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Re: 99 Restoration
Posted by David Prantl (more from David Prantl) on Mon, 10 Apr 2000 15:43:32
In Reply to: , Kok Chen, Sat, 17 Dec 1988 12:00:00 

>What say?  Can a tired old 99T be made 'new' for anywhere near what the car 
>cost on the lot in 1978?

Lane,

I know you (and the rest of us) realize that $10k in 1978 dollars is more 
like $30k in Y2K dollars.  As such, the new cars are not overwhelmingly more 
expensive.  My estimates may be off, so if someone knows more precisely how 
much inflation we have had in the last 22 years, please chime in.

Anyway, if I had a beloved '78 99T and was willing to put $10k into 
restoration, there is NO DOUBT in my mind that these funds would be 
sufficient to make the old car like new again.  Assuming of course that 
there is no extensive rust in the body shell, allowing a 
welding/fabrication-free restoration effort.

With enough DIY effort and time, the task could be accomplished with far 
less money.  Engine cranes can be bought for $200.  Professionally rebuilt 
transmissions go for $1500-exchanged.  A complete engine overhaul should not 
exceed $2k, and neither should a professional paint job.  A few hundred in 
miscellaneous plastic, rubber parts and filters, and a couple of hundred on 
a nice used set of seats and re-done headliner, and you're done !

That $40k new vehicle will cost you $400-$600 in bank payments and $100-$200 
in insurance...  EVERY MONTH.  In my opinion, this is SO MUCH harder than 
the cost of a one-time restoration project.

Overall, the cheapest and easiest path to SAAB ownership is to buy a 10-14 
year old, well maintained 900 or 9000.

Best regards,

David Prantl
david_prantlno39sdcx6spamx782hotmail.com
'84 900S, 5M, 210kMi, RIP
'86 9000T, 5M, 178kMi
'88 9000S, 5M, 137kMi
'90 9000S, 4A, 133kMi
'89 900, 3A, 115kMi
'68 97 Sonett V4, 76kMi, #000467

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