My step bars are really really scratched up (No rust though). I am thinking about sanding them down and painting them to match the silver on my rockers. Can this be done without the paint flaking off easily? I hate to waste my time only to fine it peeling in two weeks.....

 

If you can get them roughed up enough there is no reason why it shouldnt work. If you have access to someone sandblast that it would be even better.

 

Check into the cost of getting them powder coated. A good sandblast followed by powder coat should last quite a while.

 

I may "Blast" them with sandpaper in my hand and the paint kind of looks like powder as it comes out of the spray can, also in my hand. Is that what you guys are referring to?????

I am a chronic cheapskate. If I have to pay someone to sandblast them and then pay to have them powdercoated than I would just leave them as is. If I get this done it will be by my own hand.
Now if I can find a silver that matches my rockers.......

Thanks for the replies.

 

Are they too scratched up to run a good polish over them?

 

if you paint them you might want to prime them with a good chromate primer that is designed to stick to the stainless. try scuffing them up for looks, brushed stainless looks good too.

 

I tried polishing them with Mothers which works great on everything else. It had no effect on these at all. Honestly, I don't want to waste my time and have them flake off in a couple months. I am gonna leave them as-is and keep my eyes open for a set of factory running boards....