to paint or not to paint?

[mbouse]

this is the question.

gonna replace all four brake calipers on the '78 this fall... or at least right after FFO. Great opportunity to throw around some paint.

anyone have practical experience at doing this? i'd like to hear some recommendations.... type of paint, color, etc.

or, any bad experiences? what not to do?

[njspy]

this is the question.

gonna replace all four brake calipers on the '78 this fall... or at least right after FFO. Great opportunity to throw around some paint.

anyone have practical experience at doing this? i'd like to hear some recommendations.... type of paint, color, etc.

or, any bad experiences? what not to do?

I have painted calipers before, you need brake caliper paint kit. comes w/cleaner and paint
pm sent

[So Cal Mark]

don't use crackle paint

[manoa matt]

"what not to do?"

Don't get any paint on the mating surfaces that are supposed to slide. Also don't get paint on the caliper surfaces that touch the back of the brake pads.

[So Cal Mark]

don't paint the sealing surface for the banjo bolt

[manoa matt]

Now Mike, why on earth would you ever consider painting you calipers when this fine product is available: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CALIPER- ... enameZWDVW

It much good for you car needs. For years will last glue of silicone. Why from competitor you buy?

[stefhahn]

I would consider an additional part fixed w/ a questionable method/glue in the area of brakes being something dangerous. What happens if it brakes off?
In addition I have my doubts that this is useful when changing the pads etc.
IMHO - if you want color - use paint. But - I'd prefer the polished version.

ciao,
Stefan

[mbouse]

matt - -

har har har

I laugh you at this suggestion

[racydave]

Yes, Matt is on a roll. Must be playin in the drain canals in the weird water. Clearcoat!

[manoa matt]

Yes, I was joking. I also found that product usless, dangerous, and vain. Attach it with silicone, WHAT?? It's sure to dislodge and get chewed up by the rim, backing plate, caliper and explode into a million pieces when you least expect it. (although you would expect it to)

This is probably what caused Jerry Seinfeld's brakes to fail, do you have a roll bar?

The real question is: Do your rims have enough open space so that you can see your handy-work? All that fancy paint work is lost if you can't see it. In light of recent posts I agree with Stefan and Dave, Polish it and clear coat it. You could also make a little Fiat stensil and paint on the letters as an accent, kind of like you would see on a Willwood or Brembo caliper. Because thats the look you are after right?

[mbouse]

interesting thoughts Dave and Matt. Yes, when rolling there would be enough openings to see the bright red caliper and caliper bracket through the wheels... but when stopped, i doubt that you'd be able to read the wording of a monogram or stencil name on the caliper.

is there a high temp clear coat that would work on brake calipers? available at the local parts store? hmm... i will consider such.

[ga.spyder]

Eastwood has a really nice kit ,that a friend of mine used on his car.I have been kicking around doing it on my car.

http://eastwood.resultspage.com/search? ... ubmit.y=14