Caliper cleaning?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Caliper cleaning?
OK I have the early caliper non red and I do not really want to paint them just clean them up so the gray color is clean. I have tried brake cleaner and a wire brush but it does not cut it. I believe is have some blackish brake dust on the finish. What can I use to clean them? If I can't get them clean I plan on using silver caliper paint I do not like the red calipers unless the are the big brake kit.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: somewhere in New Hampshire
I remember seeing a picture on here quite awhile ago, it was of someone's car when it was brand new. I was surprised at how dark in color the calipers were, almost black. Maybe the blackish color that you're seeing is all that remains of the original color? Just a thought.
When I painted mine they were grey, I'm thinking that the original finish had discolored or baked off.
When I painted mine they were grey, I'm thinking that the original finish had discolored or baked off.
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I remember seeing a picture on here quite awhile ago, it was of someone's car when it was brand new. I was surprised at how dark in color the calipers were, almost black. Maybe the blackish color that you're seeing is all that remains of the original color? Just a thought.
Over time, the original color does fade to a lighter color. I'd bet that is what has happened to yours. No matter how much cleaning you do, it will still be a faded color unless you paint them. I have taken some fine steel wool and used it do clean off road grime as well as some brake cleaner in the spray cans to remove grease, etc.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Communist Colorado
If it really is brake dust, you can try some good wheel cleaner. Wheel cleaner is actually targeting brake dust. I spray it on and let it sit for a bit, then use brushes and rags to get the heavier stuff off. Then just rinse with water.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
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I also used a wire wheel in a drill, which did a great job of getting all the crud off and giving a nice brushed look. However, a fine wire wheel from Dremel at about 15K RPM finished them off with a luster that still looks good 3 years later. Using the Duplicolr caliper paint, I brushed the Corvette script in red. Again, 3 years later, still looks good. And different.
Drifting
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From: somewhere in New Hampshire
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...yours-too.html
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From: Lake Mary Florida
Brake parts cleaner alone should have done it. Wire brush will damage the finish. Perhaps getting the same color and touching them up? I think the letters are free of color, brush metal, so you may wish to retain that style.
I'm with you though, personally I like the warm gray color of the calipers.
I'm with you though, personally I like the warm gray color of the calipers.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Hi-temp clearcoat should be able to take the heat no problem. BTW, I found the thread that contains pics of the calipers in their original color.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...yours-too.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...yours-too.html
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
