Thanks for the feedback.  I'll paint them.  I see Van Caf� has the rubber
trim pieces too.  I just wish I'd done this when I had the door apart for my
power lock and window install last summer!  

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Steve
Sent: Monday, March 24, 2014 11:23 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: door handle finish

I've had some powder coated with very mixed results.  Due to them being pot
metal, if they get too hot the metal will deform causing the lock to
malfunction.  If the powder coating people keep the heat low and as short a
time as possible, it works.  Don't try the newer slider handle, though.  It
has a plastic insert on the inside of the lever that will melt.  I've never
been able to remove that piece without breaking it.  I've had pretty good
luck painting with semi-flat black then 3 coats of clearcoat, lightly sanded
to reduce the gloss.
Steve Sandlin
Steve's Lock Shoppe
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