Calipers

R

rsvlrog

New member
How long would you expect the paint to last on new factory painted calipers. New VW GTI 18 wheels, red cailpers(not powder coated, but painted). What would you use to keep them new looking. Thanks.
 
As long as you use the proper products on them, I would think thye should last the life of the car. I use a wheel cleaner on mine during a large detail the use a small sponge to wash them when i wash the car. Hope this helps.
 
The trick, obviously, is to keep them very clean. And don't let harsh wheel cleaners sit and soak on the paint. This will dull the finish over time. Use the mildest cleaner possible and clean often so "sitting and soaking" is unecessary. Spray with water before spraying with cleaner. Use a foam bottle brush to clean the caliper through the wheel.

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A silly question guys, but I am a novice at this: can we paint the calipers without having to remove the wheels? How did you guys do it? Thanks.:nixweiss
 
There has been a number of threads on painting calipers. BradB did a detailed 'how to' last year, other people have also given details on painting. And yes, you need to remove the wheels.



Steven
 
ashsarna said:
A silly question guys, but I am a novice at this: can we paint the calipers without having to remove the wheels? How did you guys do it? Thanks.:nixweiss
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You might want to also search the web for other people's instructions - caliper painting is pretty much the same for most cars.



Without removing the wheels? No way! :p



-Good prep

-Good paint

-Don't paint your brake drums no matter what the voices in your head tell you. :nono :D
 
The best thing to do for painting calipers is to remove them from the vehicle - but, I realize it's not always an option.



dbody - got a GTI 337, eh? Me too! I use the P21S Gel on my wheels and calipers, then I use a small (1") paint brush that's been slightly modified (cut a little shorter, and wrapped all metal with duct tape) to whisk at the calipers.



Seems to work pretty well...not that it matters, as StopTechs are next on the order list... :)
 
Here's a couple pics of my S4 brake painting in-process. I sprayed them on the car. I masked everything very well. If spraying, be sure to cover EVERYTHING to protect from overspray. (note old car cover on the car) I also sanded/filed down rough spots on the castings on the calipers to make them look better. It was a pretty easy job. all four were done in an afternoon.



Also notice in the background of the third shot how I painted the hub area near the rotor. Many people overlook this. It makes the whole wheel assembly MUCH nicer looking and easier to clean. It matches the inside of the wheel when mated up. DO IT!



The face of the hub should be unpainted. The bronzy looking stuff is anti-seize compound for the wheel.



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Goes up about 3 feet. Perfect for wheel work, muffler jobs, changing oil, etc. And painting calipers! Comes in handy.



The best part is, it only cost me $50! A friend in the Jag club had it and wanted to "upgrade" to an in-ground unit. At a club meeting he offered it to anyone who wanted it. I raised my hand fastest! He even delivered it to my house. The best deal I ever got! :up
 
geekysteve said:
Seems to work pretty well...not that it matters, as StopTechs are next on the order list... :)
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Definitely a good idea. It takes me almost as long to clean my rims as it does the entire rest of the car. I'm planning to get Axxis Pads for my bimmer, which have gotten pretty good reviews so far.
 
I did mine with high temp engine paint and high temp clear...they came out great !!!! Highly recommend. Just remember to use very light coats..
 
dbody1:



Sorry for the delayed resonse. I use Zymol Brite Wheel Cleaner whenever I change my tires (summer/winter) and have open access to the calipers. Then after cleaning I use Zymol Wheel Coat to provide a little barrier to the brake dust. You can use any wheel cleaner or QD and I am sure it will do fine. Just make sure you keep up on washing the calipers regularly. Hope you have multi spoke wheels:) .
 
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