Great story Eric, that little bugger is cool! Ya know, I did have a nos briggs decal like the one on top there...I'll see if I can scrounge it up.
I'm with Matt, maybe a coat of VHT high temp/chemical resistant paint on the handle..they do make a bright chrome color, and if you can find a way to heat it up, that stuff cures real nice.
Good luck with it
Jeff (teet)