Has anyone dealt with rusty brake drums?

[Simon182]

Thanks for the input guys! I've always wanted to convert to disk but to be honest i'm not 100% sure I can do it myself and I can't mess up because I use my car daily and I don't know if I would be able to complete it in one day. I've noticed my rotors and calipers starting to rust too I wanted to paint my calipers but after 10 years there is no way all the dirt will come off so that it looks nice and I won't have to repaint it every couple months. Anyone know how much new calipers would cost?

[bpd1151]

Originally Posted by dlc360

Most people on this site ARE on a tight budget when it comes to car mods. Not everyone has the unlimited budget or resorses to do costly cosmetic mds to a taurus daily driver.

If funds were never an issue, getting the rotors or drums poweder coated or plated would be the best option.

The true skill is taking a common car and being able to make it show quality on a buge.

Anyone with unlimited funds can buy qualty and praise, but more people rely on skills and budgets these days.

It is presumptious on your part to interpret my post as me, or anyone else here having an "unlimited budget".

Far from the case.

I agree powder coating is certainly the best route to pursue, but like many others here, I too operate under a budget.

Certainly, on the low end, a price difference of $12 for the G2 product (at $37 on one site), versus the VHT you suggested at $25, is not anywhere near a budget buster.

Given the close proximity of the price ranges, the G2 product is by far, superior to VHT.

I've known plenty of people who've used VHT and have had to quite often repaint.

Which, in the long run, is actually cost prohibitive to one's "budget".

Not too mention the cost of one's time alone in having to redo them periodically.

With the G2 product, you won't find those problems.

Especially since, you, I, the OP, and many others here do daily drive their Taurii.....

I also stated that I'm sure the OP would appreciate your post, and info you provided.

I sense you feel I was flaming you, when in fact, I wasn't.

My suggestions were sound, on a better product, for longer term durability and appearance.

[Bob5151]

All of the painted calipers posted look really good. dlc360, is that a suble red trim I see on your wheels? Awesome!

[Lgbpop]

Question on the rear-disc conversion - will that require the removal of the proportioning valves and related junk once all four wheels are the same type of brake?

[mjhpadi]

I agree price is a concern, but I have also discovered (the hard way) that sometimes it's better to spend a little extra up front because you get better quality and longer life, then buying cheap and having to redo it again and again.

[dlc360]

Originally Posted by Bob5151

All of the painted calipers posted look really good. dlc360, is that a suble red trim I see on your wheels? Awesome!

Yes, thats red pin stripes dividing the painted pockets. Its little details like that, that helped win the trophies.

As far as painting older calipers, just use a little more brak cleaner to clean them. Mine were 5 almost 5 years old when I painted them

[Simon182]

I might give it a try then, do you remember how many coats you put?

[dlc360]

Originally Posted by Simon182

I might give it a try then, do you remember how many coats you put?

For the first time, I used 2 cans of brake cleaner & an old tooth brush to clean all 4 calipers. Then I used 2 spray cans of the duplicolor caliper paint, again for the 4 calipers. The only reason 3 repainted mine after 2 years was I was showing the car and needed them to look good. You may get more time depending on how they hold up after the 2 years.
As far as actual coats, just go with light coats till you get the finish you want.

[Simon182]

I think i'll try it this weekend, The paint will come off if I spray brake cleaner on it right

[dlc360]

Originally Posted by Simon182

I think i'll try it this weekend, The paint will come off if I spray brake cleaner on it right

Once the paint is dryit will hold up to brake cleaner, but it will take away the gloss finish. The duplicolor & VHT paints will hold up very well with repeated cleanings also. When I was showing the wagon, I would clean the brakes at least twice a week with wheel / brake dust cleaners. The vinyl decals also held up very well and the heat never bothered them, just another little detail that can be added.