Nissan 370Z Forum  

Painting calipers

Any tips or trucks for painting the calipers? What's the best paint to use? Is it difficult to do without removing the calipers? I was hoping to just remove the

Go Back   Nissan 370Z Forum > Nissan 370Z Tech Area > Exterior & Interior


Like Tree19Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-21-2014, 11:12 PM   #1 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: USA
Posts: 16
Drives: 2014 Z
Rep Power: 11
RTenenbaum is on a distinguished road
Default Painting calipers

Any tips or trucks for painting the calipers? What's the best paint to use? Is it difficult to do without removing the calipers? I was hoping to just remove the wheels. Thanks!
RTenenbaum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-21-2014, 11:32 PM   #2 (permalink)
Banned
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: ny
Posts: 158
Drives: Audi RS5
Rep Power: 0
boosted3z is on a distinguished road
Default

Use plastidip
kenchan likes this.
boosted3z is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2014, 06:17 AM   #3 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 124
Drives: 13 Nismo
Rep Power: 12
Kenwoodturbo will become famous soon enoughKenwoodturbo will become famous soon enough
Default

I would not plastii dip a caliper. The stuff is only solid to like 300deg f. I'd be more inclined to buy caliper paint which can tolerate much higher heat. I know there are people out there doing it with some degree of success, but IMHO not worth it. Much like using a trash bag as a parachute may deliver some success. I would suspect with the amount of brake cooling kits I see people dabbing for the 370 that the brakes get warmer than the average Kia. But I'm sure all the plastic dip lovers will come in and flame away.

As far as painting or plastidip you can paint with just wheel off but results won't look as good a full removal. Judgement call but to me when I see a sloppily painted caliper that has cheater lines all over it I laugh and think how the "mod" made the car worse.
Felix 808 likes this.
Kenwoodturbo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2014, 07:18 AM   #4 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
6spd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Florida
Posts: 3,001
Drives: Q50RS
Rep Power: 25
6spd has a reputation beyond repute6spd has a reputation beyond repute6spd has a reputation beyond repute6spd has a reputation beyond repute6spd has a reputation beyond repute6spd has a reputation beyond repute6spd has a reputation beyond repute6spd has a reputation beyond repute6spd has a reputation beyond repute6spd has a reputation beyond repute6spd has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I look at it this way, either go all the way, or don't do it at all. If you do it, just remove the caliper (brackets too if its a non-sport) and prep them very well. Too many people don't and the paint chips and it looks like sh1t. Also only use a high temp resistant paint and allow to dry fully before reassembly. Using bent up wire clothes hangers is a good way to hang the caliper so it can dry. Never let them dangle by the brake line, that can too easily cause damage to the lines. In the end its your call though.
__________________
-Jay- jonathanjamesphotographer.com
6spd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2014, 10:39 AM   #5 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: N/A
Posts: 76,801
Drives: N/A
Rep Power: 141521
kenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by boosted3z View Post
Use plastidip
kenchan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2014, 10:40 AM   #6 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: N/A
Posts: 76,801
Drives: N/A
Rep Power: 141521
kenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by RTenenbaum View Post
Any tips or trucks for painting the calipers? What's the best paint to use? Is it difficult to do without removing the calipers? I was hoping to just remove the wheels. Thanks!
you talking the base calipers or the sport akebonos?

if base, just leave it (or paint it silver/black to prevent corrosion if that's wat you're after)
those painted basic calipers look tacky.
pfdaxe likes this.
kenchan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2014, 10:43 AM   #7 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
JARblue's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Austin, TX
Age: 43
Posts: 36,450
Drives: 11 Z34, 98 E36 M3
Rep Power: 2684440
JARblue has a reputation beyond reputeJARblue has a reputation beyond reputeJARblue has a reputation beyond reputeJARblue has a reputation beyond reputeJARblue has a reputation beyond reputeJARblue has a reputation beyond reputeJARblue has a reputation beyond reputeJARblue has a reputation beyond reputeJARblue has a reputation beyond reputeJARblue has a reputation beyond reputeJARblue has a reputation beyond repute
Default

If you have the sport brakes (akebono), then I recommend you send them to Mike The Powdercoater. He will do them right

You can PM him on the forum. He is a forum sponsor - his username is just plain Mike
kenchan, pfdaxe and JWillis72 like this.
__________________

2011 370Z 6MT Sport Gun Metallic | ARC | CJM | Ecutek | FI | Fujimura | R2C | SPL | Stillen | TWM | Z1 | ZSpeed |
JARblue is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2014, 10:54 AM   #8 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
pfdaxe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 1,064
Drives: 09 Touring AT Sport
Rep Power: 16
pfdaxe is a splendid one to beholdpfdaxe is a splendid one to beholdpfdaxe is a splendid one to beholdpfdaxe is a splendid one to beholdpfdaxe is a splendid one to beholdpfdaxe is a splendid one to beholdpfdaxe is a splendid one to behold
Default

Here's pics of mine. I masked a lot and used caliper paint, applied Nismo decals I had made, and then used high heat clear. They have held up very well and cost was under $20:







kenchan, JARblue, 1st and 7 others like this.
pfdaxe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2014, 10:58 AM   #9 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: N/A
Posts: 76,801
Drives: N/A
Rep Power: 141521
kenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond repute
Default

GJ, that looks professoinally done. thats vinyl decal? should be okay for street but maybe not for track use.
kenchan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2014, 11:03 AM   #10 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
pfdaxe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 1,064
Drives: 09 Touring AT Sport
Rep Power: 16
pfdaxe is a splendid one to beholdpfdaxe is a splendid one to beholdpfdaxe is a splendid one to beholdpfdaxe is a splendid one to beholdpfdaxe is a splendid one to beholdpfdaxe is a splendid one to beholdpfdaxe is a splendid one to behold
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by kenchan View Post
GJ, that looks professoinally done. thats vinyl decal? should be okay for street but maybe not for track use.
Yes. Vinyl decal. They have held up very well for almost 2 years. And yes...street use only since I don't track. Unless you count speeding to the grocery store...
pfdaxe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2014, 11:05 AM   #11 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: N/A
Posts: 76,801
Drives: N/A
Rep Power: 141521
kenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond repute
Default

that's cool.
kenchan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-22-2014, 06:42 PM   #12 (permalink)
The370Z.com Sponsor
 
Mike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Loganville, GA
Posts: 5,944
Drives: 370z
Rep Power: 2186
Mike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond repute
Default

the vinyl will hold up on track use too.
kenchan and DEpointfive0 like this.
__________________
NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z
Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968
Mike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-25-2014, 10:45 AM   #13 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
osbornsm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: WHAT
Posts: 2,551
Drives: 2018 Camaro SS 1LE
Rep Power: 424
osbornsm has a reputation beyond reputeosbornsm has a reputation beyond reputeosbornsm has a reputation beyond reputeosbornsm has a reputation beyond reputeosbornsm has a reputation beyond reputeosbornsm has a reputation beyond reputeosbornsm has a reputation beyond reputeosbornsm has a reputation beyond reputeosbornsm has a reputation beyond reputeosbornsm has a reputation beyond reputeosbornsm has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike View Post
the vinyl will hold up on track use too.
...Too? Thought you said even powdercoat doesn't hold up to track duty?

__________________
2018 Camaro SS 1LE (455hp) - 2011 Nissan 370z (333hp) - 2004 VW R32 (240hp) - 2000 Civic Si (160hp)
osbornsm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-25-2014, 10:56 PM   #14 (permalink)
The370Z.com Sponsor
 
Mike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Loganville, GA
Posts: 5,944
Drives: 370z
Rep Power: 2186
Mike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond repute
Default

vinyl actually holds up better than the powder. Had a pro driver drive my C6 at vir and he toasted the fresh red powdercoat, but the silver vinyl on top looked brand new.
__________________
NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z
Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968
Mike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-25-2014, 10:57 PM   #15 (permalink)
The370Z.com Sponsor
 
Mike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Loganville, GA
Posts: 5,944
Drives: 370z
Rep Power: 2186
Mike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond reputeMike has a reputation beyond repute
Default

the problem with powdercoat and track use is that it gets soft when it gets hot, and the brake dust embeds in the powder and darkens/dulls it.
osbornsm likes this.
__________________
NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z
Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968
Mike is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
sport calipers vs. base calipers RC 370z Brakes & Suspension 15 12-16-2016 02:18 PM
DIY-Painting Wheels and Brake Calipers! nmjaxx9 DIY Section (Do-It-Yourself) 22 05-17-2012 01:43 PM
i'm bored...painting rims and calipers... kdrshocker Exterior & Interior 6 03-06-2011 10:49 PM
Painting Calipers: front AND back, or just front??? Osiris Brakes & Suspension 12 11-22-2010 06:25 PM
Painting Calipers Dembflyr Nissan 370Z General Discussions 16 08-04-2010 04:16 PM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:29 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2