kiwiokie

dr bob

You've been greeted by one of the most supportive 928 families in the world. You have parts guru extraordinaire Roger, and have SeanR for the things you choose not to do yourself. I recommend that you take a breakfast break from your volunteer running event duty, and join the crowd at the 10/6 breakfast. Bring lots of pictures of the car with you, and get a dose of hands-on familiarization from the group and some of the other 928's that will be there even if yours isn't. Buy SeanR's breakfast as an initial bribe to get on his favorite-members list; It's a great investment in your sanity and the car's future.

I can't say enough good things about the group support you have available in the DFW metroplex and here on RL. Much of what you'll learn is about avoiding costly and/or time-consuming mis-steps along the way. The simple stuff from John about the batteries is something -- you found the correct Group 49 battery, and the WalMart buy advice is spot on. Now the group will help you identify and install the correct hold-down if yours is missing, point you to changing the battery ground strap, and will give you a little hands-on advice to how you'll be cleaning ground connections and un-connecting the aftermarket stereo wiring so the battery doesn't drain itself. Bring your wife if you can, so she will get a feel for the family you both are joining. The group there has monthly breakfasts, along with "family" events at critical times of the year. There are weekend trips and vacations that you will want to be part of. Look at the "Third Coast" event described in the sticky section at the top of the forum page. That's a month from now. Mark your calendar and plan to attend if you can.

And... Welcome to Rennlist! Consider membership so you can take advantage of some of the privs reserved for members. Your pop-up and embedded-links load will drop a lot with membership, plus you can post for pieces you might need or want to sell. Click on the membership link in the menu bar and you'll be on your way.

Last but not least, those not local to you need some more history on your buying motivation and how you came into this particular car. Lots of pics will help us live along vicariously through your adventure. Many have walked the path you are starting down, and their experience will serve you well. Help us help you. We all share the love of the cars, so know you are among friends.

drooman

A good omen ^^^^ 40 years of use and the battery box cover is still with the car.

hillofbeans

Thanks for the gracious welcome Dr. Bob. I've been lurking around here long enough to know that DFW is a special place for 928s. Just another reason I decided to give this a shot. Unfortunately this weekend I agreed to volunteer with the whole family to help make breakfasts for a local charity run. Bowing out to go to a 928 breakfast at this point would not be optimal for family and 928 group harmony. But, it's a balancing act - I'll certainly let them know I'm missing the 928 breakfast this time to help out at the run.
In terms of my buying decision? It's just something I have always wanted to try out and I'm not getting any younger. The 928 was a dream car in adolescence and I was surprised to see their prices when I was window shopping a few years ago. It remained in my head long enough that I thought I would pursue it further. Trolling Craigslist nationally every now and then, I came across a very small ad in Cleveland that said something like '1978 928, Needs your love" or something very limited like that. The photos didn't show a lot, but enough to peak my interest. I just kept coming back to it and started a short email exchange with the owner. I let that drag out a few weeks and it was still for sale. I found that R/T flights from DFW to Cleveland were just $135. I mentioned it to an old college roommate who put himself through school working on German cars. We hatched a plan to fly up and make a weekend out of it. The owner has a shop that restores cars and specializes in older Porsches. This had been a personal car of his, but I think a combination of changing interests and too many projects - he just decided he probably wouldn't get around to it. He did not over sell the car's condition. It certainly does need love. He was gracious enough to let us hang out at his shop all day and ask questions. Getting to see the integrity of his work and his taste in projects was not a small factor in my decision. Check out his Instagram account and get the drool cup ready. https://www.instagram.com/petescustomcoachbuilding/
One month later the transport stars aligned.
I am in way over my head I'm sure. I will lean on this group and appreciate the collection of experience here. I also know this car is a collection of mechanical systems and not voodoo magic (despite the way it makes me swoon a little around it). I bought set of shop manuals and once I have a solid place to work, half the fun of ownership will be figuring out the latest puzzle. We are in the middle of a house remodel project so my progress will be slow for a few months. Later this winter, I'll be able to wade in a little deeper.
All the best,

skpyle

So what? Bah, that's half the fun. Realizing you are in a sinking boat and have to bail like hell...
You will be fine. Take it one step at a time. SPECIFICALLY one step at a time, or at least one task at a time.
If you want to scare yourself and see how to take a perfectly good running 928 and reduce it to a victim on a careening WYAIT train, read my threads.
The world is your oyster with this car, and you will make it yours. Above all, ENJOY IT!!! In the past, I was given a very profound piece of advice: "RULE #1 of 928 Club: It should be fun. If it isn't, walk away for a bit..."

Your 928 is beautiful, and I look forward to your progress!

SwayBar

It's a Smokey And The Bandit 928.

The gold wheels look good!