Leej

Hi

I have a black 2008 SL550 with the AMG Sport Package. My brake calipers are starting to look pretty bad (mainly the bolts are rusting, ). I know I could upgrade to some bigger 6 piston calipers (or even better upgrade to an SL55 or SL65...) but honestly I am happy with what I have and just want to improve cosmetically. I have looked at different options, and I'm thinking about simply painting my calipers. Below is what my wheels and calipers look like now (sorry the spokes are right in the middle of the caliper, but you can see the rusty bolts):


After reading other posts, I think I will go with the G2 epoxy paint (brush on), but I'm looking for any advice, suggestions, or personal experience (are there any drawbacks to the epoxy paint).

Also, I have seen this caliper with a "Mercedes Benz" logo and with an "AMG" logo (although I'm not really sure this is a true AMG caliper, although I do believe it is made by Brembo)? My calipers don't have any logo showing.




So, should I paint the calipers or not?
G2 epoxy paint or something else?
Red, silver, or black?
Logo: AMG, Mercedes Benz, or no logo?

Any advice, suggestions, or pictures?

Thanks

Lee
Black 2008 SL550 (AMG Sport package)

Bahnstormer

I would go either silver or black as I prefer the monochromatic look.

Bhopkins

I'm with Bahnstormer with the silver or black. I totally understand why you want to get rid of the dirty, rusted look. But I've never been a big fan of brightly painted brake rotors. If it were me, I would also go with the Mercedes-Benz logo. Black lettering on silver calipers? Or silver on black? That would be sharp.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/5-X-4-Curve...PRQ:rk:23:pf:0

I may have to do the same when it comes time for brake fluid change.

ponchik

Just look at the color mercedes uses for painting calipers. Mine (SL600) are silver with MB logo on it.
If you make it red or black (or other bright color), calipers will hit the eye, which is not the case unless its something like 8-piston AMG calipers. And it will make you MB look like impreza

Leej

I agree with all the comments (including the impreza comment) regarding caliper colors.

However, I thought I would do some mock ups in Photoshop just for fun (I didn't do the rear caliper, as it was hidden in this picture anyway).

I was really leaning towards black or silver, but after doing the mock up, I don't think the red is too bad (I think the silver or black will get lost and be transparent... maybe that is good thing?). See below:

Current

Current with rusty bolts...


Silver

Silver, not much different, except rusty bolts hidden.


Red

Red, not sure I have color exactly right, but I tried to make it slightly transparent to simulate if they were a little dirty.


Black

Black, this just makes the caliper disappear.

Any thoughts, comments, or personal experiences.

Lee

latemodel21

i opted for a more subdued red. I used "dark candy apple red metallic" a 2-part brush on from G2

Chris

Leej

Chris, thanks for the picture, looks nice. A close up picture of front and rear wheels would be great if possible.
Lee

latemodel21

here is a pic that shows the color better

latemodel21

and a couple more

ponchik

I personally would go for silver.
Bright colors attract attention to the detail itself. So the detail should be worth highlighting, like huge AMG brakes that cover almost 50% of the brake disc.
Otherwise it's like putting 20-inch wheels on a car with brake drums. So everyone can see that you spent all your budget for wheels

For this car silver highlights calipers, so they don't disappear, but at the same time it does not put it in the first place.

But if you want to put accent on the calipers red would be nice too.

CPDay

My SL is black. I have been thinking of painting my calipers black, as well. With any other color, I feel like I'm calling attention where none is needed or wanted. As though: "I drive an attractive $100k automobile and look, it has... BRAKES!" The car looks so good as is. Why distract from it?

Rudeney

I have not painted mine, but I do like the looks of painted calipers. I think it helps draw attention to the rims. With everything behind the being "metal" silver, it can make the rims look a bit washed-out. With a color (red, yellow, etc.) it helps give some visual depth to the rim/brake assembly. Just my opinion.

Swank350

Swank350

Leej

@Swank350, those look great! Can you post a pic of the rear caliper (assuming it is painted as well), and a pic of your car with the calipers showing?

Swank350

Swank350

Leej

Thanks for the suggestions. Weather finally cooperated and I painted the front and rear calipers using the G2 epoxy paint (red). I was very happy with the results.

I cleaned the calipers with brake cleaner and a wire brush. Masked some areas (I'm a horrible painter), and then started painting using the small paint brush that came with the kit. At first the paint didn't seem to cover all that well, but it looks much better once it dries and cures. I did my best to paint the back side of the caliper, but I'm sure I didn't cover the back side well at all. There was way more than enough paint in the kit. The instructions say to apply multiple coats, with 15 minutes between coats. However, I found that with the second coat (even after 15 minutes, and more), the paint on the caliper from the first coat was sticky and the brush tended to pull it and leave more brush strokes... After the second coat, I left it and it dried very nice and the color is even. You can certainly see some texture and roughness in the metal through the glossy paint, but from 1 meter they look great. I finished it with a black decal from ebay.

I think silver would have looked very nice as well, but with all the work, I thought red would be a nice subtle accent (I think silver would get lost behind the wheels). Overall, I'm happy and it certainly looks better than before (of course bigger brakes would look nice too!).













BEFORE AFTER

grx engine

Thanks. Very fun and easy project. I found this thread and decided to go for it also. VHT High Temp Primer, VHT Red Caliper Paint, VHT High Temp Satin Clear Coat. Decals were purchased from a now closed store on Etsy.com. I’m sure you can get them anyplace online, though. Red and Gold are my high school’s colors.

1bad540

look great, I just refreshed my 03's and went with Vht hi temp silver, matches the factory look and looks brand new again.