george928

Hi,

I've searched the forum trying to find an answer to a question, but to no avail. I apologize in advance if the topic has already been discussed, I could not find it.

My question is specific to radio antenna locations and why they changed during the production years. I'm fascinated with how the 928 evolved from year to year.

TIA!

MjRocket

Id say a lot had to do with ascetics, my 87 has the antenna in the windshield.

In IMO the antennas on the OB's was pretty unattractive, and then they switched to the windshield which looked better but didnt get the Best reception.

The Gt's and GTS cars had it on the rear of roof which looked good and functioned well.

Landseer

85 had windshield antenna but retains grey wire from console to back left corner like the earlier cars had for the rear left antenna.

Pages 103 and 104 of the service information tech publication for the USA 1985 in the Morehouse CD discuss the pros and cons of the antenna change from body mount to windshield. They cite reliability of the mechanical and functionality and wind drag among other things.

Says that the windshield antenna weighs less. But drawback is noise suppression. Says the windshield with antenna cant be recommended for pre 85 cars for that reason.

IIRC there is at least one tech service bulletin on the subject of mid year improvements in 85 or 86 or 87 to improve suppression.

Coil body grounds that have nothing to do with the car running were added for suppression. So was a ground from the body of the windshield wiper motor to the mounting bolt.

The ground for the signal amp is located way up under the dash, above the glove box, near the windshield edge. It tends to get corroded but I've never heard anybody mention cleaning it. You should clean it if there are reception issues.

If you are really into the year by year changes, then get the CD from Roger. Each year a major document was compiled to introduce the changes from the previous model. Gold in terms of 928 archeology.

george928

Thanks for chinning in MjRocket. My 87's antenna is also incorporated into the windshield. I've seen other 87's with roof mounted versions, they could have been aftermarket installs because of the points you mentioned.

I agree, the swept back roof versions look about as good as an antenna could get.

george928

Thank you for that info! I do enjoy reading about the changes from year to year.

CJ8 2 928

89's have rear roof also

ROG100

Antenna Trivia ---
77 to 81 Manual antenna was standard but most cars came with the automatic version.
Type of automatic antenna changed at the end of 79 and remained the same until 84.
85 & 88 the antenna was embedded in the windshield.
89+ Amplified roof antenna.

Bruce Buchanan told me that because reception was so bad in Australia with the windshield antenna dealers fitted the earlier 86 automatic antenna to 87/88 cars.

Landseer

Windshield embed began in 85 model year, at least for the USA 32V cars.

Did the Euro cars retain the automatic lifting mechanicall antenna all the way thru 86?

the flyin' scotsman

the windshield antenna adds significant cost to the already expensive glass.

the roof arial works well and IMHO blends in with the cars lines.

Wisconsin Joe

I have an 85 Euro (origianlly delivered in Germany) with the windshield antenna.

I don't know for sure, but it seems to be original.

ROG100

Chris & Joe - thanks and trivia updated.

Fsharp9

Glass antenna was the new hot ticket in the 80's, sort of a keep up with the Jones' attitude toward car building. power antenna were "Old School" ..........guess "If it ain't broke,fix it 'till it is !"