Reconditioning shock bodies / rust?

[RustyC]

Planning to rebuild shocks. Seals, shims and bearings are easily sourced. My question is on the shock bodies themselves. The bodies are starting to rust and corrode. I'm looking into options other than new parts. 4 new bodies are over $150. I have 8 coil-overs I would like to do hence my question.
What are options for metal finishing that will stand up to what we put out shocks through.
Home electrolysis plating, Cerakote or covers.

How would a nylon lace up or velcro on cover effect performance? I could see them getting pinched between the springs.

 

[TBItoy]

new bodies are zinc plated, you could get them replated, or you could get them nickel plated (of which there are lots of options, colors too)

 

[Eddyj]

Damn good ideal on refinishing not sure where to go in Bham though...
I've always been under the assumption that covers keep the moisture in more than keeping it out.