Chloe- My 1992 Airflow Convertible! [Archive]

Cla900ssic

04-10-06, 09:44 PM

Alright ladies and gents, I've decided to try my hand at this project thread. Considering Saab never made an airflow convertible...there seem to be quite a few of them around here! :cheesy: I'm not too computer saavy, so I'll try my best not to mess this up....

As did Joe, I'll try to follow SaabDaniel's project thread format: (SDPTF)

THE GOAL:
-To own a beautiful c900 that can outperform 90% of the cars out there. Granted, my wrenching can't hold a candle to a brand new M3...but I don't plan on getting passed by any riced out hondas any time soon...:p
It'll look great, have very subtle features that only a full Saab fanatic would recognize, and allow me to tweak nearly every aspect of it's performance down the road. It'll be a weekend warrior as such, and although I'll take it to work and all, the likely hood of it seening rain, snow or ::gasp:: salt is pretty slim. I've got the other 900s for that. I understand it is a convertible, so it'll never ride like a notchback, but...on a beautiful summer day. (Plus with the top down I'll be able to hear my turbo spool up all that much better...)

The Car:
-1992 900 Green Turbo Convertible 112k miles
-The turbo was buring oil, the clutch was slipping, the rotors were warped, top ripped...but NO rust, not a spec. Anywhere. (purchased by previous owner from GA) Since I was replacing all of the bad stuff anyway....and with the project I had going on in my mind...she was mine.

Performance:
-Well, considering the car's motor is still sitting next to it, hard numbers are going to be difficult to get, but I got a feeling she's gonna boogie.
-I first found a nice B202 turbo block and rebuilt everything, w/all new parts (all except the crank and pistons), rings, bearings, chain guides, tensioners, etc etc... machined and polished cylinders and deck.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/EngineShot.jpg

-With the block up to like new, I moved onto the head (HP!!!!)
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/BottomofHead.jpg

-Working with Lesco out in California, took a B212 head bored out to their stage 2 specs, also with dual springs and titanium retainers, new cams (I have the dyno sheet showing for 15 extra hp..we'll see....). They increased the size of my exhaust valves, ground a multi-angle valve job, ported the heads and reshaped the combustion domes. Then they replaced everything else under the sun, valve guides, oil passages, etc. They pressure checked it..should be good to go.

Saabeh

04-10-06, 09:51 PM

I'm not too computer saavy, so I'll try my best not to mess this up....

Unfortunatly, none of your attachments work!

But, sounds like a nice car and IronJoe has some competition!

Cla900ssic

04-10-06, 10:03 PM

yeah...they show up on my screen...but not when I check on back on it. No worries, I'm on it. :roll:

IronJoe

04-10-06, 10:35 PM

sounds like a nice car and IronJoe has some competition!

uhh... more like " and IronJoe is NO competition!" seriously, that motor sounds like a beast, the specs look awesome. We need pics! That's further than I think I'll be going, with engine internals. For my daily driver I prefer "bolt-on bliss" :cheesy:

looks like a cool project. keep up the good work!

Cla900ssic

05-10-06, 02:07 AM

-With that is a 9000 turbo 15 pound aluminum flywheel mated to a centerforce clutch and new slave.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/ClutchShot.jpg

-As for the tranny, well, we'll see how this one does. It came out of a 93 N/A with less than 100k, and I was able to drive it before I pulled it. (very nice) Save of a four speed, this was about the best I could hope for. To further my chances of it blowing up :roll: (and too getting more power to the ground) :lol: I threw in a custom phantom grip LSD. I've heard both good and bad...I opted the extra $$ for their heavy duty version...so we'll see.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/DiffOutofClutch.jpg

and in..
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/Diffinclutch.jpg

Cla900ssic

05-10-06, 02:09 AM

-I'm also running a custom made Garret .48 A/R GT3076R full ball bearing turbo that was jet hot coated..
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/TurboShot.jpg

-To that I had an equal length header made up, and then jet coated.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/ManifoldShot.jpg

-I plan on running MS for everything once I get it all going.
-Also strongly considering an electric WP, we'll see.

Okay...I guess this is a start..I haven't even shown a pic of the car yet!! (might have to be a little patient... this picture posting is kinda new to me!)

My goal is to get this girl out by next summer!
A HUGE thank you to Alex... to him you owe the pleasure of actually seeing my pictures!!!!!! (if only we could have moderators help us in every other aspect of life...kinda like those "easy" buttons)

uhh... more like " and IronJoe is NO competition!" seriously, that motor sounds like a beast, the specs look awesome. We need pics! That's further than I think I'll be going, with engine internals. For my daily driver I prefer "bolt-on bliss" :cheesy:

looks like a cool project. keep up the good work!

hahaha! oh you give me too much credit...she's not running..yet..:cool:

I call it my shiny red paperweight for right now!

Cla900ssic

05-10-06, 02:36 AM

To continue with SDPTF:

Handling:
-For wheels, I'm going with some super aeros, not sure of the rubber yet...probably Good Year Gforce??
-Suspension, Intrax spings (you can see the difference here!)
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/SpringDifferences.jpg

I went with adjustable Konis, and did the 9000T upgrade, with ceramic pads and cross drilled rotors front and back
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/FrontSuspension1.jpg

-working on the wheel base adjustment trick and new bushings since I'm there
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/suspension2.jpg

Looks
Exterior:
-New paint last fall Torch Red in and out
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/lf3quar.jpg

-Shaved the front saab logo
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/RR3quarshot.jpg

-Cold air vent installed from another saab hood
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/ventinstall.jpg

-New top
-Real Airflow kit...story on how I got that baby later!!
-9-5 side markers
-I have both an authentic "airflow" and "carlsson" badge...not sure where to put them yet
Interior:
-nothing.....it's stripped. Got some crazy plans to make it a two seater though.
Fun Factor:
-It'll knock the socks off your bunny!

(well, if I get the thing running...)

well, hope ya like...I'll continue with this in a day or two!

Saab-Daniel

05-10-06, 09:06 AM

Sweet ride! And thank you for using "my" format, :cheesy:
It's a really cool project, will be watching this space! Some of you guys out there must have a trust-fund or something, cause I can't keep up with your lovely mods!
Daniel.

Albert Trout

05-10-06, 11:25 AM

That engine looks fantastic. I was going to start a thread in here, but now I'm embarressed to put any pictures of my car in...

IronJoe

05-10-06, 03:17 PM

That engine looks fantastic. I was going to start a thread in here, but now I'm embarressed to put any pictures of my car in...

Don't feel that way Albert! Shadetree DIY work is every bit as good (and sometimes better!) as shiny sent-away-for tuner parts. We'd love to see what you've done, it doesn't matter where you are in your project, or how far your project is meant to go. ;)

1oldsaabman

05-10-06, 03:47 PM

looks great!!

What are you planning for a ECU?

That turbo will be a lag monster.... Probably have full boost around 4500 to 5K if you are lucky :(

Cla900ssic

05-10-06, 03:48 PM

absolutely!!! I've been working on Cloe for three years now, and the fact that I have a VERY understanding fiancee' means I can let her chill in the garage. But my daily driver is nothing special to look at.(what's left of her...)..half her parts are scrapped off a ovlov 240...;oops: and vermont winters have not been kind...working at a saab shop also means...special tools, lifts and ....

parts cars!!!
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/ThreeSaabsintheSnow.jpg

I have a beat up 78 honda 400cc (read: sounds like a lawnmower) motorcycle, pulled up next to some massive new chromed out Harley. The guy told me, to those that it matters, it doesn't make a difference what your motorcycle looks like...as long as you're out there riding it!!!

Like they say in the trucking business... "It sure is pretty, but chrome won't git you home!" <--poking fun at myself
;)

That turbo will be a lag monster.... Probably have full boost around 4500 to 5K if you are lucky :(

I'm not sure I agree the turbo will be a lag monster; I spent alot of time choosing and comparing, my choice of turbo was not caprious in the least. I'll try to explain.

A background on A/R...

With a low A/R ratio, the turbine will spin up quicker, but as engine output and rpms increase, the restriction of the housing begins to build up too much back pressure on the engine, which reduces performance. A good rule of thumb for when there is too much back pressure is when the pressure in the exhaust manifold is more the half of the pressure in the cylinder. So basically, a larger A/R ratio will improve your engine's top end, while losing some mid range power and increasing turbo lag. A smaller A/R ratio will help the bottom and mid-range, but may effect the top end.

My A/R is .48

A wonderful graph I can't seem to load up (ahhh!! graphics) shows the GT30 to be optimized for a displacement of around 2.2 L. The Garrett GT turbos (which mine is) are dual ball bearing, increasing spin-up over the older T series by over 1000 rpm. Combined with the 15lb flywheel, equal length exhaust man, and a ported head, 3" DP, I got a feeling it shouldn't be too bad. I tried to build the vert kinda like BMW looks at the M series...power through efficiency and air flow. THEN...work from there, as opposed to putting bandaids on things that restrict. (all good in theory at least~!)

The guys at Lesco/SPG9 agreed with this. I myself like a hint of lag...it's that asymetric acceleration I love. Also...this bumps the torque curve up a little bit...(read:save the poor tranny!!)

For these reasons I have gone with the GT30R .48 <--which in the scheme of things...isn't really that big...

If there is too much lag, then I'm pretty sure MSnS-E (http://megasquirt.sourceforge.net/extra/) has a solution I could persue to get that snail spinning! :p

1oldsaabman

05-10-06, 10:57 PM

You stated a GT3076r which is a size larger then my GT3071r which prestly resides in my 88 SPG. I hit 21.7 PSI at about 3800 RPM's & a 3076r is quite a bit larger!!! Thus I have full confidence that a 3076 will spool 500-1000 rpm's later to hit max PSI.

These turbo are to large for any bottom end, you rely on the ECU for that area.
Then again, maybe whoever you purchased your turbo from has different numbers on their turbo's & it isn't as big as I think it is :)

Are you using this turbo with LH or what?

FWIW I am very familiar with Lesco, they built my motor for me.

Cla900ssic

06-10-06, 01:20 PM

My goal is to run MS for everything. I'll basically be taking that project on around...oh Februrary or so.. for now, I'm finishing up bodywork, suspension mods, putting the windows back in stuff like that. Stuff like intercoolers, injectors and engine management will be in few months. I am liking what Palmer and IronJoe did with the Dodge intercoolers...might do the trick!

philjohnhb

06-10-06, 01:30 PM

Albert Trout

06-10-06, 01:31 PM

I was looking at GT30R's, but couldn't see any lower than about .60 A/R. Where did you get the turbo from?

scubasaab

06-10-06, 01:44 PM

Looking VERY good!
Great color!!

1oldsaabman

06-10-06, 02:35 PM

I was looking at GT30R's, but couldn't see any lower than about .60 A/R. Where did you get the turbo from?

I agree, some companies have different versions of the GT turbo's, some they kinda throw together to make it their special model be it bigger or smaller then other companies. I had a GT30 on my SPG then downsized to a 3071r because the lag was to much for what I use it for.

Saab-Daniel

06-10-06, 03:02 PM

Ahh, cool! Another MS-buddy :) I'm working on getting fuel-control at the moment, it's sweet, love having complete controll over my spark, can only imagine what full fuel-controll will provide of benefits :)
Daniel.

Cla900ssic

07-10-06, 05:05 PM

My choice of turbo was a rather ongoing debate for me and the guys at Lesco/SPG9....I gave them a basic layout of my entire plan, what else I had done, and such. I can't say exactly how/when it will spool, but we went with the GT30 <-kinda big, but sure as heck won't peter out... since I have the b212 head with minor dome machining, my CR will be a bit lower than an OE 900t so that I can go higher (with my boost) in the end

-the cams they made (I'm still a little doubious about this, but we'll see) are supposedly to match the head/turbo combo, to give a little more bottom ummph.
-the dual ball bearing turbo, exhaust valves, manifold, 3" catless exhaust, alum flywheel etc...should help.
-my lightened valve train w/stiffer springs *should* allow for a higher redline, allowing for longer boosting
-keep in mind, I told them I wanted a wee bit of lag (kinda OE style...b/c I just love that ramping up kick) and too should save my tranny a little, using a centerforce 9000 clutch (read:no clutch give) and an LSD (limited wheel spin) and duh, common sense with the left foot helps too. (and right foot for that matter...)
-soooo....to answer the question... we went with the GT30, using a .48A/R and the boost side (out casing I mean) of the turbo off a (I think...it was last year I pulled it) 89 900 turbo.
-luckily with MS (version 1 I believe), you can do some crazy things to boost your bottom end, including a 50 shot of NOS to get that HP/turbo going from 1-3k, then shuts off as boost builds...... but then I have to get the timing to retard just then, although it would cool the incoming charge, and get it to come on smoothly...it's an idea. <-just kidding!!
sorta.
-unfortunetly, I'm neck deep in school, grad classes, apps and work (even at a mechanic's discount this stuff is expensive!!!) ...so Chloe is currently sitting under a dusty cover. but, she'll be ready for the next Soc!!! Michigan is it?

Cla900ssic

29-11-06, 02:47 AM

Grad school has been keeping me out of the garage WAY too much lately! Lucky for me, I'm done in December....then it's on to one busy winter in there. I say I've made progress, (sorta). I spent all weekend cleaning the garage...and now have a new addition!

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/1128061928-1.jpg

Ahh, yes, a fridge. Freebee, good for all those *beverages* you may need while scratching your head putting your engine back together.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/1128061924.jpg

Much to the shagrin of both my engine and saab, half my bed kinda fell apart, that took priority... so decided to build a new one....then...back to the fun stuff!

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/1128061925.jpg
These are my airflow arches, side skirts and I'm gonna color match my mirrors torch red too. They're on the bench for some body filler tomorrow morning.

And...since I have a shiny red paperweight sitting in the middle of our heated two car garage..as it has been for almost a year...and my fiancee is actually okay with this (she's a keeper), I decided I would make a full frame dolly so that I can slide the car laterally (or anywhere for that matter) so that at least she can pull her car in for the winter months. Lots of 4x4's, 8 super duty casters and 7" lag bolts. We'll see how THAT goes!
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/1128061926-1.jpg

Cla900ssic

29-11-06, 02:52 AM

Something fun I found while researching turbos....here's something from Garrett that's interesting....I think I want the GT60!! Or at least the 10 liter engine to put it on!

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/gt-turbos.jpg

Cla900ssic

29-12-06, 03:25 AM

Well, another update...

As winter is coming, I needed to make a rolling dolly for Chloe so that I could get my other cars in the garage.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/1202061803.jpg
Lots of bracing and layers...it works great...and rolls really great...(a little too easy! I have to brace it so it doesn't roll around)
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/1203061902.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/1203061903.jpg

With that out of the way...still working on body work...
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/1203061904.jpg

Cla900ssic

29-12-06, 03:35 AM

Body filler, sand, body filler, sand, prime, sand and repeat...

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/1218062115a.jpg

I'm trying to finish most of the body work before I put the motor back in...so in an effort to save weight and keep road/muffler noise down (yeah, I know, it's a convertible!) I'm putting in lightweight dynamat throughout, starting in the trunk.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/1217061904.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/1228062128.jpg

and for kicks...my newest purchase...has 10.2 SCFM!!!

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/1228062127.jpg

Progress is slower than I'd like...but gotta pay the bills first...toys second!

Still aiming for this summer's saab fest!!

tumbler

13-01-07, 09:03 PM

-I'm also running a custom made Garret .48 A/R GT3076R full ball bearing turbo that was jet hot coated..
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/TurboShot.jpg

-To that I had an equal length header made up, and then jet coated.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/ManifoldShot.jpg

-I plan on running MS for everything once I get it all going.
-Also strongly considering an electric WP, we'll see.

Okay...I guess this is a start..I haven't even shown a pic of the car yet!! (might have to be a little patient... this picture posting is kinda new to me!)

My goal is to get this girl out by next summer!
A HUGE thank you to Alex... to him you owe the pleasure of actually seeing my pictures!!!!!! (if only we could have moderators help us in every other aspect of life...kinda like those "easy" buttons)

hahaha! oh you give me too much credit...she's not running..yet..:cool:

I call it my shiny red paperweight for right now!

where on earth did you get those headers? i'm drooling.

Cla900ssic

13-01-07, 10:17 PM

Thank you! :cheesy:

I was very excited about them as well. I got them here:

http://www.ultraviresmotorsports.com/uvm-performance.html

It was not an easy buy, nor possibly my money best spent. :roll: I had to pay (via paypal) up front for the item, and then wait over 6 months for the item to arrive. After many heated emails, he claimed he did not have the money to buy them up front, and orders them from sweden on a per-order basis, and then they must be welded up and sent back over here. For several months I felt I had made a very stupid financial move, and would never see that cash again. But...one day...it showed up! And now that I have it, it should really get the turbo spooling! So, it is an option, but I bet the uber-saabers here have some better (read cheaper, safer and faster!) options to explore.

I then had it jet-coated...and I TOTALLY recommend these guys, their contact are great (they get back to you right away and send nearly daily trackings of your part), pretty cheap, and FAST! Total time gone was under a week. I had them do the turbo too, I was so impressed with them.

Hope this helps!

Cla900ssic

13-01-07, 10:29 PM

So...I finally got the body work and primer to a finish I accepted....and sent the parts off to a body shop to finish the work. (a really nice clear coat is way out of my league!!) I'll get them back on monday!

In the mean time...

I removed the rear seat belts, since I'm converting her to a two seater, I won't be using them, and too will shave 5 pounds. (I know, I know...but it can't hurt?)

Then dynamatted the area and also (not shown) the rear window boxes, and sprayed some rubber under coating there. (there goes those five pounds!!! :roll: :lol: )

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/Dynamatbackseat.jpg
Now I'm looking to put the windows back in...but first...greasing the tracks and working it back and forth...so the windows speed up and stop with a satifying "thump". :) Hopefully a stark contrast from my last 900, where it took some serious help pushing with your hand to get the window back up!
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/windowregulator.jpg

and now I'm off to do the other ones...!

Cla900ssic

30-01-07, 10:31 PM

the body panels are back in...well some of them...my paint guy missed a spot on my mirror and two of the panels (so much for professional paint job!!!)

got the rear windows in, now dynamatting the front, and putting on the airflow panels..
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/firstairflowpanels.jpg
little by little I guess...:roll:

philjohnhb

31-01-07, 08:05 AM

So, If it's going to be a 2 seater what are you putting where the rears used to be?

Cla900ssic

31-01-07, 02:00 PM

I was thinking about a fiberglass mold that would slope down (in a sort of reverse exponetial curve fashion) and then cover that with a matching leather cloth. Also had ideas about using that empty space behind the fiberglass dome to fit a subwoofer box. (nothing toooo crazy, just a little thump I might have it ported out to the passenger area)

It's kinda hard to describe...but basically, I want the lines to flow naturally to behind the front seats in what I feel would be OEM style had saab gone ahead to make a 900 two seater.

We'll see!! :cheesy:

IronJoe

31-01-07, 03:10 PM

It's kinda hard to describe...but basically, I want the lines to flow naturally to behind the front seats in what I feel would be OEM style had saab gone ahead to make a 900 two seater.

We'll see!! :cheesy:

I've thought about this too... sort of like the Saleen kits for mustang convertibles. Done right, this would look fantastic.

That'd be second on my wish-list for nonexistant 'vert parts... first of course is the fibreglass hardtop.

http://www.motorcities.com/media/image/640/06A1M210313607A/2003-Ford-Mustang-Saleen-S281-Convertible-No-Sale-at-$27,000-A.jpeg

http://www.diseno-art.com/images/Saleen_speedster_side.jpg

we should get ahold of a mustang vert and measure dimensions... maybe we could get some saleen kits and modify them for our cars!!

Cla900ssic

31-01-07, 05:44 PM

holy cow! That's beautiful! (for a ford...:lol: ) Splendid idea...I never thought about the double hump idea...but I like it (much better than what I had envisioned...)

the wheels are turning..!

IronJoe

31-01-07, 05:53 PM

holy cow! That's beautiful! (for a ford...:lol: ) Splendid idea...I never thought about the double hump idea...but I like it (much better than what I had envisioned...)

the wheels are turning..!

me too... I just posted up on a few mustang forums, seeing if I can get the dimensions of that cover. The shape looks... really close! Not sure on the size though!

THIS:
http://www.saabcentral.com/assets/img/features/c900/saab_brochures/1987_cabriolet_brochure/5_conv.jpg

and THIS:

http://www.speedworx.com/shop_picts/dtls//d_64.jpg

Cla900ssic

31-01-07, 08:45 PM

I'm drooling!!!

New motivation to get my butt in gear!!!!

philjohnhb

01-02-07, 08:54 AM

me too... I just posted up on a few mustang forums, seeing if I can get the dimensions of that cover. The shape looks... really close! Not sure on the size though!

THIS:
http://www.saabcentral.com/assets/img/features/c900/saab_brochures/1987_cabriolet_brochure/5_conv.jpg

and THIS:

http://www.speedworx.com/shop_picts/dtls//d_64.jpg

Iron Joe you're the 'paintshop' pro 'round here - show us what it'd look like.

IronJoe

01-02-07, 02:38 PM

Iron Joe you're the 'paintshop' pro 'round here - show us what it'd look like.

can't find a picture with the best angle yet...

something like this but now that I look at it, one with smaller "humps" would be better. They make several different styles, so...
http://www.saabcentral.com/phpgallery/albums/album49/tonneau.sized.jpg

Saabeh

01-02-07, 04:19 PM

I think that looks a bit out of touch with the time period of the c900. It looks too space-age for the car. Without the humps would fit better with the car. With the humps all I say in my head is WHOAAAOOA!! CHECKZ THAT OUTZ!!!

philjohnhb

01-02-07, 06:25 PM

can't find a picture with the best angle yet...

something like this but now that I look at it, one with smaller "humps" would be better. They make several different styles, so...
http://www.saabcentral.com/phpgallery/albums/album49/tonneau.sized.jpg

You are a clever chap. That actually looks very good - little bit of 50s Ferrari Monza/D Type Jag, I actually think it suits the car.

IronJoe

01-02-07, 07:24 PM

Yeah, trying to find a better pic of the boxy styled tonneau, I think that one is a bit too swoopy for the lines of the c900 (esp with an airflow kit).

work will continue. sorry for the threadjack :cool:

Cla900ssic

02-02-07, 03:16 AM

sorry for the threadjack :cool:

Are you kidding!??!! People shell out hundreds of bucks for people to do work like that...concept, research, proof of concept....

well done.

I indeed like it. I think we (mostly) agree, if the bumps were smoothed out a bit, it would be perfect...but I do like the morphology of it all, I think a subtle double hump would give an edge to a simple planar form.

Cla900ssic

02-02-07, 03:19 AM

actually, the more I look at it...man, I think it fits. imagine getting one of those (the first...) in on evilbay.....

this idea has seriously made my "to do list!"

excellent question philjohn....and excellent work to the "iron" paint brush of the north west....

shaverjeff

03-02-07, 06:07 PM

Next comes the "second" mid mounted b202 right???

amazing job on the car so far

Cla900ssic

03-02-07, 11:51 PM

well thank you!

I just pulled the doors of my donor car back at my parents house b/c I can't seem to find the %*&#@ box that holds my door handles....? Oh well. I'll tell ya..a donor car is worth more than it's weight in gold...

She's coming little by little...:lol: !

magi115

15-02-07, 02:18 AM

So, If it's going to be a 2 seater what are you putting where the rears used to be?

hopefully a rollcage with all that power. this is definitley an awesome project. can't wait to see the finished project and dyno sheet.

Cla900ssic

16-02-07, 11:36 PM

Well thank you! I am also quite eager to see what kinda of numbers I can get out of this mill.... we'll see!

Cla900ssic

16-02-07, 11:50 PM

Well, I was working on a nice segment with photos and all...but apparently photobucket is feeling a little under the weather tonight (it's been going around..:roll: ) I'll try again tomorrow!

Cla900ssic

19-02-07, 01:15 AM

Ahhh...back up and running.

Progress is a little slow, mostly b/c I'm working as a snow plow driver...and we've been hit pretty hard here in VT lately! But...that means more $$$ for parts!

I've pretty much finished up the airflow panels, save for the little triangle rubber parts that go in the wheel wells to attach the bottom to the body.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/chloePanelsDone.jpg

back shot...

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/chloepanelsdonerightside.jpg

most of the panels line up fairly well, although it looks good in the pics, up close, there are some discrepancies that I might fiddle with, or leave alone...we'll see.

here's my "shop dog". give him a peanut butter filled dog toy, and he's good for hours!
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/shopdog.jpg

Since I couldn't find my *$!!@# box filled with my door handles and locks etc...I had to pull the doors of my first saab (tear) and use her as a donor. Since her frame rotted out in 2003, I have kept her under a tarp since then, and has come in very handy. (and fits in with my strong attachement to her, since she can be an organ donor for my new creation!)

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/partspile.jpg

now, putting in the front windows and a little dynamat to boot.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/chloedoorinside.jpg
Door handles...
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/newdoorhandle.jpg

Okay, enough fun, now back to the daily grind!

Cla900ssic

26-02-07, 02:18 PM

whooo hoo! So, I tinkered here and there.

I figured I'd finish putting in the widows, greasing up the regulators and install all the handles, locks and latches. (that took a while!) :o
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/panelswindowsupside.jpg

I can't believe how many ways there are to adjust the rear windows! (there's up, down, back,forward, in and out [like toward the middle of the car or towards the centerline], angle in/out, angle front back!) That took a bit. They're not perfect....but I'm pretty sure they'll be ok in a rain storm.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/panelswindowsupback.jpg

I must say I'm always impressed w/Saab's attention to detail...like this little bolt...it allows you take up any accumulated slack in the door mechanism, so you can get that perfect slack free one finger open. :D

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/dooradjuster.jpg

So now all the doors, windows and trunk are all operational...now I just have to source some of those little "t" plastic clips that attach the weatherstripping to the door...(I'm NOT paying Dealer OEM prices for that!!)

Once I get all the weatherstripping back in, attach the bottom of the airflow panels...it's on to the rear suspention...I plan on taking it all off, performing the wheel base adjustment mod, and cleaning it up, new poly bushings and puttin it back in....

88-16Tconv

27-02-07, 05:28 AM

IronJoe

27-02-07, 02:54 PM

FWIW I mounted my panels without them, and was not pleased with the turnout. There's just too much flex in them (the nature of composite adjacent to metal body panels) which is why the rubber strips were there in the first place.

I just used some Autozone door trim, cut to size for the front and rear bumpers and the wheel arches. I think I used three or four packages. It comes in black, with a strip of glue in the center. I just lightly sanded the area that would come in contact with the glue, and went to work with the hair dryer. It's been like that for over a year now, no complaints.

Hope that helps.

Cla900ssic

27-02-07, 09:08 PM

I noticed it doesn't look like you're using the black rubber filler strips that go between the airflow panels and the body. Do the panels fit well without them? Not too much of a gap? My car also has the airflow kit and is a very similar color and I'm missing one of the strips on the front bumper and have been wondering what it would look like if I took them all off.

Huh, I never really thought about it...I'm assuming you mean the little piping that makes the black stripe around like in this one?

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/carly_1991.jpg

That is an excellent point. (Good catch!) I think I will. My gaps certainly aren't perfect, as some close ups (and even some not so close ups) will show.

I got my airflow kit in Key West Florida, when I was on spring break, I saw a 900 for sale with beat up airflows, and they didn't have the piping...I flew down 2 weeks later, and drove back (to vermont!) with the car. I just couldn't pass up a set of genuine airflows...I wonder what other pieces I'm missing...?

As for IronJoe, I think I will do that. :) (thanks for the idea!) It makes sense, and if done fairly well, could give a nice black accent stripe. I just hope I can pull it off without pulling off my panels!:roll: Even if I do, years from now I will be glad I took the extra effort.

I still have a fair amount of weatherstripping and odds and ends trim pieces to put in for my bodywork, I'll add that to the list. ;)

Cla900ssic

27-02-07, 09:14 PM

Next comes the "second" mid mounted b202 right???

Dude, that would rock. Maybe some day.... :cool:

88-16Tconv

28-02-07, 08:29 PM

I wasn't sure if there was something similar available to substitute for the filler strips. How close is it to the original stuff Joe? Close enough to replace only missing pieces and not be noticeable?

88-16Tconv

28-02-07, 08:57 PM

That white hard top looks great. I've never seen the kit with the strip around the panels and bumper like that one.

Saabeh

28-02-07, 09:14 PM

You probably just have not noticed it because you don't see many white cars.

IronJoe

28-02-07, 09:34 PM

You probably just have not noticed it because you don't see many white cars.

no that's definitely different, it's a carlsson! in white.

Look closely at the middle of the bumper, and the middle of the SPG panels. There's a little stripe there that's not normally seen.

click for a closeup (http://www.ashill.org/saab/brochures/91%20page8.jpg)

EDIT:

Here's a black carlsson with the same striping. I'm thinking this was a carlsson-only addition.
http://sg.geocities.com/saab900portal/900Carlsson.jpg

Saabeh

28-02-07, 11:35 PM

Oh, I was talking about the protective stuff above the panels on top, not the non-chrome strips.

Cla900ssic

01-03-07, 03:12 PM

I think it is the bearly visible trim seen around the line b/w the body panel and the body.

Joe I nabbed a photo of your car.... hope it's ok (sheepish grin) :cheesy:

Beautiful!!!

I was really torn on the color...it was either outrageous red or perfect edwardian gray...I think my next project will be spg grey... :p
Anyway, http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/P1010160_sized.jpg

My daily drivers keep coming in the way of my progress (although my scooby has been pretty maintenance free for the last few years) I don't know how you guys do it as a daily driver and project! But I'm gonna get working on getting those pieces all in order... I still have to make some sort of the rubber "triangles" for the wheel wells where they attach there.

88-16Tconv

01-03-07, 10:50 PM

Ya maybe the crome-looking strip was on a carlson but not an airflow?

philjohnhb

02-03-07, 09:08 AM

None of the photos of Carlssons nor any of the Carlssons I've seen in the flesh have had those chrome strips. In fact these are the first photos i've seen of them. I just wonder if it's been added later.
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/2741/img0653ta1.jpg
There is no sign of any indentations in the bumpers to accommodate the chrome strips.

IronJoe

02-03-07, 03:13 PM

I don't think they're chrome strips... I think it's pinstriping.

We gotta find some hi-res carlsson pics.

ShadowWorks

03-03-07, 02:40 PM

That is alot of stunning work and effort your putting into your vert, I wish I had a garage like that! my Saab would get lots of steamy baths and all night wax seasons:lol:

Matthew

03-03-07, 10:07 PM

I don't think they're chrome strips... I think it's pinstriping.
You're right.

The Airflow kit on Carlssons doesn't have chrome strips. Carlssons had pinstriping. It can clearly be seen here:
http://www.hexfiles.com/photograph_gallery/car_and_saab/2005-10-01_kodak/slides/DSCF1814.html

Saabeh

03-03-07, 10:54 PM

Yeah, thats the stuff they were talking about. Looks nice, but a little out of place.

Cla900ssic

11-05-07, 12:02 AM

Holy cow, it's been an extreme 2 months for me! First off, when it got down to 3 degrees in MARCH...I was away for a week, and while I was gone...a water main froze (and unfroze) shooting a fountain of water showering (the inside) of my garage for about a week.

read : super bummer :

The first time Chloe's gotten wet...who knew it would be indoors!
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/EbayBooks025.jpg

To add the irony, since the weather was predictably crappy outside, I put my olvov inside to keep it out of the weather. The engine was litterally sitting in pools of water, esp. around the ignition...took 2 days work and $300 to get her going again...

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/cla900ssic/EbayBooks025.jpg

It was kinda funny...but not in a "haha" sorta way..:roll:

A minor setback, as all my cardboard boxes full of spare parts (to go back in..) were 110% soaked and just a sloppy mess.

On the bright side...for some reason...I went ahead and put Chloe's roof up before I left...and I'm glad I did! And I rented that place...so I didn't have to pay to exchange ALL of the soaked and falling drywall...

:o !

But...