I want to remove or paint over the chrome on the bottom of the body- any suggestions

 

It's probably stuck on there to cover over the rust holes by the previous owners.

 

Remove it slowly using a heat gun
You can't just polish it?
Or is it (was it) plastic coated
I am one for removing it now (before it does rust out under the chrome)

 

Those look like Putco aftermarket panels, same as I have. If so, they're just stuck on so I would imagine the application of heat would be the best way to remove them. Each to his own, but I love the way they dress up my truck.

 

Definitely heat it up and pull it off. The truck will look better.