It was that brake calipers have been merely hidden mechanical gear unfit of particular finishes past possibly a cadmium plating. That modified in 1993 when Porsche launched bigger brakes on its new 3.6-liter 911 Turbo. Completed in shiny pink paint, these stuffed the area between the five-spoke wheels on that particular mannequin. From that day ahead, real “Large Reds” as they turned identified have been coveted {hardware} in Porsche circles. Naturally, everybody else quickly took license to repeat the look, and painted calipers turned a must have accent for all types of fanatic automobiles.
Numerous DIYers have made the trouble to wash up our outdated brakes and make them look fairly with a recent coat of coloration. And loads of us have made a large number of it within the course of. Naturally, one of the best time to color any element is when it’s new, earlier than it’s put in. Whether or not you occur to be constructing a undertaking with recent parts simply changing outdated stuff with components, it simply is sensible to color them earlier than you employ them.
We lately unboxed a set of remanufactured brake calipers for a Volkswagen undertaking. The proprietor needed pink brakes and handed off the components for us to care for. Right here is how we completed them utilizing our 2K Aerospray urethane brake paint.
Examine and clear
Earlier than we made the trouble to refinish new components, we inspected them for accuracy and injury. It’s more durable to get a refund or alternate as soon as they’re painted. As soon as we all know they have been proper, we give them a light-weight cleanup with Eastwood Pre Prep solvent to take away any oils or different residues from manufacturing. For greatest outcomes, we additionally dry them with compressed air to make sure no solvent stays trapped, particularly in threads and crevices.
Masks fittings and {hardware}
Like most calipers, ours arrived pre-assembled with rubber boots over the sliding pin {hardware}. We left them assembled, however rigorously masked these boots in addition to the bleeder caps, the pistons and their seals. We additionally used silicone rubber plugs to cowl the mounting threads, although we might have taped these as nicely.
Dangle for paint and closing cleansing
With every part masked off, we hung the components on a spraying rack and gave them a closing wipe down with pre-paint prep solvent, ensuring they have been utterly dry. This step eliminates any oils or different contaminants we might have launched throughout masking or hanging.
Paint
We used Eastwood 2K Aerospray hi-temp urethane made particularly for brake parts. It is a catalyzed, direct-to-metal paint that when full cured has wonderful adhesion, excessive warmth resistance, and a tricky, sturdy end. The 2K (two-component) aerosol can has an inside activator capsule, which he punctured utilizing the particular button included with the can.
With the paint and activator mixed, we shook the can for a pair minutes to verify they have been absolutely combined. As soon as activated, we had a shelf life of some hours, simply sufficient time to spray a number of coats on the calipers, guaranteeing easy, even protection. As a result of this can be a catalyzed end, we wore an activated respirator whereas spraying to keep away from respiration the fumes from the paint.
Reassemble
When the paint was absolutely dry to the contact, we eliminated the calipers from the paint rack and unmasked them earlier than reassembling the caliper parts. In preparation for putting in the calipers on the automotive, we allow them to absolutely remedy in a single day earlier than handing them again to the proprietor.