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Date: Mon, 23 Sep 2002 16:29:50 GMT
From: "Silas Denyer" <silas.denyernopsams.net>
Subject: Re: custom convert 900 to softop


"Bob" <uctraingNOSPAMnopsamanet.com> wrote in message news:cdinouk4ladngeauglm3hpb665m0dohq8fnopsamcom... > On Fri, 20 Sep 2002 12:48:57 GMT, "Silas Denyer" > <silas.denyernopsams.net> wrote: > > >(900i convertible kerb weight 2860-2970lb, 900i 2D > >2830-2910lb, so an additional 30-60lbs of steel) > > I don't disagree with your premise that the car is reinforced > a bit, but some of the weight is due to the additional motors > and mechanism for the top also (or so I'm told). > > Bob Agreed, but equally fabric is usually lighter than steel! However I've just been down to my local Saab specialist / dismantler and had a good look at a partially-stripped 900 Turbo. Unfortunately I didn't have a camera with me, otherwise I would have taken some appropriate photographs. However to summarise I can say the following: 1. The sills are apparently a lot deeper (they seem to come an additional 2 or so inches up the door panels), and have additional reinforcement at their underside. The floorpan crossmembers also seem more substantial. 2. An all-steel solid bulkhead is fitted behind the rear seat. 3. The seatbelt mounts are at the top of very substantial steel pyramid-shaped boxes, which are fixed to the sides of the body, the sills and the floorpan. 4. I was right! The screen pillars of the increased-rake screen are extended to meet, and are welded to, the steel front wheel wells, as they used to be on the old 99 (you can't do this on a regular 900 as the screen rake is the same as the 99 but the front wheels are further forward, so the pillar extensions wouldn't meet the arches!). There is probably more alteration, but I ran out of time to investigate further. The upshot of all this, however, is that there is a lot of difference between a 2-door 900 shell and a convertible shell. As I said I'd be happy to offer advice on how to reinforce a 2-door 900 shell to anyone interested in the project! Best wishes Silas

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