THE FARMER

Anyone own a 1978.....928? If so tell me about them. Was it the first of the 928s? Was there any major issues with them?
Thanks guys ! THE FARMER

killingmoon65

I have a 1978 928. My dad bought it in 1981 and it has 180 000 kilometres. It is almost bone stock, except for the aftermarket spoiler that was installed around 1982 or 83. No major problems or quirks. In fact, this car is my daily driver and has rarely given me problems. After moving back here from Los Angeles, I discovered the car had sat untouched for almost three years while mom drove some new crappy SUV instead. But my gain. I bought the car three years ago from mom and have been driving it daily since then- rain, shine, sleet or snow.
A few things I noticed that were odd: One of the auto trans cooler lines that run underneath the car, just below the center of the car was completely rusted through and need to be replaced, while the other, right next to it, looks brand new. Interior dash lights are intermittent, but that seems to be common. Shifter went south a few years ago and got stuck in P thanks to a local "mechanic" who was only supposed to organise an appraisal. Now it only goes into D,N and R. Starts on the second crank, almost consistently. Hot weather and much idling and the voltage readings start going down from 13.2 to 8 or 9. Aside from the small things, the car is fantastic. It is such a pleasure to drive. And thanks to the Rennlist 928 guys (Sharkskin!)who have helped me well beyond anything I could write here, I will have this car until the bitter end!
I honestly don't know much about later 928's- engine, wheels, etc. I'm curious myself.
Best of luck on your 78! Nice to see another oldie(my favorite style, taillights, phone dials).
Welcome brother!
~Max

Edgy01

The first 928s came out in early 1977 in Europe only. The VAST majority of them were silver. By the fall they were painting them the usual mix of colors to support the MY78 production.

(I lived in Germany then so I saw my first one on the road between Zuff. and Weissach one weekend day zooming back to Zuffenhausen in the Spring of 77).

SharkSkin

Start here then let me know if you have any questions.

1978 was the first "official" year, though there are a few 1977 cars running around. Essentially identical to 78 except for some very minor details, like washer nozzles, door lock *****, etc. Maybe someone else knows the full story on that.

rixter

there are "officially" no '77 928s, all vins start with '78
that being said, there are about 200 928s considered '77s most being euros
early 928s many times have unique characteristics, color combos etc
also, the climate control head vac setup is diff, oil pump is diff, may not have air or sunroof, etc etc

THE FARMER

Thanks so much Guys for all the info. ''very helpful''
One other question-- has anyone ever seen a (teel)
color one?
Thanks-------- THE FARMER

Dennis Wilson

Farmer,

If you ever get up to the Tulsa area let me know. I have two 78's. My 5 speed has been an amost constant daily driver for the last 6 years. Just recently it has started sharing that chore with my 931. Repairs (other than normal maintence) has been minimal. My 78 euro auto is a completely different story. You can say it is a classic example of how these cars deteriorate when they aren't driven.

Is the teal color original?

Dennis

F451

Some good 928 info here: http://www.928s4vr.com/

Fabio421

Farmer, I have a newly aquired 78. It's so newly aquired that it still hasn't reached my home. I don't have much to share on these OB's yet but I did notice some subtle differences on the climate control and center console when I did my test drive. I'll keep you posted on any others I find. One other thing I noticed was that the rear tool cover doesn't have the same twist **** style removal. Instead it has some sort of snap type fastener. In addition, the 78 didn't have an electric hatch opener.

Bret928

I too have a Black on Black 78 (my webpage is linked below), but other than what as has already been said, I can't contribute much – as I’ve only owned my Shark for a little over 6 months now. Prior to that purchase I have been deeply involved in LBC's (Little British Cars) for years and am the proud owner of a 78 MGB. Anyway about the only major expenses I’ve had to deal with so far have been to get the AC working and a rear half shaft that needed to be replaced. I also replaced the tired old three piece Gotti wheels with some updated wheel & tires. As had been mentioned the dash lighting was an issue with my 928 and spent a couple of frustrating weekends dealing with that and actually used a mag light at night. That said be aware the dash cluster overlays aren’t made anymore and are hard to get.

Other than that I have a few minor little gremlins left to work on – like the washers for the windshield and the headlamps and the horn don’t work. But I can live with those for now and am just enjoying the car because it is probably one of the neatest cars I’ve ever owned – turning heads and getting thumbs up just about everywhere I go.

Lastly the only advice I can give is that if you haven’t already done so – along with the normal hand tools & automotive test equipment (timing light & tachometer) get yourself a service manual and a good millimeter for trouble shooting things. I downloaded a bunch of stuff and have the CD but would prefer a nice set of manuals.

Andre Hedrick

My 12.06.77 in Germany.
Click on images to get full size BIGGIES!

bronto

Oh man... Please tell me you want a new interior and that you'll sell me the Pascha...

SharkSkin

Thanks for the clarification Rixter... OB - Wan...

Farmer, Fabio, wait till you get a load of the battery box on your cars. They get in the way if you want a Borla cat-back; nothing a little welding won't fix though. There are a surprising number of small differences between a 78 and an 84.

THE FARMER

Thanks , Guy for ALL this very good info. It ia really appreciated. Dennis - I'm not sure on the color, if it was original or not. The owner tells me that tha prevous owner repianted it. I just never seenthat color!
Thanks so much again........ THE FARMER

gersar928

Farmer: I have a 78' and an 87S4 the differences are amazing.Get used to your 78' and then take something newer for a spin you will see.
Gerry