Saab Tech Talk (STT)

Workshop for current Saab models => Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) => Topic started by: nine-fiver on 30 October 2012, 08:19:00 AM

Title: Panel gap
Post by: nine-fiver on 30 October 2012, 08:19:00 AM
Hi All, again.

I am looking to get the front gap from the bumper cover to the bonnet edge down to a smaller gap. Easy enough to do. But what this does is make the wing upper edge get bigger. Not so attractive. I have seen quite a lot of variance in the bonnet and side gaps on lots of 9-3s.
So, is it possible to shim up the bonnet at the hinge and even lower the wings a bit?
Title: Re: Panel gap
Post by: nine-fiver on 11 November 2012, 08:38:51 AM
After some closer inspection it seems the bonnet is indeed adjustable to a point. You can slide it forward and sideways 5mm, which has made all the difference. The front wings are also on slotted mounts and can be trimmed up a bit too. You can't adjust the bonnet for height though without a shim, but that is possible too. Getting the front bonnet edge as small as possible can be done, but patience is certainly required. Headlights can be moved about a bit too. The whole radiator support panel has a range of movement too. Loosen the screws, adjust and tighten. Looking at many 9-3s running about they all seem to have a range of gaps.
In this case Bigger is not Better.