a good start
cleaning calipers
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 156
Likes: 8
cleaning calipers
I do not care to paint my calipers red, but would be interested to know if anyone has had any experience cleaning or lightly polishing to get them looking like new. In a pinch I would consider painting them silver or aluminum. Thanks
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Regular brake cleaner and a stiff brush works well.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 176
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From: Golden Colorado
They are right about getting them clean, but to put a nice look, you need to work the metal with a wire brush in a drill. After an intial workover to get the oxidation off, use a Dremel tool with one of ther wire brush atachments (buy a couple) and go over them to get the desired finish. I did this and they came out with a nice satin sheen, then painted the letters with hobby paint (red) with fine brush. 3000 mile later they still look good. And different.
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From: Southern New Jersey, The wet part at the bottom
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I use a caustic on my aluminum suspension parts, made by Zep Chemicals called Zepalume (old name Big Z truck cleaner) and recomend it highly for a no touch, lookin' like new look to most anything metal. I've painted my calipers red and won't get this stuff anywhere near the painted calipers anymore, but unpainted and stock? nothin' better than a diluted caustic.
NOTE; When using this product in conjunction with drinking canned beer don't get the cans mixed up.
NOTE; When using this product in conjunction with drinking canned beer don't get the cans mixed up.
