• Got the Contributing Memberships stuff finally worked out and made up a thread as a sort of "How-To" to help people figure out how to participate. So if you need help figuring it out, here's the thread you need to take a look at -> http://www.corvetteflorida.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3581 Thank you, everyone! Rich Z.

C5 Caliper paint?

Kap142

Kap142

New member
I am considering painting my calipers Electron Blue. My question is does the paint need to be a high temp paint? There are paints available for calipers but I really don't want what appears to be the norm as available.

I have sent an email to Automotive Touch Up with the same question. I am curious to know who has painted theirs (themselves) and what heat range paint they have used and what have the results been?

I mean as long as I am going to go to slotted and drilled rotors I think it's paint time.

Please feel free to jump in and let me know what "ya'll" know.
 
Yeah, the calipers can get pretty darn hot, so you will need to use a high temp paint. If you can get them powder coated, that might be a better route to take. But I think in both cases, the coatings have to be cured with a particular process of heating and then cooling between stages to make them durable.
 
I suspect you are totally correct. I know from years of watching NASCAR that they can get their calipers glowing cherry red which equals a whole lotta heat. I guess it's just that everybody has red calipers and I'm me.

I wonder what Automotive Touchup will have to offer?:shrug01:
 
Any of the automotive parts chain stores will have high temperature paint in rattle cans. Some are rated up to 2,000 degrees. Matter of fact, some of the cans are even marked as being caliper paint. I don't know how well they will hold up, but I've been using it on some exhaust parts and brake parts on the blue car. Looks real pretty now, but it's still a "lift queen". :shrug01:

The calipers will likely have a lot of brake dust crud on them and will need to be cleaned thoroughly. I've seen some places selling caliper sets that are already powder coated, but don't recall seeing blue ones. You might want to check around and see if someone already has them done up and will take your old ones as cores.
 
I've been painting calipers since my first '67 and I have autocrossed that, my '69 and '86. The only thing I used was Rustoleum. I masked off the parts I didn't want painted, cleaned them with brake cleaner and wire brush. Two coats and a final with clear. When done use a sanding block on the letters and the paint will come off nicely. I painted my '03 when I bought it in '06 and they still look good. Lowe's has a blue that is almost a match for the Electron Blue. Good luck!!
 
Awesome Jim, that's exactly the type of info I need. Off to Lowe's shortly to see what shades of blue Rustoleum they have.

Thanks much.


Pres712 said:
I've been painting calipers since my first '67 and I have autocrossed that, my '69 and '86. The only thing I used was Rustoleum. I masked off the parts I didn't want painted, cleaned them with brake cleaner and wire brush. Two coats and a final with clear. When done use a sanding block on the letters and the paint will come off nicely. I painted my '03 when I bought it in '06 and they still look good. Lowe's has a blue that is almost a match for the Electron Blue. Good luck!!
Click to expand...
 
Kap142 said:
Awesome Jim, that's exactly the type of info I need. Off to Lowe's shortly to see what shades of blue Rustoleum they have.

Thanks much.
Click to expand...

Here's a pic for you.... Also notice that Goodyear is at the top, valve stem on the bottom and crossed flags are horizontal!!!
 

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Actuall, the blue doesn't look that shade. It really comes close to the Electron Blue when viewed live.
 
Nice, Star has you do some good work. I took my touch up pen with me as a color reference and found the nearest match you could ask for, If I didn't know better I'd say it was Electron Blue.

Now just waiting for my new rotors and pads.
 
Pres712 said:
Also notice that Goodyear is at the top, valve stem on the bottom and crossed flags are horizontal!!!
Click to expand...

OCD anyone?

you must do a bunch of car shows. I remember back in the day watching people with mini-trucks compete, they made sure there rims were in the same position, the center caps screws were in the same position, the same amount of rim/tire was sucked up in the fender, all screws exposed had to have the heads orientated in the same way, like all + + + or X X X or - - -

looks good. if you had had them powder coated, you would have needed a high temp coating, as most powder will not withstand temps over 250* for extended periods of time after they are cured. you can get powder that will last at extended temps of 450* and then ceramic coating will get you to 1600*+
 
Benjamin said:
OCD anyone?

you must do a bunch of car shows. I remember back in the day watching people with mini-trucks compete, they made sure there rims were in the same position, the center caps screws were in the same position, the same amount of rim/tire was sucked up in the fender, all screws exposed had to have the heads orientated in the same way, like all + + + or X X X or - - -

looks good. if you had had them powder coated, you would have needed a high temp coating, as most powder will not withstand temps over 250* for extended periods of time after they are cured. you can get powder that will last at extended temps of 450* and then ceramic coating will get you to 1600*+
Click to expand...


You might say I'm a little anal but if you do something, do it right. And yes, I win my share of shows...Been at it for over 45 years!
 
Jim, I have always appreciated folks that do the job the very best it can be done. Way too much of the world settles for doing the half azzed thing. Keep up what you do so well and a super thanks for your assistance with my project. The Calipers look awesome. They will now have two days to cure prior to the arrival of my new rotors.

Are you and Star going to be at the Pier in Sept? I have planned to be there for three years so far and haven't made one yet. But I hear this could be the last Pier show due to the plans for a new pier and I really don't want to miss it.

Ken
 
Kap142 said:
Jim, I have always appreciated folks that do the job the very best it can be done. Way too much of the world settles for doing the half azzed thing. Keep up what you do so well and a super thanks for your assistance with my project. The Calipers look awesome. They will now have two days to cure prior to the arrival of my new rotors.

Are you and Star going to be at the Pier in Sept? I have planned to be there for three years so far and haven't made one yet. But I hear this could be the last Pier show due to the plans for a new pier and I really don't want to miss it.

Ken
Click to expand...

Star & I (and the Vettes) are taking a break. I've been on and off doing this since 1967 and she has had almost 8 years of showing. And we are tired! BUT, do not miss the Pier Show. The venue is the best with the Bay in the background, the boats, etc. They have a Custom class but don't know who to put in it so I will not be back - ever. But that is just me. Go, and enjoy!!! And send me a pic of your calipers. I will get to see them May 12th!!

Did you see my post about our charity for that event?
 
The charity kinda hits a home note with me. In my career I handled a K-9 for several years. It's a great cause and I am always willing to help. We look forward to seeing you guys on the 12th.:thumbsup:
 
Going to try to upload a couple of after pics.:thumbsup:
 

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