Calipers done...my first mod!

[mcstark]

I finally broke the mod cherry with 700 miles on my baby. It's just for appearance sake, but I think red brakes make you stop faster -- just like new sneakers make you run faster!

Here's the ugly before shots...
/members/mcstark/Calipers/front before.jpg
/members/mcstark/Calipers/rear before.jpg

And the after shots...
/members/mcstark/Calipers/front after.jpg/members/mcstark/Calipers/rear after.jpg

 

[mcstark]

Here's some with the wheels on...I'll take more outside tomorrow.

/members/mcstark/Calipers/front done.jpg/members/mcstark/Calipers/front done2.jpg/members/mcstark/Calipers/rear done.jpg

Yeah...I gotta take care of the rust problem, but didn't have time today...I'll prob let it go until Spring and then have at it.

Sorry for the HUGE pics...forgot my cam was set on 1600x1200.

 

[toucci]

looks damn nice. i like the huge pictures, by the way. more detail

but everyone else hates them so 800x600 or lower should be good enuff

 

[Black Majik MSP]

OK, now I'm convinced...Mazda needs a TSB on the brakes for that freaking rust!

 

[slenser]

I think there is one already. I don't need it, since mine look better than those pictured above, though my car is older. Not sure if they started painting them at the dealership after so many complaints or what? Who knows?

 

[toucci]

OK, now I'm convinced...Mazda needs a TSB on the brakes for that freaking rust!

there is one! they're told to sand it and clearcoat it or replace them entirely. I suppose you could try the former and if it doesn't work well get them replaced at the dealer. As a side note, my mother's Lexus GS 400 has that rust too and its not exactly an economy car.

 

[mcstark]

Well...a little history...my car was built in July `02, and I just bought it two weeks ago. So it was sitting for a while.... But I might call my service manager to have the dealer do it, but will prob wait till Spring cuz I'd be pissed if they oversprayed onto my calipers. That way I can mask it off really nice.

Or maybe I can convince the wifey that I need cadmium plated rotors...

 

[kolashaker]

Here's the TSB just in case :

http://web2.airmail.net/theman/protegefaq/tsb/mt000003559.html

ks

 

[mcstark]

kola...thanks I'll make sure to save that info for when I call them.

Here's an outside side pic as promised...I love it! Just wish they did this from the factory.

/members/mcstark/Calipers/post side outside.jpg

Now to lower it a bit, and replace that RC antenna.

(drive)

 

[Coqui258]

Good to see another black mica with red calipers! I might redo mine though, cause I don't like the outcome too much. I'll try the G2 next time...

 

[elias1974]

nice

 

[Soooshi]

Looks great. I probably paint my calipers this week. Don't like looking at the dirt and rust.

 

[RyanJayG]

I've never seen a rotor that rusted... I just repainted my calipers today, and I got some hi-temp Silver to fo the rotors too.. they look much better now IMO

 

[airzoomgp]

nice job on the calipers...

can that TSB apply for 2003 and 2003.5 p5's also?!?

 

[mcstark]

zoom...it's probably at the service manager's discretion. technically the answer is "no" because the TSB states it's for 2001 & 2002's. but someone here got it done on a 2003 because the rotors are the same for 2001+. i'd call first, talk to a service manager, and get their name if they say they'll do it.

otherwise, not that difficult to do. after spending 4 hours doing mine -- i did 5 coats front, 4 back -- i'd hate to see some lug overspray on them. so i'll prob do my own come the Spring.

oh, and thank you all for the compliments.

 

[mcstark]

Good to see another black mica with red calipers! I might redo mine though, cause I don't like the outcome too much. I'll try the G2 next time...

coqui...something i learned the hard way...be patient with the G2 paint. it's very thin at first, so don't worry about hitting everything on the first go around. my fourth and fifth coats on the front rotors were kinda thick -- got tired of waiting -- so they're not as smooth as the front. there's one or two drip spots...but nobody will notice unless they get real close.

also, i didn't paint everything...i only did what you can see through the wheels. so don't worry about getting everything, unless you're very particular about it. hey...it's your car!

 

[airzoomgp]

mc

thanks for the feedback...wiLL give your suggestion a try...my p5 is only 3 weeks old and the rust on the brakes is not too bad, but just the fact that it's there annoys the heLL outta me...BTW, how much tint do you have on your windows?!? i'm going to get my windows done on wednesday and don't wanna go too light...

 

[mcstark]

airz,
My front windows are 35%, and everything else is 20%. I didn't think I'd like the two different levels -- thought it would look stupid. But the front at 35% is necessary at night, otherwise I probably wouldn't be able to see. The rear window at 20% is great...I don't have to dim my rearview mirror at all -- even with trucks.
Good luck with painting your rotors...just looks like a lot of masking -- also remember to smear some grease on the face of the hub (where the lugs are) to prevent your wheels from sticking.

 

[rx7gslse]

wow... that looks liek my twin

 

[mcstark]

Yeah, there's a few of us on here. My mountain bike (Cannondale F2000) will be on the roof this Spring. Few questions for you...

1) Your car looks good...do you get any rubbing with the H&R springs?
2) What tray did you get that fit the factory rack? I'm looking at the Mazda tray (Yakima) because it's holds the bike upright without taking the front wheel off.

Regarding your sig..."NEW HOUSE Why my toys aren't cooler" Totally agree man: my mortgage and child - why my toys are so old!