928 project

Just starting a father son project. We just picked up a 82 928 5 speed. The car is rough it wasnt running when we got it, fuel pump was froze I got it freed up the car fired right up. It has a long list of repairs needed the interior is trashed the steering rack leaks bad and the trans shift linkage or the trans is screwed up . There is a universal joint at the end of the shift linkage ontop of the trans axel it is held together with a radiator clamp.... what a great learning experience this is going to be for him...lol. All the problems are discouraging but I have to say I like working on it. What would some options be for some different seats... these are totally trashed and they smell moldy. There doesnt seem to be a whole lot of parts 928's around here I am thinking of just getting some padded racing seats from Summit and going for a race look interior.

You'll have a great project - but it will likely take longer than expected. Please start a journal/blog in the Member Profile's area so we can follow along.

On the question of seats, most would recommend getting used replacements. The originals were made by Recaro. You will absolutely need to locate a source of used parts anyway - 928 International is popular, but there are other 928 specialists, and most of us watch eBay for bargains, as used or new, none of the parts are usually cheap.

Have fun!

GRIFF;9656 wrote: Just starting a father son project. We just picked up a 82 928 5 speed. The car is rough it wasnt running when we got it, fuel pump was froze I got it freed up the car fired right up. It has a long list of repairs needed the interior is trashed the steering rack leaks bad and the trans shift linkage or the trans is screwed up . There is a universal joint at the end of the shift linkage ontop of the trans axel it is held together with a radiator clamp.... what a great learning experience this is going to be for him...lol. All the problems are discouraging but I have to say I like working on it. What would some options be for some different seats... these are totally trashed and they smell moldy. There doesnt seem to be a whole lot of parts 928's around here I am thinking of just getting some padded racing seats from Summit and going for a race look interior.

Hello Griff ?

If you want to restore the car there are new seats and seat cover kits that can be found
here is one option
www.designpaulchampagne.com/PorscheLeather.html

You should speak with Jim Willman if you get a chance. He took a non-running '79 and has brought it back to life over the last 2 years a bit at a time doing 99% of the work himself! He still has plenty more to do, but the car has been driveable for at least a year if not more and he has really done a bit here and a bit there and knows his car quite well now!

Griff,
Welcome. As James stated I have been living the dream myself for the last two years and still having fun but totally understand the discouragement sentiment! This is my first 928, first Porsche and really my first project car.

Mine was a non-runner with likely the same interior condition. First few critical items are fuel lines, brakes and sorting out the shift linkage as you can't really correctly troubleshoot clutch or tranny issues if the mechanical linkage is shot.

As you have discovered the rear shift coupler is key. Should have two rubber bushings there covered by a rubber boot. Mine eventually crumbled and fell out. There is also a forward shifter cup on top of the front end of the torque tube that has/should have, mine was long since gone, a plastic cup insert that helps hold the forward rod end ontop of a fixed ball on the torque tube. Fixing those made night and day difference in the way the shifter felt.

Fuel lines will need replacing if there is any question about their condition. Brakes are easy and caliper rebuild kits cheap. If needed there are some cheap sources for new discs as well. Watch the rigid brake line fittings. Replacing those lines when a fitting twists off is no fun!

If you on a budget like I was and am spending thousands on the spectacular interiors available from our 928 vendors may not make sense. There is an ebay vendor that sells OEM style vinyl seat covers and vinyl by the yard at reasonable costs. The seats can be daunting but mine turned out way better than the horrible leather that was there and getting the interior sorted out will definitely help with your state of mind and pride of ownership as you tackle the rest!!

BTW my wife still referrs to my 928 as the Piece of S--T and refuses to ride in it. Perhaps the best part of 928 ownership to date!!!

My 13 yo son has helped me with it and attends the meetings and outings and enjoys the experience as well.

Ping me if you think I can help. Tons of great resources in this community and I could have never gotten this far without their help.

Thanks for chiming in Jim! I know you will be able to help this project with your wisdom and knowledge!!!

pcar928fan;9688 wrote: Thanks for chiming in Jim! I know you will be able to help this project with your wisdom and knowledge!!!

James fails to mention that he is God father of Austin 928'ers and to some degree the dealer of my addiction - co-dealer with Wheeler Dealers where I first saw the 928. Sheltered childhood with a father who drove American Motors cars but enough about my baggage!

I am lucky enough to live in the same state and even luckier to live a mere 4 minutes from James's collection. His cars are the milestone I strive for but will likely never attain. That said my nieghbors always ask me when I will be done and of course I say NEVER!

Thanks for the help everyone! I have just picked up the linkage coupler on my way home from work I will install it this week. I was checking out the car a little more the other day no rust to speak of although I noticed one of the subframe frame rails has a pretty good dent in it. My guess is that someone used it as a jacking point. I might be able to pound it out through the holes in the floor I dont believe the dent will compromise anything structurally so I might just leave it alone. What oil is recommended for the power steering? The rack is leaking is it better to replace or rebuild it?

GRIFF;9696 wrote: Thanks for the help everyone! I have just picked up the linkage coupler on my way home from work I will install it this week. I was checking out the car a little more the other day no rust to speak of although I noticed one of the subframe frame rails has a pretty good dent in it. My guess is that someone used it as a jacking point. I might be able to pound it out through the holes in the floor I dont believe the dent will compromise anything structurally so I might just leave it alone. What oil is recommended for the power steering? The rack is leaking is it better to replace or rebuild it?

I have been fortunate not to have had an issue with my rack other than needing new boots. Check out Rennlist but the racks are very complicated and tons of seals and O rings so probably better left to a pro for rebuild.

The dent is likely way down the list if not off completely in my opinion.

Welcome 928 ownership GRIFF! Start a profile with pics so we can follow your progress.

Hermitage, Pa is not to far from me. About 65 miles I think. When you get things more sorted out and your driving your Shark, maybe we can get together with some other local owners.

WyattsRide;9723 wrote: Welcome 928 ownership GRIFF! Start a profile with pics so we can follow your progress.

Hermitage, Pa is not to far from me. About 65 miles I think. When you get things more sorted out and your driving your Shark, maybe we can get together with some other local owners.

That is about the right..... Just took the shark down the road let me tell ya it needs alot of sorting..... I got the shift linkage adjusted wrong no big deal it moved on its own down the road since 2002.

Have you ever gone to Beaverun or I think its called Pittsburgh international Raceway now?
www.pittrace.com/

This is who we use for kits, did an XJS and a Ferrari 308 with there kits.

www.gahh.com/store.php?cPath=57_330_2923...products_family_id=2

Just an option for a DIY