Should I restore it? It's a 1970 M.Y. with a 4 speed and 150,000 miles on the original B30. Also, it has been garaged for the past 25 years. The questions are:
1. What would the cost of restoration be, which including replacing many of the bearings (because it's been sitting), taking apart much of the engine/transmission and rebuilding it, fixing 1 rust spot on the body, and a full reupholstering of the interior. (as well as most likely a new coat of paint, for cosmetic reasons). Note: There could be more things needed that I overlooked.
2. Is it worth restoring the vehicle? (is it a good car to restore?)
3. Where can I get parts? (other than through a parts car)
4. What is the value of the vehicle fixed up (for insurance)
5. If the B30 engine can't get going/can't be brought back to life, would it be a good choice to swap in a nissan RB engine? (like an RB20, RB25, or an RB26 from a JDM Nissan Skyline)

Worth noting: the restoration was started, but never finished (stopped in '91 for personal reasons). Also, I plan on doing much of the work myself, and only outsourcing jobs when absolutely necessary.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

I would say no just because you are hear asking for someone else to talk you into it. Other than that the car has little value to anyone but the restorer or collectors. That being said, the restoration would have to be near perfect to be worth anything to them. NADA Guides claim that some have sold for as high as $7,200.
1970 Volvo 164 4 Door Sedan Prices, Values & Specs - NADAguides

Most people wouldn't look at it the first time because it has little or no modern features. Other than that, if you need a project to keep you out of trouble and have some hobby money to waste, go right ahead.

 

Regarding that comment, I would have to say it's less being talked into it and more wanting to know how much money would have to be put into the car to get it to be roadworthy and running. However, what has been brought up so far is very logical.

 

If it's truly a labor of love and you have a few $K at hand I say go for it.

A restored 164 would definitely be a head turner and get some attention at car shows.

Got any photos?


What's your location?
(If you don't mind my asking)

 

It's on the East Coast, and no, I don't have any photos right now, but I'll post some soon, granted, the car has a lot of crap on top of it, and some of the body panels/seats are removed (but are still within easy reach, they're in storage). Also, since the car is supposed to run on the no-longer-avaliable 97 octane fuel that's leaded, what should I do with that?

 

Use the highest octane rating you can find and a lead substitute.

At the very least, Lucas Fuel Treatment.
Lucas Fuel Treatment : Lucas Oil

 

Is there a way to modify the engine in order to get it to accept 93 AKI octane without any additives (or even 87 AKI for that matter, also, unleaded shouldn't be a problem, as it has run on it with no issues, granted, that was in the 80s)