NEW PROJECT! Saab 900 Restomod! Woohoo!

Episode 188
New arrival at RP HQ and we catch the latest on all the ongoing projects!
If you have interior design or upholstery projects or full car build projects you'd like to discuss with us, please contact us via the website: www.retropower.co.uk
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[@Stu_2112]

Why does it come as absolutely no surprise that Nat is also a classically trained Cellist 😆

[@martinphilippo1347]

Saab! Now you've got my attention!

[@bradhone9168]

Excited to see the direction it goes

[@tomlipscomb2211]

Repelling arc-eye with your hand is a sensei move - I’ve never got past the safety squint.

[@garyferrari1366]

As a huge Saab fan I’m looking forward to what you create

[@darrenquirk2269]

I can see why Cal feels reluctant to modify his Celica. She's a beauty!

[@davidashton8021]

I own an 87 900i and can’t wait to see how the new project progresses! Keep it understated - one of the best things about these cars is that they were never “aggressive”

[@SkylarkCamperAdventures]

If we don’t see Cal playing the Cello…it never happened, 😂😂😂

[@kenshilcock7198]

That 900 needs to be finished in the Pearlesent White that the very first T16S 'Aero' cars rocked

[@jonpowell8014]

My ocd can never unsee the wonky doorhandle on the Land Cruiser people!!!

[@paulbriant4693]

I have had 96, 99, 900, 9000, super cars all round so strong as a body, loved them.

[@stantheman_10]

how about ? Nat banging out a tune on the cello for an intro episode 😁

[@Stu_2112]

Absolutely love a Saab 900!. This is going to be great to watch evolve. This channel just gets better and better and so do the projects

[@hynes64]

These are really well loved machines. So there will be a lot of pureists out there. Not that nat and cal care. But i do feel that the veiwers will be split in their opionions on this build regardless of what designs come from the guys. The shape was unchanged for many years and never seemed to hurt sales. I trust the guys to keep it subtle and bring their own touch in a tasteful way. Looking forward to it.

[@Stu_2112]

@@hynes64 Yeah, i get what youre saying. But I would proffer that the vast majority of watchers of this channel are not here for purity, and are more accepting of tasteful mods. It will be a great project to watch.....as they all are.

[@mrdainase]

@@Stu_2112 I enjoy the brilliant levels of craftmanship, the design ideas vary between questionable and gopping so I don't hold out much hope for the SAAB in that respect (hope it's not a copy of that silly DTM render that did the rounds a while back) I'll still watch it for the superb work they'll put in though - as long as it's not getting a crate Yank lump of pig iron in the nose!

[@Stu_2112]

@@mrdainase I can't see them doing an LS swap on the Saab. It'll be something euro and turbo. Something like an Audi 5-pot unit would be a possibility, I think.

[@mrdainase]

@@Stu_2112 I agree, although I think a Honda unit would be more in keeping with the SAAB approach.

[@1_5RCBiker]

Yes! A Saab! Will be watching that build avidly, and I thought the Allegros were interesting!

[@vorny1966]

These videos are such a part of Sunday evening’s now. Never disappointed. You need to try Tim Tams for your biscuit experience. Like a Penguin used to be. Perfect.

[@fredsmith6725]

Saab 900, excellent. Brake pipes inside the car, genius.👌

[@daniel_charms]

YES!!! There was an Insta post a while ago where you asked what projects we would like to see and I said you should do a Saab 900. Glad to see my prayers have been answered, feel like I should go light a candle or something 😂

[@rangerlongshot]

As someone who has owned a 99 and three pre-GM 900s... I APPROVE OF YOUR NEW PROJECT!

[@Own-ItUKApparel]

SAAB 900 You Say, Now You've Got My Attention!!!!!!!

[@chrish1657]

Stu adj. Of exceptionally high quality and understated flair Example: Man, that panel is totally Stu.

[@danstewart8218]

Saab 900...Most refined and exclusive tractor you'll ever drive...Good work boys.. Can't wait to see what you do with it! ;D

[@TazR6]

Color me surprised. I was just typing my question for the third or fourth time, and you answered it. Queue fast backspacing to retype this. Thank you for the answer and the detail that you went into, I appreciate it.

[@peteranderson7497]

Stu is worth every penny that you pay him! It's so nice to see "old school" (sorry Stu) clever tradesmen (something I wish I'd been 🤔😕☹😵‍💫😬, before giving into promotions to management levels 🤨😑☹😬) - I'm babbling on like Nat! The SAAB: A 5.0 ltr Ford crate V8, Tremec TR 3160 6 speed manual, (you choose the diff) and Willwood disk brakes!!! High-spec all leather interior and use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for the instruments/entertainment system. Now that would be a nice SAAB!

[@davidmilligan6028]

I would love to see the 5 cylinder from a TT RS in that Saab...always thought it would make for a cool car. Especially if its converted to 4wd

[@retropowercars]

It's as if you can see the future!!

[@Stu_2112]

@@retropowercars Dooooooooo iiiiiiiittttttt!

[@ThePubdaddy]

utterly love this channel, the thought and detail behind every part is amazing

[@iansmith7871]

'He'll never get that under his chin...'

[@richardbroom4324]

I do love an old saab

[@andrewtorrance3374]

Starbucks in the CAD lair? Surely it should be a Roundstone coffee!!!

[@Sleeper_Service]

Really looking forward to the Saab content. Had a couple of 8v turbos and a 16v turbo too. I'm feeling like I need some Saab back in my life 👍🖖

[@forsh3546]

WHITE chocolate Hobnobs - Now that would be pinnacle biscuit! Nice to hear about Cal's Celica and his other "in progress" projects but have any of the "new boys" got interesting (to someone) cars? We'd love a round up!

[@manx1641]

I’ve done similar thing with 3D prints for compression moulds for forged carbon parts, filled the hollow section of the mould with epoxy floor mortar, sets like concrete

[@kevinwilson7049]

Brothers brilliant show, wud,n miss it. Keep it up ..❤

[@calumclark1719]

Yassss I love the Saab 900, my Grandad always had Saabs and i loved his 900 great car always want to find one and do it up/restomod

[@Blakeoffire]

Jamie - nice and subtle Bruce Lee hand-whip at 37:38 😄

[@modelmania825]

put some propper thick tubes inside the sills of the jaguar xjc ,, to strengthen the whole body , it ll make the whole car a lot stiffer , less flex , less chance of cracking the paint at the roof

[@AliasHSW]

Oh Yeahhhh! Saab 900!!

[@davegavin7914]

Here we go ☕️in hand feet up let’s end Sunday night with a catch up 😉👍🏻🇬🇧used to own 99 turbo black red velvet interior quick car back then . Also 900 16v turbo both I enjoyed fantastic cars 🇬🇧👍🏻

[@vorny1966]

A 99 Turbo in black with red velour. My late brother had one and it left a lasting impression on me as a teenager. That would be my project of choice if my numbers came in. A very special car in the day.

[@nickboylen6873]

My wife had a similar Saab 900 16v (non turbo) F reg with the smaller aft spoiler. Great car.

[@davidbrown6193]

Awesome video. There's so much going on, and everyone is so gifted. Love the 'pearls' of info. Wet & dry grades this week!( on the paint shop video )

[@teddyr7391]

I don’t know how old Nat is but the amount that man has crammed in so far I’m guessing he’s about 104 . Bloody orchestral cellist now.

[@davidyates748]

I think he said that he's 46 in last week's installment - obviously at least for the second time!

[@davidklauer3422]

My favorite Sunday afternoon show! To late and hot for coffee here in Texas, but maybe a good time for a bit of scotch

[@Stu_2112]

A nice single malt is just how i like to enjoy the latest episode of RP

[@ynot5105]

Very impressed with your cello abilities, as well, Nat! One instrument I would've loved to learn to play...

[@timwillis3466]

Yes!! Love the 900, just the coolest car. Only question really is can you do it cooler? Can't wait!

[@LeonMOOK]

Fuck yes!!! I'm looking forward to this saab build guys

[@Chilled_Mackers]

I like to ask the important and serious questions 😆 Thanking you muchly for answering! Haha, the ending - brilliant!

[@rcr286]

Rad! I'm so glad you are doing a Saab. People who know I am a fan of your channel ask what I would like to bring to you and I almost always start by saying a Saab 99. I would likely avoid adding a turbo...unless it's converted to AWD. I can't wait to see what you guys do with this 900!

[@superchickensoup]

Love it ❤

[@davidjw14]

I had a love hate relationship with the turbo version of this. Fantastic when it was working as the manufacturer intended but it left me stranded more times than i care to remember

[@user-sd5wg1vg4e]

How about a home garage tour of the lads projects. Talent like your crew has, would be cool to see. Does not need to be cars. Cellos perhaps?

[@alistairallan1178]

You could make a male press tool with a rubber upper pad which conforms to lower tool when pressed. The "rubber press" is widely used in F1 fab shops and aerospace

[@rosschamberlain1823]

A great way to make alloy stampings is to make the needed shape out of hardwood butcher block. An annealed alloy sheet is placed atop the form, with a thick rubber block above both, then a hydraulic press pushes down on the rubber block, which then forces the the alloy sheet down and around the form. After that, restore the hardness needed to the alloy. Historically that method has been used in the aircraft industry, and works really well.

[@spowagematthew]

How can we get more people to watch this? Such brilliant quality content.

[@chrish1657]

Don’t jinx it. Things generally go to crap when they get too big.

[@stephen300o6]

So odd the concern for people's youtube channels.

[@spowagematthew]

@@stephen300o6 less bothered about the channel doing well, far more concerned that people are missing out on this and watching similar but inferior content instead.

[@tirabbi1]

Full Aero trim. I worked for 2 SAAB specialists one of which did some collaboration with SAAB Rally program. I got a 2.3 twin carbed engine from them.

[@tonymonk7437]

interested what mechanical changes the Saab 900 gets given the longitudinal engine with front wheel drive it would lend itself to a V8 rear wheel drive bespoke chassis or a audi quattro s2 (B3/B4) layout would look great with box arches too .. keep up the good work and the Allegros are looking great with the poly coats on .

[@chrishay8385]

That celica what a fabulous rearend design !.

[@MMSaabChannel]

Yes yes Saab ❤

[@964cuplove]

Uhhh cought just in time :-) love the Saab, can’t wait what you’ll do to that one…. 🙂

[@timscarnonsense319]

Love those saab 900s. Had a couple of 16V Turbos, and yes the gearboxes break. A lot. Cannot wait to see what you do to it. Those lines are perfect as they are, so that'll be a difficult job.

[@Michael-sz4he]

I have a question (as questions were requested/encouraged the end of last week's video!). How- as a business- do you price these projects with clients? Do you estimate a lump sum at the beginning and hope to stay with it? Do you bill time and materials monthly? It would seem to me that there's so much unforeseen work/rabbit holes on a given project that you couldn't possible estimate it at the beginning!

[@johndods9918]

Minor Threat named after a punk band, the Stranglers Grip starts with didn't have the money 'round to buy a Morry Thou.

[@marzocchi705]

Saab 900's just ooze cool. love them

[@fredrikassarsson1653]

If you have the time and opportunity on one of your builds then a deep dive into the world of fitting electrical AC into your classic car would be super worthy of a classic Nat tangent! 😄 What donor car? How much current does it actually draw? How much of a battery are you using for these builds etcetc. As always, love your work and as a Swede I must say a Saab project tickles me fancy!

[@chrish1657]

Went a bit Peter Kay at the end there 😂

[@mattyj624]

Great video as always guys 👏 think you should start doing biscuit of the week! 🤔

[@iandonkin6762]

Never seen a RWD V8 Saab before 😉

[@rocklover7437]

I owned a Carlsson Saab 900 for a short while .Quite a fast car

[@Stu_2112]

My doctor has 3 Carlssons....a proper Saab nut.

[@Carmalarky]

Very excited about the Saab project, and what direction it will take. Backdate to flatnose?

[@robinoconnor1203]

I believe the Saab 900 should be project Trollhattan, it was probably built there.

[@johnsutcliffe3209]

Im making a cello. May i bring it in for a tune and a road test?

[@grantp7975]

Saab 9-5 Estate driver here. There's something about the body shape that I think Retro could make some amazing minor tweaks to and create an absolutely stunning result. Sadly I will never have anywhere near the wherewithal to make it happen. Very much looking forward to the 900 project.

[@CneyTMS]

Like dropping the windshield angle at least 10 degrees

[@olewurtz7625]

Happy to hear chocolate hobnobs are your favourite, but the crucial question is whether you prefer milk or dark chocolate. Please say dark ! Another question: Do you ever weigh your finished builds ?

[@bonesbyne9078]

Where's the 2 door Jag, we've had no outside sunshine montage 😢

[@pauldamian2988]

Nice... a 900 is fun. MORE fun would be a 99. ALL the fun would be a 96!!!!

[@Eddievan-uq5gb]

Had 7 of these, and I love em, going to follow, just subscribed.

[@James-bp7vc]

Have you looked into laser welding for difficult or unconventional repairs like the XJ6 Coupe’ boot inner surround repair?

[@albertperks3476]

Can't wait to see how the Saab develop. Hey I have a question for you, have your ever thought about secreting an easter egg on the cars you build, or example some Jeeps have a lizard, maybe you guys had a favourite pet you could 3d print and put somewhere discrete in the car. I did have a play on ChatGPT to see what it would come up with and it created a mechanised big cat which did look pretty good.

[@danstewart8218]

I also think you missed a trick on the Allegro redesign..a 1'' roof chop would have just made it that bit sleeker - just enough not to be too noticeable tho enough to give it that extra oomph.

[@gafrers]

SAAB FTW

[@GuyChapman]

Given the amazing ergonomics of the SAAB, I suspect this one will be epic! Are you going to do a Retropower version of the Lazy L brand for the Integros?

[@basslinejunkie2776]

how do you restomod a Saab 900?! just add new oil? >) cant wait to see the result :)

[@Lou-f]

Excellent can’t wait for retro powered Richard Pryor V8 Saab 900 😂

[@ChristopherHallett]

That Saab had better get the sickest set of three-spoke wheels ever devised by mankind...

[@leowalless9328]

Is that a subliminal, backwards message from the devil at 19:36 there? How metal!

[@manx1641]

What’s your preferred coating for an exterior machined aluminium part, xylan or anodise?

[@hynes64]

Question. Did you find a buyer for the stratos ? Where did it go ? Repeat customer ?

[@iancairns7398]

Question for you, How long is the waiting list to get a car built at retropower ??

[@chrisjohncooil]

What’s the electric compressor you’re using for the aircon?

[@9psi]

Someone needs to ship you guys some TimTams

[@couttsy222]

Or original chocolate Gaeties -- even better than Tim Tams (and that's saying someting!!)

[@uliwehner]

hmm, a Saab restomod. should be subtle on the outside, and somewhat radical underneath. I am picturing a nice turbo engine, rwd with a transaxle. interior has to look very "Saab" but perhaps a little cleaner, more scandinavian looking. the white is a little boring, maybe something that is an actual color. somethink like a pale yellow perhaps?

[@vintagediscolights]

Hope you dont change the dash too much, because that was already ahead of its time back then

[@Rhythmsinners]

How much are all these wonderful cars. Thry must. They must be around 70-100k at least right? With the amount of cia work and engineering. And who now owns/drives them. Can you do a series of driving the cars? That’s would be great.

[@frankpeutz9106]

Maybe I missed something, but how is the Jensen CV8 ?

[@kuglepen64]

Check out the documentary here on the tube about the 2000 Pikes Peak class winning very very custom SAAB 9-3 Viggen.

[@barriebriggs1802]

How much for the steering wheel? It'd look good in my mk1 cavalier 😏👍🏼

[@ogregriffiths6069]

What’s with the leaky roof Cal?

[@wirefortyseven8707]

Dammit!! - my Retropower fantasy build is a Saab 99 turbo (way prettier and more o.g. than the 900...) with a big power Subaru STi engine + 4x4 chassis swap. Black, of course, with a blood red-out interior. Mmmm

[@steverogers2369]

On a completely different subject if DVLA have their way all future Retropower classic cars will have to have Q plates and be subject to road tax and MOT. If I am mistaken please let me know.

[@uliwehner]

not sure if that would be a problem. no rust on any of those, good brakes, everything works. should pass with flying colors. by the time you add up what it costs to build one, road tax is the least of your worries.

[@micheltebraake7915]

SAAB 900 RWD?

[@nicholashett6265]

Saab-V6 4-4,…..or Volvo/Audi turbo rwd?

[@maxtorque2277]

I realise i'm asking to be burnt at the stake by car nerds, but i'd actually like to see a 900 converted to EV power! Saabs were never really about the engine as it were, yes, they were performance cars, but never really shouty ones, so a walloping EV conversion i think would suit that "fist in a velvet glove" demenor imo. They also have a large boot, a smallish frontal area and a shape that looks like it could be reasonably low drag with a few modern tricks, all good things for EV conversions ;-)

[@keithogden1770]

What is it you get agaian, a constant.... ;)