2-STROKE

I have to admit driving MLT for a few months without an MOT a bit of a mistake on my part! hence the non appearance of the car at the National and my arrival in my other car a 1989 900S.

I booked MLT in for an MOT at my usual garage and carried out the usual pre test inspection, only two points worried me one was the unreliable horn the other was evidence of corrosion near the front offside suspension mountings. While waiting for the test to be completed I could hear a lot of banging and sure enough I was called over to see the corroded floor where the bottom offside wishbone mounts. Initially I considered tackling the job myself with the help of John and his welding gear but further investigation and the time factor led to me get a professional to tackle the job.

I had opened a big hole in the floor to such an extent that the repair would need to include new mounting holes for the wishbone. Luckily I had enlisted the help of a welder before who had rebuilt the offside sill panel so he was consulted and the next week he relieved me of £80 and a new MOT was obtained. I have to admit to taking part in an event for the other Saab club the following weekend and MLT didn’t miss a beat - with John and I coming first overall!

You will remember I told you about our trip to view a stroker in the last issue. Well since then, after exchanging a few e-mails with its owner, Paul Courtney, I can report it now resides in a barn near John’s residence. I mistakenly reported that it had the later, larger windows, but never mind, John is still pleased with his acquisition!

Another Saab-mad friend took us down to collect it with his car trailer which was towed by a 197,000 mile 900i - fitting that it should be retrieved from its 13 year rest by a fellow Saab. Condition is much as reported before, the complete offside inner wing and slant panel needs replacing; luckily the repair panel was inside! Paul has given us more info on the car and the location of the rest of the interior, so it looks like John’s project is on the start line. His aim is to have the car back on the road by 2007 and then take on a trip to Sweden.

Pete

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