New finish on old front door latch

[Lexxy]

The silver coating....looked like chrome....was over 50% flaked off the front door knob on my 73 safari. I scrubbed the corrosion off and most of the silver off with Dremel. I know the bare aluminum will get hands dirty since it loves to oxidize.

What kind of coating can I put on this handle. Clear coat or polish or wax or actual paint. I don't want to spend a lot or take it off. It works fine and I'm afraid I won't get it back right. It doesn't look too bad...only a hair better than flaking silver.

I did search this and read a whole bunch of posts that didn't help.

[perryg114]

The material under the chrome is probably an aluminum-zinc casting (pot metal). It will turn a gray color and should not come off on your hands. You can polish it but I think it will turn gray again. You can use a zinc-chromate (etch primer) and a top coat of paint like auto spray touch-up paint.

Perry

[Lexxy]

I went all the way to the aluminum cuz it was pimpling up all over with corrosion bumps. What is clear coat on the aluminum body? Can I get that. My unit has never been polished and looks brushed so I think the clear coat is pretty ok....enuf anyway! I just thought I should finish the handle somehow.

[mccrosti]

Not sure of you had a door knob. My 72 has a Bargman latch.

[dwightdi]

The handle is not aluminum and will quickly discolored, if not painted. Some people paint, as the previous poster said. I would suggest you use automotive chrome or metal flake aluminum. I am not sure clearcoat will be enough to protect it.

[Lexxy]

That metal polishes up just like aluminum. It is the original latch like the photos I've seen but I will pursue an automotive paint. Thanks

[BIGED52]

Lexxy, Search your area for a local plating company and see what the cost would be for you to have it plated back to the original finish. This method will hold up much longer than painting and/or clear coating. Ed

[perryg114]

For what it would cost to chrome the old knob he could have one made out of solid stainless steel.

Perry

[Lexxy]

If I had it replanted, I would have to remove it. We just want an ok fix. Our unit is not a showpiece....just a camper. Thanks, I got the primer and spray paint at an auto place today. Just need a few spring days with no chance of rain.