Whats wrong with my Saab 900 Turbo COMMANDER?

[@robinforrest7680]

What an incredible tribute to the build quality of Trollhaten’s production. She looks brilliant for her age. Save her!!!

[@SeasideGarage]

Pretty sure this was made in the Finland factory?

[@robinforrest7680]

@@SeasideGarage 🫢🤫

[@jamesgibson5606]

This is a rare classic and is worthy of saving great video by the way.

[@stephenswirles8555]

built like a tank, heavy on fuel, good engine and gearbox, corners well at high speed, had them for 15 years, ace old machine. good luck.

[@SeasideGarage]

Thanks!

[@T16MGJ]

"Challenge accepted" Bravo. That is far too much corrosion for my "save a car" mindset parameters. . But, you appear to have the skills, tools and motivation. You Sir, possess much of the "right stuff". That challenge is considerable. Twenty years ago I removed the actuator from a SAAB in my local breaker yard. Because the part looked very new. The car was in very fine condition. Many such cars in the breaker yards now found in the throwaway UK. There was a 5mm Hole in the unseen side of the Turbocharger's Actuator where the engine vibration movement created that hole where the actuator was in close contact with other parts of the car nearby. I wonder if that little unseen hole played a part in the poor car's reason for being in that scrapyard. Some of the nice cars I see thrown away in local scrapyards is very wasteful. Many are old but nice part exchanges taken in by local car dealerships. Many driven round to the breaker yards or the auctions by the car dealers for disposal or breaking for parts. The main reason for this wasteful policy is UK's used car dealer trading constraints. Those being designed to protect the car consumer. Such are the UK's used car trading constraints, unlike in the now distant past when nice old cars were more highly regarded and offered for sale. Thus dealers do not want to risk selling these cars due to those punitive trading constraints and all the possible aggravation involved. I wonder what part that little unseen hole played in the decision for the poor car being in that scrapyard. Does little for the environment either. Some say it causes more environmental harm as it adds to consuming the planet's finite resources. All this means that most UK car consumers, not to be confused with car enthusiasts, being " protected" by those constraints invariably pay more for their motoring than they need to. In the now distant past, there was a time when cars on forecourts carried a "Sold as seen" notice. I bought a couple that way and got two bargains. Not now. However, I do know where the bonnet release is on my cars. Many car users don't according to my near neighbour who drives one of those big yellow "Roadside Rescue and Recovery" vans. Few know their way about a box of tools. Those car users are often those who are "unlucky" with cars. Some of the repair costs friends, relatives and work colleagues pay to maintain their cars makes me flinch when they tell me about their latest running costs with huge impact on their wallets or purses. If you've read this far, thank you. Clearly it is something I have strong feelings about. Still fresh in my mind is the images of thousands of otherwise nice cars collected and stored in deserted airfields awaiting destruction never lawfully for resale under the "Scrappage" scheme devised by the then UK Government. Designed to get old cars off the UK roads and create more new car sales. Criminal waste and actually more harmful to the environment all things considered. Keep this good stuff coming fella. Much appreciated. Be good to see that old SAAB TURBO returned to usable service.

[@Adam.Piper62]

Half the time, cars are scrapped because it would be cheaper to buy a new one than do repairs. But of course that logic is flawed...who knows what other issues the new car has to be sorted in a few months...just as well fixed the one you had. Also, I can't help but feel that you are being a bit extreme saying that SAAB is too rusty for you to consider saving...I hope you haven't scrapped any cars based on that level of rust. - All it needs is two brake disk protectors (cheap to buy and easy to fit) and one piece of welding on the front driveshaft tunnel. Even if you can't do the welding yourself you can easily buy the repair panel and a garage would fix that for you for just a few hundred pounds. I'd be very surprised if it cost you more than £600 to cure the corrosion issues on that car. The towbar can just be removed... The rear arch is a such a small hole that is very unlikely to fail an MOT as not structural. Certainly not something to scrap or give up on.

[@T16MGJ]

@@Adam.Piper62 Have to agree with most of what you have written there. Clearly we are of the same opinion on this matter. Let me explain further. My view of the SAAB's corrosion issues is based purely on my limited skill set and what facilities I have to DIY fix them. Thus, no way would I scrap it, I would pass on any car like that it the fields and let others better placed to tackle the challenge. Over the past four decades, I have lost count of the cars I have saved which others would have sent to the scrapyard. Probably averages about one a year as I also had a full-time job. Now retired, I have more time. My favourite "save" of the many being an MG Montego Turbo stored outside unused for years deep in the dark remote parts of England's Forest of Dean. That following the death of the owner and the family did not touch his cars for years. I rarely go looking for cars like this. Those knowing my interests alert me when they hear about them. I was alerted about this poor MG, it even had Stinging Nettles growing out of the leaf litter accumulated where the windscreen wipers are parked under the trees. Still have images of it in the dark under those Oaks and Chestnuts. For two years, it became my daily driver and had a tow hitch already fitted as the seller's family had a caravan for Holiday trips with the car. One day a work colleague knowing I had a braked twin axle trailer, asked me if I could help recover his Toyota which had overheated severely at the start of his Holiday break near Gatwick Airport. I used the saved MG Turbo for the recovery trip. There was a Toyota TV commercial on at the time. "The car in front is a Toyota" was the theme of the commercial. We laughed on the return trip as large and close in my rear view mirror, the car behind was a Toyota. It needed more than a Cylinder Head Gasket, the severe heat meant extensive engine renewal. One day, having just put down the phone having agreed to purchase an MG ZT-T 1.8T with its Cylinder Head removed the owner decided not to repair, offered it to me before disposing of it. The phone rang again. More of that later. He had been offered very little for it by the scrap dealers to take it away. Far too good to scrap so I agreed to save it and doubled the offer the dealers made to take it away for him. That was eight years ago. Now my daily driver regular load carrying work horse. That immediate phone call? Another project car "offer". This time one of my all-time favourite cars to save.. a Rover 620ti with the Rover T-Series Turbocharged Engine with 200ps power. I declined the opportunity. That now one of my "Regrets, I've had a few".. 🤔 Funny old game cars and folks.😊

[@Adam.Piper62]

@@T16MGJ A funny game indeed. I completely agree with your comments on the scrappage scheme that is such a ridiculous idea they made to get the economy going has nothing to do with climate change. The Montego Turbo...my dad had one of those, absolutely fantastic cars. Very rare today. It is indeed very satisfying when a car can be saved. Unfortunately as you state in this throw away society so many people either can't be bothered, or do not care enough to fix their current cheap run around. A car which one day, may become a classic. I am indeed massively fond of Rovers, having spent the last 15 months recommissioning a 70's P6 2000. I look forward to seeing how this SAAB progresses. As with most restoration projects I suspect the paint might indeed be the most difficult and expensive task. No DIYer can truly get a professional paint job in my opinion. As for the MGF, unfortunately I'm rather fond of my Mk1 MX5...so I quite often wonder will I get the opportunity to experience both.

[@T16MGJ]

@@Adam.Piper62 Paint and more importantly the preparation of the areas to be painted, is expensive. Had an MGF for six years back in the day. Great little cars. Half-decent ones can be picked up for relatively little. I like the Rover K-Series particularly in Turbocharged form. That MGF power train is the same in my son's Lotus Elise. A hoot to drive as you can imagine. My BIG problem with the Lotus, getting in and out of it.... Oh me joints. But worth the effort..🙃 Two years ago, my nephew now in his fifties, asked me to appraise an MG TF he was thinking of buying. He got it for £1000 which was less than he had to pay for the DM Flywheel and stop start facility repair in his Ford. Drove better than my F. I have a programmer and cloned a second key fob for his MG/TF which came with only one Key Fob. That's asking for trouble with only one which WILL get lost or mislaid some day. Guaranteed. 🙃🙃

[@Adam.Piper62]

@@T16MGJ DM flywheels are another pet hate of mine. Apparently it's for refinement but it's complete nonsense because I've never got in a car without and gone "this vibrates too much"! Hopefully I'll get the opportunity one day, but 2 cars is my maximum at the moment due to storage space.

[@Frenchcrop]

Between you and Memphis, we’re really spoilt!

[@worldhello1234]

@1:43 It is a banger, so the question should rather be "What is right with the Saab 900 Turbo COMMANDER?"

[@topspoke]

Yess! I'm glad you are going to save this SAAB. It deserves a new life for sure. It doesn't look too bad for sitting under a tarp. Looks like the underbody treatment has done its job. Looking forward to more Commander content.🙂

[@jonathanjenkins9583]

That Saab is in good condition, even if it wasn't sitting in a garden for years! I've seen people restore Saabs in MUCH worse condition than that!! Too good to scrap, for sure. Go for it!!!

[@SeasideGarage]

Its a big suprise!

[@andythebourne]

I'm so relieved to see that the SAAB survived this well, I was expecting that it will have the floor delete option! Looks like it wants to live, it will definitely be a challenge but I think you can do it!

[@DGKRayner]

The steering wheel appears to be a Momo Ghibli, quite a rare steering wheel on its own. From what I have understood they could be fitted as an option from the dealer. That particular wheel has the Saab letters embossed in the top right of the heart. Maybe try some of the US forums?

[@scottkerns2253]

I'm thrilled to hear that more Commander content is coming. The Saab 900 T is one of my dream cars, and i suspect if I ever get one it will need a lot of work just like yours ( can't afford a nice example so I will make do) - Remember the three Ps Perfection Prevents Progress

[@hj45lp]

Very cool project again. I had a 900i 2.1L 16V slant back and loved it! What great space inside! But I hated working on the engine, too quirky for my basic skills. - By the way, your channel should come with a health warning: highly addictive and may lead to binge watching and/or old-car buying! All the best! 👍😎

[@SeasideGarage]

haha ! Thanks! :) I hope you enjoy it!

[@batlin]

Man, I wish it was so easy for me to look at a series of difficult tasks ahead and say "ok, that's doable, challenge accepted" like this. My instinct is always to look for problems and reasons not to even try something. Great to see someone who is not affected by that fear of uncertainty and hard work!

[@SeasideGarage]

I have not fixed the saab yet though.... :P

[@darrenwilson8042]

If the very worst bit is the after market tow bar then you have scored there mate

[@forsonbuatsi3776]

Saab 900 is the most saferst compact executive car on Earth and am glad to see one being saved from extinction. Good work Bro.

[@farazsiddiqui6689]

Great video. Good luck on the journey. Cant wait to see the results.

[@marcinbujok7388]

Nice! Thanks for some hammering extravaganza! 🤣. That's a solid car!

[@jockeshobbymeck]

really glad that you decided to fix the saab. its a very rare car =)

[@shakalpb1164]

If the Engine is poorly starting/running, maybe you have a air leak. All the Plastic parts will be deteriorated. Best methode to detect that would be a smoke test.

[@t.h.9187]

Why was it parked for years in the garden? Some hidden technical problems? I have five of them and I am happy that you take care of this rare two door Sedan from ´86 (Flat nose in combination with side indicators). The steering wheel is from an ´83 MY. Clean the brake callipers properly and I am sure that even the discs gonna work for much more miles. Use only NGK BCP 7ES!! And fit all new rubber hoses. Try to get a simons exhaust 2.5" - very nice sound and looks and fits like the original.

[@SeasideGarage]

The previous owner loves cars... and I think he have a hard time seeing cars being scrapped so he saved them... but did not have the best storage possibilities :)

[@metalman4141]

What a great car , looking forward to seeing the rebuild 👍

[@Aronsson007]

Whatever you do, do NOT throw the bad parts in the garbage. The hurtfull truth is that Saab is gone and we will never see new parts for these cars ever again. No matter how bad your hood is, there is always someone willing to fix it. Thanks for keeping a piece of swedish cultural history alive! / A happy Swede

[@SeasideGarage]

Actually you can get a lot of parts, still new today... :) somethings are hard to find though..... Like brakedisc dust shields... ;)

[@TheBTG88]

Safe-T-Cap panel for that tunnel repair. Simple fix.

[@dirkgatsby]

Should be a fun project and definitely worthwhile - all the best

[@AllThingsAlex]

It looks like its been covered in wax oyl or underseal underneath. Has probably saved it.

[@Aquarious]

Awesome that you're going to save it! The hole near the pedals seems to be a common spot, I recently discovered mine has it too! Here are some more spots you might want to check for rust: - The rear shock mounts. These are very vulnerable for rust and you don't always notice until its too late. - The rear corners of the rear wheel arches. You look directly at them in the spare wheel area, these almost always start rusting. Not structural, but still good to check. Can't wait for the next episode. Good luck! :)

[@SeasideGarage]

Thanks! I will check!

[@bartrevenge3337]

Love this saab series, would be nice to see some volvo 240 back in workshop too 😁

[@SeasideGarage]

I really hope to get one again!

[@MrToxicSkittle]

Looks saveable indeed!

[@nicebloke6066]

Saabits in the UK have loads of useful parts and spares - I think they do the driveshaft tunnel repair panels. That car seems in really good shape, very restorable. Mine was far, far worse. Agree with no full respray, would be a shame to lose the rare graphics. Loving this series.

[@badstep7637]

The 2 -door body cars all where assembled in Finland (Uusikaupunki) . Also every SAAB 90 / 900 Convertbles and all 99 from MJ 1981 on.These cars are much better in Protection against Rust and mostly better in mounting. So this ist he main reason the car loks that great after many years in the field . Keep it - 2 door is a rare Turbo option also . Congratulations

[@mikenewman137]

That looks an easier project than the lada, though i think your postman will be working hard bringing your parts !

[@thodkats]

It’s a beauty ! Good luck

[@ursusskandia]

Above the rear muffler there was some deeper rust which you didn't seem to notice - great decision to save the Commander will definitely follow, because i have a SAAB900 too.

[@SeasideGarage]

There are most likely much I havent discovered yet... but it seems doable!

[@marcellorava6149]

Save the saab! I can't wait to all the work!

[@SeasideGarage]

:D

[@jeremyaustin9103]

Much better content than a Lada Great channel

[@SeasideGarage]

The Niva will come back just to prove how wonderful it is! ;)

[@jeremyaustin9103]

@@SeasideGarage Off road they are awesome. On road rather you than me. Great channel and best wishes from England

[@mehrzahl2219]

Well worth the effort!

[@gregj7916]

I’ve seen 900 classic’s with less rust than that scrapped here in aussie land… glad it’s going to keep going… saab bits in the uk is good place for parts…

[@SeasideGarage]

In Denmark rust are pretty much to be expected on all cars more then 15 years old... :)

[@robfulano2552]

Its beautiful.

[@jakobholgersson4400]

In terms of your idea of getting a new hood, there are as far as I know at least two types of hoods: old type with a bunch of vents and later ones without. I don't think there should be any issues swapping them, though.

[@DesertSessions93]

They all fit the same

[@laurensnieuwland4657]

This was waaayyy less cheesy than I expected (Swiss cheese, that is)

[@saab900turbo9]

I also got an old saab im working on. These do rust but noting is impossible. I got missfire problems and while waiting for new parts it rust patrol

[@shakalpb1164]

the Lift is cool

[@broomad]

Thanks

[@broomad]

Looking forward to this series. Many thanks for sharing

[@morganreyman7929]

the whole floor is in 1 piece , that helps

[@jasonmarsh9461]

Save it !!! I am saving a Saab 99 but parts are hard to find in UK

[@SeasideGarage]

Will do!

[@thompsonjerry3412]

The right axle channels always rust first, the battery leaks acid and it runs onto the frame mount. The car looks unsafe to me, I have tried to fix them and have found it nearly impossible.

[@SeasideGarage]

Panels are available should be possible to save..

[@wollaminfaetter]

Put in a big saabwoofer and it'll be fine.

[@dj_paultuk7052]

That is the correct steering wheel for a Turbo 8v.

[@SeasideGarage]

But not the commander... ;)

[@mattiasottosson6368]

Classon Saab 900❤

[@Mads_Villebro]

“Ihh hvor de forkæler os hr. ambassadør!“ videoer hver dag og så den SAAB 😛 Det bliver godt!

[@jpmetal6783]

those old SAAB its getting high value but its start get rusty ..i dont have that rust in Portugal !!

[@SeasideGarage]

You are lucky!

[@PepinCar]

BRO i am instand a fan! will you be going to intsaab 2023? i have a barnfind Saab96 from 1975 that i am slowly restoring

[@SeasideGarage]

Dont think so.. but maybe! :D Uhh 96 is nice.... Never had one though, only a Sonett which is very similar..in a way...

[@icascone]

Yay!!

[@davidbauer1485]

Go West! Rust free, under appreciated 900 convertibles all over the American wild wild west. Just grab your cowboy hat, boots and chaps, load up your lever action rife and head off to Las Vegas, Tombstone or Cripple Creek for lots of fun! Bring home a whole posse of Finnish built SAAB convertibles.

[@steenjohnsen79]

Ja bare se at komme i gang og redde endnu en rigtig Saab 😉👍👍

[@ShaunMurray63]

If anybody can you can.

[@SeasideGarage]

Thanks Shaun!

[@malcolmfox4823]

Why do people leave perfectly good cars to rot under tarps? I think the dinitrol treatment may have just saved this one from the breakers yard!

[@SeasideGarage]

Plans that did not go according to plan.... The previous owner is a real car lover... but got to many to handle. :) I am so happy I found it!

[@twocvbloke]

Well, it'd pass a Finnish MOT if the tales are true about them being quite lax... :P

[@SeasideGarage]

Going sideways though the inspection hall!

[@marienweststrate4035]

Aii, that is bad. A lot of rust.

[@Andy-sh9eq]

Could it be the older tyres were made in europe and the newer tyres are made in china

[@keiththompson5173]

Super Inca's. Nice

[@keiththompson5173]

From an T8 owner. Keep the fait

[@keiththompson5173]

From an T8 owner. Keep the faith

[@VioleNFaN]

Repair panels are available from Swedish Saab club, Svenska Saabklubben. Or Klokkerholm.

[@SeasideGarage]

Thanks!