Well -

I may be going about this the unusual way (seems like many join the forum AFTER they have a car in the garage), but I have begun reading through posts in earnest . I am hoping to get my first 928 in a year or so. Right now thinking about an 81-83 model - could change with research. Still have a lot of studying and reading to do. I'll be more of a lurker for awhile, I'm afraid.

Definitely will be getting something I can work on - in essence a project to some degree. I am pretty handy with a wrench and my hobby is restoring pinball machines, so I have a bit of a mechanical/electrical mind.

If anyone is located in the Greenville/Spartanburg SC area, I would love to meet up and talk shop sometime.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on the boards.

-scott

 

I do all my own wrenching. It's very worthwhile and satisfying. Most of the time, after a "job" is completed I hold my breath and turn the ignition. So far so good....

If I had to pay someone to do what I have done I couldn't afford the car.

 

Welcome! Hey a lot of us did it the same way you are doing now. I know I did. Can't imagine buying one of these cars without heavily researching beforehand and this forum is probably the best resource out there.

What is drawing you to the 81-83 range?

 

Pinball machines should be a perfect segue into 928 ownership- lots of electromechanical bits, analog point to point wiring, a few PCBs thrown in for good measure.

It is a good thing that I have a glorified 1 car garage for my hobby, or I'd have a number of old Williams pinball and standup arcade machines in addition to the 928 bits. Welcome!

 

Welcome to the Tank.
You'll have fun with the 928 Doc.

 

There are at least two active owners in your area. SKPYLE and PETZA914

There is a very active and growing group of enthusiasts down I85 in Atlanta. We hope to have a gathering at the new Garage928 shop at the end of August or early September.

http://www.garage928usa.com/

Most owners would let a serious person test drive their car. 78-79 kind of stand alone as a catagory. 80-82(4.5 no spoiler) and then 83-84 (4.7 rear spoiler) then the newer ones have the 32 valve engine. 85-86 (5.0 rear spoiler) and 87 + with the wing. The above info is on US cars. ROW opens up a whole other world of potential,lol.

Good luck with the search.

 

for the warm welcome and advice...

GT6 -

I used to own a TR6 in college...share your excitement for BL cars as well! I am leaning towards 82-83 in my uneducated mind because:
1) Not thinking I need the power boost of the 4.7/5.0 L nor the headache of the 32V design - seems like more potential to go wrong.
2) Along the same lines, the earlier cars seem to have less "technology" so less to go wrong. If I could find one with manual windows I would probably buy it!
3) 16V engines are non-interference, since I usually feel like I discovered Murphy's law, it's probably just initial nerves!
4) Lots of talk on here about OB cars being tougher to source parts for - my guess is that they all will start moving that way at some point.
5) At least with current prices, seems like an '84 or earlier is about where my investment $$ will stop - allowing for parts costs.

Please educate me - as with any vehicle or anything mechanical, I am sure that each model year has its own "issues".

Rob -
Pinball and Arcades are a disease for sure. Here's a couple of photos of a Williams EMs I have restored. First is a 1969 Suspense and a 1972 Jubilee. I can post pinball pics all day long since I don't have any car pics yet!

Medipedicman -
I will definitely check into the August/September event. Sounds like a great day to observe and ask questions.

Thanks again all - looking forward to the responses from my thoughts above.

-scott

 

You will find that the 928 central warning system often acts like it has a "tilt" feature...

 

Chris Lockhart is in Taylors, SC, his RL name is same.

 

Well if you are used to the power of BL cars, then I agree, the 4.5 should be plenty to suite your needs!

Great idea to go to the meetup. You will be way ahead of me in my research. First time I sat in a 928 was after mine arrived on the truck.