This week's haul o'shite

[wuvvum]

Picked this up from Sussex on Monday night.

 

 

 

I've wanted an early 900 Turbo for ages, and this is the first half decent one that's come up at sensible money - £400 with ten month's test and three and a bit months' rent. It's not perfect - it has a noisy nsf wheel bearing, it splutters a bit at full boost (could be lack of use - the seller had replaced it with a 156 some time ago) and the tailgate is wrong for the age of the car - but it's pretty darn good considering it turns 30 next year.

 

 

Unfortunately this picture doesn't show quitre how vividly blue the interior is. It's pretty vivid. Being an early 900 it only has a 4-speed box - I was worried that it was going to be revving its nads off on the motorway, but the ratios are quite widely spaced so it's pulling about 2900rpm at 70. The only other drawback is that it has metric wheels, and the rear tyres are getting a bit low - I think replacements may not be cheap.

 

Also picked this up on Tuesday night, although it's really more shit than shite:

 

 

It's a 1.8i LX, so it has the same power output as the early Mk5 XR3i's, but it doesn't feel like it. It's also uncomfortable and the engine sounds horrid. But it was £100 with 9 months' test and a full history (it's done 80K) so fingers crossed there should be a bit of profit to be made there.

 

I've also bagged myself this:

 

 

for £75. Nine months' test, but needs a coil pack and an exhaust down pipe. It runs and drives, although presumably on three cylinders if one of the coil packs is down. I'm going to get it home and see what it's like - I'll either use the brake calipers, tyres and other sundry bits to get my red CSE through its ticket (and swap the interiors over as the grey one has leather) or I'll repair the grey one and use that instead.

 

And last but not least:

 

 

 

It's driveable apparently, which is a bonus as I've got to pick it up from Southampton. £100 has got to be a bargain though, even with no T&T. Apparently it's got all the fittings and the interior is in good nick.

 

In other news, I've finally sorted the fuel leak on the R9 (hacked out the offending section of metal pipe and replaced it with rubber hose) and have at last got to drive the old gal. And I have to say I was quite impressed. It needs a bloody good service, and the radiator fan is seized so I won't want to be doing too many traffic jams in it, but it seems to drive well enough, everything feels as it should and, although I haven't caned it yet I did put my foot down briefly in second gear - considering its long period of inactivity and the fact that the O ring seal round the carb air intake is buggered and will be letting some of the boost get away, it accelerated pretty smartly. Next step is to sort the rad fan and then I can start thinking about taking it to get the welding done for its ticket. It's going to be a fun old thing. EVen the trip computer works.

[pogweasel]

If the bumpers aren't cracked on that Escort I suggest removing them and putting it over the weighbridge. Horrible, vile nasty creations. Rest of the haul looks QUALYITAT though.

[r.welfare]

EXCELLENT Saab haulage, particularly the 900 - you're right, it has too many lights on the back. Could give you a hand with the Bedford repatriation if you wanted moral support/a 'blocker' up the A34 to the M4 or M40/A40...

[Milford Cubicle]

Hahaha, check drilled brake disc effect wheel covers! :lol:Inspiring tat haul there, I'm especially taken with the 900 Turbo - what's the difference between early 900s and late 99s? There doesn't appear to be much, apart from the dashboard and minor exterior bits.

[Spottedlaurel]

Blimey Wuvvum! Fine work.

 

 

I got confused by the white line reflections in the doors and mistook them for industrial grade rubbing strips

[wuvvum]

Hahaha, check drilled brake disc effect wheel covers!

Inspiring tat haul there, I'm especially taken with the 900 Turbo - what's the difference between early 900s and late 99s? There doesn't appear to be much, apart from the dashboard and minor exterior bits.

The front end's completely different on the 900. It's longer, the bonnet is flatter and there's a lot more overhang. Also, on the 99 the sidelight clusters are stuck onto the wing almost as an afterthought rather than being flush mounted.

 

 

 

The back end is exactly the same as a 99 Combi though - and the tailgate from one of those is what I need to put the finishing touch to mine.

[Milford Cubicle]

Should have looked at 99 pictures before I asked. From the A-pillar backwards they're not that different then? - my friend has 900 doors on his 99.

[Torsten2001]

Well done, you should be knighted for services to utter shite, bloody jealous of all bar the Scrote, looks like a liability...

[bigstraight6]

Cripes, your tat hoarding habit knows no limits Wuvvum, Saab is lovely

[marinast]

Fantastic Saab's there, though that Escort has a smell of dodgyness about it.

Did anyone see Rogue Traders last week? It featured dodgy car dealers and a certain late Mk5 Escort they examined had seriously rotten sills etc.

I'd flog it and buy a proper shite with power, a 420 Turbo

 

This car can hit 60 in around 6.5 secs and go onto over 145 mph, yet it looks soooooo plain. A true turbocharged piece of class.

[wuvvum]

that Escort has a smell of dodgyness about it.Did anyone see Rogue Traders last week? It featured dodgy car dealers and a certain late Mk5 Escort they examined had seriously rotten sills etc. I'd flog it and buy a proper shite with power, a 420 Turbo

The Escort's actually not bad, as Escorts go. I think it may need attention to a track rod or similar as the steering pulls to the right a bit under hard acceleration at speed, but other than that it seems fine. Certainly not my cup of tea though. I bought it because I had a 1.4 Encore a few years back, which was actually not that bad apart from the unassisted steering and the underpowered and noisy CVH engine. I remember thinking at the time that with a bit more power and the addition of PAS it could be quite a good car. Unfortunately it appears I was wrong. It's not a bad car as such, but it's not particularly good either.I test drove a 420 Turbo once. It had a similar engine management issue to my 323 Turbo, in that when you floored it it would occasionally cut the power quite violently - resulting in the owner, who was in the car with me, spilling his can of coke all down his front. It was certainly quick though, although not quite as devastatingly fast as I would have expected for a car that size with 200bhp. I haven't seen one up for sale for a while, but Ido have a punt on the odd 620ti when they come up on the Bay at sensible money. Right now though I have three turbocharged cars in the fleet, and I think that's enough to be going on with... I have to say, though, that if I saw either a Croma Turbo ie or a Cavalier 4x4 Turbo for sale I doubt I'd be able to restrain myself.

[mk2_craig]

Wuv, well outa your price range but way cooler than a Cav 4x4:http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/COSWORTH-POWERED- ... dZViewItem

[Milford Cubicle]

I like that! I'd be putting 14" steelies on with a couple of missing hubcaps though, for true minicab stylings.

[MrRegieRitmo]

Picked this up from Sussex on Monday night.

 

the tailgate is wrong for the age of the car

 

Ahh yes because when you mentioned this previously we decided it would look the same as a 99 coupe at the back with only the single rear lights. Those inner red reflectors were on my mum's old V reg Saab 900 though, so does that mean they changed the back of the 900 after only the first year?

 

Did you pick this up from Chichester or thereabouts? Because the last time I saw a 900 this early, it passed me in Chi a few years ago and it was a light blue T reg just like this, so chances are.......

 

Although it had the correct rear features, so maybe the tailgate had to be replaced not so long ago for some reason! (assuming it's the same one - I almost wish it isn't because that will mean there's another one somewhere & it will still be in my area)

[wuvvum]

Nope, it was in a little village just outside Hailsham. I've no idea how long that tailgate's been fitted - I assume it was probably done when the car was resprayed, but that was done a few years ago now. They're not reflectors on the tailgate, they're foglights. The car wouldn't have had them originally as foglights weren't needed in 1978. I think they changed over in late 1980/early 1981 - I think W platers all had the later tailgate - because rear foglights became mandatory.

[nigel bickle]

Good taste Sir -my everyday tow cars are these. marvellous -well done. Seller- or keeper? (Their heaters are excellent)!¬

[wuvvum]

Keeper. Definitely a keeper. As in if it behaves itself I'll probably still have it in five years' time. I've wanted an early 900T for much too long to let it go any time soon. Eventually I want to get it back to original spec (old-style tailgate) but for now I'm just going to service it to get rid of the splutter under full boost (probably distributor cap/rotor arm/leads breaking down - that's what it was on the Mazda) and replace the rumbly wheel bearing. Not sure if it'll be pressed into service as a tow car - I've bought something else which may be taking over those duties as and when required. Definitely a long-termer though - like I say I've been after one for yonks and this is basically a good 'un. My other two long-termers - the 164 and the Viva - were both bought on a whim and ended up staying because I liked them and they were so bloody reliable. I like the 900 so far - a lot - so here's hoping it stays as reliable as the other two...

[MrRegieRitmo]

Nope, it was in a little village just outside Hailsham. I've no idea how long that tailgate's been fitted - I assume it was probably done when the car was resprayed, but that was done a few years ago now. They're not reflectors on the tailgate, they're foglights. The car wouldn't have had them originally as foglights weren't needed in 1978. I think they changed over in late 1980/early 1981 - I think W platers all had the later tailgate - because rear foglights became mandatory.

So my mum's V reg must have had them added as an after-thought?Think it definitely looks better without them.

[wuvvum]

So my mum's V reg must have had them added as an after-thought?Think it definitely looks better without them.

Not necessarily - if it was made in the second half of 1980 it might have been one of the first to have the foglights. The way to tell is that the main rear light cluster is different - on the older cars the reversing light is full width and wraps around the side a bit, in the later model it's smaller and doesn't wrap round. Plus the older ones slope in a bit - the later ones are flatter. I agree - they look better without the foglights.

[King Maz]

I cannot believe you've got hold of that Saab in such condition, it looks an absolute bargain and stupendously tidy to boot.

[MrRegieRitmo]

So my mum's V reg must have had them added as an after-thought?Think it definitely looks better without them.

Not necessarily - if it was made in the second half of 1980 it might have been one of the first to have the foglights. The way to tell is that the main rear light cluster is different - on the older cars the reversing light is full width and wraps around the side a bit, in the later model it's smaller and doesn't wrap round. Plus the older ones slope in a bit - the later ones are flatter. I agree - they look better without the foglights.

Well by default, the fact it was V reg means it can't be newer than summer 1980 & could well have been manufactured a while before that. From vague memory (I was about 9 or 10 when I last saw the car!) I don't think the reversing lights did wrap all the way around. It seems the orange in the indicators is quite pale on the early style as if they've faded or were just less vibrant. I think mum's were the more vivid orange later lights with a reverse segment that only faced one side.Looks like you've now got two old Swedes in that lovely blue colour!

[r.welfare]

You might like to find one of these for your mantelpiece if it's a keeper:

 

 

Made by Stahlberg (often wrongly attributed to EMEK) as dealer promos from 1979, 1/20th scale plastic. I found this brace at a boot sale last summer from a house-clearance type who didn't appreciate their rarity, not sure if they were ever distributed to dealers in this country. They do pop up on eBay - unfortunately I sold mine to overseas collectors (for about £25 each IIRC).

 

Anyway, if nothing else it goes to show that the model's interior colours are spookily accurate...

[MrRegieRitmo]

You might like to find one of these for your mantelpiece if it's a keeper:

 

 

Made by Stahlberg (often wrongly attributed to EMEK) as dealer promos from 1979, 1/20th scale plastic. I found this brace at a boot sale last summer from a house-clearance type who didn't appreciate their rarity, not sure if they were ever distributed to dealers in this country. They do pop up on eBay - unfortunately I sold mine to overseas collectors (for about £25 each IIRC).

 

Anyway, if nothing else it goes to show that the model's interior colours are spookily accurate...

I had a large plastic 245 DL like those Saabs, said made in Finland underneath. It was a bit knackered like the real things with a crack in the rear windscreen & the front bumper missing - also sold on eBay a year or so back - still made about £15 I think, despite picking it up from a toyfair for a couple of quid. I've seen those Saabs on eBay a few times, also plenty of the Volvos e.g. 740, 360, 343 - they all always make stupid money. Not that I really wanted them, I made a pact to only collect 1/43 so it doesn't get too stupid (well more than it already is).

[nigel bickle]

Nice. Mine was bought as spares/repair -kids had smashed the rear side window to nick the stereo. Towed it home, charged the battery -covered the hole nad MOT'd it! pressed straight int oservice -eventually tracing a window a couple of weeks later. Good strong gutsy cars -highly recommended.If you decide against the CF -I'd be interested seeing as its local. I've been looking for a MK1 Trannie Camper -but cant find a decent/sensibly priced one....

[MrRegieRitmo]

Well (not suggesting for a moment that having one example of a particular vehicle is ever enough) seeing as you already have a jolly nice Transit, a CF as well would be good for comparison purposes!

[nigel bickle]

Try looking at the Transit a little closer- its far from nice -at the moment!

[MrRegieRitmo]

I find it hard enough not to crash as it is with the distraction of your place! I shall have to come over & have a nose around as long as you don't set the dogs on me!

[nigel bickle]

As I've always said -welcome anytime! Everyone on here is!I get non-stop visits by 'allsorts' - whenever I'm out there. Dogs won't hurt you -unless you're taking liberties or are asked too!I can give your 14 a gander this weekend -if you want? I'll be stripping the Estafette -but can take a few mins out. I need to shift it quick cos I can't get the Viceroy or Renault 17 out -and both are due for an MOT-first booked Wednesday week!Need to collect the Fiat 1100D too -now the seller has his money he's pressing -despite being 'no rush' previously! Arent people funny?

[wuvvum]

And yet more...

 

 

If you can't tell from the crap phone pic, this is a Shogun. An early one too - A reg - and it's diesel. No MoT but a couple of months' tax and should make a good winter tow car. All for £155.

 

 

SPACEVAN!!! £54.

 

Not quite worked out how I'm going to get this home yet - is a runner but not currently roadworthy, but I suspect my usual Carlton-and-trailer combo may not be man enough for the job. Might have to wait until I've got the Shogun sorted.

 

 

I was actually after the old-shape Justy, but then I came across this. The listing said that it needs major welding underneath for its MoT, but then further down it said that it was still MoT'd till January, so I might just tax it for six months and run it through the winter and then scrap it. I think it was worth £95 though.

[nigel bickle]

Bejesus! 3 a week leaves me standing....Agree with all 3. Looking for a prairie/shogun etc for heavy towing, like the Commer and the toy is just great for the forthcoming ice and salt deluge.Nice buys Sir!