| Pretty things - it's not big and it's not clever but it does look pretty |
| So here is the shallow conceited stuff. Things here do not improve performance or handling but simply appeal to our aesthetic needs. Again, the onus is on a traditional restoration but I am willing to make way for new technologies if they suit the purpose. These are the things I am doing to prettyfy the car, after all; you can do all you like to the mechanics but most people still like to see shinny things when you pop the bonnet open. |
| Swedish Rarities: I got hold of a pair of side emblems, replacement chrome trim for the window seals and stainless steel handbrake levers from Rolf Jensen in Sweden. Rolf can supply a range of classic Saab parts and is a really good guy to deal with. The handbrake braces are not for show, more for prevention. The standard handbrake linkage at the drums has a tendency to break - especially if handbrake turns are your evasive manouvre of choice. |
| Chrome Rocker Covers and Anti-Leak Kit Ahh, a nice bit of chrome never goes amis and certainly catches the eye beneath a nice chrome air filter. To go with the chrome covers I have got an Anti Leak Kit from Jack Ashcraft. This kit replaces the rocker cover bolts with studs and chrome bars which spread pressure over a wider area to reduce leaking from the rocker cover gasket. As well as the rocker covers, the boot/handle is being restored as it was beginning to loo a little dull and pitted. The water pipes are also being chromed. This only cost a few more quid on top of the above work so I thought "Why not?" Shamed as I am, as I replaced the hoses and hose clips, I felt compelled to go the whole hog and cover them with stainless steel overbraid. I told myself it was for 'protection' agianst dirt and heat. But I am fooling myslef. It is just to look nice. I hope it does. |
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| With nice chromed rocker covers a standard platic filler cap would look out of place. I got this polished Taunus V6 cap from Burton Power. They advertise it as suitable for the V4 or V6 but it is too large for the V4 - I had to lathe 1.5mm off it. The Tech Support section on their site is quite useful. |
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| Extras Rebuilding or restoring a car is great fun but costly. You can budget for most things but don't forget about how much all the 'extras' add up; hose clips, bolts, grease, sprial wrap, hoses...the list could go on... |
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