Hi Dave, Here's the more durable (and expensive) VG's. I have had them installed for three years and they are very durable. They are not painted. http://www.mywebco.com/cci/index.html The old factory VG's are definitely brittle - they will break off in less than 6 months according to my old buddy in Hilton Head. I don't know how much painting them helps. Ronnie