And We're Back

In 2012, I was disgusted. The final straw? The radiator. Four months after spending too much money on a special ramp to tow the Viggen to Colorado, the radiator went out. After all we'd been through, I had to concede that ours was a relationship of give and take. I did all the giving, Vig did all the taking. So I said, "enough is enough," and I let my baby go.

I've spent the last 2+ years driving a perfectly lovely Lexus. (We won't talk about the fact that after taking over the Lexus, the tranny went out. Hmm, maybe it's me.)

Anyway, fast forward to March 2015. We're Back! Not the Viggen. I hope the Vig lived out the rest of it's days peacefully. I've moved on. To a 2005 9-3 Arc. It's beautiful, and fast, and smooth. And as my 12-year old says, much to my dismay, "It's sexy."

Yes, that's my Florida plate. I will be applying for my CO version on Monday. I'm hoping that the second time's a charm, and that this sexy beast treats me well.

Irony

Alanis Morissette didn't know what the f*%# she was talking about. A black fly in your chardonnay is not ironic. Want to understand irony? Read on...

Prologue

I've always been wary of parking blocks. I've ALWAYS parked a good foot away from them. When I bought a car with 17" rims I learned to park even further away from parking blocks and curbs. (In case you're not following already, 17" rims mean a very low profile vehicle. If you're still not following, this means a car that has very little distance between the bottom of the car and the ground.)

Chapter 1

Three months after buying the car of my dreams (this was 2+ years ago) I went to meet the hubby and kids for dinner. In my rush, I neglected to notice the bright yellow parking block at the top of my chosen parking spot. CRUNCH. That was the sound of my bumper riding over the bright yellow parking block.

Unfortunately, instinct cannot always be trusted, as my first instinct, the one I followed, was the instinct that screamed "REVERSE! REVERSE!" CRUNCH. That was the sound of my bumper being mangled by the bright yellow parking block. My future was not as bright as that parking block.

Before

Chapter 2

Fast forward 2+ years: April 19, 2010. I have saved the funds for a new front bumper. I have purchased said bumper and have taken the car to my car guy so he can restore the Viggen to its original glory. I have gone to Denver, leaving my car in good hands (meaning hands that obviously aren't mine). In a week my car guy has restored my beautiful car to (almost) its original luster. The engine is in tip-top shape. The body looks good. All in all, me and the Vig were once again on the same page.

While there are still a few small things to fix, in general, RAG TAAP life was good. I was so thrilled to have finally fixed my beautiful baby I went to the auto shop and loaded up on stuff to clean and detail the inside. And then I actually cleaned and detailed the inside. (Two kids are hell on a car's interior.) Have I already mentioned that RAG TAAP life was good?

Chapter 3

Fast forward a measly four hours which begins the RAG TAAP taxi service. Literally four hours after picking up the Vig from the body shop, I had to pick up my mother and then the Goose. I stopped to pick up mom and employed the parking brake to keep the car, well, braked. While I moved some cords to underneath the floor mat, the car started to roll. To wrap up a long story, the parking brake apparently was not working, as the Vig rolled forward. And over a parking block.

Yes, four hours after getting my car back from being fixed because of driving over a parking block, my car rolled over a parking block. If that's not ironic, I don't know what is.


Chapter 4

Thank God for tequila. After having a complete emotional meltdown, I decided to take matters into my own hands (my good friend Jose helped me with this decision). I went out to the garage, grabbed my trusty drill, and in 20 minutes had the right-side bumper fixed and looking like new. (There was no body damage--it was just pulled from the fender.)

Epilogue

It is now the next day. Today I will be calling my mechanic to ask him why my parking brake doesn't work so well. In the meantime, I will now be backing in to all parking spaces. I do not want to go through this again.

After

A spring letter to the Viggen

My dear RAG TAAP,

It's that time of year again. The flowers are thinking of blooming, the days are getting just a little longer, and I'm shelling out money for an ACC compressor. Again. Ain't spring grand? It's like deja vu; I swear I just did this less than two years ago. Oh, that's right. I DID!

So, is this going to be a trend, my little RAG TAAP? Am I going to have to replace the ACC compressor every spring, after you've blown up in October? If so, please let me know now so I can start saving for next year. Parts don't get cheaper the older you get; there is no AARP discount for over-the-hill SAAB parts. And contrary to popular belief, I don't have a money tree growing in the backyard!!!

Oh, and could you NOT snap the serpentine belt while I'm waiting for the compressor in the mail? That would be greatly appreciated. And it would keep me from driving you off of the nearest cliff.

Yours truly,

Me

Here's what I'm dishing out more cash for. Oh joy.

Saved by the Spyker

It appears that the SAAB brand has been given a reprieve. According to CNN Money, the Dutch car builder Spyker will be dishing out a lot of money and preferred stock to take over the sinking SAAB name. This is being backed up by a guarantee from the Swedish government for an European Investment Bank loan to SAAB.

It will be interesting to see what the dawning Spyker chapter in SAAB's history will unveil.

The Saab Aero-X

The Spyker C8 Spyder

Read the CNN Money article

Revenge of the Saab, Part 4

Yesterday was another visit to the mechanics for Rag Taap. I am having, yet again, ACC problems. In fact, I'm having the exact ACC problem I had 2 years ago and fixed August 08—the AC compressor. Rather then tell my story regarding this fucking problem again, you can read about it here:

• Revenge of the Saab, Part 1
• Revenge of the Saab, Part 2
• Revenge of the Saab, Part 3

Driving to Tampa in October, the new AC compressor died. Which means I get to a) do it all over again and spend over $500 so my entire engine doesn't sieze up, and b) spend more money to replace the anti-frost switch, which my mechanic thinks is the culprit (it's not working, so too much frost built up and "broke" the compressor). Of course, it would have been nice if, last August, my mechanic would have told me this. Fuck.

Unlike last year, my mechanic says I can drive the car, but should do so with the AC off (D'uh). Even then there is no guarantee that the ruined compressor won't snap the serpentine belt before I can get it fixed. Ah, the joys of auto ownership.

Merry Christmas to me. I guess I will be asking Santa for a new ACC compressor and some labor $$.

Have I said Fuck yet?

Rag Taap Day!

I finally broke down and ordered my vanity plates. I love 'em!

Inspired by both my Saab convertible, and Jimmy Buffett. It's often a rag top day! :)

FIRE SALE! All subsidiaries must go!

So, Saab is filing for bankruptcy--or rather the GM subsidiary, Saab, files for bankruptcy. It appears the Swedes won't help GM by giving them more money. I'm shocked! note the exaggerated sarcasm

I'm the first to admit I don't understand the world of finance and big business. It doesn't, however, come as a surprise that GM is having to scramble to reorganize Saab so they can try and sell them. Of course, selling Saab won't save GM, especially if the gazillions of dollars the U.S. government has already given GM can't save them.

What does this mean for me and my Saab? Probably nothing. I'm not under any kind of warranty and I don't ever go to the dealer (unless I need my remote key programmed). It does mean I probably won't be replacing the Vig with a new Saab any time soon. Yeah, 'cause that was going to happen!! note even more exaggerated sarcasm

Read the full story here: CTV.ca: Saab files for bankruptcy protection from creditors

Damn big rigs!

Well, I'm back. Of course, it's only to bitch about spending more money on the Saab. This time, however, it's not Vig's fault. While driving the other day a big rig idiot decided he wanted to be exactly where I was. Since two solid objects can't occupy the same space (at least not in this reality), I had to swerve fiercely to the right to avoid getting crushed. All the while, Jonah's in the backseat watching birds (the top was down) and talking to himself—ah, the obliviousness of youth!

To prove my theory that two solid objects can't occupy the same space, there was a kindly curb corner where I was trying to be. Right front wheel, meet curb corner. Curb corner, meet right front wheel. I pulled over into a parking lot (which was conveniently there) and when I was finished cursing and screaming, got out to check my wheel. Curb 1-Vig Wheel 0.

I guess I'm lucky that my tire didn't blow. The wheel has bent in and my alignment now sucks. After a lot of internet searching, I finally found my wheel online. Of course it's discontinued, but my luck has held out and I think I'm getting the last one on the planet. It's even local (Miami, but that's close enough) so I'm hoping it will arrive on Monday (12/22).

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

1947 Saab Ursaab

Now that's a rag taap day!

In my last post What if it rains? I pondered over those brave souls who challenge the weather gods and drive with their tops down when the sky looks threatening. Not I. I'm a wuss. My birthday, however, did provide a brilliant rag taap day:




Fluffy little clouds, playing with the sun. A little spirited driving, with some good tunes. On the way to my birthday massage.

That's livin'!

What if it rains?

I'm a Nervous Nellie. If I see even the threat of a cloud in the sky, I won't put my top down. I'm so paranoid that the sky will open up and the flood gates of heaven will be released. There go my seats. There goes my electrical. Etc., etc., etc.

I'm always amazed to see those brave souls who drive with their top down, no matter what. Threat of rain? Who cares! Monsoon? We'll be fine! I just couldn't do it. This was the sky yesterday afternoon:



I saw, not one, but TWO different Mustangs drive by me with their tops down. Maybe owning a Mustang makes you more of a daredevil. (I think it makes you just like everybody else, but what do I know?) I do know that with a sky threatening to open up and dump, there is no way my top's going down. I like to be topless on those nice days where the sun shines down and really elluminates my assets.

Breaking the 4k mark (and NOT in a good way)

The list goes on. Here's where we are to date (the items in blue are the latest additions):

$ 16.00 8/29 new right low bulb
$240.00 8/29 install new hand brake (p & l)
$150.00 8/29 replace oil sending unit (p & l)
$302.00 8/29 labor for installing AC compressor
$212.47 8/26 refurbished AC compressor (eBay)
$253.00 8/11 new microswitch and shear pin (p & l)
$ 76.84 8/08 new left corner light (eBay)
$108.59 07/08 new battery
$ 81.25 7/08 used DIC (eBay)
$361.54 7/08 2 new tires, oil change
$ 67.79 3/08 oil change
$164.08 3/08 new front tire
$107.87 09/07 new ACC control panel (eBay)
$ 91.96 7/07 program keyless, new HLs
$455.76 7/07 new tie rods, check vert**
$ 37.84 7/07 keyless remote (eBay)
$ 26.95 7/07 keyless remote (eBay)
$113.57 5/07 oil change, new wipers
$ 51.80 5/07 new spark plugs
$164.08 4/07 new rear tire
$209.47 1/07 serpentine belt and idler pulley
$224.33 1/07 replace inter. pipe/ctr. muffler (labor)
$360.00 1/07 inter. pipe/ctr. muffler (parts)
$209.67 12/06 replace front brake pads
$ 60.93 12/06 oil change
$125.00 8/06 new third brake light

And the grand total is: $4273.79

Do you think we're done yet? If you said "yes" you'd be wrong!

• I still need a new front bumper (quoted at $1390.89, p & l).
• The fuel filter appears to be the original. It looks like the PO didn't bother with the suggested 60K maintenance (I'm shocked!) so I will need to dish out $499.95 for this service.

Of course, this is as of 8/30/08—wanna bet I add more to this list before the year is out???!!!

No news

Since my iPhone is buggering up, I couldn't call today to see how the maintenance was going. I'm assuming they didn't get the AC compressor...but I'll call using hubby's phone in the a.m.

Keep your fingers crossed...

Revenge of the Saab: Part 3

Just got the call. Yep, new AC compressor which is fine since that's what I was expecting. What I wasn't expecting was over three hours of labor!!! $301.40 for the labor alone. No, that doesn't include the parts. The actual compressor is going to run me $200 for a remanufactured one on eBay (includes s & h).

And the hits just keep on coming...

Revenge of the Saab: Part 2

I love my guys at SC. They are always so helpful. I was ready to take the engine apart and put in a shorter belt to bypass the AC compressor. Then reason took hold. While they may be equipped with a massive garage and every tool imaginable, I do not. So, I patiently waited until my indie guy opened at 7:30 this morning and called him.

While he may err on the side of caution-with-a-helmet-and-a-life-preserver, he said call your insurance and see if a tow is covered (I have roadside assistance). It's covered. Tow-boy Rob (I'm not sure he was old enough to drive, let alone drive a huge flatbed tow truck) showed up about 3:00 to take the car to the shop. My heart stopped and I almost pee'd myself when he got out of the car and it started to roll backwards (for those of you who follow the saga, we have no handbrake right now). He righted it and everything was peachy-keen.

Guy at Swede Central confirmed that the Vig made it safe and sound. He'll be confirming its diagnosis tomorrow morning.

Stay tuned...

Revenge of the Saab: Part 1

Well that was short-lived. The top may go down now, but that doesn't matter if I can't drive the damn thing. Yep, more problems. About a week ago I started hearing this kind of grumbling sound coming from the right side of the engine. It was intermittent so I made a mental note to have my mechanic look at it when I go in to have the oil sending unit replaced (which was going to be in the next week or two).

Hop in the car this morning—the sound is no longer intermittent, nor is it quiet. It's now a full out, constant rumbling. And LOUD. So, instead of taking mom home, I get to stop by Tire Kingdom to see if they'll check my belts and such (mom is sure it's a belt or a pulley problem). Of course, TK is packed and the counter guy says it'll be about 45 minutes until they can take a look. I decide to wait. Maybe it's because I'm cute (or he just wanted me out of his hair), but the next thing I know they pull my car into the bay. There were some moments of panic when they couldn't find the tire lock. Lucky for them, they still had it from when I was in there a few months ago getting new tires! Boneheads...

Anyway, after about 30 minutes, Johan diagnoses the problem: AC compressor, specifically the bearing:



After quoting me $900 for a new one (yeah, right. have you guys heard of eBay???), I said thank you very much for the diagnosis. I'll be driving home now, with the windows down and the air most definitely OFF. Johan recommended not driving really until it's fixed so now I'm nervous. I'm going to head on over the SC and see what they have to say.

To be continued...

Still cruisin' along

Went to get some cerveza last night. It was a beautiful evening, under the moon and the stars. I would know, since I had to put my top down for the 20 minute excursion!

Topless rocks!

Just cruisin' along

It's been 6 days since I reported a working top and a sunburn. It's a good thing I drove to Daytona with the top down on Sunday—it's been rainy here and I haven't been able to put the top down since. This was a bummer, since my brother Matt was in town for a few days. He's yet to ride in the Vig with the top down.

I guess he deserves it, though, after saying he really wasn't a Saab fan. I showed him, on the highway, why it's not a good idea to dis my Saab. ;-p

I'm topless!!

Went to the mechanic on Friday and he fixed the mangled microswitch, tightened the lines, and found out that my shear pin had busted so he fixed that too. He even gave me the circle frame for the back seat light. This makes me much happier with my car. :)

Check it out:

I was so giddy about having a vert that works, I lowered it for a 10 minute trip to the grocery store! We also went to Daytona yesterday (Sunday). Lesson learned: when driving for 45 minutes, with the top down, on the way to the beach, when it's 94, wear sunscreen. :) That's why I look like a boiled lobster: