Has anyone dealt with rusty brake drums?

[Simon182]

I decided it's time to get rid of my ugly brake drums in the back. I've been through 2 pairs already and they always build up rust so quick. I don't live in the snow, so that can't be an issue. I'm going to probably buy new drums but this time I want them to be rustproof. Any opinions on how I can do this? I was thinking just painting it silver but do I need any special paint? Thank You

[Automender12345]

They can get hot, so I would use disk brake caliper paint.

[Simon182]

Sounds good, I don't need to sand or anything if they're brand new right?

[behlinla]

If they're new, just give them a good cleaning with brake cleaner before painting. Obviously do not paint the inside of the drum. Also try not to get the paint very thick around the wheel mounting surface.

[belcher08]

I had the same issue. I used brake caliper paint (any high-temp paint would work... engine enamel would work as well). Don't paint them silver though. It would look tacky. I went with black. But that's just my opinion. Or you could always do the rear disc conversion

[Prismatic]

Originally Posted by belcher08

I had the same issue. I used brake caliper paint (any high-temp paint would work... engine enamel would work as well). Don't paint them silver though. I would look tacky. I went with black. But that's just my opinion. Or you could always do the rear disc conversion

This! It's 100% worth it!

Gonna try and do a rear disc conversion, got some parts. Got a question...

[bpd1151]

Once you complete your rear disc brake conversion.....



You may want to consider using the following product to paint w/e your heart desires....

G2 Brake Caliper Paint Systems: G2 Brake Caliper Paint System Set



Simply an OUTSTANDING product, bar none!

I've used it on many cars I've customized over the years, and have nothing but rave reviews for it's ease of use, application, overall finish, and incredible durability.

As long as the surface you intend on painting is prepped correctly, you can expect the same results I have.



Here's a link to my album when I removed my calipers, sanded them, cleaned them, prepped 'em, and then painted 'em like 2 years ago.....

SHO Brake Calipers Photos by bpd1151 | Photobucket




Had this image captured a few months after painting them (again, like 2yrs ago)....



Fast forward an approx 2yrs, and this image was captured like 3/4 months ago, when I had my tour of the Chicago Assembly Plant (notice the OEM rotors starting to rust though, but the calipers still look spanking brand new / freshly painted)....




No worries on those rotors though.... just picked me up some upgraded one's like 2 weeks ago, and here's what they looked like when they arrived at my door step, and what I ended up doing to them right after I opened up the boxes they were delivered in.....












Plan'n on installing those rotors this coming Wednesday, 02/06/13.

The nice thing about using this particular product is that it makes cleaning off brake dust a breeze, due to it's high gloss finish.

So you get better looks up front, and continue to get good looks well after applying the product to where ever it is you choose.

Hope it's of some help to you

[dlc360]

If your going to use your car as a daily driver (10,000+ miles a year) and still want want to have good looking drums or rotors on a budget I would recomend the VHT or Duplicolor brake caliper paint. You can buy a complete kit from autozone / advance for around $25.00. This kit is enough to do a full set of calipers. For the drums I would add a spray can of the same paint for a better look. Your going to need to probably re-paint or at least touch up every couple of years as a daily driver. For a car thats parked in the winters or just limited driving, your going to get alot more time from the paint.

Here are some pics of what I did to my wagon. I would put on about 15000 / 18000 miles a year and the paint held up great, though Idid repaint every 2 years when Idid brake service.







The big key is to make sure everything is super clean before painting, sray down with alot of brake cleaner. With the calipers, there is no need to remove them from the car. At brake service I would spray paint the calipers before removing the old rotors. Your not going to see every part of the caliper with the wheels on, so just paint the visable areas and enjoy the final outcome.

[bpd1151]

Originally Posted by dlc360

If you're going to use your car as a daily driver (10,000+ miles a year) and still want want to have good looking drums or rotors on a budget.....

I would recomend the VHT or Duplicolor brake caliper paint.

I would put on about 15000 / 18000 miles a year and the paint held up great, though I did repaint every 2 years when Idid brake service.

Exactly.

On a budget, and repaint.

NOT two things I would desire to do personally, but I'm sure the OP will appreciate your suggestions.

G2 stuff is a lil pricier sure (anywhere from $37 to $59 a kit depending on where you shop for it) but, I've NEVER had to repaint.

Mine's DD as well, with about the same mileage per year, and I'm in the Chi-Town area, subject to temp extremes, salty roads in the Winter, etc.

[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.