Good or bad idea to clear over old plated parts? Options

[doug_b_928]

One of my winter projects is refurbishing the pedal cluster. I'm going to paint or powder coat the black parts (probably paint because I don't have a glossy powder). I'm not planning to get the plated stuff re-plated. Just clean it very well with a combination of steel wool, sand paper and wire wheels. But I was thinking putting a clear over the plated parts might keep them looking nice a lot longer. Is this a good approach when not re-plating?

[doug_b_928]

Thanks, guys. Are all parts of the cluster steel? If so I might just go with a silver paint for the parts that were plated. For the piece that I think is called the clutch tube, would you leave the tube unpainted or paint it? I'm wondering if the buildup of paint would prevent it from sliding through the main piece or hamper its rotation...

Eric, thanks for posting on how to rebuild the pedal cluster. Your advice about the air hammer followed by the punch was crucial to getting the thing apart. My roll pin doesn't appear to be hollow. Should the original pin be re-used or use the new one that is the rolled up type?

Bruce, thanks so much for your offer. I'll weigh my options. Shipping across the border and back can be a bit of a killer $$.