Our Cheap Saab 900 Turbo Is Getting Expensive! How We Spent ANOTHER $1,100 On A Car Worth Just $3K
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- Опубліковано 16 лип 2024
- ( www.TFLcar.com )
This is our Saab 900 Turbo convertible, an affordable classic we bought for just $2,500. But, it is getting more and more expensive after we just spent more than $1,100 on fixing the convertible top! Was it worth the cost? In this video we find out how an old affordable project can quickly spiral out of control.
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#Saab #900Turbo - Авто та транспорт
I screamed “no!” When it was backwards 😂
Me too lol
Bumper can be sanded, primed and painted easily. The chrome strips are available on-line. Also, while changing the battery, clean ground at the bottom of the radiator and check connection between the started and alternator.
Nothing more expensive than a cheap car
The cheapest way to own an old saab is to buy more of them for spare parts ;)
It depends. For notoriously unreliable cars the cheaper they get the more expensive are the repairs. The opposite are HEVs - hybrid electric vehicles, especially those from Toyota. In the latter cars when they are 15 years old high voltage battery replacement is more expensive than the residual value of the car itself. Yet it is worthy if you plan to keep the car for another 15 years since it will not die on you or stretch your expenses considerably allowing you to ride practically free for another 15 years.
I own one of these with 150k and it’s been fine, I work on it my self instead of paying people and I’ve done axle and alternator it’s not bad if you can do stuff yourself
a tip: you can watch movies on Flixzone. I've been using it for watching loads of movies these days.
@Emmett Roberto yup, have been using Flixzone} for years myself =)
Loose spoiler wing.....3M bumper repair epoxy (two part). Always remove negative cable first, then positive. Now loosen that positive clamp more and get it down on the post. Negative cable last. At least you didn't hook it up backwards!
My wife had a 1984 saab 900. It was a hardtop with a sun roof from Saab. Awesome car, expensive to fix!
I'd paint the bumper and find a replacement chrome strip. I think you guys painted some bumper/trim pieces on a ML 320, and it came out pretty good.
Agreed...& they need to use the SEM Trim paint!👍 Even though it's rattle can paint, it's pretty good stuff!
All I can think about when I see old Saabs is Dana Carvey from that movie Moving with Richard Prior. Maybe I'm dating myself, but that was hilarious!
Or seinfeild, specificaly the puerto rico parade episode.
love it, richard pryor as arlo pear.
Good idea on the cable tie. Next time try leaving a 1/4" or more sticking out. Looks like it was just getting shoved down into the hole.
Or use some thin metal, cut up a beer can to make a shim.
The preferred vehicle of middle-aged, wine-loving struggling authors named Miles.
Kase 🙂, excellent update on the Saab 900 project, looking forward to the finished result. The car has good bones for an old school convertible and a discontinued car. I enjoy your videos Kase and great haircut. Have a good weekend.
Hey Kase, when removing the battery negative first then the positive. Installing a battery negative last. Tools on the positive terminal while the battery is grounded can result in the tool welding to a ground and exploding the battery.
Love TFL. For promoting your site and projects, it's probably best not to doubt why you're working on one of your projects.
Based on your starting troubles my guess is The starter will need to be replaced very soon. Great content and the car is worth keeping up with the repairs.
The starter is tougher than you think on these. It might take a little, but they usually hang in there despite seeming about to die on you. Speaking from experience.
Yes starter is normal too be slow on Saab. Ive had 5 Saabs in my life, now I have a new Volvo V60.
@@johngaudet6316 betrayal at it's worst... 😉
Yes that's how they start up, but I wouldn't count on it dieing from the slow start, that's how old Saab 900s start
I was in high anticipation of sparks!! :)
Sorry Case!!! I know this video is 4 hours old...I fell asleep twice...sorry Case. Long day yesterday..I'm watching it now Bro!🏁🏁Thanks Buddy ☺️
I had the same car. Plastidip has a metalized grey that is damn spot on to the Saab bumper, better than I imagined. I can confirm the exact, but I believe it was either slate or charcoal. Chrome strips from your local autopart shop works just fine as well. Just clean it up, sand where needed and paint. Holds up very well as long as installed as directed.
Good seeing this Saab coming together and more of Kase in front of the camera
Try doublesided 3m tape, like the outdoors heavy duty car application one. Held my abarth sideskirt on the car no issues
Keep spending. It’s a Saab and it deserves the investment.
Hi I’m not sure if you guys will see this comment but this is a much needed mod for your saab. I have a 1988 900 and it’s not a convertible but they have the same issue. That battery was probably killed due to the heat shield and how close it is to the turbo. Many saabers have said the manifold can really get glowing red hot. This KILLS the battery. I’ve relocated my battery to the trunk. Any electrician will do this for probably a $100 bill.
TFL really know how to properly restore a car
I love seeing videos like this. Especially on this Saab!
Yo Chase, nice haircut!
Just a friendly fyi, his name is Kase.
Oops
@@nathankestin1922 simply wanted to kindly let you know, some sadly have no filter here in the comment section.
No problem! 👍
I had the same problem with the bumpers on my 900, I repainted them in my backyard with rattlecans and they look factory new again.
That 3-speed slushbox kills the 900.
My father had an ‘86 with the 8-valve and a 5-speed and it was a blast. At 100k miles after 3 yrs he traded it in on a new ‘90 900S (16v) with the auto. It sucked.
Nice car. I drove one back in the late 80s, and it was a fun experience. I liked it. Thought it was rather peppy then.
If you were over 45 and lived where the temp gets in the 90s with high humidity, you would understand exactly why someone would want A/C in a convertible.
duplicolor flexible bumper coating would make that bumper look like new, and just get a roll of chrome tape and cut it to size.
You may find cheap Saab parts in junkyards particularly near affluent communities, I did.
Good thing is that the front bumper comes off with only 2x T45 (I think I that's the right size, you'd think I'd know since I just took mine off 2 days ago) bolts underneath looking up from the ground (there's 2 small holes molded in the bumper in the plastic "grill" portion that provides clearance for a socket extension) and the miscellaneous screws on the front spoiler below the bumper. You can use SEM Bumper Coater 39273 (got mine off of amazon) for a new finish after buffing with a scotch brite pad. That how I fixed mine up. The chrome trim isn't too hard to come by and I think you can get it off if Ebay. I ordered some from RBM Performance in France when I got a huge shipment for my '89 resto. I haven't a clue about the rear spoiler piece so good luck with that lol.
Nice car! I've had two of them. One auto, one manual...I really miss them. I'm looking forward to see how this one comes along!..zip ties may as well be another Saab " special tool"
For that front bumper this is my suggestion. I just did this on my 99 Miata because my clear coat was peeling off the front and it turned out great!!
Wet sand the whole thing, until all the peeling stuff is smooth
After that just spray clear coat on the whole thing.
Wet sand again if you want to make it super smooth, then buff.
You can use rubber/plastic dyes/paints to make the bumper more black again. For a replacement trim strip, look for chrome t-moulding that could be modified (remove the stem portion) to fit proplery... then you could also pick a different color other than chrome. ;D
I know it's already been sold, so I'll just pass on thoughts and not suggestions. I've had four Saabs so far in my life, and I have a great relationship with my local Saab specialist. When you have a quirky car like a Saab, most shops just aren't ready to work on them properly, and if you have no experience with the brand to begin with, it can be very difficult and expensive to maintain one. I'm thrilled that this old Saab got a moment in the sun, however t makes me sad that this video seemed to bash it so much. There's clips that hold the side spoilers on, they can be found. Not hard, just time consuming. The paint on the bumper was from the 90's, sand it down gently and repaint it, again, not hard, just time consuming. As for the chrome trim strips, you are indeed correct, the most common repair is using the adhesive chrome strips cut to shape and installed in the channel. Old Saabs can be expensive, I understand, but if you get the manual version (which you didn't get, I know, not your fault), and get over the initial cash dump to get it running well, it's a hoot to drive and will give you years of driving pleasure. It's not happy racing other turbo cars, as that's not really it's gig, but it can be a monster on the road if you're willing to put your money into it deep. The shop I regularly work with had a Saab 9000 that was the terror of the local street scene, and could beat most of the local street racers hands down. Saabs can be great, they're just not for everyone.
I did enjoy the video series, however this particular video disappointed me. I could tell the guy in the video just didn't like the car, and really didn't understand it. Oh well. I'm still subbed.
Don't replace that bumper....all it needs is sanded and painted...then paint all the other bottom black pieces and the rear bumper the same way. I used black truck liner spray on mine...looks fantastic. You can just pull out those inserts and replace them with chrome strips around 30 dollars.
I have the same car in Littleton Colorado. A few weeks ago the motor on the top went out so I needed the ice cold AC. Then the smoke from the fires came in, top up and AC will be the norm for awhile.
Just glue foam trim on. Designed to cover up the Sawzall mark. You actually have a hacked off notchback! You can restore with careful sanding and applications of plastic dip.
Hope you can see all the hot chicks chasing you out of that gun slit rear window!
New bumper cover not available. Rust Oleum metallic gray works good for repeat. E bay sells chrome strips.
Why do you need air condition in a convertible? Because you don‘t want to drive it at heat in the high noon do you??
Yeah I have never understood people who say you don't need AC in a convertible.
Sam Brooks these people don‘t drive convertible... but they know it better ;)
my coworker is like 40-50 years old, he says his bald spot would get sunburn on it if he had the top down when it's summer. So it does make sense for the older folk....
I'm in Los Angeles, we are having a heat wave, 100 degrees out, humid and bad air quality from all the firers....... I'll take A/C and a cabin air filter for now.
Guys I hope you get my point right - my question was the answer on the question in video. This guy from video asked, why whould you use air condition in a convertible...
Heat up the bumper with heath gun, and becomes dark again, cause the trapped oil in the plastics, resurface...succes!
How about some 3M auto adhesive for the black trim piece in the back
People will buy them because they are so undervalued, but quite a few also have issues with deferred maintenance, just like with old BMWs. It works best for someone who is not afraid of doing most of the work themselves and are resourceful. I am restoring a Viggen which is a whole lot faster than the 900, and is a bit of a money pit. For a car that loves spirited driving, things such as replacing all of the bushings, bits and new Pilot Sports can add up, and it also has wonderful alloy wheels with the consistency of butter. For the price I am paying to have them restored, I could have easily bought new wheels. It can be very rewarding for an "enthusiast", but for a casual driver...go drive an old Honda or Toyota. I can't justify dumping money into an Alfa, so I am on my fourth Saab instead. For a "daily driver", I have a 9-3 with a 6 speed manual.
01:09 I don’t substitute cabriolets for Air Conditioning. if it’s a hot day & you drop the top, then you’ll lose your shade & blow more hot air around the cabin, in full sunlight; it’s like riding motorcycles (you don’t cool down) on hot sunny days…regardless of your attire, you won’t cool down. but, at very least, you’ll look rad
Maybe check out the firewall. Saab had a recall on these cars for firewall and bulkhead cracks. But maybe that was just for the ones with RHD. Thought I remembered US owners mentioning it too. Cool project.
No MOT in USA. This one is a classic, mostly pre GM and not the NG 900 in '94. Ed China can fix those.
Black Gorilla tape for the back spoiler...and make sure you run it from the driver's wheel well all the way to the passenger's wheel well.
If you continue to have battery draining problems I can provide guidance. I specialize in classic 900 turbo Saab repair and know the electrical systems in them well. On the C900t convertible there are two relays that will drain the battery when parked if defective.
Thanks Chris, much appreciated!
Also....check all light bulbs ! These Saabs, believe it or not can have serious issues by using the wrong bulbs.
People want A/C because not everybody lives in Colorado.
Just paint the Bumper as best you can with the original Saab "Bumper Grey" No. 176 and buy some new Chrome stripes. Original isn´t available anymore. And for the part of the spoiler just use glue you would normaly use for the windscreen or even better: Order Sikaflex -221at amazon. You could also use sandpaper 1000 and make the surface as smooth as it was...
And: If the car is running strong and looks nice it is much more worth you think!!
If you love the car and plan to keep it the the extra $200.00 is ok. If you don’t like it and plan the sell it then be super thrifty. Saab are some of the quirkiest cars out there. It’s too bad the GM screwed the brand over and put them out of business. It’s a real shame.
I had an 2002 93 SE convertible 5 speed. It was AWESOME. Got the chicks for sure. "Johnny lets go FAST"!
You can find parts for that car in New Hampshire
what year is it ? also how much mileage it have?
Not beating you up but this was lite on content. Would be great if you filmed the repairs. It appears the anchor for your trim piece was broken. You may need to remove it and "pot" some alternative stud into the wing. Love the Saabs. Keep them on the road.
Try looking for Saab parts at your local auto wrecker(s). You might get lucky.
The starting problem is probably due to bad ground, I had the same on my Saab 900, it's an easy fix
There is a bundle of grounds on a crossbeam at the bottom of the radiator....redo them even if they look good...
The kid is no Tommy yet, but he has good potential as a reveiwer. Nice job.
Eye candy presenter for a target demographic?
@@davidbauer1485
I doubt many young girls watch this channel. Lol.
@@GATORADDAM Take some scissors to that TFL shirt and pants.. Get Kutie Kase in a Daisy Duke outfit and the channel will open up to several key demogrphic segments the advertisers love. Yep, yer boy is the key to monetary success, just pimp that ride...put some BBS on it! :)
@@davidbauer1485
I don't really think that's the intention.
Just because he's a decent looking young man doesn't mean he's "targeting" any "demographic".
More likely he's a friend of the Mica's and they're giving the kid a shot at being a video journalist.
Ok, I 've never owned a SAAB, but I have always liked their convertible. Let's get real with this car, you need to go to Home Depot. Buy a tube of pure Clear Silicone caulk, a small package of 3M double stick tape (extra strength exterior) small alcohol , sand paper, masking tape(3/4 inch) and a 1 1/2 inch plastic scraper. you don't need to buy any of this if you already own it.
1. Driver side plastic convertible part repair. Remove the part. Scuff the paint under the part. clean scuffed area and bottom of the plastic part with alcohol. Measure amount of double stick needed to contact body, apply in layers. Silicone generously, especially the tab area and not where the tape contacts. Add some additional masking tape over the part ( tape down), wait 24 fours. Remove masking tape. Forget about it.
2.0 Front bumper. Use a Utility knife and cut the profile of the missing trim out of the plastic scraper. Wipe with Alcohol. Mask off the bumper where you don't want Silicone. Apply Silicone generously, Trowel with your new custom made Profile tool. Wait 24 hours.Remove Masking tape. Forget about it.
If you don't like that look and can't forget about it.
2.1 Remove Clear silicone. Spend more money on a tube of paintable Siliconized caulk. Apply as in 2.0 version. Paint entire bumper with toppings of your choice.
or
Forgetaboutit, enjoy the fact that you are driving a Saab convertible and just go out and have fun.
Shame you didn't show the process of repairing the rear window section. That would have been really interesting.
Top installer didn't reinstall the nut on that trim.
Was the $1100 for the entire top, or just the rear window?
Gorilla tape will solve the issue with the rear spoiler. That's what we do in Sweden with any plastic bits.
Also, there is chrome trim available to buy, in the same size. Idk where you'd get it in America, but I've seen people get a hold of it over there too. Check ans see if there are any saab clubs, they could probably hook you up.
Also, get some trim restorer (gel that add moisture to the plastic/rubber). The bumper isn't supposed to be painted, so I'd see if you could strip it and use said restorer. Shoe polish will do the trick too if you want to be hella cheap.
And in regards to your complaints (in a previous video) about the car being slow, all I have to say is because its automatic. The manual 5 speed is what you really want. Saab ralley drivers realized early on that it preformed the best at fairly high and specific RPMs. Yours being an automatic ruins your ability to utilise that.
That said, I'm a saab 900 fan boy. Can't help trying to defend my babies 😍
My 88 900 turbo is not slow....at all....you have a problem somewhere if it is....and mine is an automatic.
@@isolar8001 I mean yeah, they're not slow per say, it's just that you can get a lot more out of a manual.
Scince they're having issues with the apc, they won't be able to tell whether or not the turbo is charging properly. Could very well be that it doesn't, wouldn't surprise me.
Could also be that the engine simply needs some tlc
@@martinzetterman8452 One thing you always have to consider with any Saab in relation of power is....Saabs are damn heavy ! If they weighed what Hondas,etc do they would scream!
SAAB is really spelled SOB,both tearfully and cursing!
Bend the zipty in v shape and position bolt in middle...thanks brother
$1100 for only the window piece?
You bought it at the wrong place then.
You could get the entire roof cloting for that price. even in good quality clote (German cloting)
In sweden is a car like yours worth upwards $10k
an old car needs repairs - fact of life
Y'all are almost stepping on Hoovie's toes w/ this one!!
Saab (sob) stories are common with these cars but owners of these love them anyway.
If the seats are a bit dry just put on some mink oil and wipe off any excess like you do on high end hiking boots. Those old skins will pop back to life in no time as that era had quality leather seats. HEY DAD, DON'T PUT THAT MINK OIL ALL OVER YOUR FACE AND ARMS! IT OLNY WORKS ON THE OLD SKIN SAAB SEATS!
ok, first ur killing me.
That rubber trim piece has 3 fasteners. There are 2 studs, one in front right behind where the B-pillar would be that you can get to with the windos down and one in the middle, with the top up, you can snake your arm up through the inside flaps/covers and find. both have a 10mm nut. not to hard to remove the piece once you find the front and middle studs/nuts.
Now, that rear one has a wire soldered into a stud that snakes through a tube to the inside of the trunck. open the trunk and you will find a slit in the felt where your supposed to access a wing nut. The other end of the wire has a stud soldered on it that the wing nut tightens down the aft end of the rubber piece. Youll probably find the other end of the wire/stud/wingnut lieing down in the around where the spare tire goes.
once you have the rubber piece out, and you find the other end you can get to work resoldering the fastener back to its orignal design. I have done this myself on my car.
To sad that it's auto.I have a 5 speed manual black one with beige leather seats. It's so nice to drive and I will never sell it :D Here in switzerland the 5 speed full turbo costs from 4'500 to 20'000 franks.
Glad to see Kase finally having a haircut
Kase
@@anthonyc1883 my bad. Thanks man
@@sourabhpurohit4140 For sure. I'm not the internet police. It was just a friendly FYI
Topless!
I'd buy you a bumper..
I cant believe they put a battery that close to the manifold..
@Tom Smith As long as the heat shield is in place there is no problem and the battery will last as long as in any other car. I say that as a Saab mechanic that has driven turbocharged 900s since the '80's. If you forget to replace the heat shield the battery will last about an hour. Saab engineers were the best. That's the only reason GM bought Saab.
kase finally got a haircut eh?
Chase is a real eye candy..:)
Plastidip the bumper!!!!
Had to replace the fabric because the replacement glass was the wrong year. Dress the boi up like a Studio 54 buss boy and the number of views will skyrocket! Couple that with some Agnetha archive footage in her kitty mini skirt and the video will go viral. :)
All the old man can do is to lament the current state of automotive journalism as the clicks and chicks roll in.
That's an expensive glass right there, not in my Honda
It is easy to watch on UA-cam but unrewarding and grueling, financially soul grinding to fix a clunker especially when it does not have much collectible value
FYI These are start to appreciate in value
Ah, but there is something so gratifying about breathing life back into an old, neglected car. It's not financially smart and it can wear your patience thin, but fixing up a beater is incredibly therapeutic.
This car is actually becoming more valuable again... He actually has something there
@@cartwheels4amile At that point that is not your car anymore but a pet, even a family member for whom you are ready to commit lots of sacrifice irrespective of financial value the way you would do for your older generation to keep them around due to love.
@@busybee2033 Even if that car does not increase its collectible value really fast, for you it has enough spiritual value thus worthy to get repared. So I respect folks investing in old cars from sentimental stand point.
This car must be a financial suicide...
Hey chase .. finally a hair cut. Keep up with the content
Kase
Colab with crisfix
Just buy a bumper. Don't half ass it.
epoxy puddy harbor freight
LS swap next video
Love the design, but sell the Saab and cut your losses. I never met a happy Saab owner or a Saab owner who kept the car longer then four years. Saabs offer different design elements but they are money pits.
I'm happy and own 4 so far lol
@@austinvitoux Same here, but not all at the same time. I currently am restoring a Viggen, and use a 2011 6 spd manual for a daily. I cheat and also have a Tacoma for back up.
Only money pits if you don't know how to fix them yourself. I've had a 900 2dr sedan for 20 years and a viggen convertible for 10. Old 900 has just needed little things as it's bomb proof. Viggen..... GM got involved by that point so I've replaced everything apart from the body so far :) have a new Leon Cupra, although much faster it doesn't make me smile the way Saab's do.
I've had mine 11 years, my parents had it 20 years before that. It's had very little spent on it in those 30 years, except regular maintenance
you should have got a manual the auto is pathetic
If you want to preserve a classic car you should not cheap out and just buy a new bumper. Or leave it be. Buy a Civic abs stay off UA-cam lol
Why do you even bother with this piece of junk