - for some reason all the batches of sprouting growth have been 'cleaned around'. We'll unscrew these famous self-tappers and see exactly how solid this is soon...
Original dealer sticker - Arthur Moore Saab - more on that below.
More moss... and some flaky paint. Don't worry, just rust protected solid steel underneath.
Rear badge. We will debate re-enamelling this black or leaving as is.
Rear valance.
Offside sharpness.
Driver's mossflap, and some flaky paint but all solid.
Oh. Wait. This is a stainless hubcap from a 96. The logo is the old Saab one. Damn. We'll have to scrap it. Never mind.
Sometimes the green on the chrome is a reflection, other times its just... green on the chrome.
Water ingress to be investigated in headlamps.
No real history was stated, but ... what is this? The original bill of sale, servicee stamps and owners manual in the glovebox? Hooray!
Original dealer wallet for Arthur Moore and Sons - anyone have any more history on that dealer?
More to follow!
Some more pictures from a quick walkaround in the light:
Original steelies could do with a refurb, but it has four hubcaps and Toyo 310s from 2016 fitted. Not cheap - full tread, no cracks (yet) - These will do for a while.
Passenger door is a replacement - it has the wrong colour and a mismatched mirror (crackerd), and there's evidence of it not fitting as well as the other panels. We'll see what we can polish here at some stage...
Said chromed bad luck charm:
Some former Saabness:
Hmm could this be here because the replacement door isnt a good fit?
Ingrained mud and grime...I can't wait to get the detailing implements out for this!
Here's the first batch of fresh moss - for some reason all the batches of sprouting growth have been 'cleaned around'. We'll unscrew these famous self-tappers and see exactly how solid this is soon...
Original dealer sticker - Arthur Moore Saab - more on that below.
More moss... and some flaky paint. Don't worry, just rust protected solid steel underneath.
Rear badge. We will debate re-enamelling this black or leaving as is.
Rear valance.
Offside sharpness.
Driver's mossflap, and some flaky paint but all solid.
Oh. Wait. This is a stainless hubcap from a 96. The logo is the old Saab one. Damn. We'll have to scrap it. Never mind.
Sometimes the green on the chrome is a reflection, other times its just... green on the chrome.
Water ingress to be investigated in headlamps.
No real history was stated, but ... what is this? The original bill of sale, servicee stamps and owners manual in the glovebox? Hooray!
Original dealer wallet for Arthur Moore and Sons - anyone have any more history on that dealer?
More to follow!
Arthur Moore and Sons operated that garage from the 1930s in Great Witley. I believe they were also coach builders originally literally making coaches out of AEC chassis. The 1970’s garage is still there and I think it’s an Esso petrol station. I believe it sold SAAB and VW cars in the 60’s and 70’s as a family friend who was a founder member of the Worcestershire VW Owners Club had strong ties with them. I think it changed names to W Croxfords but I may be wrong.
The first keeper of your car lived about 1/2 mile from my mom, she still lives there. I will do some digging for you.
The first keeper of your car lived about 1/2 mile from my mom, she still lives there. I will do some digging for you.
I know you’re not up north based on your posts but if you’re ever up there, I used these guys when I lived up north. They used to have a good stash of parts. They were brilliant and assisted with my 99 and 900’s. Sadly I’ve not had a Saab since a 93 convertible some years ago.
https://m.facebook.com/people/Malbrad-Saab/1000572...
https://m.facebook.com/people/Malbrad-Saab/1000572...
MitsuJa said:
I absolutely love it.
A 99 or a 90 is definitely on mind for the future.
My first car was a 99. Later had a 2-door 99 Turbo (as well as endless c900s and 9000s).A 99 or a 90 is definitely on mind for the future.
For a nicer driving experience, if you can, swap the steering column bracket for that from a 90 - makes the steering wheel rather less bus-like. Some have fitted electric PAS to 99s, allowing a quicker rack to be fitted.
Time and money no object, I’d love to do another 99 Turbo - something about the shape and stance is just right.
Thanks all, great to hear all the previous ownership and family histories!
After a packed week of work for us both, the 99 sat out freezing itself solid. While we wanted a car we could 'rely on' and asit outside when required, turning it into a mossy ice cube was not part of the plan. With some trepidation I donned various thermal layers on Saturday to take a proper prod at all things Saab shaped.
As it wasnt warming up, I decided the engine bay was the first port of call. I am a firm supporter of gently cleaning engine bays to spy new leaks and trouble spots, so I broke out the water-based Bilt Hamber cleaner and a fancy new brush to remove the decades of grime.
Air ducting is shot. Expansion tank a bit grotty. washer bottle leaking. Windscreen washer is inoperable.
Battery has a frayed positive lead and needs recrimping. Plus a proper clamp.
Oil filter rusty, change required.
Water hoses miserable, air filter ancient. The latter has been ordered.
All drains appeared to be blocked with dirt and detritus. I broke out the Formex, hose on minamal misty spray and blunt screwdriver to loosen things up...
Drain operation secured!
And the other side...
Nice to have all the key reference material in one place. Saab had two Verona Greens, Gn 8 H and Gn 9 H, just to confuse people. I am struggling to track down a supplier that can confirm they know the difference for a touch up kit... any suggestions from the PH community well received.
One wing as an example of crud removal:
The heater box is a flaky disaster, seemingly held together with flexible putty. I think a whole assembly is the answer, but I'm assuming these are tough to track down.
A long list made, I gave it a careful low-pressure clean with mitts and a tootbrush to dislodge the moss. Unfortunately everythign started to freeze before I could towel it off, let alone get some blasted polish onto it. The weather taking a distinctly Swedish turn, I retreated to the fire for reindeer and knitting.
The plan for Sunday - a first car show outing to Duke of London. Overnight temperature... -3 degrees...
Shinyfings said:
I know you’re not up north based on your posts but if you’re ever up there, I used these guys when I lived up north. They used to have a good stash of parts. They were brilliant and assisted with my 99 and 900’s. Sadly I’ve not had a Saab since a 93 convertible some years ago.
Thanks - I spoke to them and they are going to call me back. I think I would need to reel off exact part numbers to get a result.99t said:
Don't even think about removing those chrome arch trims to clean behind them! As you can see from the existing cracks, they will be more brittle than you can possibly imagine!
Looks impressively solid overall though. Looking forward to updates.
Er, yes, well... they are a little... 'plant-y' so I had to perform some careful exfoliation...Looks impressively solid overall though. Looking forward to updates.
MitsuJa said:
I absolutely love it.
A 99 or a 90 is definitely on mind for the future.
The blue 90 that the seller of our beloved white 900 also had is currently on the bay of E. I remember it being mechnically very good but with slightly miserable lacquer peel and mismatched paint. COuld be a good project...A 99 or a 90 is definitely on mind for the future.
After a packed week of work for us both, the 99 sat out freezing itself solid. While we wanted a car we could 'rely on' and asit outside when required, turning it into a mossy ice cube was not part of the plan. With some trepidation I donned various thermal layers on Saturday to take a proper prod at all things Saab shaped.
As it wasnt warming up, I decided the engine bay was the first port of call. I am a firm supporter of gently cleaning engine bays to spy new leaks and trouble spots, so I broke out the water-based Bilt Hamber cleaner and a fancy new brush to remove the decades of grime.
Air ducting is shot. Expansion tank a bit grotty. washer bottle leaking. Windscreen washer is inoperable.
Battery has a frayed positive lead and needs recrimping. Plus a proper clamp.
Oil filter rusty, change required.
Water hoses miserable, air filter ancient. The latter has been ordered.
All drains appeared to be blocked with dirt and detritus. I broke out the Formex, hose on minamal misty spray and blunt screwdriver to loosen things up...
Drain operation secured!
And the other side...
Nice to have all the key reference material in one place. Saab had two Verona Greens, Gn 8 H and Gn 9 H, just to confuse people. I am struggling to track down a supplier that can confirm they know the difference for a touch up kit... any suggestions from the PH community well received.
One wing as an example of crud removal:
The heater box is a flaky disaster, seemingly held together with flexible putty. I think a whole assembly is the answer, but I'm assuming these are tough to track down.
A long list made, I gave it a careful low-pressure clean with mitts and a tootbrush to dislodge the moss. Unfortunately everythign started to freeze before I could towel it off, let alone get some blasted polish onto it. The weather taking a distinctly Swedish turn, I retreated to the fire for reindeer and knitting.
The plan for Sunday - a first car show outing to Duke of London. Overnight temperature... -3 degrees...
Heaters:
If you don't need originality have a look at T7 Design.
https://www.t7design.co.uk/heating/water-heaters.h...
If you don't need originality have a look at T7 Design.
https://www.t7design.co.uk/heating/water-heaters.h...
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