2002 Saab 9-3 Convertible Help Needed
Just picked up my first Saab. It is a very clean 2002 9-3 convertible. It has about 110,000 on the clock with a 5 speed stick. It runs quite well. I picked it up for a pretty reasonable price knowing that it has issues with the soft top opening and closing. Some of the issues I have found are as follows (along with my questions). I truly appreciate any help that the forum can lend:
- One of the cylinders on the passenger side is leaking, I can see it when the top is down and know it has to come out for a rebuild. When I do this I plan on pulling the entire back interior apart so I can inspect and replace anything that looks suspect. I found this place out west that looks reputable. www.tophydraulics.com
- The guy I bought the car from topped off the hydraulic pump reservoir with GM transmission fluid. This looks like a big no-no. My questions is, how to I empty an flush the entire system out?
- The weatherstrip from the 5th bow to the tonneau cover is torn away from the 5th bow for about a foot in the middle. It can't be glued to repair. Any suggestions here? The only one I could find on-line is around $300, ouch!
- In general, the soft top operation is one of the most complicated systems I've encountered in my years as a shade tree mechanic. I know that I face many hours of frustration on this project but trying to stay positive. The car is beautiful and fun to drive.
thanks!
Doug
Buffalo, NY