Hi Andrew,

What is this disposable junk you speak of? New cars are safer, quieter, faster, and more efficient (not to mention shinier) than your '89. Why shouldn't people prefer new?

The rules are what you make them. You do you.

The parts supply, this was always going to be the case, Volvo can't be expected to maintain a parts supply for every bit of every 240. There has to be a market. They might be convinced if they would see a profit in it, as Mercedes has. But lets be honest, most 240 drivers don't have deep pockets or a desire to empty them. The answer, dunno, create value in the market? How do you get a 1970 Volvo 142 to be 10 times as valuable as it currently is? (comparing to https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/mercedes-benz/280se/2466576.html)
The other option is to have such a massive following that the market will support. See the original Mini. They are producing whole brand new body shells.

I share your affliction of being a mechanical sympathizer. It would be a lot less painful to be ignorant to such things. You have the right idea, lots of ppl do it, have a winter beater to save their "nice" car from the salt. Or you could get a newer car (a Volvo even!) that doesn't rust, that's what I did.

As for the trim, since you're going to the trouble of painting, why not strip off that trim and weld up the holes?

Regards,
Will
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XC60 / Odyssey