Well, some pics now, and more to follow as the day progresses. Has gone something like this so far though

The covers which were starting to look a little cack!

Covers removed and this is what I was faced with. Loadsa gunk!

Some firm but precise work with a flat screwdriver had it back to this.

Then using some fairly rough sandpaper, I had them smoothed off as well as possible. Wiped off with a cloth to remove any dust left on them

Then the RAG from a month back was used to protect the car from overspray.

A particularly APT article from it that I put up high for all to see.

Blob of blutac appeared the only sensible way to cover the door barrel....

And so far only one fine layer of plastic primer has been put on. Currently letting it cure a bit before sticking on a couple more.

First layer of paint goes on. Just going to build up the paint gradually so this first layer is more like a primer to ensure the paint will be adhering to the plastic primer underneath well.

Wouldn't new pre painted handles be an easier route to take J? :confused:

Or removing the handles?

pre-painted and removed? That doesn't sound like the way of the mongrel! :P Not aware of pre-painted anywhere. Plus, removing the handles is a bit scary as never done it, plus the paper gets in behind and there's no chance of missing any. Less mechanical work for me to do this way.

Second layer of paint.

What type of brick are you painting it with :P

Skoda aerosols. Not putting it on with anything else. The finish will be better once the lacquer starts going on but there's only 2 coats on so far, or 1 and a half to be more precise.

Actually, coat #2 should be dry now so going to go and see about coat #3.

First thin coat of lacquer just gone on. I have somewhat "over-run" and have now rubbed down my passenger wing mirror where I left a nice thumbprint in it after painting it the last time, and now repainting that too.

What did you rub it down with? A chisel?

How are you getting coverage behing the handle?

I know a door handle is hard to mask off... I just hope you don't get any bleed though. Cos' looking at those pics you just may.

Really, any improvement is better than before, and the surface is not bad.

Not bothering with any surface behind. Only going as far as the can will go when pointing down/up.

It's coming on OK. Sure, some rough bits but anything is better than those covers of before.

Reminds me, time for more lacquer.

Wouldn't new pre painted handles be an easier route to take J? :confused:

Are they available? Last time I searched on here I'm sure the verdict was that they're only available with a new car.

Ive got a bad feeling about this!

Ive got a bad feeling about this!

Something you ate??

Really want to do mine, lets the car down.

apparantly you can remove them without taking the inner door card etc off, if my haynes manual is accurate.

If these are like VW they are a easy to remove.....and yes without removing a door card or anything

looks very rough.

Should be down to 1200 grit wet and dry

does anyone have a part number and price for 4x door handles un primed out of interest?

You could have taken the covers off and color coded them instead, then stuck them back on.

3B0 837 205 G - outer handle

3B0 837 879 - cap for around the door barrel

(The above is for front handles)

3B0 837 205 G - door handles (yes, appear to be same parts as main front door outer handles too )

3B4 839 879 A - caps for rear doors (obviously solid as no door barrel)

On rear doors there appears to be a plastic housing 1K4 839 167 which I'm not sure is entirely covered by the cap.

Went outside earlier to check on my spray job and whilst not perfect at all, is much better than it was - as is the fingerprinted wing mirror.

i don't know how people can do this to their cars.

i'd rather wait till i could get it done properly by a bodyshop, and have black door handles rather than do a bodge job.

Its take about 10 minutes max to remove all four door handles and all you need is a T20 torx screw driver. No trims have to come off.

More updates! I'm interested to see what it looks like!!!!

:P:rofl:

:P:rofl:

You're lucky I don't edit that!! :P

What's the fun in not doing something yourself. Takes all the fun out of your Saturday!