Teach me how to take off my calipers

[UdubBadger]

I have 2 jacks, 4 stands a tire iron and a 104 piece ratchet set from Sears.

Tell me what to do here. I need them off (not necessarily disconnected if not needed) so I can paint them and let them dry for 24 hrs. I am not sure if pads need to come off or not.

[Blaster3500]

Not sure if you already have the paint or not I would recommend something you can brush on. It will be a lot cleaner and easier. It depends on how much work you want to do, but you do not have to take the whole caliper off. I have done everything from painting them on the car and not removing a thing, to removing them and having them powdercoated both turn out pretty nice. I would say remove the 2 caliper guide pins pull the pads put the caliper back on the bracket and paint them. This video should explain everything for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3spy5jtvXo

[UdubBadger]

cool that does help a bit. should i paint the brackets too? and yes i have the VHT paint one with the brush applicator

[UdubBadger]

also what are some good spots for the jacks/stands?

[danewilson77]

In your case.....if I had 2 jacks and 2 jack stands.....I would...

1. Loosen all lugs....so the tires can be removed when car is lifted.

2. Jack car up....using rear jack pad lift point. Pick a side. Then place a jack stand under front jack point.

3. Move to other side of car. Use jack to lift front up via front jack point. Both fronts off the ground now. Leave the jack there....and place a jack stand...as a safety, under the red or green location above.

4. Move 2nd jack to rear of car.....and jack up both sides...using the diff frame housing.

5. Done. You can slide a jack stand in the rear if you want.....but I don't feel unsafe using a jack....as long as I'm not working under the car.



http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/e46jack02.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/e46jack01.jpg

[UdubBadger]

Used 4 stands and both jacks as supports

4421


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[danewilson77]

Good deal. More than one way to skin a cat. You used the frame then put the jack stands under the installed pad points?

[UdubBadger]

Good deal. More than one way to skin a cat. You used the frame then put the jack stands under the installed pad points?

something like that...


All I have to say is FUCK VHT CALIPER PAINT


it's like expired sun block, watery and doesn't stay on. I took EVERYTHING off the car and started stripping the paint. This stuff sucks, I'd rather pay the $500 for powdercoating.

[Blaster3500]

Hmm that is odd. I know this is a dumb question but are you sure it is mixed up well? Surprisingly just regular old rustoleum in a can hold up well.

[HokieZHP]

I used G2 caliper paint... http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/accessoryDetail.jsp?ID=41 and I loved it! Very easy to apply and looks excellent!

http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq109/maxx919/2003%20ZHP/726f887a.jpg
http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq109/maxx919/2003%20ZHP/62be406a.jpg
http://i438.photobucket.com/albums/qq109/maxx919/2003%20ZHP/32bb3ff4.jpg

[UdubBadger]

oh yeah I mixed it up well... the stuff was like watercolor paint. I think it was maybe subjected to cold/hot extremes possibly.

Anyway I'm gonna try to spray can um with the caliper paint instead today. Sucks cuz I had mixed a custom color with the brush on stuff and really liked it.