Removing 98 Q45 Outer Door Handles; Gold Package/Plating

[tfvesquire]

Hi There:

I am considering the purchase of a 98 Q with an aftermarket gold package from a reputable dealer. I believe it to be an aftermarket package because the PO also did the outer door handles. It is not bad looking, but I would prefer the OE chrome handles while keeping the gold emblems and other trim.

My first question is whether the door handles can be stripped/buffed out to remove the gold coating while on the car, without damaging the painted sections. Second, can the painted sections be removed from the metal handle part so I can try and find a decent replacement chrome set from a salvage yard and simply bolt up to my existing pieces. Third, if they cannot be removed from the painted section, how much am I look to have a body shop paint the replacement handles (assuming I cannot locate a set of pearl white) to match if I do the labor and remove them from the car?

FYI: It is the very hard to match ivory pearl white. base, pearl and clear.

Also, how difficult is it to actually remove the handles? Any advice besides finding someone else to do it? I know you have to remove the inner door panels, but do you also have to reove all the windows, regulators and lock assemblies?

Thanks all.

Ted, Chicago

[silver2k2]

I have a 94 pearl Q but can offer some advice

Not coated handles will fit, but it will be a project, taking the door panels off of every door. If you had to get them painted and buy new I would not be suprised if the project gets to costsing 10 -15% of the cars cost assuming KBB of 8k.

The pearl is hard to match, being a tricoat, and aged it is one of the more difficult cars to paint, a good shop should be able to come very close though

Removing goldplating is a pain, I tried it before on some q emblems and it didnt work well I gave up and got chrome. Remember the chrome is plated too very hard to just removed the gold and not damage the chrome under it. Like trying to take the paint off a car and leave the primer intact. Either replace or live with it is my advice.

[5zigen]

I've heard airplane paint remover easily removes the gold plating.

Sourced from this post

http://www.vipstylecars.com/fo...07527

[tfvesquire]

Hi Frank:

Thanks for the info. Is this something you have read or actually tried yourself and been successful? I know that aircraft paint stripper or really strong, but not sure how it would react with the chrome underneath.

If anyone else knows whether this product or another could be used with good results please let me know. If I buy the car, I have to know whether I need to allocate additional money for replacement door handles.

Thanks!!

Ted

[bullittandy]

I don't know how easy it would be but I think you could polish it off. I did it kind of by accident when I was waxing/polishing my car on the rear "Infiniti" and "Q45" which were gold plated.

Now the door handles are a compound surface and thus would be harder to get completely clean but if you're interested.

[AlabamaDan]

Gold Door handles were factory. I remembering seeing them several times. I'm not a fan, but I remember them.

I don't recall door handles being anything other than chrome or gold.

[Skibane]

Just rub a little bit of mercury on them...Viola - instant "chrome"!