how to paint calipers?

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SMH1970
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how to paint calipers?

Post by SMH1970 »

Another quick question which I can't seem to find a firm answer for.

I have new calipers to install for my disc brake swap, and I'm wondering if anyone could advise on the best way to paint them. Were they originally unpainted (should I just blast them with clearcoat) or do most people paint them to give them better protection? If paint, any suggestions on type and color (and should I use primer first, or just hit them with caliper paint)?
IMG_2481.jpg
I know this is likely pretty subjective, and everyone may have a different opinion, but I'd like to do them in a way that doesn't look too tacky. I was thinking a bright color to make them stand out, but black is probably better. Everything else on my front end is black (except the shiny new rotors and the yellow shocks :) )
IMG_2484.jpg
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- Steve
1970 F100 Sport Custom, 360 with 3 on-the-tree, No PS, no PB, no AC. Boxwood green / Wimbledon white.
Plans: power steering, power front disc brakes, clean and freshen from ground up.
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sideoilerfe
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Re: how to paint calipers?

Post by sideoilerfe »

Boxwood green? Will you be able to see them through the wheels? I like dark Ford blue engine paint myself but whatever color you choose will look cool. I would clean them off first with brake cleaner as they might have oil on them already to prevent rust. I like the pictures! Looking good. :2cents:
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SMH1970
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Re: how to paint calipers?

Post by SMH1970 »

sideoilerfe wrote:Boxwood green? Will you be able to see them through the wheels?
sorry I was unclear - I wasn't thinking Boxwood Green, but rather another color - either bright yellow/orange or something like that, or stock (whatever color that was). Thanks for the input - guess there are endless choices.
- Steve
1970 F100 Sport Custom, 360 with 3 on-the-tree, No PS, no PB, no AC. Boxwood green / Wimbledon white.
Plans: power steering, power front disc brakes, clean and freshen from ground up.
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DuckRyder
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Re: how to paint calipers?

Post by DuckRyder »

I don’t think they were painted from the factory, most cars/trucks are not even now.

There are commercial caliper paint kits available... It is entirely an aesthetic choice, but I would tend toward something subdued like dark blue, silver, grey or black myself.
Robert
1972 F100 Ranger XLT (445/C6/9” 3.50 Truetrac)

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Ranchero50
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Re: how to paint calipers?

Post by Ranchero50 »

I did the Duplicolor red on my British Racing Green XKR and they turned out very nice. Minimal prep and can be touched up with a cue tip.
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Re: how to paint calipers?

Post by eggman918 »

I did the exhaust housings on the turbos for my 4BT a while back started by glass beading them to clean bare metal then warmed them in an electric roaster that i picked up at a secondhand store to ~180*-200* and applied the first coat,of VHT FLAMEPROOF paint and then followed the directions and did 3 or 4 more coats. After letting it dry completely I baked them in the roaster for 2-3 hours at 375* so the paint could cure/set, I have fount that doing this with the high temp paints makes them much more durable and longer lasting.......... :2cents:
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Re: how to paint calipers?

Post by BobbyFord »

I had mine zinc plated.
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Re: how to paint calipers?

Post by vossy »

I had my calipers and my ibeams and dust plates powder coated... I think it was 200 dollars, and the guy sand blasted everything, and powdered the ibeams black, and the calipers red... It looks good.
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