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!!!