TAILLIGHTS
 |
 |
 |
Combi coupe m74-79.
There are two types of taillights. Early type (chrome
trim), or late type (black trim).
But since the late type was introduced the year after the 99 combi coupe
ended production, all 99's have the early type.
The m79 900 has the early type, the m80-93 has the late type. In combination
with the late type, the 900 got an additional set of lights in the tailgate.
The tailgate lights has two bulbs, and were first set up as additional
rear-light and stop-light, but later re-wired as rear fog light and additional
rear-light. The later cars got a rear-window-mounted stop light.
The early and late tail lights are interchangeable, although the shape
of their lenses are different. Because of these differences, the late
type must be used, if tailgate lights are to be installed. (Which
includes installing a newer tailgate. Tailgates are interchangeable, too)
Early type made by: Seima, France
Late type made by: Talmu, Finland
 |
Saloon m69-76.
The first taillights.
 |
More than twice as large as the previous model. It's got two rear-light bulbs each side.
Saab's safety-thinking in a nutshell, you've still got rear light if one bulb blows.
Made by: Hella, Germany
 |
It looks like the m77-81 unit, but two things are different. Instead of white sorrounding stripes, it has black stripes. And there's a rear foglight.
Made by: Hella, Germany
 |
Saloon m85-87. (Saab 90)
These are the same units that were introduced on the 900 saloon (m81-94)
Directly from the Saab parts bin.
Made by: Hella, Germany
 |
Saloon m70-80. (US-spec)
US exports had position lamps on the rear wings.
 |
RED TAIL LIGHTS
Aren't they all red taillights? Well, not the reverse and indicator part
of them. According to the latest fashion, the whole tail light should
be red.
An aerosol from a car-parts-warehouse will do this. The indicator light
remains amber when activated, but the reverse light turned light pink(ish).
REAR FOG LIGHT(S)
Used correctly, a rear foglight is a useful gadget. It is supposed to
make you visible in snow blizzards, or in a heavy fog. However, a lot
of people drive around with the rear foglight lit for no apparent reason,
other than to look cool. (And blind the car
behind) I suggest you stop these people and switch off their rear
foglight permanently with a hammer.
Combi coupe m74-79.
You will need an m80-93 900 donor car. Install the late type tail lights
and the tailgate, including the additional set of tailgate-lights. Wire
the upper tailgate-lights as foglights.
Saloon m69-76.
An add-on rear foglight is required here. Wire it according to scheme.
Saloon m77-81.
Use a complete taillight cluster from a Saloon m82-84 (with
rear fog). You may keep the old lense, the only difference is the
color of the sorrounding stripes.
 |
 |
 |
|
| Lit | With foglight | Witout foglight |
Saloon m82-84.
Some of these 99's were equipped with rear foglights. Some were not.
See "Saloon m77-81" for conversions.
Saloon m85-87. (90)
Rear foglights were standard equipment.
ONE OR TWO REAR FOGLIGHTS?
Again, different countries had different legislation. Teeeedious! In (most
of) Europe, up to the early nineties, a car could have ONE rear
foglight, so it was not mistaken for being stop-lights. It should be centrally
positioned, or to the LEFT of the car. (Right,
UK) Japanese cars had TWO rear foglights, so one bulb was removed
as they were imported here. (UK removed the
other one. Clever...)
Now a car can have two rear foglights here too. (But
one will do.)
Stateside legislation is the same as Europe. A car can have one or two rear foglights. In recent years it has become more common for new cars to have rear foglights, but previously they were pretty much unheard of.
