1972 Saab 99 L - Green
Discussion
My wife has bought this:
I continue to be married to the right woman.
Five years ago I bought her the 900 T16 documented here and we have fully embraced ownership of the old 80s rocket. On whole pretty reliable, normal Saab stuff and plenty of fantastic memories - a car worth spedning money on. It is mechanically decent and driven a lot, however at 206k it is many shades of white and a little crusty around the edges, a little filo if you will. It will be going off early this year for protracted welding, repairs and paint at a cost efficient 'when you have time...' period.
As I recently sold my Triumph GT6, we have been looking for a cheap, small, ULEZ-compliant runabout for around the £2.5k mark. Over the Christmas period I was quite keen on a Panda 100HP, but the ride put me off. Various classics popped up, but all at the 'near-project' stage. Sellers and the market for classics have changed dramatically, as I believe everyone is familiar, and it seemed any pile of rolling barnacles and damp headlining with a leaky drivetrain was 5k in 2023.
Last weekend I had an alert from the ol' Bay of E, long abandoned by me for sourcing anything half decent. But... a 99? In green? Further examination was required. Sure, it was the 'L', a properly minimum-spec 1854cc Triumph-engined tin can with manual everything and optional switches, but it fitted our bill perfectly. I showed my wife - her eyes were as wide as dinner plates and she simply said 'That's got to be my car!'.
After decoding the mobile number from the listing, I had a chat with the seller that was reassuring to say the least... owned seven years, retired Rolls Royce mechanic... fantastic condition but needs love. The call was more of an audition, really - he refused to sell it to anyone looking to modify, break or repaint the car. It was too original, it needed preservation. After 20 minutes I passed the test, demonstrated suitable Saab-loving evidence and stated our intended use for light driving, classic festivals and inner city tussling.
Work commitments meant the earliest we could make it up to Birmingham was Saturday, but the seller was true to his word and marked the car as sold deposit taken (phew!). We drove up Friday in the 900, staying at the M5 J2 Premier Inn (no complaints - exactly fit the bill), then started the morning with a Saab viewing.
It did not disappoint:
Exactly as described - very solid, probably one of the best 99s I have ever seen, except for 99 Turbos at the shows post-restoration. 63k on the clock, and everything matched that mileage. Garaged most of its life, I started at the bottom and worked my way up with torch, magnet and screwdriver while my wife talked car history, maintenance and foibles.
The to-do list was as expected - new fuel hoses and radiator hoses required, flushes of the liquid bits all round, carb rebuild and a full 'tighten and check' of most clips. Everything supposed to be soft was hard, and everything supposed to be hard was soft.
Headlining was hand made, some bits of trim missing but overall...a gem. A real gem.
My wife bought it after a 10 minute local drive.
We stopped at a Shell to take stock and check a few bits after 15 minutes running... all was well.
Condensation under the oil filler cleared up, choke and carb operation is fine. The battery was completely unsecured, so I ran some cable ties around it as a temporary measure.
We put in 25 litres of E5 super, with additive supplied by the seller. I must order a few of these...
2.5 hours back to home base (or the Saab dealership, as my neighbours probably call it): my wife took the first shift, me following in the 900. It shrugged off careless drivers, rain showers and the M42 with ease.
After an hour we swapped over - big smile on the face of the driver said it all really - 'Straight and true, excellent brakes and tight gearbox. Happiest at 65mph'.
Wife reported 'a ringing noise at 70mph' - turns out it was one of the rear ashtrays.
Windscreen washer was out of operation but I had enough rain to clean the screen, and it really did drive superbly - was it really only 85hp? The drag coefficient of 0.37, about the same as Citreon DS or a (squints at list...) Ferrari F50 (!). Lovely short throw four speed box, a progressive, though nowhere near 'zingy' or 'zippy' 4 pot, and wonderfully comfortable seats, in true Saab tradition.
Safely home without issue. No leaks, no burning smells - tyres are recent and decent, for the first time ever in a car purchase.
This car is the polar opposite to the 900 - half the BHP, manual steering, manual windows, no stereo, about 5 switches, 10 fuses, four speed and chrome abound.
Proper investigation and wash today in the sunlight wish us luck!
I continue to be married to the right woman.
Five years ago I bought her the 900 T16 documented here and we have fully embraced ownership of the old 80s rocket. On whole pretty reliable, normal Saab stuff and plenty of fantastic memories - a car worth spedning money on. It is mechanically decent and driven a lot, however at 206k it is many shades of white and a little crusty around the edges, a little filo if you will. It will be going off early this year for protracted welding, repairs and paint at a cost efficient 'when you have time...' period.
As I recently sold my Triumph GT6, we have been looking for a cheap, small, ULEZ-compliant runabout for around the £2.5k mark. Over the Christmas period I was quite keen on a Panda 100HP, but the ride put me off. Various classics popped up, but all at the 'near-project' stage. Sellers and the market for classics have changed dramatically, as I believe everyone is familiar, and it seemed any pile of rolling barnacles and damp headlining with a leaky drivetrain was 5k in 2023.
Last weekend I had an alert from the ol' Bay of E, long abandoned by me for sourcing anything half decent. But... a 99? In green? Further examination was required. Sure, it was the 'L', a properly minimum-spec 1854cc Triumph-engined tin can with manual everything and optional switches, but it fitted our bill perfectly. I showed my wife - her eyes were as wide as dinner plates and she simply said 'That's got to be my car!'.
After decoding the mobile number from the listing, I had a chat with the seller that was reassuring to say the least... owned seven years, retired Rolls Royce mechanic... fantastic condition but needs love. The call was more of an audition, really - he refused to sell it to anyone looking to modify, break or repaint the car. It was too original, it needed preservation. After 20 minutes I passed the test, demonstrated suitable Saab-loving evidence and stated our intended use for light driving, classic festivals and inner city tussling.
Work commitments meant the earliest we could make it up to Birmingham was Saturday, but the seller was true to his word and marked the car as sold deposit taken (phew!). We drove up Friday in the 900, staying at the M5 J2 Premier Inn (no complaints - exactly fit the bill), then started the morning with a Saab viewing.
It did not disappoint:
Exactly as described - very solid, probably one of the best 99s I have ever seen, except for 99 Turbos at the shows post-restoration. 63k on the clock, and everything matched that mileage. Garaged most of its life, I started at the bottom and worked my way up with torch, magnet and screwdriver while my wife talked car history, maintenance and foibles.
The to-do list was as expected - new fuel hoses and radiator hoses required, flushes of the liquid bits all round, carb rebuild and a full 'tighten and check' of most clips. Everything supposed to be soft was hard, and everything supposed to be hard was soft.
Headlining was hand made, some bits of trim missing but overall...a gem. A real gem.
My wife bought it after a 10 minute local drive.
We stopped at a Shell to take stock and check a few bits after 15 minutes running... all was well.
Condensation under the oil filler cleared up, choke and carb operation is fine. The battery was completely unsecured, so I ran some cable ties around it as a temporary measure.
We put in 25 litres of E5 super, with additive supplied by the seller. I must order a few of these...
2.5 hours back to home base (or the Saab dealership, as my neighbours probably call it): my wife took the first shift, me following in the 900. It shrugged off careless drivers, rain showers and the M42 with ease.
After an hour we swapped over - big smile on the face of the driver said it all really - 'Straight and true, excellent brakes and tight gearbox. Happiest at 65mph'.
Wife reported 'a ringing noise at 70mph' - turns out it was one of the rear ashtrays.
Windscreen washer was out of operation but I had enough rain to clean the screen, and it really did drive superbly - was it really only 85hp? The drag coefficient of 0.37, about the same as Citreon DS or a (squints at list...) Ferrari F50 (!). Lovely short throw four speed box, a progressive, though nowhere near 'zingy' or 'zippy' 4 pot, and wonderfully comfortable seats, in true Saab tradition.
Safely home without issue. No leaks, no burning smells - tyres are recent and decent, for the first time ever in a car purchase.
This car is the polar opposite to the 900 - half the BHP, manual steering, manual windows, no stereo, about 5 switches, 10 fuses, four speed and chrome abound.
Proper investigation and wash today in the sunlight wish us luck!
Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 15th January 14:33
Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 15th January 22:50
BananaFama said:
Very nice and original looking ,
but .
that is not an 1854cc engine , the bigger black cam cover is from the 1985cc later engines and the heads are deffo not interchangeable .
Holy Trollhatten - you're right - the 1709 and 1854 were smaller cam covers.but .
that is not an 1854cc engine , the bigger black cam cover is from the 1985cc later engines and the heads are deffo not interchangeable .
I need to do more investgation. One moment...
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!
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...
99t said:
Worth asking about the heater box on UKSaabs, there are bits of old Saabs stashed away in garages and sheds across the length and breadth of the country!
Would need to be from a pre-73ish car though. Later ones were plastic and a different shape, and from your pics the shape of the bulkhead metal changed too, so doubt a retrofit could be made to work.
If all else fails, removing and stripping the old one for blasting will probably reveal localised holes that could be patched and the rest treated and painted...
Yes I'll get on uksaabs in due course, they are all very helpful for the T16 problem solving and hopefully someone has a stash of useful bits sitting in a cave...!Would need to be from a pre-73ish car though. Later ones were plastic and a different shape, and from your pics the shape of the bulkhead metal changed too, so doubt a retrofit could be made to work.
If all else fails, removing and stripping the old one for blasting will probably reveal localised holes that could be patched and the rest treated and painted...
skwdenyer said:
A few remembered quirks from my time with a B-engined 99 back in the dim and distant ...Nice car.
Thanks for these - yes the previous owner put on the Toyo 310s, but no evidence of alignment - I definitely need all the help I can get for setup!Sunday morning - a strong frost and clear sky made it the perfect wintery environ for our first little outing as the new owners - to Duke of London COffee & Cake down in Brentford. I've been attending these for many years across various sites, and - just like PH - its the variety and opennes that brings us back.
Naturally, the car was frozen solid.
Now we're back to the proper classic motoring experience - hot cloth on the locks to warm up the barrel...
We.. ahem... managed without the boot...
Gentle persuasion on the door to not damage the seals, gently gently... my wife primer the choke and - first crank, easy start!
Caution - fog warning.
Some gentle warming and a returned choke later, the 99 nosed its way neatly through traffic and fog to Kew Bridge. Wife reported it to be as test driven - responsive, light, keen and with a very tight gearbox and brake pedal. All lights worked. The only issue we encountered was a lack of hot air for the 'vents', but thankfully plenty of hot air (delivered within a minute, thank the trolls) for the 'dash' and feet. As a small car with a seemingly thermonuclear heater, we were toasty in no time. The rear defrosted in doublequick time thanks to a duct running through the floorpan. Lovely stuff!
At Brentford, the usual eclectic mix of classics, supercars, 80s brilliance and social media types abound. Excellent coffee and food, mind.
Merlin's wheels..
I love this Riviera, especially in white...
Oh, and this old thing...
Great crowd, 99 got a fair bit of attention and wife was instantly awake chatting with the attendees and hearing their stories of 99 Turbos, parent's cars and rallies...
We took the long route home through Richmond park, and I have to say it really is perfect for inner city - 4 speed box fine at 20 or 30, suspension really, really supple and ignorant of road condition, speedbumps zero issue and the size is brilliant. Also, everyone lets it out at junctions.
Naturally, the car was frozen solid.
Now we're back to the proper classic motoring experience - hot cloth on the locks to warm up the barrel...
We.. ahem... managed without the boot...
Gentle persuasion on the door to not damage the seals, gently gently... my wife primer the choke and - first crank, easy start!
Caution - fog warning.
Some gentle warming and a returned choke later, the 99 nosed its way neatly through traffic and fog to Kew Bridge. Wife reported it to be as test driven - responsive, light, keen and with a very tight gearbox and brake pedal. All lights worked. The only issue we encountered was a lack of hot air for the 'vents', but thankfully plenty of hot air (delivered within a minute, thank the trolls) for the 'dash' and feet. As a small car with a seemingly thermonuclear heater, we were toasty in no time. The rear defrosted in doublequick time thanks to a duct running through the floorpan. Lovely stuff!
At Brentford, the usual eclectic mix of classics, supercars, 80s brilliance and social media types abound. Excellent coffee and food, mind.
Merlin's wheels..
I love this Riviera, especially in white...
Oh, and this old thing...
Great crowd, 99 got a fair bit of attention and wife was instantly awake chatting with the attendees and hearing their stories of 99 Turbos, parent's cars and rallies...
We took the long route home through Richmond park, and I have to say it really is perfect for inner city - 4 speed box fine at 20 or 30, suspension really, really supple and ignorant of road condition, speedbumps zero issue and the size is brilliant. Also, everyone lets it out at junctions.
99t said:
FYI - some 72-74 brake spares have just been listed in the classifieds on UKS - might not need them now but they would be tricky to find if you need them in a hurry later...
No affiliation etc..
Thanks - actually the last owner did one job thoroughly and that was refurbish most of the brakign system. I do need sto start building the cache though - apprecite the note and I will be getting on UKS.No affiliation etc..
Some little tweaks initiated - first up, I sourced two headrests, one from eBay and a matching one, fortunately, from a 96 breaker in the Saab club. The original 'blank' for the headrest slots, as they were an option on the lowly L, were removed, 50 year old plastic taken off and replaced with the freshly cleaned rests. I know these are not exactly beautiful, but my wife is keen on Saab's afety innovations, and they have a certain Clockwork Orange aesthetic that is unique.
After our Sunday excursion I noticed a small trickly of water - it looks like the radiator has rising damp. Wither the drain plug is off or the radiator itself is uncored. I will be taking no chances and ordering a replacement, along with the other bits of the cooling system that need a refresh.
The windscreen washer pump, a VDO item, did not work and a quick voltage meter gymnastic stretch allowed me to confirm 12V was being supplied correctly. The pump I removed int he time honoured fashion that inclusing jabbing biros down hoses.
It's toast. I have ordered a similar article at a princely £25 and await its delivery.
Hopefully good weatehr this weekend for more tinkering and inspections...
Edited by Spinakerr on Friday 27th January 21:05
Yes its pretty much everything exempt. A key reason for purchase.
I love this initial stage of car ownership - buying all the service parts, reading manual, speaking with specialists and checking the forums for the 'common problems' and upgraded additions. This week I order a fair amount of bits to keep me busy at the weekend, and got stuck in with a minor service.
First though, it had to earn its keep with a dump run. My local dump is in the ULEZ, and I mean 'just in the ULEZ' - by about 50 metres! This meant we had a backlog of stuff - the boot was wonderfully capacious for such a small car.
I thought the spare wheel would be an annoyance but really it didn't get in the way. Naturally, once I parked up and started unloading somebody wanted to tell me about a 99 Turbo they used to own...
This is pretty much what my ideal Saturday looks like:
I started to tear down the air box and make a note of hoses, wires and connectors not looking up to standard. Air filter looks... miserable.
Sadly the filter I had been sold was mislabelled, and was for a 16V. I'll keep it for the T16. Strike one for the day.
Expansion tank bleeder was truly aged and for soem reason feeding into a suspension strut to... make it rust faster? I replaced this with some spare silicone hose in a longer length so it drains probperly into the sheel arch, not vital structural areas...
Crankcase breather hose had been secured too close to th carb outlet and was chaffing through. Repositioning was easy. as the airbox rotates on a collar.
Airbox truly filthy. Cleaned and lubricated the Summer/Winter flappage contraption that takes hot air from manifold area or direct cold air.
Summer:
Winter:
I see a carb rebuild in my future...
Tank to fuelpump hose was badly pinched and cracked, not visible from a normal top inspection...
...and also at the engine inlet...
It was stamped 1996, and was crumblier than a forgotten Tracker bar in a backpack after a hike. I quickly replaced it with some new E10 rated 6mm hose:
With the airbox and assembly out it was a good time to access the oil filter, and of course change the oil.
I double checked the handbook having read a few stories of people accidentally draining the gearbox...
At with the 900, no axle stands required, 19mm socket (far more sensible than a 13mm one!), easy.
A fair bit of oil under there. The stuff that came out was miserable but I have seen worse. If I had to guess, I would have said it was 5w30 as it seemed thin.
If only Saab had kept it this accessible in the H series and Turbo engines...
Same filter as the 900, so had a spare on the shelf to replace the rusty item:
3.5 litres of Millers 10w40 in and we're set. Following the clean the last weekend, the main weeps are at a corner of the rocker cover and the oil dipstick pipe. An O ring and a gasket may seal this engine up if my luck holds!
Next up - the washer pump. A bracket attaches the pump to the water bottle, but I'm no Project Binky and so I'll reuse the old one.
Favourite tool deployed, the finger sander:
I was losing the light now, and judged a disassebly of the brand new pump to attempt to replace it with a hastily bilt hambered uneven wobbly plate may jeapordise its factory watertighticity. I therefore cable tied it.
New clear washer tubing throughout (the original had turned solid and brittle), and a quick scrub of the washer bottle - done. An MOT worthy fix. Probably.
Finally, as night crawled in I replaced the perforated ducting for the hot air intake.
The ducting, 55mm from Gates, was not the right imperial size, or something, and put up a fight in only the way flimsy aluminium annoyances can. To be upgrades, but for the moment its in and looks shiny with no holes.
A true measure of a day's success - I took the car out to pick up food for dinner. The oil may need another change - I'm a firm believer in two changes sharpish on any new car - and maybe on to 20w50 given the age of the engine. No issues on the run, and joy of unbridled joys the washer jet worked perfectly!
The night panel, in all its simplistic glory:
Detail note - the rocker switches are not lit internally, they instead have a spotlight from above. Wonderful!
I love this initial stage of car ownership - buying all the service parts, reading manual, speaking with specialists and checking the forums for the 'common problems' and upgraded additions. This week I order a fair amount of bits to keep me busy at the weekend, and got stuck in with a minor service.
First though, it had to earn its keep with a dump run. My local dump is in the ULEZ, and I mean 'just in the ULEZ' - by about 50 metres! This meant we had a backlog of stuff - the boot was wonderfully capacious for such a small car.
I thought the spare wheel would be an annoyance but really it didn't get in the way. Naturally, once I parked up and started unloading somebody wanted to tell me about a 99 Turbo they used to own...
This is pretty much what my ideal Saturday looks like:
I started to tear down the air box and make a note of hoses, wires and connectors not looking up to standard. Air filter looks... miserable.
Sadly the filter I had been sold was mislabelled, and was for a 16V. I'll keep it for the T16. Strike one for the day.
Expansion tank bleeder was truly aged and for soem reason feeding into a suspension strut to... make it rust faster? I replaced this with some spare silicone hose in a longer length so it drains probperly into the sheel arch, not vital structural areas...
Crankcase breather hose had been secured too close to th carb outlet and was chaffing through. Repositioning was easy. as the airbox rotates on a collar.
Airbox truly filthy. Cleaned and lubricated the Summer/Winter flappage contraption that takes hot air from manifold area or direct cold air.
Summer:
Winter:
I see a carb rebuild in my future...
Tank to fuelpump hose was badly pinched and cracked, not visible from a normal top inspection...
...and also at the engine inlet...
It was stamped 1996, and was crumblier than a forgotten Tracker bar in a backpack after a hike. I quickly replaced it with some new E10 rated 6mm hose:
With the airbox and assembly out it was a good time to access the oil filter, and of course change the oil.
I double checked the handbook having read a few stories of people accidentally draining the gearbox...
At with the 900, no axle stands required, 19mm socket (far more sensible than a 13mm one!), easy.
A fair bit of oil under there. The stuff that came out was miserable but I have seen worse. If I had to guess, I would have said it was 5w30 as it seemed thin.
If only Saab had kept it this accessible in the H series and Turbo engines...
Same filter as the 900, so had a spare on the shelf to replace the rusty item:
3.5 litres of Millers 10w40 in and we're set. Following the clean the last weekend, the main weeps are at a corner of the rocker cover and the oil dipstick pipe. An O ring and a gasket may seal this engine up if my luck holds!
Next up - the washer pump. A bracket attaches the pump to the water bottle, but I'm no Project Binky and so I'll reuse the old one.
Favourite tool deployed, the finger sander:
I was losing the light now, and judged a disassebly of the brand new pump to attempt to replace it with a hastily bilt hambered uneven wobbly plate may jeapordise its factory watertighticity. I therefore cable tied it.
New clear washer tubing throughout (the original had turned solid and brittle), and a quick scrub of the washer bottle - done. An MOT worthy fix. Probably.
Finally, as night crawled in I replaced the perforated ducting for the hot air intake.
The ducting, 55mm from Gates, was not the right imperial size, or something, and put up a fight in only the way flimsy aluminium annoyances can. To be upgrades, but for the moment its in and looks shiny with no holes.
A true measure of a day's success - I took the car out to pick up food for dinner. The oil may need another change - I'm a firm believer in two changes sharpish on any new car - and maybe on to 20w50 given the age of the engine. No issues on the run, and joy of unbridled joys the washer jet worked perfectly!
The night panel, in all its simplistic glory:
Detail note - the rocker switches are not lit internally, they instead have a spotlight from above. Wonderful!
Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 29th January 11:16
Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 29th January 11:20
B'stard Child said:
Upload error there 
Fixed! Thanks.Appreciate all the comments - some more time has been spent uncovering the nooks and crannies of the 99. There is some rust and work required ont he front subframe, where water and road grot has settled over the years under the front driveshafts. We will be checking it in with TR Autos for our next Somerset to get their opinion.
Some additional satisfying fixes - a pair of matching mirrors arrived to replace the cracked and addled items a'door'ning currently attached.
When was the last time you removed missors from the outside with a screwdriver?
Underlying gasket had the genuine ripples of aged plastic.
I cleaned the area up, Bilt Hambered the holes to stop and rust and used a gasket sealer on both sides of some new plastic, cut from the packaging of the washer tube used above.
Good fit with a beter seal secured.
I then spent a good hour prodding and Bilt Hamber Hydrating any exposed oxide. A top level walk around with a small detailing brush will hopefully halt a few paint chips and edges. It was then time for a 1/2in brush, a blunt screwdriver and some proper ground level prodding.
I follow the technique of aiming to cover only the nooks, crannies and edges of rust once any excess has been removed. I then use a microfibre to remove any excess from the paintwork.
Next up - some clear wax for the arches to stop any further deterioration.
Edited by Spinakerr on Wednesday 1st February 19:05
Cambs_Stuart said:
Always good to see an update on any of your threads! This looks like another corker.
How does the 99 feel in modern traffic? Does it keep up without having to work it to hard?
Thanks - its ideal for modern traffic. 4 speed it tight and 2nd is find for the silly 20mph zones, its narrow, brakes really well, has excellent visibility and suprisingly swift steering. It is a marvel. How does the 99 feel in modern traffic? Does it keep up without having to work it to hard?
Some quick and satisfying jobs on the 99 this morning - firstly I finally sourced the right air filter... and threw the old one to the horizon.
Seatbelts - the old Klippan type with a rudimentary metal hoop were groundbraking in a passenger car, but a pain now, especially when there are two drivers needing different lengths to be set. The wife selected a Securicor set, and fitting them was an absolutel joy today. The original holes were all used, the only expension of brainpower was finfing the correct combination of brackets and fittings to secure the reel to the floor.
Old ones out...
16, 17 and 18mm sockets did the work in short order. Fortunately the 'hoop' on the floor has two neat holes, almost as if proper seatbelts were an option for the future...
History in the making, BSA approved...
I experimented with a few versions of fixings, eventually using some of the old kit and a lot of the new kit to assemble a neat look that also fixed the carpet down and stayed secure.
Only the floor bolts were a real grind due to rust - fortunately easy access and good Stahlwille soct moved them along.
Finally, these new wipers had to go - I managed to find the correct Speedline stainless items and swap them in. A very satisfying fix.
Ready for spring.
First proper outing following the drive home from Brum last weekend - to Somerset to see my parents and TR Autos, Saab gurus, for an independent scrutiny.
I realised afetr the first hour that this was the first actual drive in proper sunlight, and taking the A303 at its various 30/50/60mph zones is perfect for the 99. Plenty of hills to challenge my 4th gear anticipation equation, and generally keeping to 55mph on the dual carraigeways I made sure I didnt get in anyone's way.
The 99 is a true joy to drive - its not often I delve into the finer details of actual driving, my threads are generally about 'fixed this, bought that bit, restored this', but if you may indulge me:
Open garage doors. Unlock boot, with an actual key, and press the chrome button to have it spring open. Load bags, plus a few tools just in case. Gently press the boot closed, to be rewarded by one of the most satisfying 'closed' car noises ever. Solid and woody, like a single bass drum kick.
Unlock door in dark garage, and note the key hole by the handbrake it illuminated by a shrouded bulb when door ajar. Sigh at the brilliance. Insert key.
Pump fast pedal three times, pull choke out about (checks ambient temperature) a third. Twist key for it to instantly catch. Find peace in a 20 second balance of choke and accelerator, noting the red light on the choke and you bottom getting warmer... yes, a seat warmer! In 1972!
Pull new three point Securicor brown belt across lap, locate reverse and ease out onto the road. Tight gearbox, perfect brake balance and fingertip steering bring calm to your day. No stero, a noticeable but not deafening engine hum and a low swoosh over the chrome mirrors your only companion. Spend two hours in the increasing sunlight as the dull M3 transforms into wiggly A303, then the fun A303 with actual scenery, to Somerset. Relish in the final 'hill stage' near Glastonbury, with a small footprint narrow lanes are no issue, the giant glass aiding visibility.
Arrive. Look back.
I realised afetr the first hour that this was the first actual drive in proper sunlight, and taking the A303 at its various 30/50/60mph zones is perfect for the 99. Plenty of hills to challenge my 4th gear anticipation equation, and generally keeping to 55mph on the dual carraigeways I made sure I didnt get in anyone's way.
The 99 is a true joy to drive - its not often I delve into the finer details of actual driving, my threads are generally about 'fixed this, bought that bit, restored this', but if you may indulge me:
Open garage doors. Unlock boot, with an actual key, and press the chrome button to have it spring open. Load bags, plus a few tools just in case. Gently press the boot closed, to be rewarded by one of the most satisfying 'closed' car noises ever. Solid and woody, like a single bass drum kick.
Unlock door in dark garage, and note the key hole by the handbrake it illuminated by a shrouded bulb when door ajar. Sigh at the brilliance. Insert key.
Pump fast pedal three times, pull choke out about (checks ambient temperature) a third. Twist key for it to instantly catch. Find peace in a 20 second balance of choke and accelerator, noting the red light on the choke and you bottom getting warmer... yes, a seat warmer! In 1972!
Pull new three point Securicor brown belt across lap, locate reverse and ease out onto the road. Tight gearbox, perfect brake balance and fingertip steering bring calm to your day. No stero, a noticeable but not deafening engine hum and a low swoosh over the chrome mirrors your only companion. Spend two hours in the increasing sunlight as the dull M3 transforms into wiggly A303, then the fun A303 with actual scenery, to Somerset. Relish in the final 'hill stage' near Glastonbury, with a small footprint narrow lanes are no issue, the giant glass aiding visibility.
Arrive. Look back.
Mr Tidy said:
That was one of the advantages of being a smoker in the 70s/80s. I'd just my lighter to warm the key up - always worked a treat!
My mum says she has one of those 1980s 'hot keys' somewhere. No more frost expected this year, and the locks seen a bit happier after WD40 and regular use!On the mats - they look too far gone I think, a bit of a well travelled biscuit about them. The same guy had better sets I missed in Jan and Feb. No matter these things do pop up...
Edited by Spinakerr on Saturday 4th March 08:16
Limpet said:
The other thing that sticks in my mind was the huge, bright red 'FASTEN SEAT BELTS' light that used to come on on the dash. Very aircraft-like.
Yours looks to be in better condition than hers was 35 years ago.
Hmm was that a 90 by any chance? I haven't see that cool feature (which we ahve on the 900) on a 99, but I may be mistaken. School run cars definitely stay in the mind. My freind's mum had a red volvo 240 estate, mega mileage even then, with Radio 4 unchangeable.Yours looks to be in better condition than hers was 35 years ago.
MitsuJa said:
Something just popped up on a FB group and I remembered this.
I'm keen to keep the Saab cover art theme running on this one.Long day on the 99 today, we took it for a drive together yesterday and my wife wanted to cure a few issued (squeaky alternator belt, D pillar trim detrioration.
I took the opportunity to get stuck in under the bonnet - there is a slight oil leak, and the cam gasket was solid so I had secured a NOS cork item from the eBay. It looks like some of the oil was weeping from the bolts themselves, which have a rubber and brass washer over the cam cover. I couldn't track these down.
We took off HT leads, a few ancilliaries and were greeted with this....
Yikes. That is a significant sludge. It almost looks as if someone Hammerited under the cam cover. the gasket was rock solid, and there is evidence of previous 'scrapings' at the inside of the cover, but this explains the low mileage!
Bit worried about the 'glazed' cam lobes - any seasoned experts care to comment?
I could have sat there for hours wiping it all off carefully, but instead I tackle the biggest areas, careful not to let any chunks get back into the engine, and resolved to try one of those engine flushers. Now, before you all start folding your arms and rolling your eyes, I think this is the exact age of engine, and right problem, with ample tolerances, for an experiment.
Cover back on with new gasket and a slight buttering of Hylomar. Tap repair kit provided rubber washers.
My wife spotted some evidence of super slack chain that has hit either side of the head (!). She filed it down carefully (don't worry, we're fulshing the oil in a moment).
She cleaned up the mating surfaces and the cover went back on.
I put in a Wynn's Engine Flush. Ran it for 20 minutes as instructed. Even thoguh the oil was 200 miles old, it watch pitch black and some fair amount of chunkiness (2-3mm pieces) came out. More changes required and the cam will be coming off for a repaint in the summer - any tips on how to purge this filth ("Careful now") would be well received.
Next up, coolant. It wasnt much better...
Delicious. We ran what we could through various points, but ultimately this radiator needs a recore. New elbow top hose mercifully available.
Blue antifreeze added, new clamps where possible. Some old hoses remain.
While I fidled with all this and muttered about the absence of service history, my wife took out the rotten D pillar trims. The were completely shot and trailing foam and mouse bedding at every speedbump.
To get the seats down for a proper clean, we actually checked the original manual - the whole loading bay goes flat.
Alternator belt was flapping wildly, so a 12mm and 13mm took up the slack. I always use a hammer as a leaver if working alone.
Fresh oil and a little clean, it was all running nicely and looking a little better.
Thereafter followed an afternoon of 2 bucket washing, 3 microfibre polishing and 4 very tired hands. Interior hoovered, cleaned, glass vinegared, trim dressed and chrome polished. It is looking better, but the old green paint is definitely showing its age with persistent mist patches. Modern polishes, SRP and EGP from Autoglym) helped, but are just not getting it right. Recommendations for older cellulose (?) paint rejuvinators welcome.
After all that I of course neglected to take a picture of the whole car.
I took the opportunity to get stuck in under the bonnet - there is a slight oil leak, and the cam gasket was solid so I had secured a NOS cork item from the eBay. It looks like some of the oil was weeping from the bolts themselves, which have a rubber and brass washer over the cam cover. I couldn't track these down.
We took off HT leads, a few ancilliaries and were greeted with this....
Yikes. That is a significant sludge. It almost looks as if someone Hammerited under the cam cover. the gasket was rock solid, and there is evidence of previous 'scrapings' at the inside of the cover, but this explains the low mileage!
Bit worried about the 'glazed' cam lobes - any seasoned experts care to comment?
I could have sat there for hours wiping it all off carefully, but instead I tackle the biggest areas, careful not to let any chunks get back into the engine, and resolved to try one of those engine flushers. Now, before you all start folding your arms and rolling your eyes, I think this is the exact age of engine, and right problem, with ample tolerances, for an experiment.
Cover back on with new gasket and a slight buttering of Hylomar. Tap repair kit provided rubber washers.
My wife spotted some evidence of super slack chain that has hit either side of the head (!). She filed it down carefully (don't worry, we're fulshing the oil in a moment).
She cleaned up the mating surfaces and the cover went back on.
I put in a Wynn's Engine Flush. Ran it for 20 minutes as instructed. Even thoguh the oil was 200 miles old, it watch pitch black and some fair amount of chunkiness (2-3mm pieces) came out. More changes required and the cam will be coming off for a repaint in the summer - any tips on how to purge this filth ("Careful now") would be well received.
Next up, coolant. It wasnt much better...
Delicious. We ran what we could through various points, but ultimately this radiator needs a recore. New elbow top hose mercifully available.
Blue antifreeze added, new clamps where possible. Some old hoses remain.
While I fidled with all this and muttered about the absence of service history, my wife took out the rotten D pillar trims. The were completely shot and trailing foam and mouse bedding at every speedbump.
To get the seats down for a proper clean, we actually checked the original manual - the whole loading bay goes flat.
Alternator belt was flapping wildly, so a 12mm and 13mm took up the slack. I always use a hammer as a leaver if working alone.
Fresh oil and a little clean, it was all running nicely and looking a little better.
Thereafter followed an afternoon of 2 bucket washing, 3 microfibre polishing and 4 very tired hands. Interior hoovered, cleaned, glass vinegared, trim dressed and chrome polished. It is looking better, but the old green paint is definitely showing its age with persistent mist patches. Modern polishes, SRP and EGP from Autoglym) helped, but are just not getting it right. Recommendations for older cellulose (?) paint rejuvinators welcome.
After all that I of course neglected to take a picture of the whole car.
Thanks all - the additive was a bit of an experiment but good to hear the strainer setup is robust. I am hoping I haven't made anything worse, and at the very least the fresh oil and new gasket on should be beneficial.
The chain tensioner I think needs adjustment too.
AutoBalm looks ideal, thank you for the suggestion and offer! I will let you know.
The chain tensioner I think needs adjustment too.
AutoBalm looks ideal, thank you for the suggestion and offer! I will let you know.
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