First of all, nice hardware choice there. Very classic. Second of all, I think having two finishes is the right option in this case. As for the faceplate ... well, flip a coin. I don't think it matters. My first thought was the nickel, but then I thought that the unlacquered brass will develop a nice patina over time and look more "original." Either way I don't think you can go wrong.

Sorry guys, for the week's delay. I was on a cruise and didn't have access to a computer (at least one that didn't cost a lot per-minute). For some reason I didn't see the post from 7/22 before I left, so sorry... It's an off-brand access control unit (although it did have most of the features I was looking for), and seems to be made by KAWA, model #MG236C. I can buy a 12V DC door strike, since that seems like it would simplify the setup. Voltage: DC 12V, Current: 450mA (NO function -- Normally Opened -- Fail Secure). KAWA does say about this door strike: "Please note that this electric strike can connect directly to access control unit, but we do not suggest buyer to do so because it will shorten the lifespan of your access control unit due to high current passing through the electric strike. Instead, you should connect the strike directly to an intelligent uninterruptible power supply that has NC/NO output. Make sure your UPS is "intelligent" meaning that it has NC or NO power output and can receive "door open" signal input from your access control." Would a relay work in place of this "intelligent" UPS? (I don't need a UPS functionality in this application.) So would the components be: AC-DC TRANSFORMER, feeding: ACCESS CONTROL UNIT (12V DC), feeding (via "+12V" and "PUSH/NO" terminals): RELAY (12VDC), feeding (via "COM" and "NO" terminals): DOOR STRIKE (12V DC, 450mA) Would this relay be the right one: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062481 Thanks again for your help! I'll be sure to be checking this thread reliably now that I'm back. Take care, John

I see the indents now. I wouldn't try to remove the aluminum piece from the glass. Instead, I would use a Dremel and carefully grind away the lip on the aluminum channel (on the side closest to the handle). It appears that if you can grind the aluminum next to the steel piece that the rusted bit would lift out with some gently prying or slide out the end... Then clean up the rest of the aluminum with a file so you have a straight edge. Any idea of what you're going to replace it with?

I would paint only the front door -- you want to welcome visitors, not give them a maze of possible entries. With these starting colors, you can go any direction you want! Red, pink, blue, green, chartreuse... Look at some photos and see what appeals to you!