Can’t decide wether to fit the AP’s that I polished as they are and vapour blast a new rear set to match, or paint the fronts red to match original red rears. They’re going on an Imola red M roady. I’m leaning pretty heavily towards polished but open to opinions.
AP’s….red or polished, opinions
- Thread starter john-e89
- Start date
Scottish Borders
North West Surrey
axelleveau
Member
If you keep them polished I advise to apply a few layers of lacquer to preserve the finish and give them some shine 
They look great polished, remind me of their older competition calipers... but aren't you going to be a bit undone by lack of protection to the metal? Caliper temps as you know can can get pretty high and I can't see lacquer standing up for long in that environment.
I'd be looking at hard anodising if you want low key...
or they've just started to doing the 5000r calipers I have with an ENP coating, bit blingy but excellent corrosion resistance apparently
I'd be looking at hard anodising if you want low key...
or they've just started to doing the 5000r calipers I have with an ENP coating, bit blingy but excellent corrosion resistance apparently
Attleborough, Norfolk
:evil:TomK said:
Protection from what though Tom...? The calipers are aluminium so won't rust, the worst is they'll start to oxidise over time but a quick wipe over with panel wipe or thinners every few months will keep that in check. I'll be fitting new bolts and clips etc, so no issue there. I get the comments about some lacquer and it's a consideration, there are very high temp very expensive clears out there to give some shine but I really like the bare ally look.
True, they won't rust, but haven't you got galvanic corrosion between the steel banjo bolt/bleed screw and copper washer to consider (also bolting them directly to rear steel spindle)... Along with exposure to salty water, brake pad dust metal contaminants and just general crap flying around in that area, not to mention the likelihood of spilling brake fluid on them when bleeding... For the small cost of anodizing I would go down that route personally?john-e89 said:
TomK said:
Not really no...lithium grease will stop the galvanic corrosion, as well as copper grease bolting them to the steel carrier. Car won't see salty roads, strictly summer, or dry winter day toy. Brake dust will be cleaned off every couple of weeks, not a chore with a ramp. I guess what I didn't say in the first place was about the ease of which I can keep everything squeaky clean, and any sign of issues can be dealt with with not much problem.
Fair enough, I guess if you keep on top of it enough it should be fine, looks great as you say (will you be painting the lettering?) Just be careful when bleeding them!john-e89 said:
Mine have sat caked in brake dust no doubt for about 5 months since I got back from spa, I'll go and have a look at her in a week or so, happy they're anodised for lazy sods like me
TomK said:Fair enough, I guess if you keep on top of it enough it should be fine, looks great as you say (will you be painting the lettering?) Just be careful when bleeding them!john-e89 said:
Mine have sat caked in brake dust no doubt for about 5 months since I got back from spa, I'll go and have a look at her in a week or so, happy they're anodised for lazy sods like me
I don't think I'll paint the lettering, although a grigio grey might look nice, might try it, easy enough to blast off if it doesn't suit.
