You probably don't want to paint it.  Mine was really oxidized, and
my luggage carrier was stained with rust from the old cleats.  I went to
a West Marine outlet and bought a rust-removing solution that worked
wonders.  The rust stains left as if by magic with very little
rubbing.   I have also replaced the cleats with a stainless steel set
that I bought from GoWesty.  West Marine had a compound that promised to
remove oxidation, but it was just a light polishing compound.  I
finished my luggage rack beautifully by buffing it with polishing
compound with an orbital buffer, and then following that with a good
polymer glaze wax.  Complete with the new Westfalia decal I bought from
Bus Depot, it looks like a new unit.  Next, I plan on doing the rest of
the poptop.
Tom LaLanne
'86 Subie Westy