Painting Donor Rotors

[M22_COBRA]

Did some light wire wheel cleanup on the donor rotors this weekend and enjoyed the last of the good weather. I was wondering has anyone used high temp Por-15 in a spray guy or air brush to get inside a rusty rotor? Or not worth the hassle? Clearly I will mask the rotor face even though I'm going to possibly turn them before they are installed. Just curious what others have done??

190225
190226
190227

[Dgc333]

I would just get new ones. Coated rotors from Rock Auto are about $25.

[Jonathan D]

With the cost of paint, masking tape and turning you are probably close to a new set but there is something to be said about using what you have. I have painted the rotor hats and side of the new front rotors that came with the kit but not sure how long they will last. I used VHT calipar paint.

[i.e.427]

If they are within spec, I'd have them turned first. Have at them with the high temp paint on the outward facing hub and that's it. Vent fins will most likely not hold paint after the first heat cycle regardless of the paint you use.

When you add in the cost of shipping a $25 rotor, that's heavy, it negates the $25 price.

[rich grsc]

Why?

[Dgc333]

When you add in the cost of shipping a $25 rotor, that's heavy, it negates the $25 price.

I purchased rotors, calipers, pads and e-brake cables for the rear of my Hot rod from Rock Auto. The shipping was less than $20.

[Joel Hauser]

I think you did a good job cleaning up the rotors. I wouldn't buy new ones after all the work you've done (unless yours are warped or otherwise damaged). I used donors for my build as well. I wouldn't paint them. Once they're installed with wheels and calipers in place, all that will be visible is the shiny surface. I would also be afraid that if the paint doesn't adhere well, you'll regret having to scrap it all off tomorrow. You can buy new ones after you've put 20,000 miles on the ones you have.;)
Joel

[M22_COBRA]

I think you did a good job cleaning up the rotors. I wouldn't buy new ones after all the work you've done (unless yours are warped or otherwise damaged). I used donors for my build as well. I wouldn't paint them. Once they're installed with wheels and calipers in place, all that will be visible is the shiny surface. I would also be afraid that if the paint doesn't adhere well, you'll regret having to scrap it all off tomorrow. You can buy new ones after you've put 20,000 miles on the ones you have.;)
Joel

That's kind of what I was thinking. Nah they are pretty straight on the indicator, likely one skim pass and they are turned. They only have 30k on them, more than enough left to get me thru a go kart and initial ride around phase and then I want to swap...ok. The paint is more for keeping the orange from coming back during the build and driving my OCD up a wall. I live in the rust belt and they toss salt everywhere like its free up here. It will find its way into my garage I promise.

Rock showed the coated ones were $37 ea, + shipping. not bad but yeah $$$ doesn't grow on trees so we make due with what we have. I think paint then turn is the ticket....thx @i.e.427. I already have paint from a previous project.


Why?
Because I build NICE race cars.

[gbranham]

Don't reuse old rotors. There's no need to skimp on this part of the build.