When your car finally needs a new paint job, and a really good application involves blasting, sanding, and then primer with a couple of finish coats for a reasonable cost over $3K, there is a new alternative:

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Graphics/3Mgraphics/Products/Series1080/

If you are familiar with Scotch Guard that is used as a clear bra to protect against stone chips, here is the good news. 3M now makes a product that can wrap the entire car, in the color you want, for a not so small fee but still cheaper than a very good respray.

When it comes time to sell your ride, you can peel off the 1080 plastic and have the original paint underneath. Besides, no more stone chips to worry about.

I am going to give this product serious thought before I respray Xena. And, no, I will not use the simulated carbon fiber film on my 1967 wagon.

Klaus
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Volvos should be saved from the junk yards, not donated.