...the '96 GLE I bought last month would be darned near perfect. Personally, I can't stand the way the handles look and want to either:

1) replace them with chrome handles(or even better, dark green to match the car),

2) remove the gold from my present handles, or

3) swap out with someone who'd like to have them (the driver's side handle is starting to show some wear but the others are just fine).

So, thinking along the way of option #2 (and finding nothing on this topic via a search), I pose the question:

Has anyone tried to burnish/polish/whatever the gold off of their handles? If so, did the chrome/silver metal underneath start to rust or has it been just fine?

Thanks.

I have seen kits advertised in body shop magazines for going into your own gold detailing business. I appears that the gold is applied through electrolysis, similar to chrome plating. I have had parts de-chromed at chrome shops for a fraction of the cost of plating; all they have to do is reverse the electrical charge.

Try calling those detail shops that gold-plate and see if it can be reversed.

Let us know what you find out.

I don,t suppose.......
 

you live near San Antonio? I,ll trade chrome for yours.Long shot I know.

are these handles regional?
 

I've seen plenty of Maxima's with the gold emblems, but never with the handles.

Though I can imagine your predicament, if you have a green car with gold handles!

Green and gold would be o.k if you live in Green Bay, WS