This is my first post having just started looking after a Saab 900 convertible (1990 plate). Its in relatively good order, mechanically and structurally sound and only done 80K.
There are a few rust areas the main ones being at the bottom (inside) of both the drivers and passengers door roughly where the rubber trim attaches to the door.
I have been to 3 body shop repairers with differing views on what action to take as follows:
Garage #1: Generally deals with insurance claims and on inspection said I am better off with 2 new doors
Garage #2: What I'd call an Artisan body shop, deals with classic cars and novel make overs, suggested cutting out bottom section and replacing (mainly because I offered up the suggestion that the inner door repair panel can be purchased - https://www.saabits.com/body-and-tr...-repair-panel-2-3-door-lh?cPath=69_92_134_136) and then respraying
Garage #3: Associated with a Saab repairer next door who does Saab body work, suggested removing rust and filling. Wouldn't recommend replacing with a new door as not easy to come by and in any case likely not to be in much better condition than I had.
As my main aim is to keep the car as original as possible garage #1 option isn't a route I'd like to take and I agree with the thought unlikely to get a decent door anyway to replace it.
So my options are Garage #2 or Garage #3 unless someone advises otherwise.
Where my dilemma is is that I was of the opinion that cutting the rust out is the preferred route and that Garage #2 is the right option but Garage #2 wasn't as experienced as Garage #3 on Saab's.
What is the recommended route from those who have done this before - do I just cut out the rust, clean it up, refill rust holes and then respray (I can do all this myself) or am I better off cutting the rust out, removing the inner door panel and then weld in a new section (Garage #2)?
Appreciate any advice on this matter - there will be other questions in due course but this is the major item to start with.
Thanks
Jezza_uk
There are a few rust areas the main ones being at the bottom (inside) of both the drivers and passengers door roughly where the rubber trim attaches to the door.
I have been to 3 body shop repairers with differing views on what action to take as follows:
Garage #1: Generally deals with insurance claims and on inspection said I am better off with 2 new doors
Garage #2: What I'd call an Artisan body shop, deals with classic cars and novel make overs, suggested cutting out bottom section and replacing (mainly because I offered up the suggestion that the inner door repair panel can be purchased - https://www.saabits.com/body-and-tr...-repair-panel-2-3-door-lh?cPath=69_92_134_136) and then respraying
Garage #3: Associated with a Saab repairer next door who does Saab body work, suggested removing rust and filling. Wouldn't recommend replacing with a new door as not easy to come by and in any case likely not to be in much better condition than I had.
As my main aim is to keep the car as original as possible garage #1 option isn't a route I'd like to take and I agree with the thought unlikely to get a decent door anyway to replace it.
So my options are Garage #2 or Garage #3 unless someone advises otherwise.
Where my dilemma is is that I was of the opinion that cutting the rust out is the preferred route and that Garage #2 is the right option but Garage #2 wasn't as experienced as Garage #3 on Saab's.
What is the recommended route from those who have done this before - do I just cut out the rust, clean it up, refill rust holes and then respray (I can do all this myself) or am I better off cutting the rust out, removing the inner door panel and then weld in a new section (Garage #2)?
Appreciate any advice on this matter - there will be other questions in due course but this is the major item to start with.
Thanks
Jezza_uk