I have an automatic console (red) that is in great shape except for the two metal doors. Can they be sanded and painted with good success? If so what type of paint? Considering the condition and replacement cost of this item I would like to restore this one. Any suggestions?

Yes they can be painted, if the paint is scratched up you might want to strip the old off and start over on the doors. You can buy paint striper at auto zone or just about any car parts place. Strip the paint, clean it up real good and primer it, then just spray the color you want. But when you do this get enough spray paint to do the whole console, so it will match. When i did mine i use some semi flat krylon, but mines black.
You can get the factor colors from eather year one or ricks first gen. This is a good do-it-yourself project. Hope it helps
btw dont get the paint striper on the rest of the console, just on the metal parts or you will get upset real fast.

Thanks for the info! How well does the paint stick to the plastic parts and do I need to prep them in any way?

I've had great luck with using the vinyl paint witout a primer, but they (ricks etc...) offers a primer for this purpose.

Good luck
John