saablog

Thanks for the support and enthusiasm about my "new" Saab. This weekend

after a fairly satisfying autocross practice I started to clean it up. I

vacuumed and washed the car, and disassembled the disgustingly dirty

center console and ran it through the dishwasher before replacing, which

did wonders for it. I also fixed a broken headlight mount and removed

the broken headlamp washer assembly that was below it. I learned how to

double-clutch shift the transmission so it doesn't grind going into 2nd

gear.

Next on the list (besides finishing the deck railing on our house with

my dad) is oil change, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, etc. I'm

waiting for the repair manual I ordered from Amazon.com before

attempting those maintenance items. Eventually I'll get the power

windows working, and remove the busted fog lights and remaining headlamp

wiper.. those items are not at the top of my list.

It's actually starting to feel like a real car. Hard to believe it was

just $800. I'm keeping a log of how much I'm actually spending to bring

it up to spec... we'll see how expensive it becomes.

I'll keep you all posted on the progress-

So I've recently been cruising craigslist looking for a perfect 3rd car for our household. Why do we need a 3rd car? Who knows?

I do know that I was contemplating a second set of wheels and tires for the Volvo in an attempt to make it somewhat competitive in autocross. The special wheel size was making that wheel/tire combo look like a very expensive proposition... like over $1000 expensive. And it still wouldn't make the car too competitive, as it's plenty powerful but way overweight.

This morning on craigslist I found "the answer". A 1992 Saab 900s 3 door. Not turbo. 2.0L, 128 HP, 5 speed manual trans. $800. "Book value" is around $3000 for that car. Sold cheap because the drivers seat bottom cushion has come unstitched, and because the transmission grinds going into 2nd gear. It's dirty, but looks pretty solid. And of course, like all Saabs to date in our family, it is black.

Will it be a good autocross car? Maybe. A good way to save wear-and-tear on the Volvo? Sure. A good junk hauler? Absolutely. Did Ani think it sounded like a good idea at the time? Yes.

I'll keep you posted on the progress as I assess the car and it hits the track!