Hi there,

I've got a Corrida Red Fabia vRS with black door handles and bumper strips. I'd like to colour code them as I think it would look a lot nicer.

For the door handles I think I have 2 options.

First I could take the door handles off and ask a body shop to paint them for me, my only worry about this is the cost.

Secondly I could buy a set of chrome door handle covers off Ebay for about £20 and paint them myself.

Has anybody done this or does anybody have any views on the best way of doing this. Are there any issues with the handle covers or will they provide a nice finish?

As for the bumper strips I'm thinking about removing these. I know they are just glued on but is there any risk of damaging the paint underneath when peeling them off? I think ill wait for some warmer weather before attempting this as it should help soften the glue.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Gary.

if you paint chrome handles you'll have to make sure they are prepared properly or the paint will chip really easily...some people have experienced problems with paint bubbling when removing the side strips...make sure you heat the strips with a hair dryer before attempting removal.

The way I'd do is to to buy some standard handles from a salvage Fabia (plenty on Ebay) and then prepare, prime and paint these - or get a shop to do them. That way time can be taken getting the prep and finish right, without you being left without handles on your car!

For the strips, I'd do a quick enquiry from a dealer parts dept, to see what a new set will cost you. Again, same as above - time can be taken then to sort them out.

Steve

Thanks for the advice. The idea behind the handle covers from ebay was so I could spend time preparing them without having to run with no handles, but I have reservations about how good of a finish could be achieved on them, and also if they will stick well or peel off over time. I will look into getting another set of handles though, do the handles from all Fabia's fit the vRS, or are the vRS handles specific to the car?

After a bit of reading I'm now unsure if I want to change the bump strips, I may do the handles first then decide if they need doing.

Thanks again.

The bodyshop that's repairing, painting and fitting my vRS rear bumper (pick it up at 3pm, wooo!) gave me a quote of £50 to colour-code the existing door handles, which I feel is pretty reasonable.

Also, the vRS handles are the same as any other Fabia, and the Octavia Mk1, and the 9N Polo, and the Mk4 Golf, and a few Seats...a VAG cost-cutting measure perhaps?

Edited 25 February, 201016 yr by Leodhasach

The way I'd do is to to buy some standard handles from a salvage Fabia (plenty on Ebay) and then prepare, prime and paint these - or get a shop to do them. That way time can be taken getting the prep and finish right, without you being left without handles on your car!

For the strips, I'd do a quick enquiry from a dealer parts dept, to see what a new set will cost you. Again, same as above - time can be taken then to sort them out.

Steve

thort he wanted rid of his :wonder: