C3 brake caliper resto

[Michael L.]

Guys,

Can someone give me some guidance on the bare metal on finished surfaces thing for caliper resto. I have attached some photos of the caliper I just did and I need some comments on the bare metal surfaces. What do ya'll think?

Thanks,
Mike

P.S. I had to divide the pics into two groups, the second group I'll put on a new post.

[Michael L.]

Re: C3 brake caliper resto

Just wanted to recycle my post to the top. Can anyone help with this?

Mike

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 brake caliper resto

Michael,

Did you see my recent photos of NOS caliper halves?

Your areas appear shinier than I would expect, like they've been polished and not just machined. Otherwise I think you've addressed all the proper areas.

The black appears glossier than I'd expect as well, but such is life.

Did you paint them yourself? And if so, with what?

Patrick

[Michael L.]

Re: C3 brake caliper resto

Patrick,

Thanks for your reply. No I didn't see your previous post on this subject and it's kind of embarrassing because you were replying to my thread. I did go back and track it down though. It was very helpful. Is there any way you can send me some pics of the underside of the caliper? Or maybe I shouldn't worry about that side since you can't see it on the car?

No I didn't paint it, it came from lonestar caliper like that. I have four rebuilt calipers but three of them are grey and need to be painted. I was experimenting on the already painted one prior to starting. When I paint the others if they don't match this one, which they probably won't, then I will respray this one.

I took the paint off of the machined areas with an abrasive pad on a die grinder. I see what you mean about the shininess...I will see if I can tone it down a little. Thanks for the tip on the VHT brake paint. I will definitely give it a try. My plan was to use diamond clear on the bare parts but maybe I should think about the paint you mentioned. Do you have any experience with this style being judged?

Thanks for your help,
Mike

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 brake caliper resto

Mike,

The two pictures I posted are the only ones I have, so you'll have to use those. When I did my own calipers recently I only "silvered" the areas where the judges will see. They won't see the inside of the caliper or even the outside that faces the wheel (because the wheel is on) but will mostly see the top and the inner portion.

If I were you I'd test a few silver colors. I thought of trying a couple, but since my 72 has been through Flight judging already the only reason I did it is "in case" I get the urge to try Bloomington. I'm not sure my pocketbook is ready for that one yet, though.

I don't know of any other ways to replicate the machined area unless you try and sand in just one direction (to mimic a machine) and then clear coat.

I hope that helps.

Patrick

[Michael L.]

Re: C3 brake caliper resto

Thanks, Patrick. Your help is very appreciated.

Mike