I recently had a chance to purchase a 1986 Convertible 928. I was planning on converting an 1980 project car to a convertible but the size of the project and the difficulty getting parts was becoming more than I wanted to get into. So buying the convertible short circuited that project. I may still restore the 1980, but given all of the minor things that need repair on even a good condition 928, it will be awhile. The Convertible is an automatic so I am now looking for a 85-89 parts car with a five speed.
Since I purchased the car from a dealer I got very little information on the car and had to rely on a close physical inspection. From what I understand the car was converted when new by a firm in LA for a famous basketball player. This all I really know. The entire conversion used many of the factory parts as a start. The only parts fabricated out of fiberglass are the lid covering the top when it is folded down and spoiler. The trunk lid and door posts are metal and appear to be fabricated from the original body panels.
The inside frame has been modified to add strength to compensate for the lack of support from the missing roof. This includes new inside rocker panels and a super structure that replaces the back seats. Currently the back seat area is occupied by some very large speakers. Some time when I finish cleaning up the details I plan on modifying a part of rear seats and refitting them to the car.
The wheels are Italian Gotti Ettole sixteen inch which I also plan on replacing in the future.
The car is a kick to drive. I have managed to eliminate most of the rattles and the feel is all Porsche and all 928. If anything the car is a bit stiffer or tighter in the turns than the coupe I own. Where many things have been improved and modified on the car but the suspension is stock and original.
One negative is the top is manually operated. This is less than would be expected on a luxury car. Newer Porsches and Mercedes all have power tops. So somewhere along the line I will try to find a power set up and do the conversion. Sounds like a good winter project.
I am interested in any information that anyone has on the origins of the car and companies that offer conversions. E-mail me at dbrindle@kondratyev.com