Rolling restoration. [Archive] - SaabCentral Forums

jim_mcghee

15-03-07, 11:24 PM

Yes I know, not a Turbo, with 900BHP, but I do feel its time to start treating some Classic Saabs, like classics.

While not in bad shape, infact, in very good condition, my new 900SE needed some important work. Firstly, it had sat for 2 years, and was kindly donated by the previous owner for free. The car ran and drove fine, was fantastic inside, and very clean all over. I repaired some minor defects and put it through its MOT. It failed.

The tester found nothing wrong except the rear fog lights did not work. Closer inspect found the bulbs were ok, and the switch was ok. I was left with the dilemma that the cabling behind the dash board and/or under the floor to the rear hatch lid was faulty in some way.

So I started to strip the interior in search of the issue. I could not find it for the life of me, but I did find rust! This excellent looking and driving car was rotting in bad places. Closer inspection found structural issues. While not MOT failures, the rust was well past some liquid treatment, and seemed to be where several sections join.

Problem two, besides the fog lights, was an unusual amount of water coming from the exhaust once warmed up. This made me suspect head gasket, and found it was losing water, from an unknown source.

I made an assumption that the head gasket was a goner. I didn’t need to make the assumption about the fuel pump! Louder than the engine at idle, it was obvious something was up.

So, I made the choice. I have always wanted to restore a car, and I love SAAB’s. So I SORN’d the car, and decided to take the big step, or the plunge, depending on your point of view.

I know you maybe thinking get a better SAAB! I never did like the 5 door models. Until this car.

Worthy of a restore?

I think so. I am also putting together a website for this, as it is what I do!

Not to compete - I wont post a link. Been coming here for years, dont want to get into trouble. :)

Anyways, I live in Glasgow, first I need some storage, then I can start to strip the car.

http://www.saabrestoration.com/images/stories/H612WEC/M90SE.jpg

jim_mcghee

24-03-07, 08:18 PM

Hello,

Does anyone have any idea about renting a garage in Glasgow. For the life of my all I can get is somewhere to put a mini, and not a Saab. Any pointers?

philb

25-03-07, 02:07 AM

Well worth restoring. 5 door is the same shape as the 3 door, its far better than a 2/4 door :)

ShadowWorks

25-03-07, 02:34 AM

Hello,

Does anyone have any idea about renting a garage in Glasgow. For the life of my all I can get is somewhere to put a mini, and not a Saab. Any pointers?

I dont care what anybody says, I like the 5 door;)

There are garages for rent around the back of Shawlands Arcade, my brother rented one with his mate when they used to restore Beetles.

You will be surprised how out of control your budget once you start restoring a 900, I have a 10 year plan, thats how long it will take me to buy all the parts I need to make it almost new, and by that time all the new parts will be old again:lol:

jim_mcghee

25-03-07, 04:50 AM

Shawlands Arcade - superb. I will take a drive down there today, Have checked Google maps for likely candidates. cheers.

philb - I am not the biggest fan of the 2/4 doors, though I have seen some stunners. 3 door is the best with 5 door coming a close second for me now.

jim_mcghee

25-03-07, 07:44 PM

ok, never managed to go, did some overtime in work. I will do this week though.

I had originally said that I wouldn't post a link, but I have since been contacted to say its ok, unless its commercial. Which is the best way. I build and run websites etc and follow the same principle :)

http://www.saabrestoration.com/

I have put this together to to host what I do with the car. Please feel free to visit and check out my lovely cars :)

Mods - thanks for letting me post this. if for any reason you think it not ok, remove it, no questions asked..

As I have said, been coming here for years....

jim_mcghee

26-03-07, 06:49 PM

going to see a garage on Thursday, shounds good, then I can get this show on the road

ShadowWorks

26-03-07, 11:40 PM

I like the look of your website, it's nice and feels spacey and open.

I would say get tons of pictures on there;)

Is the website a test bed or show case for your own webwork?

jim_mcghee

27-03-07, 12:15 AM

I like the look of your website, it's nice and feels spacey and open.

I would say get tons of pictures on there;)

Is the website a test bed or show case for your own webwork?

cheers for the comments.. there is a random pic just now, but I plan it to be picture happy, always best. I use a CMS and modify it, also a I customise a theme for my own look. I installed all and built the basics, the CMS and manage the host, DNS etc.

jim_mcghee

03-04-07, 11:01 PM

The picture below, is at my old house, SORN'd and with my Jubilee wheels on it. I am using the Ronals on my Jubilee.

http://www.saabrestoration.com/images/stories/H612WEC/900SE_Sorn.jpg

jim_mcghee

15-04-07, 01:13 PM

Ok well, no joy on the garage, as my job situation has slightly changed. So I have started to stripe the interior even more, and as planned, I have swapped the wheels back. This is only because I like the jubilee wheels on it and I am planning to get more tyres anyway. I have taken many pictures, so there is something to look at whilst reading my woes!

I have uploaded the full size pictures to the random picture image on the left. So the full size images can be had from there, if you have the patience to keep clicking F5! If not, email me, and I will be happy to send you the pictures you want.

Mind you I have given up on the garage for a month, a few other things are happening!

I have update my project site with pics and stuff... I have loads to do, and not a lot of time..
http://www.saabrestoration.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=41

http://www.saabrestoration.com/images/Saabcentral/dash.jpg

jim_mcghee

27-05-07, 01:08 PM

Ok, jubilee is now sold unfortunately! I so regretted it when it drove away :(
MOT turned out to be flying colours too. This means the 900Se is a rolling project. So first port of call is the Fog Lights and then off for its MOT.

I have bought some wire and the Bentley manual, alone with some vacuum hose. The headlining will need to come out (for the fog light wire) , which I may repair then, but it’s not too bad. Then fit a new fuel pump and then evaluate then.

Matthew

27-05-07, 11:44 PM

So is the plan no longer a bare-metal resto?

jim_mcghee

28-05-07, 12:02 AM

So is the plan no longer a bare-metal resto?
yip, I want a complete back to metal restoration, but I am going to use it for a bit - until I find a garage really. Once thats on the go, I can start.

I want an A1 classic 900, and that means a restore!

TheRedBaron

28-05-07, 01:01 AM

Jim, is the car really rusty? Apparently there are some situations in which going to bare metal may leave your paint worse off than with the factory base layers, assuming they are fully intact.

Here is nice exerpt from this book I have on car restoration, not sure what sort of shape your paint is in, but here's some food for thought:

The Great "Bare Metal" Debate
"Of course, we went down to bare metal before we painted it." Sound familiar? It is always said with such commanding authority and such calm self-assurance that it makes you wonder why anyone would do anything else. But other approaches are possible, and they are not necessarily "substandard." I have no objection to going down to bare metal. You have to when certain conditions are present. When substantial areas of a finish are breached and rust is coming through, it is necessary to take the whole finish to bare metal because the corrosion that can be seen is probably about to spring up in other places where it cannot yet be seen. When a finish is flaking and peeling, or has defects like crow's feet that penetrate it, it is necessary to go down to bare metal before you refinish. But when a tough finish, such as a factory baked enamel, has adhered to a car's finish for 25 or more years and shows no signs of defect or failure, it is not necessary to go down to bare metal, unless, of course, you like the sound of hearing yourself say, "Of course, we went down to bare metal before we painted it."
The point is, the adhesion achieved by some of the baked primers on factory fresh metal will be hard to equal if you take your car to bare metal and start over...

Joseph, Matt. The Collector Car Restoration Bible. KP Books, Wisconsin: 2005. Page 358.

jim_mcghee

28-05-07, 07:48 AM

I would agree with the idea of the factory paint being sound. The issue is I have a metallic finish with areas of rust that would require welding. On the surface the car would need a touch up and a new bonnet, which is easy.

But underneath, there are some areas of concern. (at least for me long term)

The idea that I have is to strip, repair, seal and then paint. Seal being the goal for me.

Once the car is stripped, I will go back and have a rethink. :)

Also, I think "factory baked enamels" are now banned in the UK, or at least the sale of enamels are.

Basically I am looking for a skin tight rust free paint finish. If this means not touching the factory finish then I will definatley be doing this.

What are the factory paint details for a 1990 Saab?

TheRedBaron

28-05-07, 03:49 PM

What are the factory paint details for a 1990 Saab?I'm not really sure, maybe your local body shop could tell you? Or even a call to saab themselves?

jim_mcghee

28-05-07, 06:08 PM

me neither.. I think I need to find this out. I have a bentleys on the way. I will have a look through that.

Also, I will be buying various books too.. so I will include resprays

TheRedBaron

28-05-07, 07:40 PM

If you find out, please do post up what you find - I have a '90 as well, and I wouldn't mind knowing myself - I do need to do some minor paint work in the next year or two.

I might try searching saabnet today or tommorow, sadly this is the type of thing that might be found over there ;oops:

jim_mcghee

28-05-07, 07:45 PM

I will do... it’s probably now one of the most important parts as the rest is simple mechanics.

jim_mcghee

09-06-07, 10:51 AM

ok, not to much happening, but I am putting in a new fuel pump and fixing the fog lights as said.. MOT at the end of the month and then I will put together some parts.. Just found a garage about 10 minutes walk, and not the narrow kind... :)

going to upload pics and stuff :)

jim_mcghee

14-06-07, 09:22 PM

Ok, now I have more pictures, and some interesting news. This car has been steam cleaned al lot in its life. The underside is immaculate! I will be uploading some pics.

On another note, I have a puzzle. I have arrowed the offending wires, one live and one earth. On all the pictures I have seen, they are not there. Also, they are attaching themselves the rear fog light relay. This is what it failed its MOT on, and this should show some other work in this area.

Any ideas? Anyone else have a picture of that area? The earth is so homemade, (check the blue spade)

http://www.saabrestoration.com/images/stories/H612WEC/unknown.jpg

jim_mcghee

15-06-07, 06:05 PM

I have figured out the wires. It's an aux. light for the hazards. Its on the dash. so with that ruled out I can poke about in the area just incase when it was added, something broke

RickyS

16-06-07, 06:51 AM

jim_mcghee

16-06-07, 09:43 AM

It is difficult to tell from your photo, but that car looks way to good for a bare metal restoration. Looks like platinum blue metallic colour?

I shall be following your restoration - it does not matter that is is non turbo model. I have 20 year old non turbo model that I am gradually restoring back to A1 condition, and its used as a daily runner.

Thanks for the input. I am thinking the same. I did try and change the thread name to rolling restoration, (mod can you help?) as the car is turning out to be much better than first thought. It's a bit 50/50. On one hand it’s a very well kept example and looks to be a fine basis for a simple major service. On the other, there are some areas that, in my opinion, need a serious looking at.

The rust is only in a few places, but where it is, it’s a wee bit to far gone, I think.

I have a new fuel pump to install, and the fogs to fix though. Once that’s finished, I will put it back on the road and start to decide the best route.

What ever happens, this car will have some sort of an overhaul!

jim_mcghee

20-06-07, 09:54 PM

Hi all,

as you can see, the title is now "Rolling restoration"

Fuel pump, fog lights and MOT to go and I will run to route out other issues.

I will record and upload the fuel pump change too, should be this weekend.

philb

20-06-07, 11:43 PM

Nice one. I've a load of pictures to take, my project thread is really lacking pictures. Need to rename mine also..

jim_mcghee

21-06-07, 09:36 PM

Nice one. I've a load of pictures to take, my project thread is really lacking pictures. Need to rename mine also..

cool. Pics are needed. Going to buy a new camrea too.. next week though.

jim_mcghee

07-07-07, 09:31 AM

ok, showing off my new camera now!

New parts, well new anyway,

general relay, as I have found out that the hazardlight mod has damaged the fog and hazard relay.

http://www.saabrestoration.com/images/Saabcentral/relay.jpg

5 metres of hose, as I am sure it all needs replacing,

http://www.saabrestoration.com/images/Saabcentral/hose.jpg

And the grail,

http://www.saabrestoration.com/images/Saabcentral/manual.jpg

New camera is also working really well. We have had nothing but rain, as I am sure you have all seen, so no real time to do anything. I have a lot of time on my hands now, so it should begin when the sun comes out.

Please excuse the fluff all over the hose etc - it came free!

Honkey

07-07-07, 04:15 PM

More Like bently paperweight....

Worst $60 I ever spent lol, one day I'll get around to scanning the whole thing and uploading it to a torrent so other poor saab owners dont have to forkout for it like I did :evil:

EDIT: lol I'm just a bit bitter at how broke I am atm :( Your project looks great cant wait to see the end result, btw how much are you looking to spend all up?

jim_mcghee

07-07-07, 04:23 PM

thanks. I must admit I did expect more pics or bigger pics and guides in the manual.. but I remember seeing an old Haynes manual for a Morris Minor - it was like an engineering book! Still, know what you mean.

The weather has just turned good here in pay as you go sunshine Glasgow! Things may start moving now.

jim_mcghee

11-08-07, 02:20 PM

hmmm. Not much happening. I think they forgot summer in Glasgow. 3 days there, were ok, but rain and more rain. So much so, I move the car so it could be washed.. (by the rain)

going out in the next 5 days to sort fogs, come rain or shine.

jim_mcghee

14-08-07, 06:38 AM

ok, been out to the car. Stumped. All dash cables checked changed relays, fuses, all lights come on, power is correct and nothing. No power to the fogs..

Stumped, I am really at a loss.

jim_mcghee

23-08-07, 09:44 PM

Ok, now for a big update... braving the sun in Glasgow, this unknown weather phenomenon, I started to diagnose (again) the fog light issue... This little light stopped the MOT last time.

I only hoped that the 6 months that had passed had not caused any other issues.

So with the boot out and the sun visors, mirrors etc out, the roof lining was down.

Now I have access to more of the wires. I started to cut and test.

I found that the power was going into the boot, but no further. I tested further and narrowed it down to a small ‘nest’ of wires.

None of them made any sense, but the power was stopping there.

I figured out that the wires were part of an add-on tow bar (don’t like them anyways) and quickly by-passed.

It worked!

I now have a fog light and promptly called the MOT station and booked.

3 days passed, and no finger nails left and I took it round.

He called later that day to say……………. ‘It passed!!!’

http://www.saabrestoration.com/images/Saabcentral/fog1.jpg

http://www.saabrestoration.com/images/Saabcentral/fog2.jpg

That light was what all the fuss was about!

Thanks all who posted in the help thread.

jim_mcghee

26-08-07, 10:42 AM

Now, after the epic fog light issue, I have desided to have a bit of fun with the car.

After sitting for so long the leather, in good condition, was starting to so signs of sunlight and heat. I used some leather cleaner and feed, and cleaned the seats.

I will be going at them tomorrow as well, as they are needing a lot of feed in areas.

Next part was to replace all the interior fittings and the boot floor etc.

http://www.saabrestoration.com/images/Saabcentral/260807/IMG_0663.jpg

This is the dash back in place (only the lower half was out) and the drivers seat had been treated.

jim_mcghee

26-08-07, 10:55 AM

The seats dont look bad from a distance, but 2 minutes sitting on them and you start to notice some issues.

http://www.saabrestoration.com/images/Saabcentral/260807/IMG_0664.jpg

http://www.saabrestoration.com/images/Saabcentral/260807/IMG_0671.jpg

All Saab mats too, though will replace with some fabric mats.

jim_mcghee

26-08-07, 11:09 AM

Since the car was not a true rolling restoration, and not just sitting sorn'd and me dreaming, I also decided to tackle some creature comfort issues. The passanger side Central Locking and Elec window do not power.

I removed the trim and the inner baffle (dont know what to call it)

http://www.saabrestoration.com/images/Saabcentral/260807/IMG_0675.jpg

Though the trim had a dodgy screw in it, the inner part was untouched. No doubt they had been put off.. I was.

I removed it and found all was well, everything was dry and intact.

http://www.saabrestoration.com/images/Saabcentral/260807/IMG_0674.jpg

http://www.saabrestoration.com/images/Saabcentral/260807/IMG_0677.jpg

http://www.saabrestoration.com/images/Saabcentral/260807/IMG_0679.jpg

I am pretty sure no one touched any of this.. So again a nice electrical fault to resolve. Joy.

On a lighter not, I noticed something I have never seen on a 900 before.

http://www.saabrestoration.com/images/Saabcentral/260807/IMG_0681.jpg

The metal interior trim had been incontact for some time and corrosion had set in.

Matthew

26-08-07, 12:05 PM

Nice work :D

How do you plan to fix the corrosion in those brake lines?

jim_mcghee

26-08-07, 01:33 PM

cheers

no idea. I think I will treat them, but ultimately replace them.

What are they made of?

jim_mcghee

18-09-07, 07:56 PM

ok a quick update. I have just driven 1000 Miles. Reading and back and a few other trips.. Effortless. Considering its been off the road for 2 and a half years. Small issues, acceleration is patchy and some electrical issues, for example the wiper fuse blowing all the time.

smooth true and sound on the motorways. Some vibration on some surfaces, which is odd.

jim_mcghee

20-09-07, 08:35 PM

ok, another update. No gasket issues, all the water coming out of the exhaust is gone, just a good drive down the motorway solved it.

Clock has stopped working too..

Engine is sound, though patchy acceleration.

All tight and nothing leaking.

Palmer1980

21-09-07, 01:07 AM

I hoped you lubed the tracks/pivots for the power windows while it was all apart!

I did that to mine, and it made all the difference in the world. It's 1/3 faster than the one that I have not gotten to yet. I would like to think it's easier on the motors too.

Either way, nice work!

I'm glad she's back on the road!

jim_mcghee

21-09-07, 06:53 AM

I did as a matter of course, though the power window and central locking are still non starters. Its all sounds and lubed now. Seems to be another electrical fault, somewhere!

Its great to be back on the road now. The next month is going to be a shake down.

jim_mcghee

28-09-07, 09:26 AM

More quick servicing things.

Checked fluids and levels.

Topped up the power steering level. This was below the add level. Strangely the steering got heavier.

Bled the clutch and topped up master reserve. Clutch got heavier. :)

Need to change the oil, but can’t get the now rounded sump nut off...

Bled the cooling system and topped up.

Only doing little things at the moment, as I in the middle of a big move to Reading!

Already complete the journey up and down once. So just preparing the car for another 400 miles.

Things I have noted and will work on.

Exhaust.

This sat filled with water for 2 years. I am amazed it is in one piece. I was thinking of a complete exhaust with a slightly larger diameter. While not a turbo, any car would benefit from this.

Something in line with what the car is, an 'SE', to give some balance.

Oil.

Once replaced for my journey and the journey completed, a fully synthetic replacement is in order. I have been eager to try this for years.

I have the mineral oil already, so it seems a shame to not use it.

Fuel system.

Going to get an injector cleaner. Everything checks out in the engine bay and things like the throttle body are now cleaned. Still have patchy acceleration.

I always use this on a new car, but forgot this time!

All just little things. Once in reading I should have access to a garage, and some better weather, plus walking to work means the car can be more fundamentally striped.

jim_mcghee

29-09-07, 03:37 AM

Forgot to mention, tightened up the alternator belt. It was always squeaking.

For me it's evident that these cars cope very well with being laid up for a while. My first c900 was also not used for 6 months, but new brakes all round and it passed its MOT :)

I have a new sump plug and will attempt something with the stuck plug on the car. Don’t know what though...

aerobar900

29-09-07, 10:36 AM

Breakin5speeds

29-09-07, 03:02 PM

What do you mean by lube the tracks/pivots?

he is referring to all the hardware inside the door....namely they window regulator, if you do it well that "crinkling" sound the old 900 regulators make goes away....I take them completely out of the car, detach the motor, and secure the regulator in a vise and soak it with penetrating oil like PB Blaster and work the regulator by hand till it is freely moving and rust is worn away... them I wipe it down and spray everything with lithium grease and reinstall it...HUGE difference

http://www.saabcentral.com/techhelp/c900/electric_window.php

there is actually a guide to power window service on this sight....