Comments on: EnG 1999 Saab 9-5 SE Update – Cosmetic Input Needed

By: brian w

brian w — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:02:05 +0000

I would stick with #1 but modify things slightly. Case in point: I have a black '01 9-5 with tan interior I bought new and those standard 5 spoke wheels. I bead-blasted the wheels and powder coated them to minimum gloss black to match the body - $280 total; added LLumar 30% window tint - $175 total; coil over springs and 2" lowering kit from Eibach - $350 total; removed all the badging from the fenders and trunk lid - $0; sanded the grill with 400 grit paper and 2-stage painted black to match the body - $15 total. I have 177,000 miles on this baby, it's my daily driver to the office, and I plan to drive it a few more years before turning it over completely to a track car. Just my $0.02 for what it's worth.

By: matt

matt — Tue, 13 May 2008 22:23:05 +0000

I have black Montegi wheels (18″) on mine, tinted windows and I painted the front and rear trim only. Looks awesome.

By: Beren

Beren — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:59:11 +0000

What kind of tint for the windows are you going to use? I was considering a tint job, but was not sure on what to use.

By: No.9

No.9 — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 22:25:49 +0000

If you decide to keep the original black trim (my favourite) just use peanut oil after you thoroughly rubbed it with a simple white school eraser. I tried a lot of products which caused me a lot of grief. None come close to peanut oil for ease of application, cleaning and durability. Surprising but true.

By: jchan2

jchan2 — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 22:01:14 +0000

I would go with option 1; I seem to have a special attraction to older Saabs that are restored to stock.

By: Howiez5150

Howiez5150 — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 22:00:53 +0000

I have to vote for number 3. My 1999 9-5 trim has overall kept its colors pretty good so I actually like the black trim. The gray is a bit off color, but armorall generally gets it looking great. If you do go with painting let us know the technique and how it goes. If I thought I could easily get my silver to have silver trim I would have to be at least somewhat tempted. Tint made a world of difference on mine last summer, however the darker headlights are best left to the newer models IMHO. Howie: Look here for the method that I would use. Worked wonders on the C900. EnG

By: 93 se

93 se — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:17:37 +0000

for ever blacki just looked you can get it online it last and it looks glossy

By: 93 se

93 se — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:54:04 +0000

the make a better product than that its a stain we used it at the dealer ship for 03 93 door handels and trim you put it on with a foam brush or spay it the hardest part is cleaning it

By: eggsngrits

eggsngrits — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:31:15 +0000

PG: The black trim on the 9-5 is discolored, not just cracked as the dark trim gets on the 900. It is now gray, not black. When the Back-to-Black is on it, it shines, but no difference in color. I am going to try the Ice-synthetic polish above and see. It’s supposed to work like cleaner wax. Worth a shot.

By: Dan9-1

Dan9-1 — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:09:27 +0000

I don’t think that the black headlamps would only work if you had the chrome trim on it, don’t no if thats possible, i’m not really bothered about the others the 3rd 1 i think is the best though