Coloured Brake Calipers
Discussion
One of the things that i think really makes a sports car stand out is coloured brake calipers. Just look at the Porsche Carrera GT with its red or yellow calipers or a sexy Ferrari 360/430 with coloured calipers. Even the humble Seat Ibiza Cupra looks mint thanks to its Red Brembo calipers!!!
The question is -
Does anyone have any suggestions of how Coloured Calipers can be done on an Elise?
Are there any official ways of having coloured calipers? The Gordon Lamb limited edition GL53 had Blue AP Calipers fitted but i presume that this involves replacing the whole brake set up (Calipers and Disks) at some considerable cost.
Is there some kind of simple ceramic overlay that can be placed over the caliper?
Or is it a case of joining the rest of the "Kev's" in Halford's carpark and painting the calipers with some off the shelf paint?
And if it is the case of just painting them, would a dealer do this so as to ensure a professional job?
Its a shame that THE sports car of the last 10 years misses out on having this small addition to really finish it off.
Anyone who is unconvinced at this should have a look at the Black Ferrari 360 with red calipers on sale at the Ferrari dealership in Lyndhurst...
Simon
The question is -
Does anyone have any suggestions of how Coloured Calipers can be done on an Elise?
Are there any official ways of having coloured calipers? The Gordon Lamb limited edition GL53 had Blue AP Calipers fitted but i presume that this involves replacing the whole brake set up (Calipers and Disks) at some considerable cost.
Is there some kind of simple ceramic overlay that can be placed over the caliper?
Or is it a case of joining the rest of the "Kev's" in Halford's carpark and painting the calipers with some off the shelf paint?
And if it is the case of just painting them, would a dealer do this so as to ensure a professional job?
Its a shame that THE sports car of the last 10 years misses out on having this small addition to really finish it off.
Anyone who is unconvinced at this should have a look at the Black Ferrari 360 with red calipers on sale at the Ferrari dealership in Lyndhurst...
Simon
Ah but think of the additional un-sprung weight of the extra paint could play havoc with the handling
Not :-)
Whilst its an easier job on an Elise than other cars, the biggest job will be cleaning the yuck of the callipers. then and waiting for the paint to dry as they will need more than one coat.
Remember to do it properly you will need to take the wheels off so if your doing it at home you will only be able to do two at once.
Probably best to replace the pads at the same time an easy mornings work with a tin of heat resistant paint. Are you going to pick out the 'Lotus' letters to?
Cant imagine a dealer wanting to touch it due to the messing around or will just charge an arm and a leg.
Not :-)
Whilst its an easier job on an Elise than other cars, the biggest job will be cleaning the yuck of the callipers. then and waiting for the paint to dry as they will need more than one coat.
Remember to do it properly you will need to take the wheels off so if your doing it at home you will only be able to do two at once.
Probably best to replace the pads at the same time an easy mornings work with a tin of heat resistant paint. Are you going to pick out the 'Lotus' letters to?
Cant imagine a dealer wanting to touch it due to the messing around or will just charge an arm and a leg.
Painted mine with red smoothrite about two weeks ago. Deep purple car with red interior. I think it looks loads better despite the piss taking from the anti chav brigade.
Easy job to do. Jack the car, have the wheel off, mask off what you dont want and then slap paint on it. Took a few coats to get a decent finish.
I'll try and get a couple of pics up.
Easy job to do. Jack the car, have the wheel off, mask off what you dont want and then slap paint on it. Took a few coats to get a decent finish.
I'll try and get a couple of pics up.
Dont waste your money on Caliper paint ! Use Smooth finish Hamerite. I did mine red, took a few coats, use a heat gun to speed up the process. My sprt 160 is black with red seats and roof so the red cailpers look great against it. Easy to do, takes an afternoon including drying time between coats. My tip is to wash the car and clean the calipers, take it for a little drive to get rid of any water and to heat up the calipers, Paint will dry really quick. Also paint the rear brake pad, this looks a lot better.
Brake dust comes off them really easy and Hamerite comes in loads of colours. and not bad at £5.99 !
Brake dust comes off them really easy and Hamerite comes in loads of colours. and not bad at £5.99 !
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