1989 SAAB 900 T16 80k miles!

[johnc74]

Just bought this a couple of weeks ago for some weekend fun. It's my first real classic, getting used to the turbo lag, rattles and vague steering! Needs a bit of body and some minor suspension work and it will be all ready for spring/summer.

[johnc74]

Now with pics!

[johnc74]

[johnc74]

[nick0303]

Mmm, I am liking this. Always had a hitch for one of those. One day maybe before they go too much up in value.

Bookmarked.

[johnc74]

Thanks Nick, it will be a good base to work from. Guys at Abbott said it was solid underneath, just cosmetic rust to deal with. Looks nice in the pics and from 10ft away, not so good very close up!

[kevd]

Very nice😎😎

[MiniDan]

That's lovely! 😊

One of the cars on my 'must own at some point' list.

[rob112]

Great cars I'm a saab nut so love those cars

[murphwizz]

Damn, thats a sweet one, with the best wheels!

[richie]

That looks like a great rolling project.

Wish mine was a bit closer to being on the road. As said, best wheels as well.

[johnc74]

It does look good with them on, debating to lower with Koni adjustable so at the moment. Think the tie rods/ball joints must have some play in them as there is definitely some clonking over low speed bumps. Sent the steering wheel off for refurb at Royal Steering to get trimmed in nappa leather, slightly thicker with thumb spokes and tan stitching to match the seats! Talking of which got someone coming out to repair some stitching in the driver seat, apart from that the interior is very nice!

[sridgett]

Love these things.I'll Be watching closely

[euroshark]

Love it! My very first car was a 900 and I still miss it. Definitely watching this thread.

[peter96]

Oh yes. Really like that. Best colour scheme and wheel set for a 900. Enjoy. Just a tad jealous.

[johnc74]

Thanks for all the nice comments!

[Stu]

Looks great, also on my 'must own one at some point' list!

[paul99]

Ticks all he boxes

[johnc74]

Ok time for an update. After the big service at Abbott Racing I got a new gear leaver gaitor fitted alongside a short shift kit from Martin at JamSaab-top bloke! Sent the steering wheel off to be retrimmed at Royal Steering Wheels who did a fantastic job (nappa leather, slightly thicker rim, stitching to match the seats



After the above it was back down to Abbott for the suspension upgrade. I felt the car sat a little too high at the front and also there was lots ok knocks coming through over low speed bumps. With this in mind I went for a refresh of the tie-rods, ball joints, set of Abbott Racing Springs and Koni adjustable dampers.





After this work was complete set off on my journey home. The new set up felt fantastic, handling was massively improved. Unfortunately after 20 miles disaster struck and the top n/s uspension turret gave way (rust hidden by the covering of wax oil) so it was back to Abbott for repair. Not a big job just needed a tiny bit of welding but seeing how I would have to leave the car with them I thought let's just bite bullet and just get all the body work done. What motivated me was fining this under the covers in the workshop:



The plan was to fix the areas of rot (passenger wing, tailgate, bonnet) then do a windows out respray in jet black. Unfortunately disaster struck again and as the body kit was remove the corrosion was a million times worse than expected





















So the plan had to adapt to remain in budget. Full repair of all corrosion, remove the horrible sunroof wind deflector, add Carlsson side vents, replace all rubber gaskets on the body kit, replace corroded bonnet, change front indicators and side repeaters to clear items, debadge he entire car. Instead of the full windows out respray it will not be a blending of old paint and new with a big machine polish! With the cost of repairing all corrosion this is the more sensible way forward:







































So the car is now ready for paint. Should be back soon will follow with more updates!

[anils]

Fabulous car and lovely attention to detail.
Great commitment too.