Saab front end rebuild

Discuss your favorite music, TV shows & movies, cars and sports here.
User avatar
toxicavenger
President Tranny
Posts: 48084
Joined: Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:25 am
Name: HeadDIK
Location: Colorado Springs

Saab front end rebuild

Post by toxicavenger » Sat Nov 19, 2022 6:52 pm

My daughter recently got her drivers licenses. Since she grew up riding in our Saab wagon she decided when she starts driving it will be her car. This is tough for me because I love driving this car all these years. Three months after getting her license she got in a minor accident doing about 5mph. The person in front of her had a trailer hitch and it decided to destroy the radiator, intercooler, a/c condenser, a/c lines, transmission line, power steering lines, bumper reinforcement, and bumper cover. Luckily no one was hurt.

After talking to her and trying to figure out the best option I told her I could rebuild it. This involved me finding another 9-5 with a front end and cutting it off before the crush zone. I then drilled out all the spot welds on both cars and starting putting them together. One thing is the Saab 9-5 used a lot of the same parts for about 10 years. This made fixing the car easier imo.

One thing I could not find locally was a good front bumper. So used a bunch of zip ties and Jb Weld 3700lb epoxy with fiberglass matting to put it back into working order. This took me almost a month of gathering parts, and working on it to get it finished . I think my daughter spent about $500 on parts to get it going. If I wanted to make this car perfect I would have the bumper professionally painted. But that is not what I was shooting for. I just wanted to get it on the road asap since my daughter is currently working.

This was a fun project and one I was glad to get back into operation. Even at 201k miles it still runs great. :thumbsup:
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

User avatar
toxicavenger
President Tranny
Posts: 48084
Joined: Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:25 am
Name: HeadDIK
Location: Colorado Springs

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by toxicavenger » Sat Nov 19, 2022 6:55 pm

Pics aren't in order. Sorry about that.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

User avatar
toxicavenger
President Tranny
Posts: 48084
Joined: Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:25 am
Name: HeadDIK
Location: Colorado Springs

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by toxicavenger » Sat Nov 19, 2022 7:01 pm

Mo pics
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

Djf1978
Posts: 223
Joined: Fri Apr 06, 2018 5:49 pm
Name: Dave

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by Djf1978 » Sat Nov 19, 2022 7:58 pm

Nice work!

User avatar
amckiwi
Posts: 3114
Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2013 10:11 pm
Name: Stu

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by amckiwi » Sat Nov 19, 2022 9:02 pm

Lots of work

User avatar
Ryeguy
Posts: 5519
Joined: Fri Sep 09, 2011 1:03 pm
Name: Chris
Location: Rye

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by Ryeguy » Sun Nov 20, 2022 4:10 am

Nice work again! Next for you will be a YouTube channel. Maybe invite local parents over to show them how to fix all the stuff their teenage kids break.

User avatar
demer03
Current Forecast: Vintage Doxa
Posts: 19576
Joined: Fri Dec 04, 2009 2:41 pm
Name: Mike
Location: Lake Michigami

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by demer03 » Sun Nov 20, 2022 5:26 am

Nice!
Old Michigan steams like a young man's dreams
The islands and bays are for sportsmen

Image

User avatar
Erratic101
Posts: 2885
Joined: Wed Jan 08, 2014 7:40 am
Name: Justyn

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by Erratic101 » Sun Nov 20, 2022 8:37 am

Nice job. I have an affinity for unique and odd cars, my son has picked it up from me. He just flew to Kansas to buy an ‘00 9-3. I think he’s overpaying a bit, but he really wanted it and he’s making it all happen.

User avatar
HapaHapa
Posts: 9841
Joined: Mon May 19, 2014 9:57 pm
Name: Eric
Location: Southern CA

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by HapaHapa » Sun Nov 20, 2022 11:03 am

Damn T that's some project devotion and mad hard work. Great job. You are THE dad!
The Hapa

User avatar
AZpops
Posts: 4079
Joined: Mon Aug 30, 2010 9:50 pm
Name: Lance
Location: Whereever the Job Takes Us

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by AZpops » Sun Nov 20, 2022 12:36 pm

"T", you's got some crazy skills! ... :clap: ... :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Lance



Image

User avatar
pbj204
Posts: 2424
Joined: Tue Aug 12, 2014 10:47 am
Name: Paul
Location: New York

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by pbj204 » Sun Nov 20, 2022 2:07 pm

Yeah, but how many bricks did you use?


User avatar
DoctorC
Posts: 2105
Joined: Sat Feb 20, 2010 9:31 am
Name: Greg
Location: In my happy place

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by DoctorC » Sun Nov 20, 2022 2:37 pm

I've come to believe that first vehicles for teen drivers are donor vehicles. Meant to keep them safe as they get a handle on driving.
When my daughter took over my Isuzu trooper, I had wanted her in something big, slow, and safe.
She was hit twice (neither her fault) before the motor finally gave up the ghost.
Mad props at you car repair skilz...
You're a good dad brother.
Greg

User avatar
gonzomantis
Posts: 3423
Joined: Sat Feb 18, 2012 8:40 pm
Name: Mike

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by gonzomantis » Sun Nov 20, 2022 4:48 pm

Hell of a job T! I thought she was going to be driving a pickup, but I’m sure plans change.

User avatar
Captdave
Posts: 6319
Joined: Fri Jan 01, 2016 3:15 pm
Name: Dave
Location: To be determined

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by Captdave » Sun Nov 20, 2022 6:25 pm

Wow T! That is amazing.
When my daughter started driving I put her in a 300E and the only other car she was allowed to drive was the Land Cruiser. Both big heavy and safe for a new driver.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Live fast, die young, and leave a good looking corpse.

User avatar
dnslater
Posts: 6804
Joined: Mon Apr 25, 2011 6:52 pm
Name: Nick
Location: Indiana, USA

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by dnslater » Mon Nov 21, 2022 4:52 am

Looks great T! Nice to see the old wagon refreshed for more years of service.

User avatar
Ryeguy
Posts: 5519
Joined: Fri Sep 09, 2011 1:03 pm
Name: Chris
Location: Rye

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by Ryeguy » Mon Nov 21, 2022 7:44 am

Hey T, did you grab a new hood?

In the Saab crash pic the hood looks pretty wrinkled in the front, but in the complete pic it looks pretty straight.

I was just wondering if you were able to fix the hood or were able to find a paint-matching replacement.

User avatar
gonzomantis
Posts: 3423
Joined: Sat Feb 18, 2012 8:40 pm
Name: Mike

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by gonzomantis » Mon Nov 21, 2022 5:03 pm

Ryeguy wrote:
Mon Nov 21, 2022 7:44 am
Hey T, did you grab a new hood?

In the Saab crash pic the hood looks pretty wrinkled in the front, but in the complete pic it looks pretty straight.

I was just wondering if you were able to fix the hood or were able to find a paint-matching replacement.
Looks like a black hood on a blue car to me. :shrug:

User avatar
Ryeguy
Posts: 5519
Joined: Fri Sep 09, 2011 1:03 pm
Name: Chris
Location: Rye

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by Ryeguy » Mon Nov 21, 2022 5:41 pm

gonzomantis wrote:
Mon Nov 21, 2022 5:03 pm
Ryeguy wrote:
Mon Nov 21, 2022 7:44 am
Hey T, did you grab a new hood?

In the Saab crash pic the hood looks pretty wrinkled in the front, but in the complete pic it looks pretty straight.

I was just wondering if you were able to fix the hood or were able to find a paint-matching replacement.
Looks like a black hood on a blue car to me. :shrug:
My eyes must be tired! I didn’t notice the color difference until you mentioned it!

User avatar
toxicavenger
President Tranny
Posts: 48084
Joined: Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:25 am
Name: HeadDIK
Location: Colorado Springs

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by toxicavenger » Tue Nov 22, 2022 5:56 pm

Ryeguy wrote:
Mon Nov 21, 2022 5:41 pm
gonzomantis wrote:
Mon Nov 21, 2022 5:03 pm
Ryeguy wrote:
Mon Nov 21, 2022 7:44 am
Hey T, did you grab a new hood?

In the Saab crash pic the hood looks pretty wrinkled in the front, but in the complete pic it looks pretty straight.

I was just wondering if you were able to fix the hood or were able to find a paint-matching replacement.
Looks like a black hood on a blue car to me. :shrug:
My eyes must be tired! I didn’t notice the color difference until you mentioned it!
yeah i got a black hood. my daughter likes the look of the black hood so it will stay. :thumbsup:

User avatar
toxicavenger
President Tranny
Posts: 48084
Joined: Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:25 am
Name: HeadDIK
Location: Colorado Springs

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by toxicavenger » Tue Nov 22, 2022 6:08 pm

Djf1978 wrote:
Sat Nov 19, 2022 7:58 pm
Nice work!
Thanks brother. I am a tinkerer by trade but not this in depth.
amckiwi wrote:
Sat Nov 19, 2022 9:02 pm
Lots of work
A shit ton brother. But I had fun.
Ryeguy wrote:
Sun Nov 20, 2022 4:10 am
Nice work again! Next for you will be a YouTube channel. Maybe invite local parents over to show them how to fix all the stuff their teenage kids break.
YouTube? Way too much negativity there for me. lol
demer03 wrote:
Sun Nov 20, 2022 5:26 am
Nice!
Thanks Moke!
Erratic101 wrote:
Sun Nov 20, 2022 8:37 am
Nice job. I have an affinity for unique and odd cars, my son has picked it up from me. He just flew to Kansas to buy an ‘00 9-3. I think he’s overpaying a bit, but he really wanted it and he’s making it all happen.
Yeah I like odd cars. I think this is or 4th Saab. But no more Fiat's for me. lol
Congrats on the 9-3. I hope he has fun with it.
HapaHapa wrote:
Sun Nov 20, 2022 11:03 am
Damn T that's some project devotion and mad hard work. Great job. You are THE dad!
Which dad? lol Thanks man this kicked my ass.

AZpops wrote:
Sun Nov 20, 2022 12:36 pm
"T", you's got some crazy skills! ... :clap: ... :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Thanks Lance! I hope things are good brother.
pbj204 wrote:
Sun Nov 20, 2022 2:07 pm
Yeah, but how many bricks did you use?
I saw that crazy ass video before. I have seen some crazy repairs when I lived overseas. That shit won't fly around here. :mrgreen:
DoctorC wrote:
Sun Nov 20, 2022 2:37 pm
I've come to believe that first vehicles for teen drivers are donor vehicles. Meant to keep them safe as they get a handle on driving.
When my daughter took over my Isuzu trooper, I had wanted her in something big, slow, and safe.
She was hit twice (neither her fault) before the motor finally gave up the ghost.
Mad props at you car repair skilz...
You're a good dad brother.
Thanks Doc. I remember you were holding onto the truck for her. Thankfully it served her well. Hey you need to come to the next GTG so we can catch up!!! :thumbsup:
gonzomantis wrote:
Sun Nov 20, 2022 4:48 pm
Hell of a job T! I thought she was going to be driving a pickup, but I’m sure plans change.
Great memory. She was driving the truck, but gas mileage was eating into her pay check. So i got the "beast" to drive now.
Captdave wrote:
Sun Nov 20, 2022 6:25 pm
Wow T! That is amazing.
When my daughter started driving I put her in a 300E and the only other car she was allowed to drive was the Land Cruiser. Both big heavy and safe for a new driver.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I love some 300e's. I still want another one. LC's are way out of my price range.
dnslater wrote:
Mon Nov 21, 2022 4:52 am
Looks great T! Nice to see the old wagon refreshed for more years of service.
Thanks brother. I hope to get at least another 5-10 years out of it. Take care. :cheers:

User avatar
demer03
Current Forecast: Vintage Doxa
Posts: 19576
Joined: Fri Dec 04, 2009 2:41 pm
Name: Mike
Location: Lake Michigami

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by demer03 » Wed Nov 23, 2022 1:16 am

I’m still mystified about what happened to Saab. I loved the two I had.
Old Michigan steams like a young man's dreams
The islands and bays are for sportsmen

Image

User avatar
Ryeguy
Posts: 5519
Joined: Fri Sep 09, 2011 1:03 pm
Name: Chris
Location: Rye

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by Ryeguy » Wed Nov 23, 2022 3:52 am

demer03 wrote:
Wed Nov 23, 2022 1:16 am
I’m still mystified about what happened to Saab. I loved the two I had.
I think it was just the same thing that happens to many small companies that get bought by large corporations.

Their identity starts to get diluted (remember the Saab branded SUV’s toward the end?), they lose some market share, and the corporate parent closes the business when they fail to meet their revenue targets.

It is hard to predict an “alternate history”, but I like to think Saab would still be around as a quirky independent brand purchased mostly by VT college professors if GM hadn’t bought them.

I survived the worst car accident I’ve ever been in (hit by a loaded car carrier) while in a Saab, so they’ll always have an appreciation from me.

User avatar
hobbit712
Posts: 3659
Joined: Sun Jul 11, 2010 6:55 am
Name: Steve

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by hobbit712 » Wed Nov 23, 2022 4:11 am

Very cool stuff T. Way beyond my skill level. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
https://watchidiotsavants3.godaddysites.com/
instagram @watchidiotsavants

Chase after the dream, don't chase after the money

Bob1035
Posts: 689
Joined: Wed Sep 02, 2020 10:12 am
Name: Rob not Bob
Location: Maryland

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by Bob1035 » Fri Nov 25, 2022 8:50 am

Awesome work T!

User avatar
93 Turbo
Posts: 4585
Joined: Sun Dec 04, 2011 9:48 pm
Name: Jules
Location: Oz

Re: Saab front end rebuild

Post by 93 Turbo » Thu Dec 01, 2022 1:36 am

Great skills Terry.

On a different note, my wife got a new Merc C300 with AMG accents (Brakes, suspension & body stuff) last year. Still recon our last 93t was a better ride on the freeway than her new Merc.
Strength is = 2 or > than "tipping over a so- called smart car plastered in “Coexist” bumper stickers".

Pat McNamara.

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Emeister and 90 guests