Painted the calipers - what do ya think?
05-23-2011, 05:53 PM
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Painted the calipers - what do ya think?
I'm still somewhat new to vettes, but I definitely have the mod bug. Decided to attempt painting my calipers. I know not everyone likes red calipers, but I like the "race" look of red.
After reading all the threads, I decided to tackle the hard part first, which was just getting the all the bolts loose. Once that was done, I proceeded to clean and paint. I used the Duplicolor kit. Hand painted the calipers and brackets. I also used a Duplicolor rattle can on the rotor hats and outer edges.
I have to admit that I was concerned from the get go about the quality of looks vs what I could have gotten via powder coating. In the end I decided to try painting myself for self-satisfaction, knowing that if I didn't like it I would just buy powder coated and replace my work. After the first coat of Duplicolor, I almost quit. I thought it looked VERY cheap. I even went in, sat down at the computer and started looking into powder coating. Then I decided to take just the brackets and put additional coats of paint on. I kept thinking about all the pics of painted calipers I had seen and figured I just needed more patience.
After 4 coats of paint, I'm pleased. IMHO, the painted work looks pretty good. Powder coating would be better, but for the self satisfaction and saving $300, I'm pleased for now. It did take me 10 hrs on a Saturday to get it all done (I am slow). The time vs the savings was clearly not worth it, but the satisfaction of doing it myself was.
FYI, the car hasn't settled yet in these pics, thus the exagerated 4x4 look. Lowering about an inch is in the future.
After reading all the threads, I decided to tackle the hard part first, which was just getting the all the bolts loose. Once that was done, I proceeded to clean and paint. I used the Duplicolor kit. Hand painted the calipers and brackets. I also used a Duplicolor rattle can on the rotor hats and outer edges.
I have to admit that I was concerned from the get go about the quality of looks vs what I could have gotten via powder coating. In the end I decided to try painting myself for self-satisfaction, knowing that if I didn't like it I would just buy powder coated and replace my work. After the first coat of Duplicolor, I almost quit. I thought it looked VERY cheap. I even went in, sat down at the computer and started looking into powder coating. Then I decided to take just the brackets and put additional coats of paint on. I kept thinking about all the pics of painted calipers I had seen and figured I just needed more patience.
After 4 coats of paint, I'm pleased. IMHO, the painted work looks pretty good. Powder coating would be better, but for the self satisfaction and saving $300, I'm pleased for now. It did take me 10 hrs on a Saturday to get it all done (I am slow). The time vs the savings was clearly not worth it, but the satisfaction of doing it myself was.
FYI, the car hasn't settled yet in these pics, thus the exagerated 4x4 look. Lowering about an inch is in the future.
Last edited by chill99; 05-23-2011 at 06:12 PM. Reason: remove dup pic
05-23-2011, 06:02 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
05-23-2011, 07:34 PM
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Well you are in trouble now. That was the first thing I did to mine 5 years ago. I have not stopped yet.
As you say you are new to Corvette's, so next time you pull the wheels, that is the time to scrub and clean the wheel well area.
But still a nice job and a cheap mod, probably one of the cheapest you will find.
As you say you are new to Corvette's, so next time you pull the wheels, that is the time to scrub and clean the wheel well area.
But still a nice job and a cheap mod, probably one of the cheapest you will find.
05-23-2011, 07:38 PM
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Race Director
05-23-2011, 07:38 PM
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Very nicely done - and you did end up choosing the right color for the calipers. 
05-23-2011, 07:41 PM
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Nice job!
05-23-2011, 09:52 PM
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I painted the inside portion of the rotors and around the edge (the vents. Didn't tape off, so some overspray did get on the braking surface. As soon as I take it out for a drive (if it ever quits raining), the brake pads will remove that paint and I'll have a nice painted circle in the middle of the rotors with no rust showing.
05-23-2011, 09:56 PM
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Thanks for all the comments and encouragement. I'm not sure which spurs me on more - the fact that it's fun to mod the vette or just knowing everyone on this forum is going to encourage me to do more. Either way, I'm hooked!
Soon to come is Corsa Pace (Sport) w/ pro tips & X-pipe.
Soon to come is Corsa Pace (Sport) w/ pro tips & X-pipe.
