Flott Leben

Has anyone found a good way to restore/refinish the aluminum (I think) retainer rings that surround the key holes on the outside of the doors? What type of paint would work best? Does the metal have to primed and if so, how? Thank you.

Randy V

I think Jager makes some in brushed stainless steel that might look good on your black car.

To refinish them yourself, I'd think it would just be a matter of sanding to bare metal, apply an aluminum primer then spray on the matching topcoat.

Flott Leben

Thanks, Randy. You can confirm that they are aluminum? Sorry, I am a novice on painting issues: where would I get aluminum primer? And then you can just use regular paint on top of the aluminum primer?

Thanks.

MikeN

In the past I have just cleaned them really well, masked them off from the body really well, covered the key hole, and then shot them with a little Testors flat black model paint, then a top coat of Testors satin clear. My car is black so they look fantastic and have stayed that way for three years now. Others may want to try something different.

bcdavis

My flat black paint job on the trim ring scraped off pretty quickly. I decided jut to strip them to bare metal with my dremel wire brush...

GT Jackson

Aluminum etching primer in spray cans can be had at most automotive autobody stores. Paint will then adhere to the primer surface.

Flott Leben

Thanks, guys. My main concern is that the paint not scrape off each time I turn the key. Suggestions? Maybe a polyurethane (or similar hard clear topcoat?

MikeN

A top coat does make it last longer, but nothing short of being careful with the key or powder coating the suckers will keep the paint from being scratched off in the long term.

low miler

I personally give my stamp of approval to almost every Jager Engineering product, with the only exception being the lock trim peices. They are just a decal that will easily come off over time with car washes ect. I would strongly suggest masking off the lock and keyhole, spraying an aluminum base and then toping it off with a satin finish rubberized paint. The original finish was actually satin and not flat. The rubberized coating will give a little when scratched with key and will not be subject to easy peeling. Good luck and post a pic when your done for everyone to see.

Flott Leben

Mike,
Thanks for the help.

Lowmiler,
Rubberized paint. hmmm, that sounds promising. If I can just get my hands on some. Suggestions? That stuff would also be great for our front bumpers - maybe avoid some chips.

Don Carter

There's a guy here in Houston that polished his and they look pretty good. (you listening Steve?)

ROG100

An easy way to mask off the center lock is to use a nickle with some "blue tack" on the back. Fits perfectly and saves messing around with masking tape on such a small circle.

Nicole

Now, does the value of the nickel increase with the custom paint job, or does it lose value because it is no longer original? Can't figure that one out....

I have th eJager lock overlays, and while they are not as nice as professional style refinishing of the pieces, they are a simple enhancement and potect the original rings from more damage. Mine have not in any way come lose of even come off. I had cleaned the surface thoroughly before applying them.

tuk_928

Flott Leben,
While your trying to decide which method is best...just use a Sharpie to color in the black trim around the keyhole Mine were completely without color...decided to go that route while I was deciding what to do for a more durable resto. Thanks for posting this thread....
Cheers,
Tim

ColinB

I sprayed mine with UHT heatproof 'case paint'. No primer. Semi-matt finish. It took about half an hour to mask it, looks original and was really satisfying. 2 years later it looks the same.

Colin
89GT