No M, but.. AMG

[TrevorM3]

Painted my calipers last week.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127257.../shares/W4887D


https://www.flickr.com/photos/127257.../shares/67mNj9


https://www.flickr.com/photos/127257.../shares/9GX82k



ugh, don't know how to get the pic to show w/o the stupid link

[Brian0473]

Look great! Did you do it yourself?

[Acree]

Here ya go...

[TrevorM3]

brian, yes i did. pretty easy job.


acree, those are ginormous. haha, but thanks!

[buddalun]

Looks really good. How did you do this and what products were used? TIA

[TrevorM3]

Just heading into work, will do a full write up for you guys this evening

[joneffingvo]

man i miss my C63

[AriuSen]

Ok You Need To Reveal The Secret! Lol Tell Me How

[edu09]

look great! nice job Trevor

[Flying Ace]

you need to change your screen name

[JSCO]

we don't like your kind around here.....:.....looks like a really good job

[Shredicus]

Clean! Love that color

[X5-User]

They look sick man!!...how did you do it? Details please!!

[TrevorM3]

Thanks for the compliments guys.

First and foremost, after much research i decided NOT to remove the calipers. There was no major benefit to doing so. Some may say that the paint won't reach the opposite side of the caliper, but if you turn jack it up high enough (please use stands) and turn the wheel to the appropriate side, you will be able to get paint back there.


1. First step is clean. A thorough cleaning will give you a good surface for the paint to stick to. I believe there is brake cleaner, but i have access to lacquer thinner, so i used that. (Very strong stuff, wear proper protection)

2. Scuff the calipers. I used a grey scuff pad. Take your time, make sure you get all the crevices in between the calipers. This is where paint is most likely to peel/flake.

3. Used compressed air, and blow all of that sanding dust/brake dust out of the calipers.

4. Mask everything up. Tape everything you don't want painted. I also chose not to remove my brake pads. My car is under warranty, i don't want any issues if/when i take it in for service. The taping is pretty easy.

5. Degrease, (clean) one last time. You need a true degreaser (pre-paint) for this particular step.

6. Basecoat (I used VHT) http://www.amazon.com/VHT-SP730-Glos.../dp/B000CPJLV2 This paint in general, is very thick. It will cover fast. Do not apply it overly wet. You will get fisheyes. I put on about 4 coats. Waited about 5-8 minutes between each coat. It dries fast, (in 90 degree weather) but i still waited a few minutes before applying another coat.

7. After satisfactory coverage with the basecoat, time for clear. VHT, once again.
http://www.carid.com/vht/high-temper...mpn-sp730.html

Once again, same story. Do not apply this wet, because if it runs or sags, you're in trouble. I put 3 coats, waiting the same amount of time as with the base.

8. Enjoy


Also, forgot to mention, for those of you applying stickers.. the ones i bought were double sided. So after the basecoat dries (VERY VERY VERY WELL) you can apply it. If the basecoat isn't dry enough and you put the sticker, when you peel it back, it will leave a funny texture behind on the basecoat. (As if something touched fresh paint)


After applying the sticker, clearcoat away.


I know some of you have other methods, this is mine. I'd be glad to answer any questions. Also click the flikr links for better pics. Those pics up top do not look as good as the ones on flickr.


I maybe doing my fathers calipers soon too, so i'll have some pics for you guys. (Don't quote me though, he's still on the fence about it)

[TrevorM3]

Originally Posted by Sam@ModeCarbon

Looks good. Wrong car forum however

i need this sign to say forum jacked.

[edu09]

Although Trevor drives an AMG he has been with the M3 forum since I bought my first M3 back in 2010, he still organizes the M3 meet ups here in South Florida so give him a break, he really admires and respects the M3s

[gazosnic]

nice post. I have an AMG as well. I can appreciate both.

[TrevorM3]

Originally Posted by edu09

Although Trevor drives an AMG he has been with the M3 forum since I bought my first M3 back in 2010, he still organizes the M3 meet ups here in South Florida so give him a break, he really admires and respects the M3s

[w0ady]

Nice job.

[Alen E90]

Nice 63, Iridium Silver is a great color!

[Rat3d ///M]

At first I was going to call you out and say no way those were painted. They look too perfect. I painted my oem M3 calipers yellow and put some black ///M decals on them. They turned out like shit so the work you did is making me jelly.

I am tempted to try again but the amount of time ive put into mine so far for such terrible results i think I will just live with it and save some money for Brembos.

[TrevorM3]

In what way did they come out crappy? What were your steps?