caliper paint vs powder coating

[hrosenthal]

does anyone have photos of how a roadster looks with painted or powder coated calipers?
are there advantages to having them powder coated vs painting them - I've seen some paint kits and assume it's not too difficult to do.
Any advice or suggestions are appreciated.
thanks

[2FAST4U]

I think powder coating will not last as the temperatures will get too hot. They make special high temp caliper paint

[edwardb]

I painted the Cobra PBR brake calipers on my Mk3 using a Dupli-Color caliper paint kit from the local O'Reilly's. They turned out pretty nice, and still look good after a couple years. But you have to really be careful with the brake fluid. It will cut through in an instant if you get any on the paint. I had several touch-ups required after bleeding.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%203%20Roadster%20Build/Brakes/th_IMG_1153.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%20Mark%203%20Roadster%20Build/Brakes/IMG_1153.jpg.html)

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%203%20Roadster%20Build/Brakes/th_IMG_1151.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%20Mark%203%20Roadster%20Build/Brakes/IMG_1151.jpg.html)

Powder coating can be used, and many do with no problem. The powder can handle the heat. But usually they need to be completely taken apart (pistons and seals removed) and lots of masking. FWIW, I'm pretty sure the red finish on the Wilwoods on my Mk4 is powder coat.

[ATOLightning]

I think you can go either way. Like Edward said above, you'll need to be careful with brake fluid if you paint. Powedercoat would be a bit more durable, but more work and money. Eithery will look great.

For mine, I have the SVT Cobra style brakes and I bought a can of VHT brand caliper paint. Supposedly, it's a spray paint that's somewhat resistant to chemicals and stuff. It came out great, but I don't trust it enough to spill anything on them. For the price (<$10), it can't be beat. I just needed one can and it's cheap enough to touch up if needed.

The 2-part brush on system is great, too. I've used it on my Lightning several years ago and they still look brand new and bright red. The brush on kit is nice for a completed car if you don't want to take the calipers off the car.

[mikiec]

No pics, but I painted mine black.

[MVRight]

Same as edwardb, spray paint works well. Paint on with a brush can be tougher. Prep is the key for either method.

16965

Bruce

[rich grsc]

Caliper paint is a joke. Brake fluid will almost instantly remove it. Calipers dont need to be disassembled as long as you completely drain all brake fluid. The seals can easily handle 400*.