Paint stock calipers, not for show

[Earendil]

So here's my situation. I'm building up a track rat and will be doing two things that make me consider painting my calipers:

1. Putting on black team dynamic 1.2 wheels
2. Rebuilding brake calipers

This means that my stock calipers will become more visible, and very easy to paint.

So what do you guys thing? Should I keep the brown rusty look, or paint them black? I am now doing this to look "cool" or fake a BBK. But I appreciate a little polish where possible, if it's easy and cheap :)

The car is grey/silver and primer.

[CorvallisBMW]

You can get caliper paint at any auto parts store. Make sure they're clean, hit them with hi-temp primer and then caliper paint.

[Earendil]

You can get caliper paint at any auto parts store. Make sure they're clean, hit them with hi-temp primer and then caliper paint.

Is that a vote for "paint them black" or a vote for "don't keep them rust brown!" ? ;)

I don't want to look ghetto. I saw an old pos Acura the other day with stock painted red "calipers" which included the drum brakes in the rear. Not the look I'm going for. I'm hoping black will actually hide/blend them more. As long as no one is looking at the wheels and thinking "ooo pos rusty calipers" :D

[Sagaris]

"Cast Iron Gray" engine enamel

[HR2L]

"Cast Iron Gray" engine enamel

Nice! I think I just found the color I will be doing mine! :up:

[mightywhitey]

Wow the condition my brakes calipers in would make them look like the dirty southern cousins of that beautiful brake caliper.

[CorvallisBMW]

You can get any shade of gray or black too, they don't have to be color

[z31maniac]

I wonder if track temps will bake that stuff off?

Since it will get MUCH hotter for MUCH longer than any of us would do to a street car.

[Earendil]

I wonder if track temps will bake that stuff off?

Since it will get MUCH hotter for MUCH longer than any of us would do to a street car.

I'm liking the grey, but I am concerned about this. This car will be seeing track time, and I'd rather not bake the paint off, or have the paint negatively effect performance in any way shape or form.

[CorvallisBMW]

Your calipers shouldn't be getting that hot, the rubber piston seals will disintegrate at 500*F I would think.

Most hi-temp paints are good to 500*F. They also make 1500*F header paint, should you really want more peace of mind. Consider doing hi-temp primer and then the black or grey hi-temp top coat.

[///Maddog9000]

I vote hi-temp engine paint in... GOLD!! what? "you're crazy, you can't paint em' gold!"

Mine look amazing...

[Earendil]

I vote hi-temp engine paint in... GOLD!! what? "you're crazy, you can't paint em' gold!"

Mine look amazing...

pics or it didn't happen :D

[jrobie79]

I think rustoleum actually has a 2000*F header/exhaust paint, its like 9 bux a can at autozone

[jaywood]

No need for super high temp paint...your calipers aren't going to get that hot.

You'll be fine with ~500*F

[Nick_S]

I vote hi-temp engine paint in... GOLD!! what? "you're crazy, you can't paint em' gold!"

Mine look amazing...

Just did the calipers on my Focus in gold with gunmetal brackets. Looks pretty dope I think.


Also just did my E30's but I just did the same gunmetal on all of it since they're really not visible. I just hate dirty, ratty looking brakes even if they are stock.