God what a week, temps have been hovering between -25C to -32C all week. It felt bloody warm when it was only -23 for a while. At least the house is warm.
Was one expensive Christmas this year, both kids wanted and got their first computers. Even though I bought them 2nd hand (from a company), one twin wanted a stationary computer and the other one a laptop. So I got a tower PC + new screen for David and an HP Elitebook 840 G5 for Daniel. Both kids happy, not knowing much about PCs though and being phone users means they had some problems getting that the play store doesn't work on windows.
Anyway I started taking my Saab apart. I had no work between dec.22 to jan.2 so a little vacation.
Removed the front bumper, was an incredible PITA because there where several metal fasteners (embedded in plastic) that had simply become one rusty piece after 33 years of salted winter roads.
The bumper has a lower portion held on with screws, also rusted beyond saving. I had to disassemble the bumper completely to be able to remove them (cutting).
Finally everything is apart.
The reason I removed the front bumper was to make new brackets for the fog lights I bought but as usual anything I do get's sidetracked.
I looked at all sorts of fasteners but I went with Saabs original solution and used "plus nuts" except I go up a size from M4 to M5 bolts. I did not find stainless just zinc, but I guess the originals survived 33 salted winters so I guess it'll do. I do know stainless plus nuts exist however.
Creates a very solid connection, the problem is if the bolt rusts in place then the nut will just spin on the plastic like what happened with the originals.
Took the plastic bumper inside and washed it in the bathroom so it's clean inside out and smells of fruity shower gel.
After that I could reassemble the bumper and get to work on making brackets for the fog lights. Mostly I am just figuring it out as I go.
Also noticed two small pools of coolant on either side of the radiator, not sure if the radiator is leaking, or some connections. Mentally preparing myself to have to replace the radiator.
I finished both brackets last night and test mounted them, forgot photos.