Hey guys, thanks for the responses.

Robert - Stripping would get me just what I'm looking for. I'll have to schedule some "elbow grease" time for that operation.

veganbikes - I've seen the stainless steel rack in photos and, in photos, it looks as though it has some kind of clear coating on it. That would probably chip off just as the black does. I'll contact more of the bike shops around here to see if I can take a look at one. That rack is also waaaay expensive, although if it comes down to it, I may just go that route.

Thanks again. Reid