Ather

After 6 months of tinkering and attempted repairs, I have come to the realization that I don't have what it takes to own a car like this. It takes a person with the time, a good deal of energy, a large supply of tools, deep pockets and a lot of patience.
Tried performing a simple task of removing the power steering hoses and gave up trying to take out the alternator (followed Dwayne's guide). The realization hit while lying underneath the car.
I ended up purchasing a fixer 87 auto and had ambitious hopes of slowly bringing back to a full restore. Not going to happen for me. Should have paid the extra $$$ and purchased a restored one.
For those of you who are, I tip my hat to you. You what it takes to maintain and enjoy a car like this.

I think its time to move on and look at other options.

Jadz928

Mettle.

Part of me says "no, don't do it... you will learn"

The other side says, "you know yourself, so hey... sorry it didn't work out".

Landseer

When I was about to be broken by the first, I bought a second.

Try that!

Glenn M

+1 on what Jim said.

Is there anyone nearby who has a 928 and may be able to help?

By the way, I'm in the middle of doing the line and it is a royal pain if that helps.
Got it off without removing the alternator (had to drop the sway bar, removed the other line off of the PS rack, removed the oil filter and oil cooler lines), now I will see if I can get it on!

I've been working on my 928's for 9 years and the hose R&R is a pain unless you had hands of a 6 yr old.

Job can be done but a good set of tools is important.

I cut my teeth on British cars so I was used to busting knuckles and swearing like a sailor (I was one for 23 years).

928 does have its share of challenges. Many would not have their cars if it wasn't for this forum and ones like it.

Many started out paying others to work on their car only to find out they overpaid and the job wasn't done well. After that they started working on their own cars, built their tools up and now are not intimidated to work on the car.
Doesn't mean there aren't jobs that are a pain to do. This car is over engineered in many ways. Working on newer cars isn't any easier!

Good luck,

Glenn M

Landseer has so many he ran out of lines to list all of them!

IrishLegend

I feel the same way. I really thought I was mechanically inclined too. I'm keeping mine though. There are some things I can do myself but not many. I'll save for awhile and just take it to Sean, three hours up the road. I do feel like a moron though after seeing all the great write ups and how-to's and still not being able to the jobs.
Things I still need to do:

Pilot & clutch bearings
A/C
Shocks
Motor mounts
Front spoiler(I think I can actually do this one ;-).)

These "simple" tasks to some will take me a few years due mostly to $. Sure I wish I knew what I was doing...that would save me lots of $, but I don't. It'll get done, in time.

Good luck to you.

Speedtoys

I told ya Im able to come by and point things out, help when I can..just have no weekends for a bit.

PorKen

'mettle'

Bill Ball

Yeah, where the heck is Palo Alo? I'm about 30 miles from Palo Alto, if that happens to be near Palo Alo. I'm down in that area every so often helping another 928 owner at Stanford and would be glad to pitch in on some of these frustrating tasks. Let me know.

BC

By "Metal" I think he means Gold. As in Money.

Marine Blue

I know of a really nice 90 GT for $33K if interested.....

dr bob

There are a few tasks that are easy on the 928. Changing tires springs to mind.

Stuff like steering hoses are complicated by tough access, and the royal mess that always happens just before replacement. I'm of the opinion that the whole alternator/steering pump console can come loose (five bolts I think) and come forward a bit without disconnecing any wiring. That gives access to the hose connections at the pump.

There's a serious case for having the right tools. Basic to the hoses is a set of metric flare-nut wrenches. To reach the fittings on the back of the pump, there's a really cool set of swivelling crow's-foot flare nut wrenches that make it easy once the console is forward just a bit. Harbor Freight has them for about 15% of the cost of similar-shaped pieces from Snap-On. Adequate for the DIY mechanic.

******

The lists of things to do on a neglected car can be daunting. Watch a snake eat an elephant, and see that it's a small bite at a time. Make the list, written down on paper or in your handy computer, and assign priorities to the tasks. Figure the costs both in parts and your time, and decide what makes sense. I'll warn you that you can't relate the recovery costs to what another car might cost in the market, because the "market" is dominated by cars not much better and often worse than the one you have. Decide what the completed project is worth to you, and how the proposed investment matches up to that value.

There's no doubt that there are other cars that are a lot cheaper to own and drive, we see them every day on the highways. But they are just that, cheaper cars. I drive rental cars all the time, and with only a very few expensive exceptions, I'd rather suffer the 928's costs and fickle nature than be stuck in a "common" car forever. I have a finite number of driving years left, and can't imagine being self-forced into a Ford Focus just 'cuz it's "cheaper".

pcar928fan

Afshin, is your GT BACK on the market?! The new owner sure didn't have it long if so!

Richard S

Heard this quote many years ago... "Days like this test ones mettle...mine's rusted through."

Power steering hoses are a bitch. Hang in there!

Rich

Marine Blue

James it is for sale. The new owner has been driving 911's for years and has always wanted the 928. Well after owning it for 6 months he decided he wants to buy his dream 911 (997 Turbo Cab) which means he'll need to sell his current 996 and the 928. I'm not sure in what kind of condition its in but from the sounds of it he hasn't driven it too much.

To the OP, you really do have to have patience, talent and passion for any older car to maintain them. These traits are even more important when considering a 928 which is far more complicated than the average American, Japanese or certain German cars.

Good luck either way and hopefully you find what you're after.