Brookville Roadster Running Boards

[81ls1camaro]

I bought a pair of running boards that have the rubber already glued on and the trim is the cheap stainless steel jobbies already installed.
The running boards are bare steel and I want to paint them, has anyone taken the rubber and trim off without ruining them? It would be nice to epoxy prime all sides to make sure they last. It was recommended that I throw the trim away and buy some that are more correct, but I would like to keep this trim to avoid further investment.
Any tips before I make a mess of them?