So I finally got round to painting my calipers :)

[Tommo]

I put a thread on here a couple of months back asking how to do it and armed with all the information I got to work.

It took me 2 full days to get this done

Yes I know that's a ridiculously long time but Im a totally amateur! As I painted them still on (dread to think how long it would have taken if I'd attempted to take the calipers off) I spend a hell of a lot of time on the preperation.

Really happy with the results. My friend did his MR2 so I just used his paint, not sure what make it was but it took a good 4-5 coats each corner

BEFORE:


AFTER

 

[GerryM]

great results!! just wondering which write up did you follow to do this?

 

[gannet]

Looks sweet

 

[20ducks]

You need a set of chrome plated springs...of which I have one set of for this vehicle. Interested? PM me and I'll give you details. This would really set your vehicle beautifully. I also have a set of brushed aluminium look mylar BMW caliper decals. They work in the worst environments including heat...perfect compliment along with the chromed springs to finish off the hard work you have just completed. I have sent over half dozen to the UK with excellent reference of the product and the stellar seller of course!

 

[20ducks]

btw, this the last new set (I had totally forgotten that I had this set.) that will be available. Get these before I list them because when they are gone...they are totally gone.

 

[Tommo]

great results!! just wondering which write up did you follow to do this?

I just did a search for calipers and picked up some pictures and some info regarding prepration.

I did plan on taking them off but decided against it so it was fairly straight forward for me. Bear in mind this is the most technical thing Ive ever done on a car so it's REALLY easy.

Went to wilko and picked up some cheapo wire brush pieces for a drill. One big one and then a pointed one for getting in all the grooves. Bought some brake cleaner which was around £3. Borrowed an electric drill and went to work on the rust with the drill. Kept spraying with the brake cleaner and repeating it over and over again until I was happy with the smooth finish. The rust colour didnt go from the front calipers but I just kept on going until I was happy wth how smooth the finish was. Bought a can of pressurised air and just blasted in all the grooves to make sure I had a clean surface to work on.

Applied the paint with some cheap artist brushes (really small) and kept my first 2-3 coats really thin. Left it half an hour after each coat with a infrared heat lamp I had from an injury (was a few weekend ago when it was snowing, I had to make a tent out of bed cloths on the second day )

Looks sweet

Thanks Really happy with the look, especially with the roof down.

 

[gannet]

Looks sweet

Thanks Really happy with the look, especially with the roof down.

Matches your red seats

 

[Mr Whippy]

Yeah it works really well. Good work. All those coats should make the finish long lasting... just make sure to keep on top of keeping em clean

Dave

 

[20ducks]

... just make sure to keep on top of keeping em clean

Dave

Or just get a set of Axxis Deluxe Advance brake pads = 95% less brake dust.

 

[Tommo]

Yeah they do get dirty quickly! Seem to attract dust like nobodies business.

The Axxis pads are definately going to happen, unfortunately I replace all 4 when I bought the car before I got into this forum.

 

[Mr Whippy]

... just make sure to keep on top of keeping em clean

Dave

Or just get a set of Axxis Deluxe Advance brake pads = 95% less brake dust.

Are they still a good pad, or are they compromised for the dust performance?

Well worth looking at if so, as what I have on now (oem I guess) dusts the 108's feintly after even a brief journey!

Dave

 

[20ducks]

Unless you are going to the track you will notice very little difference. These are tried and tested pads. For daily use, they are perfect IMHO.

 

[Topshelf]

Have to say that I really like that. I wasn't sure what to expect, but that really adds a nice dose of sport without being bling. Very nicely done.

 

[Tommo]

Have to say that I really like that. I wasn't sure what to expect, but that really adds a nice dose of sport without being bling. Very nicely done.

Exactly what I hoped the response would be. Was 50/50 on whether to go red or silver and was prepared to spend the next weekend going silver if I thought it looked a little OTT.

 

[cj10jeeper]

Very good job and IMHO even more important to have painted calipers when running the 108's as they are so open. The red really works when combined with a red interior.

The chrome clips look really good too, so if you can grab those. They set it off really well. Can you tell I have a set fitted??

Dust - I switched to EBC greenstuff and now have minimal dust. On OEM pads it was an every weekend job to keep the wheels clean

 

[Tommo]

Thanks

20ducks did mention that you had them. They look very good but I don't really want to be spending the money at the moment. Got more important things to do like getting the 108's Refurbed and Im thinking about getting the front bumper resprayed (stonechips/road rash) :thumbsdown:

 

[Shipkiller]

Very nice.

After I painted my calipers, I noticed that after a period of time, the red will start to turn to black from the brake dust.

Get one of these: http://www.autogeek.net/ezbrush.html

It really helps to clean the inside of the wheels and calipers.... The tip is rubber coated and will not scratch.......

 

[Lucy]

That looks fantastic. Your giving me idea's... :wink:

 

[ElegantSpoon]

Looking good I think silver looks more OEM or black on black.

 

[Tommo]

Very nice.

After I painted my calipers, I noticed that after a period of time, the red will start to turn to black from the brake dust.

Get one of these: http://www.autogeek.net/ezbrush.html

It really helps to clean the inside of the wheels and calipers.... The tip is rubber coated and will not scratch.......

Thats looks useful actually, the last thing I want is it going black after I spent so long.

That looks fantastic. Your giving me idea's... :wink:

You know it makes sense.. 8)

Looking good I think silver looks more OEM or black on black.

Yeah I agree but I like the fact that they really stand out. Had LOADS of people comment on them. Even a neighbour came around today just to tell me how good they look and how he's thinking of doing it on his Audi A4 cab.