Re: Dr. Colorchip
I recently did two things to deal with rock/sand damage from the freeways. First, on my used 2005 Xfire (25,000 miles) roadster that I drive about 4000 to 5000 miles a year only in Summer and early Fall, I had the bottom of the front bumper repainted ($80) and then purchased a black bra for the front. This has really helped. The bra takes about 5 minutes to put on and I take it off each week as I do the hand wash on the car. Second, on the 2007 Xfire coupe I put only about 300 to 400 miles a year on I put an invisible bra and put on a black vinyl bra for freeway driving. If you do this make sure you do the lights, mirrors, door edges and the area behind the wheels.
I did this because of my experience with my wife's Mercedes. When she purchased the car (2007) she had a invisible bra put on. At the time I thought what a waste of money BUT after 3 years and 36,000 miles the front looks like it is new. I use a special cleaner on it and it works great. I am glad I reserved my judgement on the invisible bra and as you read above I put it on my 2007 Xfire which was used and had 7000 miles on it but was in perfect shape.
By the way these methods are preventive rather then able to fix existing damage. The only real cure IMHO is fix it with body work and then take preventive methods using either a conventional bra or an invisible bra. Cheapest method is the traditional bra ($150); the invisible bra ($700) is more expensive.