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Restoration from younger years, Surprised 1st owner

Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2017 8:51 pm
by Jeff N
I had a Bolens Diablo in my younger years from the mid 70's to the early 80's. The engine died, so i put it in my friend's barn. In the early 90's, i had heard the barn collapsed on my Diablo. In 2015 I saw one for sale and got thinking about my old snowmobile. I went to the abandoned farm in March of that year and it was still there. So my Dad and I decided to go rescue the old Diablo. I was able to source out some parts on my own and a big thanks to Bruce for the rest that I needed. I have been driving it, but waiting for my hood to get back from the paint shop.

Update: I got my hood back from the body shop on 1/8/17. Ready for Port Washington

On the way home from Port Washington on 1/15/17 I picked up my Dad, we decided to surprise the original owner of my Diablo who I have known my entire life. (He was totally unaware I was restoring it) We unloaded at his neighbors and we drove it into his yard as he was coming out of the barn, He stopped in his tracks and said (What the hell!) he walked up to it and stood there speechless. I told him about the restoration and all about the Port Washington Anniversary and he was still pretty much speechless. He said (god i still miss thing!). He said he thinks he purchased it Brand new in 1971 or 1972 .

I was talking to Re'al from Quebec at the show and he said i should post a picture with the original owner. Thanks Re'al for the good idea!