Calliper refurb or replace?

Street · Post by **Street** » Sun Nov 13, 2022 10:34 pm

Hello all, I’m after some opinions on refurbing or replacing my callipers that need attention and I want to colour.

My options are buy 4 new Ridex callipers for circa £140.
I’ll still need to refurb the holder. I can etch and spray a new calliper with a lot less faf.

Or

Buy a refurb kit all round for £70, a bottle of nitro more and some spray paint. This is more hassle but I retain the BMW housing.

The car isn’t a daily so time isn’t critical.
What would you do?

patriot66 · Post by **patriot66** » Sun Nov 13, 2022 11:11 pm

DIY every time for me Chris. More satisfying, keep original calipers, you know it's all been done properly, get the colour and finish you want. I refurbed mine April last year. Removed all rust, new everything, 3 brushed coats of blue smooth Hammerite. Still looking and working great

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Zedebee · Post by **Zedebee** » Sun Nov 13, 2022 11:17 pm

Always good to recycle where you can.
I’ve successfully stripped and painted two set of callipers now, the second set to a high standard (practise makes perfect

). For stripping/cleaning I use a wire wheel on a bench mounted drill, and a wire brush attachment on a Dremel for the hard to reach places. Nitromors isn’t what it used be and might struggle with calliper paint.

p.s. nice job patriot66

Street · Post by **Street** » Sun Nov 13, 2022 11:19 pm

Cheers guys that’s helped. They look great patriot I’ll be chuffed if they look like that. Great tips as well.

patriot66 · Post by **patriot66** » Sun Nov 13, 2022 11:35 pm

Zedebee wrote: ↑Sun Nov 13, 2022 11:17 pm Always good to recycle where you can.
I’ve successfully stripped and painted two set of callipers now, the second set to a high standard (practise makes perfect ). For stripping/cleaning I use a wire wheel on a bench mounted drill, and a wire brush attachment on a Dremel for the hard to reach places. Nitromors isn’t what it used be and might struggle with calliper paint.

p.s. nice job patriot66

Thanks Zedebee

Agree with you, wire wheel does the job spot on. I tried Nitromors on my engine bay cross braces and it was a waste of time. Ended up with wire wheels and emery cloth to get all the satin black off the aluminium tubes. Not easy but got excellent smooth finish before respraying them

patriot66 · Post by **patriot66** » Sun Nov 13, 2022 11:37 pm

Street wrote: ↑Sun Nov 13, 2022 11:19 pm Cheers guys that’s helped. They look great patriot I’ll be chuffed if they look like that. Great tips as well.

Dave 2 dogs · Post by **Dave 2 dogs** » Mon Nov 14, 2022 9:01 am

Definitely DIY
as long as you are comfortable doing it .

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