Saab 96 Sedan 1964 – two-stroke

Saab 96 Sedan 1964 - before restoration
Saab 96 Sedan 1964 – before restoration

I have had this two-stroke 1964 Saab 96 Sedan for several years and been restoring it on and off.

It is not made to original specs and has several modifications:

  • 850 cc 3-cylinder engine with triple carburetors from a 1966 “longnose” Saab 96.
  • Electric fan and fuel pump. Alternator instead of the original generator.
  • 4-speed gear box.
  • Clutch housing and driveshafts are of the later “hand grenade / potato masher” type, which makes it possible to install front disc brakes. At the moment the car has 1966 type drum brakes.
  • A significant amount of corrosion repairs has been done also.
  • Original colour was “Midnight Blue” but has been changed to “Polar White” from the Saab 9-5 color book.
After restoration.
After restoration.

Here are all the project posts on the two-stroke:

20 comments

  1. Hi Tommy!
    I am considering to “overfill” the gearbox on my two stroke 96 MY 1965 (4 speed) with Castrol EP90. This means 2 liters of oil as recommended by Niklas in his XP Manual.
    I wondered if you have tried to do so, and what experiences you have made?
    Best 2stroke greetings from Denmark,
    George

    Reply

    1. Hi George!

      I have not tried to overfill the gearbox. I always use the recommended amount. So unfortunately I can’t really say anything about it…

      But if you try it let me know if there’s any difference.

      Best regards,

      Tommi

      Reply

  2. i am in process of restoring a Saab 850 Gt. I removed the Bendix electric fuel pump and replaced it with one that appears to be working. The filter is clean and the it pulsates. I have it placed so that the filter is on the up side. Is that correct. That is the top with the nut that opens t he top is on top. Thanks for any; help you can give me. Eddie Adelstein

    Reply

  3. My mother is trying to sell my grandmothers 64 Saab needs restored and I don’t know how much it’s worth or where to start looking. Any help would be appreciated.

    Reply

    1. Hi Jennifer,

      the price depends a lot on condition. Could you send me a couple of photos to take a look at? Also the location matters, as the cars are rarer in some countries than others.

      Best regards,

      Tommi / http://www.saabisti.fi

      Reply

  4. I am having difficulty in finding a gas tank for a 1962 bull nose saab. I have found two tanks, but they are damaged. Are there any universal tanks that can be use.

    Reply

  5. Hi Tommi,
    I am putting my first car back on the road- ’64 96. Going thru brakes and got gas tank cleaned and repaired. Here is a question- what is the little brass knurled knob that sticks out of the passenger side corner of the heater core box? My book doesn’t mention it. Thanks John from Maine.

    Reply

    1. Hi John!

      Nice to hear you are putting a two-stroke back on the road. The knob is a valve used to let air out of the cooling/heater system. When you put in fresh cooling fluid start the car and keep the valve open until a steady stream of fluid comes out, then close it.

      Hope this helps,

      Tommi

      Reply

      1. Thanks for that info! I have never touched it in 30 years. Do you know of a pattern on-line someplace for making the small mud flaps that go in front of the rear wheels? A simple thing to make but it would save time if I had a pattern ready-to-go. Thanks!

        Reply

    2. Bleeder valve when you flush the cooling system, open the bleeder valve until you see fluid coming out, where are you in Maine, I am in NH and sell parts for the vintage cars

      Reply

  6. Tommi
    I have 4 NOS Bosch distributor caps (part number 1 235 522 055) for SAAB 3 cylinder 2 stroke engines. Would you be interested? Do you know of anyone who might need them?
    Thank you, Dan. Charlotte, NC USA 011-704-821-7023

    Reply

    1. Hi Dan,
      I have just acquired a ’61 SAAB 96 down here in Cape Town , South Africa where there are very few strokers (if any), and struggling to source parts. The car arrived with a broken dizzy cap , so would be keen to purchase a new item, if you still have them?
      Presently trying to source brake shoes , both front and rear, as a previous owner had removed them many years ago. The car is complete except for the items mentioned above , so keen to get it back on the road, Regards, Dorren Jackson, Cape Town (member of Cape Crankhandle Club)

      Reply

      1. I know it was 2 years ago, but I have loads of new and used parts for the vintage Saabs

        Reply

  7. Hello Tommy, Still working on my ’64. I have had my gas tank repaired and no leaks. It was silver-soldered on the filler end. The problem now is that there is restriction in the fuel pipe inside the tank. I tried running some stiff steel wire in there but it bottoms out. What is inside the tank? Is there a screen at the end of the intake? Is there an easy way to open it up so it flows better?

    Reply

    1. Hello John!

      Take a look at this pic here: http://photobucket.com/gallery/user/llovegrace/media/bWVkaWFJZDozNDA4MDA1OQ==/?ref=
      It’s from a two-stroke tank but I think the V4 fuel intake has a similar box around the ending of the fuel line. Usually old oil and gas in the two-stroke cloggs up the small holes. Can happen in V4 also.

      I don’t think there’s a really good method of clearing the holes without cutting the tank open. Some have removed the fuel sender and scraped the holes somewhat clean with a stiff wire. You could try some solvent / paint thinner also. And compressed air in reverse direction. Maybe someone offers a service to wash / clean the insides of the tank?

      If you come up with good solution to this, please let me know.

      Best regards,
      Tommi

      Reply

  8. Hi Tommi, do you perhaps know if “Dan” still has those two-stroke Distributor caps available ? Am desperate to purchase one for my ’61 96 as my car arrived minus same.. Regards, Dorren Jackson, Cape Town. dorrenjackson@h
    otmail.com

    Reply

  9. Hi
    Im owner of a Saab 96 two stroke and I need to sell it. In general, this car needs restoration and if someone enthusiastic in this class of car is interested please contact to me.
    The car is located in Lima, Peru and I can send it anywhere of the world with aditional engine of spare.
    Thanks
    Luis

    Reply

    1. Hi Lima,

      Hope you’re keeping well.

      Please message me on Whatsapp –
      +919893009234

      I have a SAAB 96 1965 2 Stroke3 Cylinder.

      I’m looking for an engine that i can import.

      Regards,
      Digvijay Bhonsale

      Reply

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