I want to paint my stock calipers a nice red color to match the suspension mods.
I don't know how to take off my calipers without losing brake fluid, but I don't trust myself to paint them with the calipers still on.
Does anyone have some tech tips on doing this on my 97 Z28?

 

I'm sure everyone will post a million reasons why I shouldn't have done this, but about 3,000 miles ago I used 500 degree engine enamel (RED) and just sprayed away. Yes it got on the rotors and yes I probably should have taken the calipers off, but thats a real PITA. Well, 3,000 miles later I have absolutely no problems what-so-ever. Just a thought, I mean don't go hog wild all over the rotors, but I think a little won't hurt?!?

 

Use masking tape to make sure you don't get the paint on the rest of the brakes. Use 3-4 coats of high heat paint, then let it dry and put clear coat over it. It isn't hard at all. Just jack the car up like you're changing the tire and go from there. I love the way it looks!

 

i would put a sheet around the rest of the side of the car...

over spray onto your paintjob would suck!!

 

I just recently did the exact thing that you are about to do. Same color and everything. Check out these install guides that i make this job less complicated. I used them and went step by step. It is pretty easy but takes a little time to do it right. Good luck!

http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/fbody/guides.htm

 

I did mine when I did the new rotors and brakes, so they were off for the HIGH TEMP paint application. (4 coats). Later I repainted them with COLOR matched paint to match the cars color while on the car. Just clean up the overspray on the rotors and you should be good to go. Main thing is to get them as clean as you can before painting.
There is a closeup in one of the pics below if you're intrested.

http://community.webshots.com/album/33786390mmhudJ

 

As with all painting, the secret is good surface preparation. You need to get ll the brake dust off and get the calipers as clean as you possibly can. I used brake cleaner, then degreaser. Still, I had a couple of tiny spots where the paint wouldn't stick. I'd spray it on, and it would creep away like oil on water. Make sure you clean it good!

 

Wow, GREAT job on those calipers ! ! ! Stunning ! !

 

Here is a guide I made when painting mine...

http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/fbody/calipers.htm

If I ever do this again, I'll take them OFF the car. It was WAY too much work to paint these on the car. I'd thought I'd save time by keeping them on the car but, I think it took a lot longer.

I'll move this over to the Appearance Section...

 

when i did mine i sprayed the paint into a cup then used a brush to paint the calipers. i painted the hanger black and the caliper red looks badass.

 

I used 2 coats of primer, 5 red and 2 clear all of rustoleum and with a sponge brush, still looks good a year later.

 

Brent - where did you get that special acid that cleaned your calipers?

What is a good primer to use? I want to paint my calipers and drums a gloss black with the VHT black, but do they make a primer, or should I buy an engine primer? I intend to get chrome Firebird decals for the calipers as well (the drums I want black so no one sees, I hate drums )

 

How hard is it removing the calipers vs just leaving them on and painting them. I have never taken them off, but was thinking about doing pads all the way around if I did. Any guides on this? Thanks

-Dustin-

 

i used the wire brush wheel on my calipers to get them clean. it worked perfectly.

 

What kind of primer is everyone using?