chrome rock guards

[Snuke87chevy]

When I bought my truck it had those chrome panels that you stick on the lower side of the body all around it.  I'm thinking of painting it in a few months and was wondering if I should just buy new front fenders and door shells or if I can get those panels off without making a mess.  Also, I 've heard that the skin can rust really bad behind those panels.  Should I just leave them on there and try to sell them to somebody for a beater or an old farm truck or see if I can take them off?