1986 Saab 900 Turbo - White
Discussion
My wife has bought this:
2018-06-06_10-11-24 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
I may have married the right woman!
I'm lucky enough to have a partner who is enthusiastic about cars and a keen driver, and has always been supportive of my hobby, even when it leaves us stranded or under a bit of a financial tourniquet.
She has always been interested in the Saab design, mainly the 99 and she has been looking for a non-turbo early car for a while. Her daily was the Nissan Micra K11 rescued from trade-in (documented here and still going strong. Curse you Photobucket, once again) but this just wasn't a long-termer for her.
After seeing a few early 900s from dealers, and basic 99s, the search was put on hold after we were engaged (at Goodwood Revival, naturally) and life took over a bit.
However an old advert being reposted of a white flat-front turbo piqued our interest, especially as it stated he had a 90 (!) and a few other 900s. Best to test as many variants as possible, even if the price was strong! After much research, including a few calls with the garage that had maintained it for 12 years (SS Motors Soton), we headed down the M3 to the coast and met the owner, a long term Saab enthusiast with many cars and a background in engineering. We followed his immaculate 90, which he has had for over 20 years, out to his storage area. When was the last time you saw a 90 on the road? Fantastic!
2018-06-09_11-25-37 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
Initial impressions were not good. I was not enthusiastic - it had been 'stored' outside on grass with some other projects, cosmetically it was poor - wheel arches showing signs of corrosion, surface rust, ingrained dirt and ancient, cracked tyres.
20180603_130131 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
20180603_130134 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
20180603_130023 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
20180603_130021 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
However, it was structurally very sound, and the history of work carried out over the past 12 years of ownership was extensive - clearly it was mechanically kept in fine fettle. The owner was passionate and meticulous, and had completed a lot of repairs and sensible upgrades, including relocation of the battery to the boot. After an extensive checklist I had prepared was grudgingly ticked off, sort of, my wife took it for a test drive. Of course, the fuel light was on, so we managed to check the needle, fuel cap and pump all in one go. The car pulled very well in all gears; clutch and various Saab weaknesses again ticked off. It's posture, braking and steering were all excellent, and everything worked.
It was clear the owner wasn't to be moved on price (he was reluctant to sell at all, really, and some family pressure was being exerted), so we took a few hours to speak to some helpful members of the Saab forums and check sold prices. True, it was highly priced for a car with some issues, but the work carried out meant it could be used as intended - a daily driver - while we worked on everything else.
My wife bought it - she liked the owner, the story and loved the car. She was also fully converted to the Turbo and 5 gears, thank the blessed Swedish gods, which I was keen on as it means we can go further afield without tinnitus. We received a car full of spares and the £10 back for the fuel we put in, and the owner waved us off:
20180603_180031 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
I then struggled to keep up for the 60 mile drive home in our faithful Rover 75.
20180603_180415 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
20180603_180403 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
Now, after a week of not being able to see or drive it, I have a weekend of excellent weather, a working kettle, a mass of spares, paperwork and cleaning products. Let's see what lurks beneath the surface...
2018-06-06_10-11-24 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrI may have married the right woman!
I'm lucky enough to have a partner who is enthusiastic about cars and a keen driver, and has always been supportive of my hobby, even when it leaves us stranded or under a bit of a financial tourniquet.
She has always been interested in the Saab design, mainly the 99 and she has been looking for a non-turbo early car for a while. Her daily was the Nissan Micra K11 rescued from trade-in (documented here and still going strong. Curse you Photobucket, once again) but this just wasn't a long-termer for her.
After seeing a few early 900s from dealers, and basic 99s, the search was put on hold after we were engaged (at Goodwood Revival, naturally) and life took over a bit.
However an old advert being reposted of a white flat-front turbo piqued our interest, especially as it stated he had a 90 (!) and a few other 900s. Best to test as many variants as possible, even if the price was strong! After much research, including a few calls with the garage that had maintained it for 12 years (SS Motors Soton), we headed down the M3 to the coast and met the owner, a long term Saab enthusiast with many cars and a background in engineering. We followed his immaculate 90, which he has had for over 20 years, out to his storage area. When was the last time you saw a 90 on the road? Fantastic!
2018-06-09_11-25-37 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrInitial impressions were not good. I was not enthusiastic - it had been 'stored' outside on grass with some other projects, cosmetically it was poor - wheel arches showing signs of corrosion, surface rust, ingrained dirt and ancient, cracked tyres.
20180603_130131 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr20180603_130134 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr20180603_130023 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr20180603_130021 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrHowever, it was structurally very sound, and the history of work carried out over the past 12 years of ownership was extensive - clearly it was mechanically kept in fine fettle. The owner was passionate and meticulous, and had completed a lot of repairs and sensible upgrades, including relocation of the battery to the boot. After an extensive checklist I had prepared was grudgingly ticked off, sort of, my wife took it for a test drive. Of course, the fuel light was on, so we managed to check the needle, fuel cap and pump all in one go. The car pulled very well in all gears; clutch and various Saab weaknesses again ticked off. It's posture, braking and steering were all excellent, and everything worked.
It was clear the owner wasn't to be moved on price (he was reluctant to sell at all, really, and some family pressure was being exerted), so we took a few hours to speak to some helpful members of the Saab forums and check sold prices. True, it was highly priced for a car with some issues, but the work carried out meant it could be used as intended - a daily driver - while we worked on everything else.
My wife bought it - she liked the owner, the story and loved the car. She was also fully converted to the Turbo and 5 gears, thank the blessed Swedish gods, which I was keen on as it means we can go further afield without tinnitus. We received a car full of spares and the £10 back for the fuel we put in, and the owner waved us off:
20180603_180031 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrI then struggled to keep up for the 60 mile drive home in our faithful Rover 75.
20180603_180415 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr20180603_180403 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrNow, after a week of not being able to see or drive it, I have a weekend of excellent weather, a working kettle, a mass of spares, paperwork and cleaning products. Let's see what lurks beneath the surface...
Edited by Spinakerr on Saturday 9th June 12:08
Thank you all! Hopefully she can get another 180k out of it - she's smitten.
Sun shining as expected, I tackled the only issue that had caused concern in the first week - sluggish starting. I checked battery voltage, charging, and cleaned a few grounds, but it still turned over with muted indifference rather than enthusiastic abandon. The battery had been relocated to the boot, and a lot of wiring has been relocated. The voltage to the starter dropped a bit and perhaps the distance was a factor...
20180604_202148 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
Despite the existing battery being in spec, it was a tad old and an unknown quantity. It also still had one of its transfer plugs present and signs of a leak:
20180605_204546 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
I measured the tray bought the biggest CCA I could fit from Varta, and 24hours later it turned up. A little electrical compound and it was in quickly. Instant improvement! It now starts with reassuring regularity.
20180608_211206 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
I noted down a few tasks for the weekend - a thorough clean, check of all hoses and clamps, grease/oil/top up everything and if possible start the demoralising stoppage of rust.
Unloading the cavernous boot in the dark, I hadn't had a chance to look though everything, but it is a lot:
20180610_130854 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
Wipers for the lights, clutch cylinder, cap, clips, bolts, the rear hatch trim and ever type of grommet and fiddly Saab nugget you could think of. Not bad. Not pictured, but in the glovebox was a NOS bag of badges, engine sensors and spark plugs. Nice.
Then the cleaning began...
Sun shining as expected, I tackled the only issue that had caused concern in the first week - sluggish starting. I checked battery voltage, charging, and cleaned a few grounds, but it still turned over with muted indifference rather than enthusiastic abandon. The battery had been relocated to the boot, and a lot of wiring has been relocated. The voltage to the starter dropped a bit and perhaps the distance was a factor...
20180604_202148 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrDespite the existing battery being in spec, it was a tad old and an unknown quantity. It also still had one of its transfer plugs present and signs of a leak:
20180605_204546 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrI measured the tray bought the biggest CCA I could fit from Varta, and 24hours later it turned up. A little electrical compound and it was in quickly. Instant improvement! It now starts with reassuring regularity.
20180608_211206 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrI noted down a few tasks for the weekend - a thorough clean, check of all hoses and clamps, grease/oil/top up everything and if possible start the demoralising stoppage of rust.
Unloading the cavernous boot in the dark, I hadn't had a chance to look though everything, but it is a lot:
20180610_130854 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrWipers for the lights, clutch cylinder, cap, clips, bolts, the rear hatch trim and ever type of grommet and fiddly Saab nugget you could think of. Not bad. Not pictured, but in the glovebox was a NOS bag of badges, engine sensors and spark plugs. Nice.
Then the cleaning began...
Leins said:
Lovely OP, do like a nice 900, especially a pre-87. Enjoy, and keep us updated
She was adamant if it wasn't a 99 or 90, it could only be a flat front. In white or green. I've ordered black polo necks and rimless glasses to complete the architect look.W00DY said:
That is stunning! I love the early 900s, such wonderful looking machines.
It's exceedingly handsome. Bjorn Envall did well to pen a lasting eye-imprint, and it's even more distinctive in 2018, where all the blobfridges seem to have very well designed headlamps...and that's it. Especially cars owned by normal folk for daily duties.Buff Mchugelarge said:
Not sure what I'm more envious of, the Saab or having a wife who actually supports an interested in cars?!
She's a wonder - when not found researching exactly how long the engine should idle at the end of journey to let the turbo cool down, she is looking for replacement parts on our (now very long) list. The weekend amounted to a deep clean, documentation of foibles, prioritisation of parts to order and a check of...everything that could go wrong.
Oh! Firstly I actually took it for a drive to get breakfast, and parked next to another iconic design in white:
20180609_093935Before photos are...not pretty. 200 miles since purchase around London with the trees dropping sticky nastiness, neighbours completing building work with Vesuvian dust clouds made the Saab a very sorry sight.
Bonnet (complete with oversprayed badge, a serious offence in my book):
20180609_121016Roof:
20180609_121053Snails:
20180609_121006Though actually we are suffering an epidemic of gastropods so I believe these were added this week on our driveway. I'm aiming to train them to display messages for visitors via carefully flavoured trails.
Rear hatch gunge:
20180609_121159The pressure washer was deployed carefully, checking seals and blasting encrusted gunk off. You can imagine the detritus I was wading through. Snow foam experimented with to loosen the ingrained dirt:
20180609_130407Another pressure wash, and... well let's just say a clay bar was required. For hours. Insects, rubber, marks of every kind and rust particles (nearby grinding or sanding settling on the paint?) were expunged.
I was left with a car that now clearly had a mismatched/incorrectly painted roof and bonnet, and had received numerous bits of paint and rot-stoppage elsewhere. Hmm. You can see how flat some of the paint was here on the bonnet, and yes almost all the specks left are stone chips:
20180609_134050I was tired of cleaning so took a break with some more interesting items. Firstly, all fluids were spot-on, the oil service history in particular likely key to it's high mileage after rebuild:
20180610_125812In the spares stack was the inner hatch trim, the owner told us it was removed when repairing some hatch items and fitting the third brake light.
The wife and I tracked down all the correct clips and receivers from the parts haul and it went back without an issue. One item but it helps with housespace!
20180610_131403
20180610_132700I then uncovered an old bottle of T-Cut and set about the car with a quart of elbow grease. This was backbreaking as the bonnet and roof needed several passes and they're a fair old reach to the centre! Eventually I grimaced and admitted it would never get any better, so applied a few passes of Super Resin Polish. Wax may follow at some point, when mental faculties have returned and after we decide where paint sits in the schedule!
20180610_190541
20180610_190554
20180610_190644
20180610_191341I also found some nasty back-to-black spray just to attempt the trim - upper grill here has been sprayed, lower hasn't:
20180610_190912Phew. I then hoovered the interior and went to have a lie down in a darkened room. I am definitely buying, and learning how to use, a rotary polisher next time!
Edited by Spinakerr on Thursday 14th June 23:21
darkyoung1000 said:
Absolutely wonderful. It's really scrubbed up will and looks good in white.
Best of luck with the future rolling fettling of if as a daily!
Thanks! I'm happy I have these pictures for fond memories, as another week of just using it seems to have settled another shedload of garbage on it. White cars... bah!Best of luck with the future rolling fettling of if as a daily!
Harji said:
NiceCupOfTea said:
Nice buy! One of the first 16v turbos if memory serves.
PS - they all have that sort of lazy starter even with a good battery!
A Millennium Falcon start, a couple of heavy turns, then boom!PS - they all have that sort of lazy starter even with a good battery!
It is now stating on the 4th turn (2-3 seconds with regularity, but I did turn to my wife this evening and say "I fixed that..." in Han's voice!)
Cambs_Stuart said:
What a fantastic car. Good luck to you and your wife! I'll be following with interest.
Really love the old saab alloys.
Thanks! Yes the Super Incas suit white and the minimal trim level I think. The wife would like the BBS/lattice style ones but that's not on the must-do list.Really love the old saab alloys.
Pericoloso said:
Also 're the missing side trims,they are purely stick on,no holes in panels have been filled.
I can see definite marks on the doors, not sure if holes or glue marks, but all the other stuff hasn't left a mark.One of the main attractions of this example was the clean look it had, closer to the earlier cars.
e30m3Mark said:
Terrific looking car. I had a 99 for a short while and always lusted after a 900. A fantastic daily and way better than running a bland modern.
Hopefully! This evening any notion of a train was dismissed as she drove directly to, and parked outside the Serpentine Gallery amongst a sea of silver and black long wheelbase landtrains. Sunroof open, Magic FM on the Alpine for the drive home! I have to find some cassettes...
2018-06-14_11-31-13Oh also yesterday the stopgap mats arrived. Truly hideous slices of reconstituted landfill, in the most illogical shape possible, but they'll protect the carpet while we track down some originals in matching blue.
20180613_195223
20180613_195417Goodness, Reader's Car Of The Week! Thank you PH!
Very happy to see it's triggered some positive memories and thank you for all the advice - there's plenty to do with this little snowplough and I'll be sure to post up every tear shed, knuckle skinned and incorrect part ordered. My wife got a note from a serial Saab-owning friend saying we had achieved fame, sponsorship deals and a lofty media platform on PH and it made a dull Friday a memorable day. Here it is cluttering up a posh part of town last night:
2018-06-16_12-03-32 by Clifton Tausberger, on Flickr
Crumbling hobnob tyres were changed this morning - more to follow on that.
Gearbox seems strong, it has been out and in a few times in its life and there are some hints of whines/mumbling but nothing to warrant attention yet...
Very happy to see it's triggered some positive memories and thank you for all the advice - there's plenty to do with this little snowplough and I'll be sure to post up every tear shed, knuckle skinned and incorrect part ordered. My wife got a note from a serial Saab-owning friend saying we had achieved fame, sponsorship deals and a lofty media platform on PH and it made a dull Friday a memorable day. Here it is cluttering up a posh part of town last night:
2018-06-16_12-03-32 by Clifton Tausberger, on FlickrTurbobanana said:
Lovely car, Mr & Mrs OP.
I've owned my 900 T16S Monte Carlo Convertible for 18 years next month - no sign of it leaving the fold any time soon. These things get under your skin and you find yourself talking to owners in car parks who have also owned theirs for years.
I must admit, reading through the thread, I expected it to be an 8V and was surprised to see the underbonnet shot, especially after the unadorned look of the exterior. Even the arch trims have been removed! Bit of a Q-Car, that. My first 900 was an '87D, the first with the slope front and rear-acting handbrake (don't try a handbrake turn in yours - it won't end well).
Enjoy!
Blimey, it'll be leaving for university soon! Luckily neither of us are inclined to handbrake turns, but upon inspection I was happy to see it all working correctly and adjusted properly before we bought it. We were handed some of the trims and about 7 wheel arch bits - they may go on while we find someone to take out the beginning of rust on two of them.I've owned my 900 T16S Monte Carlo Convertible for 18 years next month - no sign of it leaving the fold any time soon. These things get under your skin and you find yourself talking to owners in car parks who have also owned theirs for years.
I must admit, reading through the thread, I expected it to be an 8V and was surprised to see the underbonnet shot, especially after the unadorned look of the exterior. Even the arch trims have been removed! Bit of a Q-Car, that. My first 900 was an '87D, the first with the slope front and rear-acting handbrake (don't try a handbrake turn in yours - it won't end well).
Enjoy!
moffspeed said:
Couple of small points. The bonnets on these 900s are very susceptible to stone chip damage as your photos show, in period Saab offered a PVC protection strip to fit along the leading edge of the bonnet - these are still available if you hunt around. Also,on the safety front, these wonderful cars are capable of cruising all day at deceptive speeds - not quite sure about how vintage those tyres are ? It might be worth date checking them (its stamped on the sidewall). Also that unidirectional Riken (sound dodgy but made under licence to Michelin) looks to me (picture 5) to be mounted wrong directional...
Yes there is some grot in the corner of this one, I have been offered a good quality red one for sub 100 but of course it's difficult to spray properly to white. Options to be reviewed.Crumbling hobnob tyres were changed this morning - more to follow on that.
TWPC said:
I remember my parents happiness that the front seats were heated, my joy that there were wipers and squirters on the headlights and Dad explaining to me that the handbrake worked on the front wheels and could be used to control traction in the snow.
I don't think the heaters are working on these, and in any case they need some stitching and car to bring back to their best, but yes Saab excelled in so many tiny joysprings in automotive design - there's a lot to love!TWPC said:
Spinakerr,
What is it like to drive (and what is your frame of reference?)? Does it ride OK, is it noisy, how does it go, is the visibility as spectacular as the shape of the windscreen suggests?
Or are there too many issues with it at the moment (e.g. tyres) to make a fair judgement?
More to follow on this from the owner shortly, especially as four new round things are fitted.What is it like to drive (and what is your frame of reference?)? Does it ride OK, is it noisy, how does it go, is the visibility as spectacular as the shape of the windscreen suggests?
Or are there too many issues with it at the moment (e.g. tyres) to make a fair judgement?
moffspeed said:
Another thought, play about with the numberplate studs and numeral shapes and you have "Bitter V".
Options then are to enter it into the PH naff number plate thread or try your luck on eBay and put it up for thousands of pounds....
I'm going to give it to Strela for his Bitter in return for a raised eyebrow and a random auction lot.Options then are to enter it into the PH naff number plate thread or try your luck on eBay and put it up for thousands of pounds....
JMF894 said:
Good chassis but chocolate gearboxes..............................
Also I'd have a good look at the rear strut mounts and the main earthing point on the front sub-frame. I had to pull everything off and clean every wire end up before re-attaching on my 1985 flatty
It's strange - the owner did some top wiring work, and then some not-so-brilliant wiring work, and then cleaned underbonnet areas but cleaned AROUND the earthing points. Many checks are to be performed.Also I'd have a good look at the rear strut mounts and the main earthing point on the front sub-frame. I had to pull everything off and clean every wire end up before re-attaching on my 1985 flatty
Gearbox seems strong, it has been out and in a few times in its life and there are some hints of whines/mumbling but nothing to warrant attention yet...
MJK 24 said:
Great car/thread.
What’s the thinking behind relocation of the battery to the boot?
The factory location is next the manifold and so historically got hot, even with shielding. It also means some of the cables are run awkwardly and the reach in to connect/disconnect can be fiddly. The previous owner moved it to a little shelf which doesn impact boot space, and marginally helps weight distribution.What’s the thinking behind relocation of the battery to the boot?
woodysnr said:
Great read ..never a 900 owner but had a couple of 96 in the 70's free wheel and column change great cars .Then in around 83 bought the estate version 95? or have I got the models mixed up it was a long time ago .My best mate used to have a two stroke one and used to do club rallies in it those skinny tyres great in the snow ...fond memories .
Sounds great, those estates are wonderful but just lacked power and tech for daily duties. The freewheel I think would terrify me!Pericoloso said:
I'm ex SAAB Master technician too.
The car is a D plate ,so unlikely an 1985.
MOT checker says car was reg January 1987,so well after slopey front cars were being sold.
JUst checking the original typewritten sales ticket, it appears to have been built 1986 and sold 1st Jan 1987. Defintiely a sweet spot - older looks, 16V intercooled full pressure turbo!The car is a D plate ,so unlikely an 1985.
MOT checker says car was reg January 1987,so well after slopey front cars were being sold.
Early this morning I set off for my favourite tyre fitter - it's a bit of a drive to Micheldever but they have never let me down and help out with all sorts of request I have.
After consulting the original spec sheets and some other owners, we decided on 195/60s rather than the current 185/65s, as a slightly wider tyre befits a Turbo!
20180616_082539
Good to see the arches, studs, brake lines and surrounding components are in good order:
20180616_082719
I was annoyed some of the balancing weights were fitted to the outside of the alloys, this will have to be rectified, but for the moment I feel a lot safer! The combined age of the existing tyres was 35 years - blimey!
20180616_123133
Into the alignment bay, I had a good poke around the underside, and we agreed all was well. Some tidying and underseal to go on before the winter, but pretty much everything was intact and looking good.
20180616_081936
20180616_081046
CV boots need replacing. I'm sure that will be fun:
20180616_081215
While the exhaust is recent on not leaking, this centre section doesn't look nice at all:
20180616_081602
The drive back was a revelation - grip! Actual grip! Also a large drop in road noise, I had to turn the radio down a few notches - very happy to not be rolling on crumbling biscuits anymore.
After consulting the original spec sheets and some other owners, we decided on 195/60s rather than the current 185/65s, as a slightly wider tyre befits a Turbo!
20180616_082539Good to see the arches, studs, brake lines and surrounding components are in good order:
20180616_082719I was annoyed some of the balancing weights were fitted to the outside of the alloys, this will have to be rectified, but for the moment I feel a lot safer! The combined age of the existing tyres was 35 years - blimey!
20180616_123133Into the alignment bay, I had a good poke around the underside, and we agreed all was well. Some tidying and underseal to go on before the winter, but pretty much everything was intact and looking good.
20180616_08193620180616_081046CV boots need replacing. I'm sure that will be fun:
20180616_081215While the exhaust is recent on not leaking, this centre section doesn't look nice at all:
20180616_081602The drive back was a revelation - grip! Actual grip! Also a large drop in road noise, I had to turn the radio down a few notches - very happy to not be rolling on crumbling biscuits anymore.
Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 17th June 18:45
The VIN starts YS3AD, hopefully that solves it!
Yesterday a few service parts were fitted. I have form with erratic idles in my car history, but I think the Saab may take a bit longer to fully solve given all the vacuums, early Bosch electronics and high mileage parts. Still, number one was the distributor cap, which looks a tad green:
20180616_123552
I'll keep it, clean it with a Dremel and have it as a backup. Genuine Bosch brighteyed replacement:
20180616_123701
Rotor also looked a bit dirty:
20180616_123616
Wet & dry later, and all refitted:
20180616_124503
All the HT leads are in spec, though one is not a genuine Bougicord and has a split in it. To be eyed suspiciously later if I can't get it perfect. Spark plugs are new and correct. Coil is perfectly in spec.
The car ran noticeable better but still not perfect, next stop MAFs, valves, tubes and sensors.
Next up, the cabin filter, which is in front of the driver under the bonnet vent. Gently prise out the tabs and...
20180616_124714
Probably time to change that. Looks like an original Saab fitment!
20180616_125008
Obligatory old and new shot:
20180616_124958
A healthy clean of the area with antibacterial spray also yielded emulsified filter bits and various nasties:
20180616_124833
Purists look away now - I ordered a used spark plug cover that purported to be correct but had '96' scrawled on the back, defintiely wrong. As it was so cheap I just cut the end off and sanded it:
20180616_131659
The rocker cover will come off for painting at some stage so I'll do them both the same colour then.
20180616_132425
Yesterday a few service parts were fitted. I have form with erratic idles in my car history, but I think the Saab may take a bit longer to fully solve given all the vacuums, early Bosch electronics and high mileage parts. Still, number one was the distributor cap, which looks a tad green:
20180616_123552I'll keep it, clean it with a Dremel and have it as a backup. Genuine Bosch brighteyed replacement:
20180616_123701Rotor also looked a bit dirty:
20180616_123616Wet & dry later, and all refitted:
20180616_124503All the HT leads are in spec, though one is not a genuine Bougicord and has a split in it. To be eyed suspiciously later if I can't get it perfect. Spark plugs are new and correct. Coil is perfectly in spec.
The car ran noticeable better but still not perfect, next stop MAFs, valves, tubes and sensors.
Next up, the cabin filter, which is in front of the driver under the bonnet vent. Gently prise out the tabs and...
20180616_124714Probably time to change that. Looks like an original Saab fitment!
20180616_125008Obligatory old and new shot:
20180616_124958A healthy clean of the area with antibacterial spray also yielded emulsified filter bits and various nasties:
20180616_124833Purists look away now - I ordered a used spark plug cover that purported to be correct but had '96' scrawled on the back, defintiely wrong. As it was so cheap I just cut the end off and sanded it:
20180616_131659The rocker cover will come off for painting at some stage so I'll do them both the same colour then.
20180616_132425Thank you all, I love the anecdotes and careful nods from the Saab MTs - I'm sure we'll need your expertise in due course!
20180617_114027
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.Some 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:
20180616_135754
20180616_132539
After. Much better!
20180616_135418
20180616_140930
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:
20180619_202222
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.
20180619_202358
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.
20180623_145446
20180623_141348
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.
20180623_145454
So fresh from a breaker in Germany, two complete units in fantastic condition!
20180623_110001
Old unit come out with a single screw at the back, and two 7mm bolts that can be loosened and slid out.
20180623_141658
20180623_142128
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.
20180623_160020
20180623_160015
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:
20180630_195816
20180630_202228
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.
20180630_202242
20180630_204142
20180630_204145
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:
20180705_135457
You can see the little tabs that need to be carefully teased out to separate the components:
20180705_141832
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:
20180705_135810
After:
20180705_141101
All 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_150120
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:
20180701_134329
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:
20180630_151437
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:
20180706_041139
The next morning. Perfect!
20180706_122101
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:
20180706_160844
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:
20180705_163734
20180706_155241
20180706_160352
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.
20180706_155509
20180706_162938
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:
20180706_164151
20180706_170612
There was also an occasional smell of fuel in the cabin. I changed the fuel cap seal for a Viton spare:
20180714_141835
20180714_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!
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':
2018-07-27_04-58-07
2018-07-27_04-58-46
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.
Another everyday eyeline issue resolved - the beautiful ItalVolanti steering wheel was missing a horn button.
20180804_195219
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...
2018-08-12_11-25-43
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:
20180804_190709
20180804_194833
We are missing the spring (these are horn buttons) but a layer of insulating material and it all clipped back together nicely. Much better!
20180804_195611
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
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
The fuel smell definitely whiffs from the front of the car, but I couldn't resist taking out the rear trim to check the hoses around the filler neck. Carpet and plastic removes, everything is in top notch condition:
20180812_123005
I was diverted by the wonky mirror glass:
20180812_133640
This was prised off carefully and reattached with some suitably evil Araldite, with twigs to ensure it didnt slide down again while drying:
20180812_134716
Right, back to the business end of turbo - the endless tracing of idle and boost issues. The car has always had a slightly erratic idle, and I have been heavily encouraged to check the web of vacuum hoses. Even a small split can discombobulate the entire system.
Erm...
20180819_153123
Oh...
20180819_153137
And...
20180819_154632
Also starring 'completely not attached at all':
20180819_153447
Those that were attached? Some broke to the touch, an excellent sign, and others had fossilised into a size that made them loose. This is one hose of originally uniform size that I trimmed by an inch to fit more securely:
20180819_151900
I was left with slightly astonished the car was running as well as it has for the past few weeks, but also with the puzzle of how to reattach it all back into its precarious order. Hmm.
Step 1 - clear blockages with carb cleaner and pipecleaners:
20180819_151504
20180819_152428
Step 2 - Trim ends of splits, apply temporary tape and halve some lengths entirely to make up for broken sections:
20180819_162736
Just about achieved it too, with a spare T piece blanked off to bridge two bodged sections.
Step 3 - Clean the throttle butterfly of crud (most likely cause for the very occasional stall):
20180819_163721
No after pic as I didn't have enough hands.
Brilliantly, it started and drove, so I tiptoed away and order 5 metres of hose and a few valves following research on the Saab boards.
Occasionally a non-crank issue had presented itself, just a click front the starter solenoid but no cranks. Taking the key out, locking the car and redoing the start procedure always cured it, but I suspected a bad earth.
Lo and behold, all earthing points were covered in crud:
20180819_165447
The above turned out to be a screw into the chassis, which disintegrated as I removed it. Cursing, i scanned for another point at which to attach a proper bolt. Fortunately, the real earthing point, with threaded hole, was cleaned up, electrical contact grease applied and all tightened up. No issues so far but only two days in!
20180819_172015
20180819_172820
So, the 900 is back together but I have ordered quite a few engine bay bits, and I suspect it won't be my last order. Idle control, AIC and other components next up for checking...
2018-08-21_07-52-32
20180812_123005I was diverted by the wonky mirror glass:
20180812_133640This was prised off carefully and reattached with some suitably evil Araldite, with twigs to ensure it didnt slide down again while drying:
20180812_134716Right, back to the business end of turbo - the endless tracing of idle and boost issues. The car has always had a slightly erratic idle, and I have been heavily encouraged to check the web of vacuum hoses. Even a small split can discombobulate the entire system.
Erm...
20180819_153123Oh...
20180819_153137And...
20180819_154632Also starring 'completely not attached at all':
20180819_153447Those that were attached? Some broke to the touch, an excellent sign, and others had fossilised into a size that made them loose. This is one hose of originally uniform size that I trimmed by an inch to fit more securely:
20180819_151900I was left with slightly astonished the car was running as well as it has for the past few weeks, but also with the puzzle of how to reattach it all back into its precarious order. Hmm.
Step 1 - clear blockages with carb cleaner and pipecleaners:
20180819_15150420180819_152428Step 2 - Trim ends of splits, apply temporary tape and halve some lengths entirely to make up for broken sections:
20180819_162736Just about achieved it too, with a spare T piece blanked off to bridge two bodged sections.
Step 3 - Clean the throttle butterfly of crud (most likely cause for the very occasional stall):
20180819_163721No after pic as I didn't have enough hands.
Brilliantly, it started and drove, so I tiptoed away and order 5 metres of hose and a few valves following research on the Saab boards.
Occasionally a non-crank issue had presented itself, just a click front the starter solenoid but no cranks. Taking the key out, locking the car and redoing the start procedure always cured it, but I suspected a bad earth.
Lo and behold, all earthing points were covered in crud:
20180819_165447The above turned out to be a screw into the chassis, which disintegrated as I removed it. Cursing, i scanned for another point at which to attach a proper bolt. Fortunately, the real earthing point, with threaded hole, was cleaned up, electrical contact grease applied and all tightened up. No issues so far but only two days in!
20180819_17201520180819_172820So, the 900 is back together but I have ordered quite a few engine bay bits, and I suspect it won't be my last order. Idle control, AIC and other components next up for checking...
2018-08-21_07-52-32Cambs_Stuart said:
Good work! I think that earth pint is the first rusty part I've seen.
There's more to come on that story - preventative measures required, though generally it's OK.Mikeeb said:
Hi
I'd buy a long length of silicon vac hose and replace the lot. As you say they are sensitive to having vacuum in the right place at the right time.
Not sure if it's just the photo, but the hose that goes off towards the pollen filter housing has join in the hose using what looks like a manifold T-piece, I hope the third connection is sealed off. I'm racking my brains to remember what that hose controls, is it the heater flaps or the cruise control?
Cheers
Mike
Six metres of silicone hose just arrived from Saabits, along with a PCV valve and various clips and grommets I need. Joy guaranteed for the upcoming bank holiday. The long hose went to the charcoal can, but it crumbled when I touched it. I had to stitch some other lines together, and temporarily blank off the T piece with electrical tap to ensure it was connected. I'd buy a long length of silicon vac hose and replace the lot. As you say they are sensitive to having vacuum in the right place at the right time.
Not sure if it's just the photo, but the hose that goes off towards the pollen filter housing has join in the hose using what looks like a manifold T-piece, I hope the third connection is sealed off. I'm racking my brains to remember what that hose controls, is it the heater flaps or the cruise control?
Cheers
Mike
Unfortunately no cruise control on this car, that would have been the icing on the cake.
The AAC is also making a racket when revs are applied so this will be examined at the weekend too.
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