Restoring or upgrading the interior of a 1982 Porsche 928 is a rewarding project that can dramatically improve the driving experience and value of the car. The 928's interior is known for its distinctive 1980s design, but many components have aged and may need replacement. This guide covers the most common interior parts for the 1982 model year, what to look for when buying, and practical advice for a successful restoration.
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Key Interior Components for the 1982 Porsche 928
The 1982 928 interior consists of several major areas that often require attention. Understanding each part's function and common failure points helps you make informed decisions.
Seats and Upholstery
The original seats in the 1982 928 are available in leather or cloth. Over time, leather dries and cracks, foam breaks down, and seat heaters may fail. Replacement seat covers are available from several sources. For a period-correct look, choose materials that match the original grain and color. You can also upgrade to sport seats from later 928 models, but this requires modifications to the mounting brackets. Reupholstering existing seat frames with new foam and covers is a common approach. Ensure the seat bottom foam is firm enough to support long drives.
Dashboard and Center Console
The 1982 dashboard is prone to cracking from sun exposure. Replacement dashes are difficult to find used, but aftermarket reconditioned units or plastic over-dashes are options. The center console houses the radio, climate controls, and gear shifter. Many owners replace the original stereo with a modern unit that fits in the same DIN slot. The console plastic can become brittle; be careful when removing it. Gauge clusters sometimes have failing circuit boards or dim bulbs. Rebuilding the cluster with new LED lights and capacitors is a cost-effective fix.
Door Panels and Trim
Door panels often separate from the backing due to adhesive failure. You can re-glue them, but replacement panels are scarce. Consider having them recovered by an upholstery shop. The window switches and door handles also fail; replacements are available new or used. The interior wood trim on the 928 is typically lacquered zebrano or walnut. If the lacquer has yellowed or cracked, you can refinish it or buy reproduction trim sets.
Carpets and Floor Mats
Factory carpets wear thin over 40 years. Molded replacement carpets in original colors are available from several retailers. They come pre-cut and fit over the factory jute padding. If your 928 has a sunroof, check for water leaks that cause mildew under the carpet. Aftermarket floor mats are easy to find, but heavy-duty fitted mats that don't slide around are preferable.
Headliner and Sun Visors
The headliner on the 1982 928 is a fabric-covered board that often sags. Replacements come as pre-covered boards that you can glue in place. Sun visors lose their shape or the mirrors crack. Reproduction visors are available, or you can reconstruct the originals with new foam and fabric.
Restoration Considerations for the 1982 Porsche 928
Before ordering parts, inspect your interior thoroughly. The 1982 model has some specific quirks.
Material Quality and Matching
Early 928 interiors used a blend of vinyl and leather. If you only replace the front seats, the color may not match the rear. Use a color-matched dye to bring everything harmonized. For leather, use a conditioner regularly to prevent further cracking. The plastic trim pieces often fade differently; consider using a trim restoration product or painting them with SEM brand interior paint for a durable finish.
Electrical Components
The 1982 928 has many electrical features for its era: power windows, seats, mirrors, and optional sunroof. These systems rely on switches and relays that can corrode. Clean contacts with electrical contact cleaner. For window regulators, the plastic gears break; replace them with metal gear kits available from specialty suppliers. The dash wiring harness gets brittle; inspect for exposed wires and repair with heat shrink.
Sourcing Parts
New old stock (NOS) parts are rare and expensive. Reputable specialty retailers online offer high-quality reproduction parts. For unique items like the shift boot or parking brake cover, aftermarket versions often use more durable materials. Volkswagen and Audi parts are sometimes interchangeable because the 928 shares components with other 1980s VW/Audi products (such as window switches). Always verify fitment before purchasing.
Upgrading for Performance and Comfort
If you're not restoring to factory specs, you can improve the 928's interior.
Sound Deadening and Heat Insulation
The 928 interior can be noisy and hot due to the rear transaxle. Add sound-deadening mats (like butyl rubber) under carpets and inside doors. Ceramic heat insulation on the transmission tunnel reduces cabin heat. This is a DIY job that takes a weekend but greatly improves comfort.
Analog to Digital Gauges
Some owners replace the instrument cluster with a digital dash, but this eliminates the classic look. A better upgrade is replacing the factory clock with a quartz movement or a small digital display that integrates with your phone.
Steering Wheel
The original steering wheel is large and thin. Aftermarket wheels from Momo or Nardi offer better grip and a smaller diameter. You'll need a hub adapter specific to the 928. Keep the original wheel for resale, but enjoy a sporty feel daily.
Final Recommendations
For a 1982 Porsche 928 interior, prioritize the parts that affect safety and comfort first: seats, steering wheel, and electrical systems for windows and locks. Use professional upholstery for seats and door panels to get a factory-like finish. Source your parts from specialists who know the 928 – they can confirm fitment and material match. If on a budget, focus on cleaning and conditioning existing parts rather than replacing everything. The 928 interior can be brought back to life with careful attention, and the result is a truly iconic driving environment.
Remember to document your restoration with photos. This helps with reassembly and adds value to the car when you sell it. Take your time, and don't hesitate to ask for advice specific to the 1982 model year – its unique features make it worth the effort.