SAAB 99 GL « saab99.motd.org

September 2, 2012

servicing the electric fans

The SAAB 99 uses two identical Electrolux motors for the blower box and the radiator fan. They are very good quality motors and are easy to service. There are two sleeve bearings which should be cleaned an oiled. The brushes and commutator should be inspected and cleaned. I discovered the fan on the radiator was loose (and open just a bit) so some of the media blasting material got into it. There was also plenty of oil/grease/dirt to be cleaned up. After servicing, both of the motors run very smoothly and quietly. I was concerned about the state of the radiator fan motor because the previous owner had the fan switch leads shorted (permanently on!) due to over heating. I believe I was able to resolve the over heating issues by removing the anti-freeze throttle housing collar recall and having both the heater core and radiator serviced. The blower box also has a sleeve bearing on the opposite end of the impeller which should be cleaned and oiled.

To keep the brushes in place while the motor is put backed together, I used Western Electric waxed cord.

August 31, 2012

wheels repaired and powder coated

I had the wheels repaired for curb rash and had them powder coated. The new tires are Michelin Primacy 195s. It was fairly expensive to have this done, but at this point it seemed like the right thing to do. Pictures show before and after.

August 12, 2012

gifts from Sweden and progress

I’ve made a trade deal with another SAAB friend in Sweden and was able to get a few Old New Stock items. Today we installed the wheel arch trim which was tricky due to 3 of the wheel arches needing significant reshaping. The wheel arch splash area have all been sprayed with undercoating. The rear and hide-a-way trunk have also been sprayed.

The new locking gas cap / filler is hooked up, the blower box and wiper are in place, the EMS steering wheel is installed, the emergency brake housing is painted and the 1976 shifter knob is installed. For the blower box, I used two layers of 1/4″ foam rubber insulation on either side of the upper firewall. I recommend that anyone that goes this far with a tear down go ahead and replace all the foam rubber where needed. It was basically musty and dusty in this car.

August 4, 2012

Putting it back together

Got the blower box back in .. so much easier getting it in than taking it out. Again, the key to taking it out you’ll need to take it apart completely by removing the fan motor, cover and the heater core/valve assembly. When replacing it, I used 1/4″ rubber foam insulation on both. The hood is back on, the hatch is back on. Some of the rubber is back in place.

August 3, 2012

painting completed!

Finally, painting is completed. Now cut and buff with some touch up. The doors go back on tomorrow.

July 26, 2012

engine bay painted

The engine bay is now painted and I can start to put things back together in there. (sorry for the cellphone pics)

July 16, 2012

a chrome oil filler cap

I was wondering why other 99s had a fancy chrome oil filler cap.
I started looking closer at mine and picking at the paint.

The cap just had spray paint on it, so letting paint remover stand on it for a few moments loosen that up. Underneath you can see why some thought to paint it. To polish it, I used metal polishing rouge and a low RPM buffing (jeweler’s) wheel.

June 12, 2012

a first look at the new paint

SAAB WH02 (Coral White). The inside doors and hood have been painted. We double checked the fit of the hood prior to get the rest of the car painted. The very first piece I installed as an act of actually putting the car BACK TOGETHER was the hood spike for the latch.

June 7, 2012

Cleaning the glass

Its getting closer to time to put everything back together and I’ve got a long list of things to clean. For the glass I’m using dissolve-it and windex. For the rubber, I’m washing them in soap warm water, followed by paint clean up and rubber restorer. Lots of old moss and Earl Schieb on the rubber. The opera window seals were trapping moisture causing rust, so I wanted to remove the old sealant and replace it. I believe I can get a new locking strip from Restoration Specialties.