The 99 has 107k on the clock, it had a B motor and Type 35 automatic
tranny, hmm, wonder why??
Some of you who know me (OK, all of you who know me) know that
I'm not a purist. I drive my cars, and I want them driven and reliable so
that I can drive 'em more! My stroker and V4 SAABs mostly all feature innovative
mods like electric cooling fans and V*lv* cooling expansion tanks with modern
SAAB yellow 2 bar caps, et.c. et.c. Putting a 16v and a 5-speed in a 99
is the next proof that I'm really as whacked out as lots of people think
I am.
But I'm really wanting to make my perfect road car, something
which is comfortable on the highway as well as tearing through back roads.
Most of all, as I will disassemble and rebuild the entire car, everything
has to be like new, especially from a mechanical standpoint. This car is
being constructed to drive, not to have as an oddity. Oddball but good working
items such as the forced air rear demist will be kept, and I may yet fit
a later rear screen with the electric demist. I don't know. The dash will
remain largely stock, with the exception of Carpathian Elm burl veneer replacing
the ugly stock 99 dash fake wood contact paper deal. A tach will be added
to replace the clock. A decent Eclipse radio will be custom fitted into
the old radio pod. The wiring will be largely modified, mostly in the engine
compartment, but as far as I can see, the cabin wiring is A-OK! One of the
biggest visual differences aside from the 2.1 litre 16v will be the burgundy
velour 900 seats, and the later 900 paint, of course. 15 spoke Sunburst
rims from a 1990 or so 9000T. And, ah yes, the Euro headlights, wipers,
and SAAB 90 grille, as seen on this 83 99 sedan in Denmark:
as you can see, I'm already hard at work
tearing this 99 down for paint.
There will be more to come to this site, so stay tuned.
