Vicki I don't know how your hand/feet circulation is but mine sucks so I also use hand/toe warmers:
http://www.warmers.com/
Keeps me from seizing up in the cold and even work when wet etc.
I absolutely agree. I think that clear coat may happen but I doubt it. That said, a lot of the colors they offer are translucent so you can still see the carbon (and fades are free). So I was originally thinking of a translucent red fading to clear (towards the back) with the lugs clear coated. I thought that would look pimp.
More pics of the amazing craftsmanship: