Painting Calipers

[fastm3]

Not that I'm trying to pull my 997 off as a 997S, but I really like the look of colored calipers. Since I don't have a garage, it's difficult to do this myself.

Can anyone recommend a shop that can paint my calipers?

Also, if you have a local recommendation to install audio equipment, that'd be highly appreciated as well. I'd like to have an iPod/Bluetooth solution installed.

Thanks so much in advance.

[rbasales]

If you are in the SJ Atlantic City area, i highly recommend Car Toys, 609 272 1777, ask for Tom or Lee. 

[ccm911]

I was just at Harbor Freight and saw that they had Powder coating kits. Could these be used on our calipers? Unlike Fastm3, I just want to rid my calipers of rust so my Targa will no longer look like it wandered off the set of "The Waltons".

[rbasales]

Painting/coating calipers is not that difficult,depending on your skill set. Hi Temp caliper paint is readily available at Auto zone, Advantage etc. The skill and work needed is in the prep, caliper removal, caliper cleaning, masking of pistons and the actual spray painting. Then you need to either paint on a new PORSCHE stencil or decal. Decal does not work as well as they are temp sensitive.
 I am wary of any simple " powder coat" system as powder coating is a mfg process that requires the right equipment to do right.
 There is a firm in Egg Harbor City NJ "Checker Auto" that will powder coat calipers for around $250; cost dependent on if they are removed from car or not.

 

[tddockery2]

I just painted the calipers on my 987 last week, also not to appear as an "S", but as they were starting to look quite grubby.

I used the DupliColor red brush on caliper paint kit aquired at Pep Boys for around $20. It took about 2 hours from start to finish for the wheel removal/prep/base coat and initial dry time.

A week later, I pulled the wheels, wiped the calipers down, added a set of 'Brembo' decals and clear coated them.

I'm a stickler for detail (I work in quality control!), and though they did not come out as nice as having them disassembled, glass beaded and powder coated - this method was MUCH cheaper, had a faster turn-around time - and the end result came out quite well.

A couple of notes:

1. Mask EVERYTHING you don't want paint on.
2. Clean, clean and clean again - a great paint job is ruined by poor prepping.
3. I used a good quality artists' brush for the small areas, and a firm foam type for the large sections.
4. Take your time.
5. The brush on paint is 'self leveling', once it's dry, you cannot tell it was brushed on.

You can see a picture of the end result in my PCA Bosxter Register garage:

http://boxsterregister.org/dto_garage.ph...le_id=1226

Hope that helps!

[Darren]

ccm911 wrote:

I was just at Harbor Freight and saw that they had Powder coating kits. Could these be used on our calipers? Unlike Fastm3, I just want to rid my calipers of rust so my Targa will no longer look like it wandered off the set of "The Waltons".

Bring 'em over Chris I'll do them for you. For a street car any powder is fine. For a track car the powder burns up unless you use high temp stuff and then the colors are a bit limited.

[ccm911]

Thanks, Darren. BTW - I still owe YOU a favour for the help you provided with my rear wheel bearing replacement.