I did mine this summer..

First of all, wet sand them with a fine grain and get most of the old paint off,
then use some self etching metal primer on them.  You'll need to lightly sand
between coats, and probably do two or three coats.  Then finsih them off with a
couple coats of satin finish black bumper paint.  The handles are a wierd "white"
metal that really doesn't take paint very well.  Having them powder coated would
be the best, but that's pricey.  My method was time consuming, but the finish
holds up well.  Resist the urge to just rough them up and tremclad them.  The
paint won't stay on.

Also, be prepared to do the whole deal once you touch up the handles.  Once they
look nice and shiney, the window catches, grill, bumper end caps, antennae mount,
and other bits, will all look dull.

Good luck!

Greg.
82 westy.

Bill Marshall wrote:

> Hey there, folks,
>        Anybody have any experience in painting the door handles of a vanagon?
>  Although the 'patina' look is nice for furniture, my handles just look worn
> out.  Any ideas/experience on prepping and what kind of paint ot use would be
> great.  Thanks.
>
> Bill Marshall
> 85 GL Tiico
> Phoenix AZ