Painting the factory brake calipers??

M5Addict · 27th September 2001, 18:15

Do you guys think it is a visual improvement to paint the calipers red? I am considering doing this, but have some concerns.

Since the calipers are fairly small (compared to Brembos) will they look funny painted?

To the guys who have painted their calipers, are you pleased with the results? Did you spray or brush on the paint? Is the finished texture smooth or rough? How is the finish holding up?

What do you guys think, should I paint them? Thanks.

Cerberus · 27th September 2001, 19:25

Alex,

I think you need to make sure that the paint will smooth out the surface finish. I have seen other cars where the calipers were painted and the paint finish looked dull and the surface was rough. It didn't look good in my opinion. They probably just bought a can of high temp manifold paint. Make sure you buy paint specifically for brake calipers. I think there is a recent post of someone painting their calipers with a brush. Try using the search function.

However, if you take your time and use a quality product, I'm sure the results will look good. You will probably need to prep the surface before painting to insure good adhesion and even paint coverage. Hope this helps.

TCM · 27th September 2001, 19:43

Granted it is no M5, but my calipers look fairly decent painted. I bought some high temp Old Ford Blue spraypaint and sprayed the calipers. Max amount of time it should take you should be 3 hours. Just let them dry and you are done. I just made sure that all the surrounding components were covered with newspaper and sprayed the calipers with a couple of coats. Did it about 5 months ago and they still look good after a driving school and daily use. E mail me if you want some pictures. Good luck.

TCM
'97 540/6

M5Addict · 27th September 2001, 20:13

TCM,

Thanks for the tip. Can you post a picture of your brakes on the site? It would be great to see how they look. What color is your 540? What type of prep work was needed? Could you please detail them? Thanks.

MarkM5Lauderdale · 27th September 2001, 21:18

I had mine painted by my local Dinan dealer. They pulled them off, painted with the Foila tech, then baked them to make sure the paint dried to a nice hard finish. Turned out great and looks good even 6 months later!

Link to high resolution shot

Diamond Dave · 27th September 2001, 21:24

M5Addict,

Many months ago I scored the Big Red Turbo Brakes from Steve D. at The Ultimate Garage (red calipers & cross-drilled rotors). Can't tell you how cool they look! And those who are car guys are really blown away when the see the BMW white & blue center cap with the Porsche logo behind the spokes!

If you have some $$$ to burn, buy those Porsche brakes at all four corners.

Regards,

DWP

steveB · 27th September 2001, 21:44

mark, your painted calipers look great. i hope mine turn out as well. i order the carstyling kit that was recommended on a very recent thread.

BTW have you been happy with your SO2s?

steve

M5Addict · 27th September 2001, 22:03

Mark,

Looks great!! How much did your dealer charge you to paint your brakes? I am not sure if mine will do the job. I will have to ask.

Folia Tech, is that a spray or brush on paint? Thanks.

DWP,

At the moment, I think I will go the less expensive route (painting). I can imagine that your brakes look awesome. I like the idea of seeing "Porsche" behind the wheels.

Diamond Dave · 27th September 2001, 22:13

Hope this comes through. As you guys know, I'm new to the board.

DWP

MarkM5Lauderdale · 27th September 2001, 23:23

Steve - SO2's have been great so far. I've actually gotten more miles out of this set than any other (guess I'm slowing down!)
M5addict - I'm not sure how much he charged since I had them done at the same time that I upgraded the brake lines and fluid.
Think it was about $90. Foila was the spray on.

With Dinan Rims

Larger version of above