James Bailey

Now this makes some sense......given the panel is from a 1984 !!!

soontobered84

Really really good catch Landseer

dr bob

People do the strangest things! Now you get to wonder how much stupid was involved in putting the later CE panel into the car. And why!

Mrmerlin

Chris that's a great catch for everyone, your pretty savvy with the CE panel refurbish ,
as you have lots of hands on time, this makes you an expert!
Thanks for paying attention

Prof Requiem

Wow, thanks for the catch on that...
Just to make sure, I double checked the VIN and it is definitely an '81.

The fuse panel is about 800$ but I found a good condition used one for $300 on ebay and am going to order it. Is there anything tricky that I need to know about when installing this? Thanks for catching that, it makes me wonder how many electrical gremlins will be solved just by that one action. Also makes me wonder why on earth the PO would swap out an incorrect fuse panel... Is there any way to be sure whether, as you indicated, the whole harness was swapped or not and if so how much of a problem would that pose for reinstalling the correct fuse panel? Thanks for your help.

WallyP

Why on Earth would you buy a used panel from eBay for $300, when Mark Anderson sells a used '81 panel for $150?

Most folks on here feel that it is a good thing to support the dedicated 928 vendors...

dr bob

Get used to looking at used parts from 928 International. Used parts from them tend to be from dry west-coast cars, since they sit in the middle of Southern California. They are inspected and warrantied, something that ebay bits usually lack. They know the cars really well, so you have a better chance of getting the right parts when order. Great people too. For things like electrical panels, a part with a dry southwest history is critical. FWIW, having them nearby when I bought my car was a very significant factor.

Prof Requiem

I'm glad I didn't buy that one on ebay then!

What website is he connected to? Can you share a link to the item? Thanks for the reply.

Prof Requiem

Nevermind that last post, I found the listing. Thanks again. I am still pretty new to the 928 world and getting used to everything. I am used to using ebay for carparts but will start checking out the 928 dedicated sellers first from now on.

Prof Requiem

When I had first checked all I saw on 928 Int was a new panel which was 800, but the used one for 150 is great. I ended up ordering that, a used fuel pump relay, and a set of fuses with shipping for 100 bucks less than the ebay one. So glad that I waited on buying the ebay one! Thanks guys!

Also, anything I should be aware of when I put the new fuse panel in? Is it just a matter of plugging all the wires into the new one and pulling the old one out? Any tricks or advice for this? Thanks again I couldn't keep my Porsches going if not for the help I get from forumers like y'all!

James Bailey

Until you figure out WHY it has an 84 panel putting in the "correct" year for your title....could be a really big mistake... how about you check the engine number to see what motor is in the car...and check the chassis number stamped into the right inner fender well....the windshield vin tags are easily moved...from car to car

Prof Requiem

Alright, checked those things out and everything matches up and confirms the '81 MY. Both fender stamp and engine number confirmed. Anything else I should do or check before swapping the fuse box? Thanks again.

James Bailey

take lots of pictures as you start taking it apart. look for any other added jumpers splices none stock wiring.....looking for "stupid" as you go .
be aware that if you return it to stock original condition it may not run if what ever caused them to replace the panel in the first place is still a problem.....so you undo what they did and then you may have to fix the original problem....take your time be patient and you will win !!

Prof Requiem

Thanks James, I will make sure to take lots of photos before I get going and at each step along the way. My initial guess would be that the old fuse board might have gotten fried, perhaps from water damage as this is one of the issues with the car is it has some significant water leaks (I keep it tarped or in the garage accordingly and only drive it in good weather) and also accounts for the bad corrosion on the fuses that were in it when I got it. The person doing the fuse board replace probably was a doofus considering other indicators and assumed the '84 board would be compatible. It does run in its current condition but has lots of gremlins as indicated prior. Hopefully replacing the fuse board and getting it back to stock in that regard will help cut down on the gremlin population some. I will update as soon as I get the new board in and will let you all know if I run into any kinks along the way. Thanks again.

bureau13

Regarding the 928 vendors, they don't often have what you would call a 'complete online inventory.' Best in general to call or email them. The best part is that they're enthusiasts and owners with a lot of experience and will know what you need for your model year, possible aftermarket alternatives for stuff that is NLA, etc...and more often than not, their prices will be as good or better as what you might find kicking around on Ebay. It's an all-around win.