Just bought a 928 and figured I'd introduce myself to the board since I think I'll be here more often than not.

I plan on restoring the car as a hobby, which will be a labor of love and I know will not be inexpensive, but I think it will be a lot of fun.

I just bought a 1980 5-speed which I believe is Euro (side markers in front AND behind front wheel well). The car is in pretty decent shape, with only one or two dings or rust spots. I have stripped the interior and plan on refinishing all the panels and dash in leather (the hides are on their way!!)

The motor runs well, but I'll be pulling it in the next couple of weeks to replace timing belt, seals, water pump, etc.

Once everything has been removed from the car I will begin the arduous process of stripping and repainting the frame and reinstalling the reams of components from their plastic bags.

There is one area of rust that I think will need to be replaced - the spare wheel storage area and the battery box. Can anyone tell me (and I think I already know the answer!) if anyone makes a replacement section for that area, or shall I have to custom fabricate?

I look forward to getting to know you all better ofver the next few years.

Sorry for the long post.

Rob Roy

 

Welcome!

 

Rob we have good used battery boxes and I think a new one !! click into the store .....under my signature

 

send pics :-)

 

Welcome,

Prost to you my man. If you're going do it, might as well go big. My story is similar to yours. Have an 80' US and am restoring it. I've never heard of a replacement. What about some weld repair. Sounds like you're going to be pulling a lot from this car. You'd be suprised to see how many people part out these cars (poor things). I'm wondering if one could be cut out of another and welded in yours. My hatch was rusted to hell and found an 80' on ebay being parted out. Got the hatch and it's rust free.

 

Thanks for the welcome folks. Pics will be coming soon.

If I can just get the box, I can cut out the rusted panel and weld the box to a panel of the same shape as the cutout.

Jim, couldn't find battery box under search for "battery" - am I searching in the wrong place?

Cheers

 

Rob call me 1 800 634 6117 ........only the top 6,000 or so parts are listed .

 

Welcome to the open wallet, full credit card club!! You are right on both counts, this is both expensive and rewarding!!

Glad to see the Houston contingent is growing as well. Maybe its time for a gathering of the Sharks somewhere here in town.

 

Welcome

 

I'd love to get together with the Houston folks, so I'll keep a look out for any info on meets. Unfortunately at this time I'd have to tow or drag my car along.

 

Rob wrote:
"The motor runs well, but I'll be pulling it in the next couple of weeks to replace timing belt, seals, water pump, etc."

You don't need to pull the engine to do the timing belt and water pump or 90% of the seals for that matter. Not unless you plan to go ape-shi$ on it.

Just an observation...

Scott
p.s. A lot of nice cars come form Houston. Got my 85 S there a couple years ago. Immaculate in every sense.

 

Not if we met at your place . . .

 

Restoring a 928 like that is probably a good way to ensure that everything is working, and in good condition. From AC, wiring, all the stuff under the dash, all the window stuff, etc... The reason to pull the engine, would not be because you can't do it with it in the car, but because you can go through the entire engine compartment, and check everything, and repair and replace anything that needs fixing. When you have it all put back together, it will not only look very nice, and restored, but it will also most likely run very well, and without gremlins...

With my daily driver, it is a constant battle to go in under the dash, or into the engine, to repair or replace each little thing that is not working properly. If I had it all to do over again, I would have either done a complete restoration, or I would have bought a 95 GTS! Hahahaha!

I just think it's cool that some people give the earlier cars some love.

Because they are slowly slipping away into the scrapyards, or into the garages and backyards of people with good intentions, but they end up a pile of dirt and weeds...

 

Yes, the main reason for pulling the engine is to get at all the wiring, accessories etc. and clean/repaint the engine compartment. Maybe I am being too ambitious, but I plan on pretty much stripping the car of everything, including wiring, cleaning it all, painting where appropriate, and reinstalling. Having the motor out may just drive me to "going ape" with it
It is not going to be a technical 100 point restoration - I will be adding my own touches to personalize the car

 

Sounds like you are going about it the right way. What makes you think it may not be a true Euro? What is the VIN? Don't hesitate to ask questions or give advice here. A Scurvy Crew yes, but well behaved for the most part.
Good Luck!



Anthony Tate
79/928 Silver Metallic