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Generally speaking, the way it was done originally is the plated area(s) was copper and nickel plated first, then the unit was assembled followed by the chromium dip. Areas that you do not want plated can be wrapped in plastic tape.
Personally I would disassemble them and do it correctly to ensure the metal is not left bare to rust in the hidden area, -and second to ensure you get an even plating coverage and not a build-up that will cause them to bind when folding them. Leaving them assembled will also make it difficult to go a good job of buffing.
Also, if the irons are in nice shape like you say, I would spray a light coat of 2k epoxy and let it flash followed by a medium coat of tan paint and call it done. I would not try to powder paint the pieces.