Best paint for the door lock striker?

Edit: I'm just going to replace them for $20.

My door lock strikers (term used by Toyota) are rusted, unsightly, and is making a rust streak.

I'd like to paint these parts. Of course where the door latches will get worn off pretty quickly. Can I use enamel from a rattle can or would there be a big advantage to getting these powdercoated? I have no idea how much something this small would cost to get powder coated, I just assume it would be expensive.

 

Looks like the rust has gotten into the pillar as well, judging by the paint bubbling. If you want to do it right, probably will have to take it off, wire wheel/ sand the rust off both sides and then color match paint.

If you just want to keep more rust from appearing you could clean the striker up with a wire brush and rag, and then hit it with some fluid film.

 

That part is way past fixing. It needs to be replaced. Any attempt to fix it would befutile since the rust will come back.

I would replace and start cleaning your door jams.
What does the other side of the door look like?

Your paint job right there is probably trashed. Might be risky to remove it.

 

I didn't even see the bubbling paint!
The door side of the latch mechanism looks fine.

Got me thinking about the trouble of taking them off and not being able to use my truck while I'm waiting for the paint to dry. For $20 I can just replace them outright.

$35 Toyota 69410-0C020 Door Lock Striker Plate

https://www.amazon.com/Toyota-69410-0C020-Door-Striker-Plate/dp/B01F985CQY

 

I still would want to address the rust issue under the striker though. Whether thats a layer of grease, fluid film, paint, whatever. Should probably do something before putting the new striker on

 

Agreed. I'll it off tonight just to see what I'm getting into.
If I do have to repaint, I've already thought of ways to paint without worrying about color matching, like just masking off a geometric design that complements the diamond shape of the striker and using a different color entirely.

 

It is in the door jamb already so I would just sand down, prime it and use some duplicolor paint match rattle can and clear coat.

 

POR 15 maybe, then color match over after removing all the rust.

 

That's what you get for living in PA.

Just kidding...I grew up in Kintnersville....not a bad place. Although the last time I was there was 1994.

 

If those bolts are stuck really badly, don't get too aggressive. Definitely soak them. On many vehicles the weld nuts inside the body are on a plate that is only spot welded, and in some cases made to be a bit flexible for adjustment purposes. If you get too rough with it, you might break it loose in there. I am not 100% sure how Tacomas are welded. I am guessing though that this is the case.

 

Luckily they are only assembled with 9 ft-lbs and so they were really easy to remove.

Looks to me the rust is either a stain on the paint, or very superficial. It really seems like there should be a hard plastic sheet between the striker and the paint.