Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums - Camaro5.com
 
Phastek Performance
Go Back   Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums - Camaro5.com > Technical Camaro Topics > Suspension / Brakes / Chassis


Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 02-27-2014, 02:51 AM   #1
thkfast
 
thkfast's Avatar
 
Drives: '14 Red 2SS/RS/LS3
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Posts: 692
DIY: 1LE-look Red Painted Brake Calipers

Hi everyone, I know there are a quite a few threads on this topic (because I read all of them for this project) but
here is how I painted my stock SS Brembo brake calipers to look like the RED 1LE Brembo calipers. Of course you
could use this technique with any color and any decals to get the look you want! I wanted a glossy finished
product (think powdercoat-look) but wanted to do it myself inexpensively with minimum disassembly and no
bleeding the brake lines.

Here are the supplies you'll need:

Red Scotch Brite Pads
Prep-all cleaner (or something like it to wipe calipers clean)
1 can VHT SP148 Engine Enamel Light Gray Primer Can - 11oz $7.99
2 cans VHT SP731 Real Red Brake Caliper Paint Can - 11oz $9.71
1 can VHT SP145 Engine Enamel Gloss Clear Can- 11oz $6.05
eBay "Chevrolet" and "Brembo" high temp stickers $16.00
Floor jack, 18mm socket to remove calipers, 22mm socket to remove wheels, 10mm socket to loosen each brake
line so you can get the calipers out in the open, cheap-o lightweight disposable car cover, masking tape, scissors
and something to set the calipers on while you paint them

If my photos don't post, this will be a glorious waste of time, but here we go. Please no red X's.

This is how they looked originally:
Name:  1st Camaro pictures 094.jpg
Views: 15682
Size:  112.2 KB

Jack up the car and remove the wheel. With the caliper still bolted in place, scuff the entire surface with the Red
Scotch Brite pad - be sure to REALLY scuff the Chevrolet and Brembo lettering (it feels flush but trust me, you'll
see the lettering through the paint if you don't scuff them smooth). I'm going to skip ahead and assume you
can remove the bolt that keeps the brake line in place on the suspension, remove the 2 bolts that hold the caliper
onto the spindle, lift the caliper off and set it on some kind of stand - I used a 2 step ladder. Here is where I use
the cheap-o car cover...throw it over the car, tear a hole in it so you can pass the caliper through and set it on the
stand. You are now able to finish scuffing 100% of the caliper front, back, top and bottom and mask off EVERYTHING
you don't want painted. Note: some people do not paint the cross over tube on the bottom of the caliper, but I
wanted mine painted. You don't have to remove the pads, just take your time and mask them off.

Name:  1st Camaro pictures 095.jpg
Views: 15789
Size:  163.3 KB

You don't want to touch the caliper after you start painting, so I came up with the idea of sliding a large allen
wrench through one of the holes in the caliper to position it so I could paint the front, back, and underside of
the caliper. Then, wipe them clean with Prep-all or another cleaning agent so the paint will stick.

Name:  1st Camaro pictures 097.jpg
Views: 14705
Size:  169.2 KB

The actual supplies:

Name:  photo.jpg
Views: 14292
Size:  157.9 KB

Before you start painting, just realize YOU ARE GOING TO MISS SOME SPOTS - no matter how hard you try to
paint everything, once you're all done and bolt them back into place you're going to see a light spot. So, position
the caliper in a way so you can SEE every important part of the caliper. During the painting process, I
would LOOK at the same caliper on the opposite side of the car and make a mental note of what part of the caliper
MUST look perfect! Okay, shake that first can, the Primer, and get after it. Plan on one light coat, wait 10 minutes,
then 2 more heavier coats 10 minutes apart.

Name:  1st Camaro pictures 099.jpg
Views: 15214
Size:  141.3 KB

I set up a heat lamp to help with the drying process, but if it's at least 70 degrees where you're painting, you
should be ready for the color in 10-15 minutes. Use the same technique, one light coat, wait 10 minutes, then
two heavier coats 10 minutes apart focusing on nice even coverage, no runs.
Name:  1st Camaro pictures 102.jpg
Views: 14679
Size:  131.0 KB

Once you are done with the color, then it's time to take a break. You'll want the paint to cure before you go
trying to stick decals on them. I found 1-2hrs was the minimum acceptable drying time. Once the paint is dry to
the touch, it's time to add those decals. Again, once you touch them down, it's forever, so know exactly where
you want them to be positioned! I started with the "Chevrolet" and tried to position it as close to the natural
contour of the caliper at the top - the eBay stickers aren't exactly the same size and font as the factory lettering,
so you kind of have to do your best. HINT: It really helps to "trim" the backing paper as close to the decals as
possible so you can see where you are sticking them!
Name:  1st Camaro pictures 111.jpg
Views: 14783
Size:  146.7 KB

Then, apply the "Brembo" decal centered under "Chevrolet" in the remaining area.

Name:  1st Camaro pictures 114.jpg
Views: 20406
Size:  148.7 KB

It's all downhill from here. Time to clear coat over everything and protect your gorgeous calipers and decals.

Name:  1st Camaro pictures 116.jpg
Views: 16772
Size:  128.3 KB

And because I hate rusty rotors and since I had the calipers off anyways, I went ahead and scuffed my rotor hats,
masked off the lugs and torx key bolt head and shot them with a gun metal gray high temp engine enamel (cast iron color).
If you get a little on the brake sweep area, it's no BFD, your brake pads will clean that right up.

Name:  1st Camaro pictures 120.jpg
Views: 15867
Size:  140.6 KB

Here are a couple of pictures of the finished product. Red calipers with "Chevrolet" and "Brembo" decals, clear
coated and the hubs painted gun metal gray so they won't rust.
Name:  1st Camaro pictures 135.jpg
Views: 34530
Size:  125.8 KB

Name:  1st Camaro pictures 122.jpg
Views: 15777
Size:  125.1 KB

Name:  1st Camaro pictures 173.jpg
Views: 14920
Size:  83.2 KB

And a couple of shots of the car.
I hope this helps motivate some members to tackle this 2 day project!
Attached Images
  

Last edited by thkfast; 09-05-2014 at 04:02 AM.
thkfast is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-27-2014, 07:25 AM   #2
Eich
 
Drives: '11 SW/Beige 2SS RS Manual
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Virginia
Posts: 684
Great job. It's amazing how much better they look red than the factory dull grey. Like little jewels inside the wheels. I had mine powder coated the same color and couldn't be happier with the look.

I've also painted my hubs like you did. Twice now. They look great for a season but after going through a winter, they still rust. So, I've submitted to the fact that I'll just do it every spring when I change my winter wheels/tires back to the summer tires.
Eich is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-27-2014, 08:04 AM   #3
NH 2012 SS/RS
 
NH 2012 SS/RS's Avatar
 
Drives: 2012 2SS/RS L99 IBM
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Goffstown, NH
Posts: 664
Looks great.
Now if i can only get my lazy ass up and do mine…lol
__________________
2SS/RS IBM * American Racing BLVD Wheels * 275/40 * 295/40 Toyo Proxes * Eibach 1" drop Springs * Elite Catch Can * CAI w/ scoop * CFD Carbon Fiber Pistol Grip Shifter w/ Tap Shift * APR Carbon Fiber Splitter * Sequential Tail Lights * MPD1 Spoiler * Hex Vents (CF dipped) * GFX Skirts * BBK SS Shorties * MBRP 3"Exhaust w/ X pipe * Solo Hi-Flow Cats *
NH 2012 SS/RS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-27-2014, 08:16 AM   #4
ROD_SS

 
ROD_SS's Avatar
 
Drives: 2013 1SS Camaro and a truck
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: San Antonio,TX
Posts: 1,081
One of the best DIY brake caliper painting I seen.
__________________
ADM tuned (465 rwhp / 442 torque) Mods- CAI, kooks long tube headers, & ADM stage 2 cam
ROD_SS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-27-2014, 08:43 AM   #5
Denis


 
Denis's Avatar
 
Drives: 2010 SS
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Yorktown Heights, NY
Posts: 7,695
very nice job!
__________________
Denis is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-27-2014, 09:39 AM   #6
toehead93


 
Drives: 2014 2SS/1LE
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: wpb fl
Posts: 3,136
looks very nice!
__________________
Used Racing Brake 2 Peice Rotors for sale:
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=344754

Summit White 2014 2SS 1LE
Recaros, NPP exhaust, Nav
2010 2SS A6 - sold.
toehead93 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-27-2014, 09:54 AM   #7
Blue17CamaroZL1
650HP soon to come
 
Blue17CamaroZL1's Avatar
 
Drives: 2017 Chevy Camaro ZL1
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Sayreville, New Jersey
Posts: 2,882
Awesome. I want to do red calipers as well but was thinking a metallic red.
__________________
2017 Camaro ZL1
Hyper Blue Metallic
A10, PDR, NAV, Premium floor mats

Blue17CamaroZL1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-27-2014, 10:00 AM   #8
Jenner

 
Jenner's Avatar
 
Drives: 2012 SS/RS
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Placentia, CA
Posts: 2,130
Looks like it came like that from the factory.
Jenner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-27-2014, 03:19 PM   #9
BeastMode13
 
BeastMode13's Avatar
 
Drives: 2013 AGM 2SS/RS
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 235
Hello from a neighbor in Nebraska.
Looks awesome!!
__________________
BeastMode13 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-27-2014, 03:30 PM   #10
nander8
 
nander8's Avatar
 
Drives: 2016 2SS
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Orlando FL
Posts: 40
Looks awesome and great write-up as well
__________________
2016 2SS P1-X 8 lbs, dual nozzle meth, LT4 fueling, AUX pump, TSP 2" headers, 3200 Circle D TQ, Flex Fuel, PP TB/IM, 707rwhp, 10.06 @134 1.46 60 ft
nander8 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-27-2014, 07:53 PM   #11
christianmotox


 
christianmotox's Avatar
 
Drives: ( . )( . )
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 2,827
That's pretty sweet men.
__________________
christianmotox is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-27-2014, 11:30 PM   #12
Jay@Vossen
 
Jay@Vossen's Avatar
 
Drives: BMW 135i
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Miami FL
Posts: 37
Looks Good! Great DIY Write up.
Jay@Vossen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2014, 09:25 AM   #13
mikeyg36


 
Drives: 2015 Z/28 #533
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: NY
Posts: 6,731
One of the best DIY write ups I've seen in awhile. Great job OP.
mikeyg36 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2014, 09:52 PM   #14
TXM62SS
 
TXM62SS's Avatar
 
Drives: 2012 2SS/RS LS3
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Pearland, TX
Posts: 387
Looks great man!
__________________
Victory Red 2012 2SS/RS LS3 Camaro
Pat G. Spec Cam from Cam Motion 228/236 .599/.599 112+2LSA
Kooks 1-7/8" LTs w/ Cats
Roto-Fab, Bo White TB, Borla Touring Catback
3.91 1LE Gears, MGW
Tuned by Pat G

TXM62SS is offline   Reply With Quote
 
Reply

Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:59 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.