Detailed images: 1. Package delivered only after one week with USPS tracking number, purchased at e-bay from automotiveauthority at $23.99 (item) + $23 (transpacific shipping)
Repair of the hood emblem in December of 2012 (second time)
In the winter of 2012, I noticed recurrence of film peeling-off problem of the front emblem, since the summre of 2009. This time I procured 3 emblems on e-bay (sender: focuslima in Portugal), and when compressing the emblem I added quick-drying glue at the external margin of the circle.
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Repair paint of add-on mesh grille in July of 2013
Aged tyres are replaced once again to new Yokohama DNA Ecos ES300 205/50R16 87V as usual at the local shop called TYRE SHOP Goodman in South Ohtsuka, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, on March 17 2016 (formerly replaced at the same shop on July 16 2009).
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Repair paint of add-on mesh grille on March 20 of 2016, once again since the summer of 2013
I noticed the distance recorder indicates over 90,000 km - Photo-1 on December 4 2016.
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Alive and well in December of 2017
With backdrop of Mt. Fuji across Sagami Bay, at Mitohama Beach, in the morning of December 11 2017 (Odometer 98,000 km - Photo-1.
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The odometer exceeds 100,000 km in February of 2018
The odometer exceeds 100,000 km on February 5 2018 -
Photo-1 at 99,999km,
Photo-2 at 100,000km,
Photo-3 on the Bayside Express Way (Wangan-line) at Haneda Airport.
The fuel cap of my Saab 900s (1996 model) is lately being damaged (left green), so I procured the equivalent part (right black one) from the USA on e-bay (ID: qeautoparts1). These parts are very expensive in Japan, but thanks to internet, I can get very cheap (1,263 Yen + Shipping 1,150 Yen) very quickly across the Pacific pond (ordered Jan 21; received in Tokyo Feb 3) -
Photo-4.
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The Bosch Battery is replaced in July of 2018
On July 29 2018, I finally replaced BOSCH battery being used since 2006.12. I can't believe that endurance, though, I in a preventive manner determined that this is the time to replace - Photo-1 My workshop at Hayama;
Photo-2 Old battery (PSI-6C) since 2006.12. I can't believe that endurance, certainly German product;
Photo-3 Newly installed battery PSIN-6C, which I purchased at Amazon, Japan;
Photo-4 The challenge was the fixing stay for the battery is located deep at the base plate, and the extension of my ratchet wrench does not reach;
Photo-5 I finally did it, with rwo extensions connected.
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Repair of hanging ceiling cover (DIY) in September of 2018
In September 2018, ceiling cover began hanging probably worsened in association with extreme heat wave in this summer. Actually, this is the point of weakness of European cars in Japan. Treatment -
Photo-1 First step, with spray starch 3M 99 ,
Photo-2 Wider treatment, extending the pasted area bit by bit.
After applying spray bond through minimally-cut hole and pressing to the roof, the cover is stuck to the wall with thumbtacks. I used the bond-spray named Z-3 by Kinishi -
Photo-3 Next step,
Photo-4 Final step, almost finished. I wonder if this emergency operation has continuous effect.
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Repair of exhaust pipe at the repair plant in December of 2018
On December 4-10, regular compulsory automobile inspection was performed at the repair shop at Bunkyo City of Tokyo (model year 1996), when two perforations of the exhaust pipe were revealed (odometer: 107,000 km). Auto mechanics explained me this perforation is most likely caused by water after being processed with catalyzer for exhaust emission controls, which is originated from gasoline. Parts was still available from official import trader and dealer Yanase and was exchanged -
Photo-1 two perforations (red and gree arrows),
Photo-2 enlarged view-1.
Photo-3 enlarged view-2,
Photo-4 replaced new pipe.
I noticed the distance recorder exceeds 110,000 km on the road from Kohinata to Hayama on March 9 2019 - Photo-1: Before and Photo-2: After. Very decent outcome.
By oversight (, or in my dotage?), I grinded the right front and rear door with utility pole at my son Takao's mansion
Photo-1. Considering that the injury is slight, my Saab is fairly old and durability limit may be near (model year 1996), I for a while was driving her as it is. After consulting with the Meister of Elite Mortors at Miura Shore, which has been tending my Birkin Seven for over 15 years, the presented price was very reasonable compared with that of Tokyo area, so I ordered. On June 3, the work has finihed and I receive the car
Photo-2.
This die-hard internal reinforcement (silver-colored metal) lessened the impact of the rear collision and protected me. What a reliable design,
On July 8 2019 on the return drive from Hayama to Tokyo, I was bumped from behind at the tollgate at the junction of Yokosuka-Yokohama Road and Coastal Road (˜pŠİ“¹˜H, Wangan Road in Japamese). Since my car had been completely halted, voluntary insurance company of the rear car paid compensation (100 vs. 0 %) -
Photo-1 When I stopped at the inner booth (remotest in this view), my car was bumped from rear,
Photo-2 I lead the collided car (light green car) to the road side,
Photo-3 Firstly I cannot identify the damage of my Saab 900s,
Photo-4 On the contrary, the head of the collided car was dented,
Photo-5 Outer panel of the right front door, too, was dented by the impact, the model is Toyota Duet (Daihatsu-made OEM car, produced in 1998-2004), the single driver is fairly old woman,
Photo-6 In Japan, when involved in car accident, we must call police for papers.
After returned to Tokyo, I consulted the car repair shop called Lotus Sanko at Bunkyo-ku, Ohtsuka, to check the damage from the professional viewpoint. The chief mechanic reveals the punched hole on the underside of the bumper, which had been caused by getting-into-underside collided car -
Photo-7 - in addition to several small light-green scars (same color with the collided car). The collided rear car was sneaking under. After searching the net for replacement, I was lucky to get the fairly beautiful secondhand part (900s, E-DB234I), which I bring into the repair shop on July 29 -
Photo-8. Rear bumper was finally repaired with second-hand part successfully and economically -
Photo-9. Inspection of the detached rear bumper revealed
this die-hard internal reinforcement (silver-colored metal, red arrows) lessened the impact of the rear collision and protected me. What a reliable design - Photo-10,
Photo-11
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Wax applied on February 9 2020
On February 9, after washing, I manually apply traditional wax, followed by the same on December 1 2019
- Photo-1 Rinrei semi-mixed car wax, Japan Wax,
- Photo-2 Finished, front view,
- Photo-3 ditto, rear view.
"Check Engine" Warning Light Flashing on the intrumental panel on June 26 2021
In the evening of June 26 2021, when I was driving my Saab from Kohinata home, in Tokyo, to Hayama retreat on the Rainbow Bridge over Tokyo Bay, "Check Engine" light starts flashing on the intrumental panel, firstly intermittently. I decide to park my Saab to the Ooi Parking Area. When I am seeking the vacant space with braking, the engine stalled abruptly. Fortunately, there was no following car and the engine can be restarted. After stopping the car, I open the bonnet and check that battery, coolant fluid is OK, and there is no oil leakage from the engine. The manual of Saab indicates that this warning means misfiring from fuel injection system, etc, and driving is still possible but take care, and consult with the factory. So, I restart and cautiously drive, and with no problem reach Hayama retreat. However, I notice near my retreat, when I drive slowly with braking, the engine sound becomes unstable. At noon of the next Sunday, I bring the car to Elite Motors at Nagasawa of Miura Peninsula. During this drive, the engine stalled twice at red light stop. Meister Sakamoto check the engine using OBD II scanner, which cannot access to the engine at that time
- Photo-1. He says it is better to go slowly, so I leave behind the car
- Photo-2. After returning to Tokyo, I search the internet, especially Saab Central Forums, and there are many "Flashing Check Engine Light" threads, indeed.
Finally, I discarded Saab 900s in July between tears because of too much cost to obtain electric module from the abroad. I finally say good-bye to a long-time friend Saab 900s at Elite Motors on July 26 2021 - Photo-3.
On November 20 2022, rear roof spoiler was installed at Elite Motors at Miura Peninsula. This aftermarket product was purchased at ebay, and received in Tokyo 4 days after the order input, with Standard International Shipping free of charge. This is being painted with #8W9 blue (other similar marchandices for Corolla are usually sold unpainted). This is probably OEM in Taiwan (for TOM's ?, TOYOTA's official tuner). This spoiler does not protrude to the side and to the rear end.
I suppose that this spoiler is aerodynamically almost no effect at legal speed with which I cruise on the highway (80 km/hour), however cosmetically looking genuine and sharp, withi minimally increased wind noise and minimally worsened fuel consumption (circa 0.5 km/ litter down) ,,,,
