Locost - Budget Saab B204 build

As a ex rubber bumpered midget 1500 owner (many years ago - loved that car but the rust killed it) and an ex SLK (R170) and current SLK (R171) owner (well they were both Mrs BC's cars) I can only agree with that statement

Ah yes, the cost. From the outset it was going to be a budget build. I set myself a max budget of £3k including the car purchase (obviously things have now moved on a little price wise since I started).

I initially purchased a gearbox mounting plate and prop from frontline - just to ensure everything was roughly in the right place, then built the rest myself. Once you have hacked out the heater tray and crossmember there’s only one way forward. I bought an old scrap car for the engine and wiring loom and collected the rest of the parts over time.

I’ve never added up the cost, but unless you are very handy it does add up for what is only ever going to be a fun car.

There a bloke now selling most of the parts on eBay at a much reduced cost. There is also a Facebook group, it’s a bit cliquey but a good resource (so don’t get yourself banned!) 16v mini forum will also help with the wiring.

If there’s anything specific you want to see, let me know and I’ll probably have a picture!

Had to admit that I was struggling to get bodywork completed and felt things were going backwards. As I’m away for a couple of weeks the decision was taken to call in reinforcements.















…..23 hours later and it’s just about ready for primer. While I’m philosophical about it (what’s the point in having mates with 30 years experience if they can’t be called on), but even at mates rates it a fair sized chunk of budget gone that I’d put aside for the kit car build.

Looking great - and yes, nice to see motivation return. Not trying to make more work (OK a bit but, since you are at this point of deconstruction have you considered getting rid of the reverse lights? I find the rear looks so much smoother without and if you look under the bumper by the exhaust you see my reverse light that works every bit as well - generic motorcycle signal light with a clear bulb.

It does look good, but the car is going bumperless so I just decided to leave things as they were on the car (the number plate will be mounted in between the reverse lights)

Just typed out a long update on my phone, then lost it so an abridged version…..

Car is now back from paint and I’m happy. Not perfect, but wasn’t looking for perfection. I’m currently building the car back up.

Rear now more or less completed.







I was unsure if it would be better to reinstate the satin black along the bottom of the car, but in the end I left it all body colour. It’s got to be 15 years since I last fitted up a Midget door……..and it’s not got any better.










Just now got to repeat it all on the os!

Bad explanation on my part, I was meaning building back up the door furniture - fitting new outer weather strips and felt inners is a real pain, never mind getting the quarter light and door glass all back in place 😂

As usual I’ve been poor at keeping this updated.

Slight miscommunication with the painter meant I had to remove the wings again to get some paint on parts I’d previously baremetaled. Bit of a pain, but it’s now done.

It’s been quite an enjoyable time fitting parts that were refurbished/bought years ago 😂

Car is now back home with just a few jobs remaining:
- Due to the t9 gearbox position and non standard tunnel, the standard tunnel carpet will not fit. I’ve got some ideas of what I want to sort this.
- Clutch cable needs adjusting. Not an easy job as the cable adjustment is on the engine side underneath the inlet manifold, wiring and fuel pipes. Skinned arms here we come….again.
- No speedo at the moment due to change of box. Several options available, either new gps/electronic speedo, modify the cable route or fit a geared 90 degree angle drive.
- I need a front grille.
- With the lighter engine it needs some altitude adjustment. It will just be new springs upfront and blocks on the rear cart springs to start with.
The last three points may have to wait for a few months until the car fund recovers (dailies have given it a bit of a battering if late).

Although now over 40 years old, given the changes made I’ve decided to MoT the car. Other than the clutch, none of the above will stop this so I’m going to get it booked in, in the next few days.

Wish me luck!

This looks fantastic...!!