My friend Pete rolled in last night ....

Pete's a life long confirmed bachelor, all his kids have four paws. He's a wealth of knowledge and comes up some interesting stuff; first year Kawi Drifter that was modified to look like an Indian, old British stuff, tool kit from a '28 Rolls etc.; last night he showed me his latest, a 1999 BMW R-1100 S with almost 7,000 miles on it.

Recent health issues have given Pete an opportunity to reflect and reassess. With that in mind, he offered to sell me his (1958?) Volvo Duett. Money wasn't discussed but I know the car, it's worth it.

With a history of bastardizing cars and motorcycles, this will be my first adventure into restoration and I'd love to hear your advice. With fresh gas it will run all day, of course you would do all the juices and grease anything that moves; but how do you draw the line where to stop?

Guess the first thing is to get it and see where it is. It's very solid and I believe the paint can be brought back.

Does the stock engine have enough gettyup or is a cam etc. in its future?

Thanks, Dan

THe Volvo is an odd little car that I don't really know anything about except that it's neat looking but not really desirable to me in any way except to talk to the owner of one while walking around a car show. I don't want to drive it. I don't want to own it. I can appreciate that it exists and someone else cares about it.

That bike though... I'd like to own and ride that. You are engaging him about the wrong thing :)

Not that I would be confused, but perhaps you might want to clarify for those that just skim text and look at pictures that this is a Volvo Duett:

As is this:

The Duett probably has a B16 in it which is dead nuts reliable. The easy button would be to drop in a B18 or B20 for more power. Uprated cams are plentiful for all of these engines. It probably has a 4 spd w/o overdrive so long trips will be a whiney affair unless you graft on an electric OD from a later Volvo (122, P1800, etc.). Again, all very doable and parts pretty much interchange.

As an errand running, around town, short day trip car you will probably love it and get attention every where you go. It will be reliable as the day is long. Duetts in nice shape are rising in value as they are getting a bit more rare than later models.

Nice Corbin pieces on the bike. Beetle bags and judging by his permanent bachelor status, a Corbin Gunfighter, although the cowl makes a positive id difficult.

The Volvo is interesting.

travellering wrote: As is this:

Pete's is like that but green with cream trim.

Wow, that bike is pretty. And the Volvo is tempting, too, if you're a car show kind of guy.