SAAB 9000 Rust: Fighting the Brown Pest Part II

Actually we wanted the underbody of ours Saab 9000 only free from low rust rates. And actually we wanted to give our beautiful Swede to Frankfurt in the winter, then it did not come because of the temporary difficulties there.

With the Saab Zentrum Bamberg we have found the ideal contact for current and classic Saab. There is a lot of Saab expertise at Muckelbauer and a Bamberg vintage car mecca has developed around the Saab workshop.

For special works, the object is rolled out of one hall to the next. Short ways, specialists working hand in hand. After graduation we are more than satisfied and that Bamberg Saab center get our recommendation. Because the communication, the friendly and detailed advice, and the price are just right. In addition, each work step was documented with pictures. We are excited.

We wanted to make early provisions for our Saab 9000 Anniversary. Because if you are there in good time, you will save yourself major welding events and thus money. Then before our Bamberg appointment we noticed the rust perforation under the lock of the tailgate, well hidden under the rubber seal. So the small action became a medium-sized one. The rust perforation was eliminated but the general condition of the rear panel was once a shock for us.

More rust than expected nested under the seals and had to be eliminated. With that we had found three neuralgic points. Rear plate, fender rear left and the front cross member. On the rear panel with action to prevent worse consequences, on the fender with a small perforation and on the front cross member from precaution. Here we would have had time, but while you're at it.

At the same time, attacked parts were exchanged. The locking of the bonnet, the intake, springs and other small parts. Since the cross member was repainted at the same time, the original stickers came back to the designated places. Attention to detail must be. All small parts were available at Saab for low money.

At the conclusion of the operation, the 9000er with Mike Sanders was protected against further corrosion attacks. For the procedure, the Saab gets a kind of protective film over paint and all parts that should not be treated. After the treatment, the shell can be washed off. In the cavities and underbody rust in the medium term has no chance.

Our fight against nasty rust attacks was more extensive than expected. Except for a spot on the fender and slight projections on the underbody, the Saab 9000 was optically rust-free. Now we had several jobs and the painter was much more extensive than expected. Mudguard, rear panel, front cross member and for cosmetic reasons, the bumper at the rear.

In the last 12 months, we have put together the value of the 9000 in the Saab with new turbo hoses, engine mounts, brake hoses, brakes and other parts. Before, we asked ourselves the following question. Because driving Saab for 2-3 years and then resell? Or keep the 9000 in the long run in the family. The answer of the family was clear.

The Saab with classic potential is to stay with us for a long time, which changes the perspective and increases the budget. We did things that were not immediate and not necessary. And in case of doubt, we have chosen the better and more expensive solution.

If we calculate that we are now largely carefree with 10 until 15 years, then the investment is relativized. Youngtimer driving is then cheap. Current leasing vehicles cost many times what a well-groomed old Saab requires on budget.

Since ours Buyer's guide from a year ago, the prices for the upper class Sweden in good condition have attracted and they will not be cheaper. However, getting a Saab 9000 is not a business that promises profits. Even if the prices rise noticeably and even if in Sweden the 9000 is traded as an upcoming classic. The 9000 is still a story for the heart.

What did we learn from this? The big Saab is more robust than expected. Almost all parts are available from Saab Parts AB and there are original spare parts for little money. That is very pleasing.

Is only the question with the rear panel. The condition of the Saab 9000 was excellent for an almost 15 year old vehicle, apart from this part. Only the rear panel fell out of the frame. Why? It is clear that the rust prevention, which Saab prescribes, has been carried out in the past only very negligent. That alone can not have been the reason. Other Saab 9000s of recent years have rust in the same places and often rust through the tailgate lock. Probably a weak point of our Sweden.

And something else. A project is never really finished. Our friend Lars brought the long awaited strut brace for the 9000 from Sweden. Originally at Maptun ordered, she was never available there and we gave up after half a year. What should not be misunderstood. Maptun offers great service, communication is always right. Only one had bad luck with a Vorlieferanten.

The current strut brace comes from Speedparts. Unfortunately, the Saab specialist does not deliver to Germany although one has dealers there. Also communication does not work at any time, which is unfortunate because Speedparts has interesting products. Every contact attempt was unsuccessful. But you have friends in Sweden who like to help. The Saab community just stops together.

So our Saab 9000 story continues. The strut brace is installed when there is time.