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Robert Metz's 1963 PV544 |
When it comes to restoring old Volvos, Robert Metz has an advantage over most people -- he's the parts manager at Ventura Volvo in Ventura, California. Over the years we've been buying parts from Robert, he's kept the dealership's parking lot interesting with a Duett panel truck, a '53 444, and now this '63. The Duett was tragically destroyed in a collision, and Robert sold the 444 to a collector -- even Volvo parts managers can't get parts for engines that old.
In the suspension department, Robert fitted the car with custom-made springs, widened slotted wheels, and Bilstein shocks. He tried out an ipd anti-sway bar in the front, but liked the handling better with the stock bar and went back to it (ipd does not make a complementary rear bar for the 544).
Robert is willing to field questions about his car by E-mail. You can reach him at: R1912@aol.com
"Starcars" license plate created by David Doyle.
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Robert's original plan was to build this car into a vintage racer after repairing a crushed roof. As he worked on it, though, he thought it a shame to gut a body as rust-free as this, and (much to Mrs. Metz's relief, we're sure) restored the car as his daily driver instead. It did just happen to get a B20 bored to 2130cc bolted into it, equipped with an ipd "Street Torque" cam, double-wound valve springs, and a header...
Having had first hand experience with whiplash in the wreck of his Duett, Robert installed three-point seat belts in all five passenger positions, and front seats with headrests from a 242. The upholstery matches the original door panels, and tasteful gray cloth centers go well with the new rubber floor matting. A MOMO steering wheel and a nice European Blaupunkt sound system finish things off inside.
If you're ever passing Ventura on US 101, stop in and say "Hi" to Robert. His boss would probably like it if you bought a set of spark plugs while you're at it. Or might you be interested in an 850R or two?