Topics

16

Off-topic chat, Help, Advice, General motoring issues / GWS wins another award!

« on: 04 November 2013, 12:11:44 PM »

Congratulations to Great Western Saabs very own Howard for winning 'The Most Interesting Car of the Show' Award with his MkIII Sonett at this years Restoration Show.

'I am still shocked - quite how I managed "most interesting vehicle" in front of an ex-Roger Moore P1800 and a Superleggera Aston (amongst all the other terrific cars there) was a real surprise! Huge thanks to all who helped organise the stand, those who helped me out logistically and of course those who have helped me get the car into the state it is now. I had the best of weekends and the award was indeed the cherry on top of the cake.'

What with the other awards earlier in the year, the GWS 'trophy cabinet is getting a little full!

Below is Practical Classics staff and the show organisers presenting Howard (who still looks a bit shell shocked) with the award.

17

Announcements & Events / 2/3 November - GWS at Classic Vehicle Restoration Show

« on: 01 November 2013, 09:29:55 AM »

THIS WEEKEND FOLKS!
Bath & West Showground
Somerset.
Find us in the main hall - stand no:A59.

Two cars on show.
A 'pink' 96 owned by Martin from JamSAAB (see above). The plan over the course of the weekend is to try and get the paintwork back to a decent even shade of red and detail the rest of the outside of the car. Using machine polishing and a selection of sealants and waxes the challenge is to try and get the paint to remain red over the forthcoming winter months. The wheels and chrome will also be detailed. The cars interior is in excellent condition, so very little needs to be done, other than a wipe over.
and a
MkIII Sonett in bright orange, owned by SAAB enthusiast Howard Bennett.





Discounted advance tickets £2.50 Off.
Use Code EM44 on http://www.bccsl.co.uk/tickets.asp

From the organisers.
Do you have a garage full of spares taking up valuable space?
Why not take a trunk trader pitch for just £20 this includes the pitch and entry for one person.
We only allow motoring related parts and accessories but this is an excellent opportunity to both release those spares to those who need them and enables you to enjoy the show and earn some extra cash! Cars only no vans
The form is available just download it and send it in to reserve your pitch.
Come and be part of the action.....
Download the booking form http://www.bccsl.co.uk/exhibitor.asp
STOP PRESS 1 Day INDOOR stands available for private sellers at £30 including 2 tickets - email nigel@bccsl.co.uk with your contact details

18

Announcements & Events / 8th September - Rover Rally, Deene Park, Northants.

« on: 14 August 2013, 09:22:42 AM »

I am involved with organising a slightly unusual event in Northamptonshire that welcomes owners of classic and new cars.
The location is Deene Park in Northamptonshire
http://www.deenepark.com/

Although this a Rover P5 Club National event there are a good selection of other marques already booked.
Porsche
MGB GT
Mini
Ford
Rolls Royce
Humber
Vauxhall
Riley
Fiat
SAABs
Along with members of the Kettering Motor Club

Entry to the grounds and gardens is only £8 per car (normal price is £8.50 PER PERSON)
A saving of £9 per couple or £24 for four adults.
This includes a rally plaque and commemorative programme, if pre-booked.
This also entitles you to access to the grounds and garden. The cafe will be serving hot drinks and food and we will be arranging a guided tour of the house (additional cost may apply).
You can book online using your credit card or by post. A commemorative programme will be printed listing all owners and cars who have PRE-BOOKED, so if you would like to be included, go to www.roverp5club.org.uk/national.html

If you are bringing your classic and are concerned about overnight parking, call the Market Harborough Travelodge (0203 195 4889 - yes its a London number but it will get your through to the Harborough Travelode - honest! ) and tell them you are attending the Rover P5 Club National. Tthey should agree to allow you to park in the private underground car park. The car park is private, large and for office employees during the week. It has been cleared it with the Travelodge management that we can park classics down there on Friday/Saturday night if booked in but they will not offer this unless you ask them. You will still need to book with accommodation on the main booking number 0871 9 84 84 84

PM me if you have any queries.

19

Announcements & Events / 1st September - GWS at Thornfalcon, Somerset.

« on: 03 July 2013, 10:39:36 AM »

As a number of SaabTechTalk'ers (?) joined us last year, this is just a brief post to say we will be going again!

The event is free to enter & although this is a classic car meet, modern vehicles will also be attending in droves- last year was around 1,100 vehicles!
All Saab owners will group together so let's see if we can beat last years 20-strong Saab clan!

I have requested a bit more space on a flatter part of the field.

Event info: http://www.thornfalconclassics.com/Event.aspx

Here is a page and pics from last year: gwsforum.proboards.com/thread/1348/2-9-12-thornfalcon-classics?page=2

20

Off-topic chat, Help, Advice, General motoring issues / 2 stroke diesel

« on: 20 February 2013, 03:05:59 PM »

Having used Redex in the past with no discernible results I have been reading up on the advantages of adding 2-stroke oil to diesel. As I have an old oil burner I thought I would give it a try and bought Asda finest (£5 for 1 litre) and dropped half of it in the tank.

I really wasn't expecting much but I have to say there is a difference.
Smoother running - slight hesitation has disappeared.
More responsive pick up.
Slightly quieter running.
Less smoke.
Don't know if the mpg has improved but I would assume if it makes a difference to running it may improve the mpg.

The acid test - even Anne, my wife,  mentioned it ran better 

Now I know it may simply be a placebo effect, but I was not expecting any difference, yet there appears to be some improvement.

21

Announcements & Events / 3-5 August - THE GWS 'NATIONAL' 2013

« on: 06 February 2013, 01:58:29 PM »

This year is the SAAB International and our own GWS 10th Anniversary, so why not combine both to make our gathering a bit different?
It would also offer another option for those from the UK travelling from the West Country, on their way to the International, to join us.

The itinerary is:
SATURDAY 3rd August
The Vintage Sports Car Club Prescott Speed Hill Climb,
Nr Gotherington, Gloucestershire, GL52 9RD.
This really is a fantastic event and if you have never been it is well worth a visit.
Short Prescott video
Prescott pics

After the event, travel up to near Kettering to stay overnight at a Premier Inn (or similar) for an evening meal and a good nights sleep ready for

SUNDAY 4th August
SAAB INTERNATIONAL at Wicksteed
Barton Road, Kettering, Northamptonshire NN15 6NJ
www.intsaab2013.com

Option to stay a second night or return home. For those who plan to stay Sunday, a visit to an Aircraft or Car Museum is planned for the following day.

This offer to join us is open to alll 

22

Off-topic chat, Help, Advice, General motoring issues / Speed Dreams: The Fastest Place on Earth

« on: 10 January 2013, 10:25:39 AM »

If you are interested in anything mechanical, watch this programme.
Men in sheds and the stories why they are doing it, building amazing motorbikes to break records at the Salt Flats in Bonneville.

Episode 1 tonight at 11.20pm on BBC2
Episode 2 on Sunday at 10pm on BBC2.
Also in HD.

Highly recommended.

23

Announcements & Events / NEWS YEARS DAY CAR MEET, Bristol

« on: 29 December 2012, 12:47:43 PM »

In the historic Queen Square, Bristol.

A special 'Down the Avenue' NEW YEARS DAY MEET is to be held, from 10am.

http://www.avenuedriversclub.co.uk/thewall.html

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Off-topic chat, Help, Advice, General motoring issues / Brighter bulbs for a 9000

« on: 13 December 2012, 12:22:48 PM »

The lights on my 9000 are really not good enough, so I was I was looking at these. Any advice or recommendations please:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Osram-Breaker-Nightbreaker-Upgrade-Headlight/dp/B002Q0O2T2/ref=pd_luc_sbs_01_02_t_lh

25

Saab 9000 (1984-1998) / 9000 CSE Boot struts

« on: 10 December 2012, 02:11:53 PM »

Looking for advice.

The boot struts on my 1997 CSE are no longer 'strutting' and I would like to replace with new, rather than second hand. I spotted this company whlist 'Googling' and was wondering if anyone here has used their struts, or can recommend any other supplier.

http://www.sgs-engineering.com/gsc2094-saab-9000-tailgate-strut

Thanks

26

Announcements & Events / The GWS Annual January Stroll 2013

« on: 22 November 2012, 12:03:57 PM »

The GWS Annual January Stroll 2013
Sunday 20th January
Blaise Castle and grounds
Walk starts approx. 10.30am.
Those of you who have been before know the routine. A chance to catch up after the Christmas festivities to burn few calories and enjoy each others company. Plan is a stroll around the grounds and woodlands (all paths are tarmac) followed by an afternoon meal at our local The White Horse, Buckover, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 8DX  - about 20 minutes away. Excellent food and two for one offer. As with all GWS gatherings you are welcome to join us for part or the whole stroll.
Blaise Castle Estate is a magnificent 650 acre Grade II registered parkland and with over 5,000 years of history, one of Bristol’s gems. With a deep wooded limestone gorge, dramatic scenery, and ancient monuments steeped in folklore, this estate is one of the most magical and romantic landscapes in the West Country. With plenty to do for children as well as adults, it is easily possible to spend a whole day enjoying its varied features and many facilities.
The museum is housed in a late 18th century mansion, and contains most of our social history collections.
Open 10.30am to 4pm

Admission to the grounds and house is free

Visitor facilities and information:
Café
Free car park (150 vehicle capacity)
Large children's play area with dedicated zones for younger and older children
Benches and picnic areas
Public toilets including baby changing
Blaise Hamlet is close by: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blaise-hamlet/

Access
Exit Junction 17 of the M5.
Blaise Castle Estate is approximately five miles from Bristol city centre. The main entrance is via the car park off Kings Weston Road.
Car park closing times  for January: 5.15pm

Blaise Castle Estate,
Kings Weston Road,
Lawrence Weston,
Bristol BS10 7QS

27

Saab 9000 (1984-1998) / Dash illumination -how to fix it?

« on: 16 October 2012, 11:07:15 AM »

Over the winter I would like to try and get all the dash lights (the ones that light the switches) working again on my 9000. The warning lights are Ok but I am sure some of the switch lights are missing.
Also, how difficult is it to replace the bulbs. I would add here I am hopeles at anything like this so a step by step guide would be most helpful.

Part of the problem is knowing which switch is illuminated, so does anyone have a clear photo of this?

Thanks in anticipation.

28

Announcements & Events / SAAB display at Thornfalcon 2nd September

« on: 28 August 2012, 03:44:54 PM »

Thornfalcon Classics
near Taunton, Somerset.
A FREE EVENT with well over a 1000 vehicles on display.
http://www.thornfalconclassics.com/Event.aspx

I need to let the organisers know by Thursday, so if you plan on coming please add your name. That's all you need to do to book!
Open to modern and classics.
It is better to have empty spaces rather than not enough room

1) David and Anne - 99T
2) Chris and Doreen - 96
3) Martin Lyons- C900
4) Tony - Tonyb152 og9-3
5) Trevor Trev1 gm900
6) Brian - 9000 CSE Anniversary.
7) Alex Rankin - c900 of some sort!
8 ) Robin M - 9.5
9) Barry - Saab
10) Nick - NG900
11) John D - 9-3 SE Sport (Sunroof resprayed, wuhoo!)
12) Kevin & Liz - 900
13) Pete - 9-3 1.9 Tid 150 Sportwagon
14) Clayton - 96 V4

CONVOYS TO THE EVENT:
FROM BRISTOL (inc WALES). We are leaving home around 8.30. PM me (David) if you would like to join us or leave a message here.

FROM OXFORD:
Anyone arriving from Oxford way? If so can you let Pete (petemate) know?

FROM YEOVIL: Contact Alex Rankin or Robin Morley.

FROM MIDLANDS: Chris & Sue Wilcox hope to attend. PM if you would like to join them.

Arrival at the event around 10-10.30.
Tell them at the gate you are with the SAAB display 8-)

29

Gallery / SAAB stand at the Bristol Classic Car Show

« on: 24 April 2012, 11:43:34 AM »

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLPRqsd_J1U

30

Announcements & Events / GWS January Stroll for SAAB 2012 - 15th January

« on: 29 December 2011, 10:17:01 AM »

As this get together is on the same day as the SAAB meeting in Trollhattan
http://www.saabsunited.com/wp-content/uploads/We-are-many-we-are-saab-banner.png
and though we cannot be there in person I thought we should do 'our bit' here in the West Country.
So it has been renamed as the 'GWS January Stroll for SAAB 2012'

Ashton Court mansion it is, with  sunday lunch at The Dovecote, which is situated on the edge of Ashton Court estate, so we can walk there, weather permitting.

Route plan for the day is here
January stroll

Links
Ashton Court Mansion & Grounds:
http://www.ashtoncourtestate.co.uk/visitors.htm

The Dovecote
http://www.vintageinn.co.uk/thedovecotebristol/restaurantsfood/

Provisional itinerary.
Meet at NOON in the car park at Ashton Court lower car park
Coffee in the stables. Farmers market on the same day.
Walk around the grounds - I will put together a map and info sheet. Ideal park for children as there is no traffic. Dogs allowed but must be kept on leads,
Lunch for 3pm at the Dovecote

I will need to let the pub know the number of meals, so who's coming. Closing date is 7th January:

1) David & Anne (Walk & Lunch)
2) Chris & Doreen (Walk & Lunch)
3) Alan & Rose (Lunch)
4) Matthew Walk (probably) & Lunch (definitely!)
5) Alex, Isabel, Alex (Walk and Lunch)
6) Gavin (Walk and Lunch)
7) Martin, Toby & Brenna (Walk and Lunch)
8 ) Mark & Karen (Walk & Lunch)
9) Frank & Phyllis (Walk & lunch)
10) Mike & Marion (Walk & lunch)
11) Martin (Walk & lunch)
12) Chris & Mrs Transit (Walk & Lunch)
13) Chris Redders (walk and lunch)
14) Martyn E. (walk and poss lunch)
15) Tony (who cannot type ) and Julie (walk and lunch)