Following up on some very old bidness...
I did eventually fix up This Ol' Saab (Norm!).
The cost came to ~$500 in discounted parts and my own
free labor. Replaced the right front control arm, Rear mufffler box and both rear brake disks as well as the steering wheel clock-spring (for the inoperative horn) which was a darned spendy little item at $100. When I replaced the clock-spring, wouldn't you know it? But 2 days later the AirBag threw an error and now I have an SRS light on. :angry:
No worries. The state of NH doesn't care a whit if you have an SRS or ABS light on, so it got its sticker and is back on the road at U Albany for another year. I am not convinced that Airbags are all that they are cracked up to be anyway. I wear seat belts (and my kid does too) so I hope to never need an explosive bag-slap in the face to save myself (or my progeny) from a windshield headbutt.
Funny thing... After disconnecting the battery (so the airbag wouldn't explode in my face), I had to drive it for a good while to get the OBD2 emissions stuff to re-self calibrate. That is how this state does their extensive "emissions testing." You can't have a Check Engine Light on and the emissions functions of the OBDII have to say "Ready".
Anyway, while I was driving it around I was astounded at just how great of a car this thing actually is (or was), even in it's cuurrent dilapidated state. I was getting over 35 mpg while I was babying it so that the OBD would recalibrate, but on the way home the >200 hp 2.0L turbo engine was quite a bit of fun to stomp on. Did I mention this old whore has 140k miles on it now? Why the hell didn't these things sell better?
Good mileage and good fun factor... I dunno? Must be a
style problem...
Anyway, I appreciate all of the feedback that everyone gave in this thread very much. The demise of "Goldie" (did I mention it is painted a loverly gold?) has been deferred for yet another year.
:lol: