Recycling

I called Goldwing Recycled Saab Parts in Hastings, NY earlier today and spoke with gentleman called Kyle who was most helpful. He informed me that he had in stock a nice set of rear spoiler extensions (the ones that wrap around from the rubber tail on the trunk lid forward to the windshield, going over the doors). I believe these were only installed on 1992-93/94 convertibles. So I ordered those up in a hurry! Also ordered a used fuel level sender...hopefully this will correct the fuel gauge reading just over half when the tank is actually full and reading empty for days when in fact there is plenty of fuel left.

In general, I an a big fan of recycling. I think it's an important thing to do. I never really thought about it in terms of cars before. Sure, I knew used or salvage parts are available, but the idea of auto recycling...taking from dead cars that will get crushed or left to rust away somewhere and removing parts that can be used to keep other cars going so that they don't have to be replaced with new ones, seems 'right'. Before stumbling across Goldwing, I have never come seen another junk yard, scrap yard, salvage yard refer to themselves or even have the term 'Recycling' in their company name. In this green day and age...it makes sense.

Off Island

So the Saab and I were on the 10:45 boat out of Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard today and back home just after noon time. I was great to get her on the open road and go over 45mph...the first time in over 4 months! Everything seemed just fine on the ride, though I am smelling the leaking exhaust manifold for longer and longer periods of time when I drive the car. It used to be just a few seconds, but now it's a few minutes...while the engine is heating up. I guess this problem is moving to the top of the priority list. Trouble is, I haven't had any luck finding a replacement manifold. I wonder if new ones are still available or if I'll have to settled for used. I hate going the used route with Black & Tan since most used parts are likely to be older than her original ones. If I'm gonna spend the time and money to do a job, I want it to be perfect, so I usually lean towards new hardware.

On a side note, I did find a auto recycler this week that says they have the spoiler extensions I need, so maybe I'll see if they have a good manifold too and just place a big order.

Winter's Coming

The Saab and I have spent the summer together this year on Martha's Vineyard. This is the first time in five years that Black & Tan has spent even one night out of the garage...though she is under a lovely fitted cover which is waterproof. So I've used the car more this summer than for the past few. I've come up with a list of things that need attention over the winter. Perhaps I'll get started this fall, when I get her back on the mainland next week. The following is a list of the more major items.

• New canvas top & rear window – remove frame and paint
• New brake discs & low dust pads
• New windshield – original if possible w/o funny blue tint and strange coating that fogs up
• Repair or replace exhaust manifold, it leaks a little bit
• Paint or replace hood
• e-code headlights
• Repair or replace front rubber spoiler extensions over doors
• New fuel level sender
• Repair or replace slow driver side window motor
• Replace chafed heater core hoses. 2nd time this has happened this year…why?
• Repair or replace power mirror motors

I will endeavor to discuss these items individually at greater length in future posts.

Stewardship

When I purchased Black & Tan, I didn't know that much about the Commemorative Edition. I knew that it was one, but that was about it. I didn't know how many there were...and I still don't really. There are different sources with different numbers. www.saabce.com says there were 500 each in the US and Canada. So I figure that's 1000 total. Mine is #338, which I learned after some research. Is that of the US series or total? Does it matter? Given that it is a member of a limited edition, numbered series, am I obligated as the temporary steward of the car, to preserve it as original? It was a daily driver for the first ten years of it's life and it's always lived in New England. It's in good shape, but it's not pristine...and never will be...at least not with my budget. However, I dream of it being showroom new condition. I'd also like to change some things, update it if you will. Does that take away from it's originality? Does it matter? It's not worth much in terms of money. Should it be the car I want or the car that is true to it's original design and configuration? I can't decide. I've made a few changes, but nothing that can't be easily undone, to put it back to stock. I wasn't the first owner, and I may or may not be the last. Therefore, I see myself as the current 'Steward' to this car and need to ensure that I do right by it and give it it's due.

Black & Tan

The Saab is a Commemorative Edition Convertible #338, built in 1993, but called a 1994. It's aptly named 'Black & Tan' for it original color scheme, but also for one of my favorite beverages. I've owned it since 2001. I enjoy working on it myself as it allows time for reflection and contemplation. I hope to use this blog as a log of the work I've done on the car and my musings while laboring away on this beautiful old girl. I also hope to connect with other owners to discuss problems and clever solutions.