Hey guys. I had a bit of time today after classes and rounds so I decided to clean and repaint the black door handle plastic. They were pretty faded and nasty. I'm pretty happy with how it came out.

First to remove the screw cover I highly recommend a razor blade or xacto knife.



After removing them I washed them with palmolive and then an ammonia cleaning product to remove any oils.

Then I painted them using this paint.



I applied probably 4-5 coats.

And re installed.

 

Very nice. Thanks for posting pics too.

 

No problem! I plan on tackling the headliner and redoing the drivers seat leather too in the next few weeks, so I will do the same for them.

 

All that between rounds? You da man.

 

Looks proper. Just got the exterior handle finishers from Mina.
Jaguar XJ6, XJ8 & XJR Chrome Door Handle Finisher
Jaguar XJ6, XJ8 & XJR Chrome Inner Handle Cups

 

good job..

 

dsnyder586- Haha Thanks! I'm still early in Med school so I have some free time once in a while. Right now I'm just observing and interviewing, but once I'm in a residency my free time will be gone.

King Charles- Can you post them up once you install them? They look nice!

 

Thanks Jim!

 

Surely.

 

Going to knock this out today after a wash. Is that paint gloss or semi, can't distinguish.

 

Real neat job. Nuf said.

 

Attempted mine today, they're apparently sun baked/merged the screw cap into the actual handle piece itself. I tried using an X-acto knife but the blades too flimsy & would surly break. So I will look for a more sturdy yet thin enough pry device tomorrow lol.

 

Might try this out as a project on day! I'm guessing you just take it off with that one screw; correct?

 

Hey King Charles. I think I used semi-gloss, but I'm sure gloss would look good too. Just make sure you use paint made for plastic. Sorry the xacto knife didn't seem like it would work. I used the blade out of a box cutter so I assumed the xacto knife would be strong enough. Good luck! And post pictures when it's done.

Pilotman11- Yep one screw and then you maneuver it around the door handle to get it off.

 

I use a small bladed flat screw driver to get the button off. Key is to align the button before reinstalling it using thin pliers as you reinsert it. Hardest part of the any job involving removing the door card.

 

I used semi-gloss, I think it does look good as well. I'll post pictures tomorrow because the first time, the paint didn't bond to the surface and just came off with ease; repainted it today and will be installing again tomorrow!

 

69merccougar :

How well is that paint you chose holding up, I see it's the paint & primer combo. I do plan on de-greasing mine w/ Dawn dish soap & rubbing alcohol thoroughly to ensure a good bond. Just hoping that Rust-Oleum "Painter's Touch" formula is readily available here.

Edit : Just got mine off I also have the tweeter screen so I will have to cover that.

Soaked mine in Dawn,white vinegar & warm water, rinsed & dried. They have very little in way of scratches/scuffs so I will experiment & soak a spot on one with Meguiars natural shine plastic protectant overnight & see how that does. If not pleased, I'll roll with the paint. Before & after pics of the spot test will be uploaded.

 

Installed today; eventually decided I did not like the gloss look as it didn't match up with the back doors which are in perfect conditions. Figured later this week I would buy flat black and do it over. I also lost the button. Oops. It fell into the abyss under my seat and no matter how much I tried, I could not find it. Anyone have suggestions on where to find another one?

 

Salvage yard.

 

Just did mine over after using colorbond black which looked kind of flat.
Second round used Rustoleum Fine textured. I'll try to get some good pics tomorrow. Rust-Oleum Stops Rust 12 oz. Protective Enamel Textured Black Spray Paint-7220830 - The Home Depot
They also make it for plastic.
Rust-Oleum Specialty 12 oz. Black Paint for Plastic Textured Spray Paint (6-Pack)-223717 - The Home Depot

I really like it.