Blue Brake Calipers

This is a relatively simple, cheap mod. It does take several hours of work however. I used the Duplicolor Caliper Kit. It costs about $17. Based upon the amount of paint I had left over, it could easily do 2 calipers and 2 drums, maybe even 2 trucks. It comes with almost everything you need. The paint included in this kit is applied by brush. It is actually some kind of ceramic epoxy stuff so it should last a really long time. I had a really hard time finding a blue kit in Topeka. I think I bought the only one in town. The blue is not a perfect match to the Speedway Blue but it is extremely close.

First you remove your wheels. For the best results they suggest that you remove your caliper from the rotor, however I did not do that and I am glad I didn't. You just have to be more careful with your painting. I think they turned out perfect. I then taped up everything around the calipers so I didn't get any dirt or cleaner where it shouldn't be. Then I used a wire brush to clean the calipers. The wire brush did not come with the kit but it made the job faster. Then you use the included caliper cleaner spray to further clean them. Then I used some sandpaper to rough them up a bit. I then applied 3 coats of the paint. You have to work quickly because the paint sets up fast. By the time I finished painting one caliper it was time to put another coat on the other one. The paint is dry to the touch after about an hour. You should wait at least 3-4 hours before using the truck.

I haven't decided yet if I am going to do the rear rotors. I think I probably will because they are fairly small. It makes a very subtle difference but I like it. Here are the results:

 

looks good!

 

Not bad! Thats a good way to set yourself apart from the others. Good job!

Will

 

Looks good but DO NOT...I repeat DO NOT paint the rear drums! I painted just my front calipers and it looks great. It will look really cheezy with rear drums painted..I think you'll like it just fine with just the fronts painted.

 

looks awesome bro...congrats...

 

Looks cool!

 

x2!!! painted drums never look good.

 

After I waited the 4 hours I moved the truck away from the house where I could get a better view from a distance. I agree with you guys. I will not be doing the rear drums. It would be too much.

 

Looks good ! I was thinking of doing it. G2 is more then 2X $. Does anyone have an opinion of G2 vs Duplicolor Caliper Kit based on experience ? Thanks, Curious George

 

I saw the G2 system on the Internet. I have no experience with it. It is over twice as expensive. I didn't see it in any stores here. However, it does come in 11 colors versus the Duplicolor which, if I recall, only comes in 5 colors.

 

You did a real nice job. I was just curious how the G2 could be worth 2X. Thanks for the reply. Pics R great too, real clear and good size. That's another thing I'm going to have to learn.

 

just re-paint the rear drums black.

 

I have a radiant red 06 TRD Sport. I painted the front calipers with cherry red Rustoleum. Through the alloy wheels, it looks real good. Since the rear drums were faded and rusted, I did paint them black. I tried to revome them from the spindle, but after half can of penetrating fluid, repeated banging and coaxing, no luck. With brake cleaner and wire brush, I just painted them in place. Easy to do.

All in all it looks neat and a sharp. Yours in blue just looks "GOOD"!!! It is subtle and draws the eye to the nice wheels you have. Good job!!

 

that looks pretty sick



do you think that it would look ricer if I painted my calipers on my white tacoma, red, imitating brembo?

 

Do it! Red calipers are the bomb!

 

Looks really good!!

I often wondered about doing that to mine.....just too many other things on the priority list (non truck stuff) and no time to work with.


Now I know what it looks like...and I like it!!!

 

I used Duplicolor on the Brembo's on my old TL. Didn't like them stock black and did them in blue and stenciled the brembo back on them. The paint lasts about a year and a half then it needs to be redone (road debris chipped it up pretty bad). Its a great alternative to getting them powder coated.

I've heard the G2 is pretty much the same, but their are many more color options......I've been debating doing my calipers, but don't know which color I should do with the Mag Grey. Any suggestions?

 

Looks nice, painting the calipers reminds me of a Vette Z02. Ive been thinking about painting the calps red on my Black Taco, after seeing Phantom's, I know it will look sweet!

 

Lembowsky, with mag grey color, red would look really good, just like red with a black color. It will really stand out. You have the TRD, so I assume you have allow wheels. This will look super cool in red calipers. Trust me!!

 

Thanks everyone for the compliments! Frankly I didn't think it would go over this well. I was prepared to take a beating for it being too ricey.

Hey, lembrowski.... did you use the Duplicolor paint or the "paint kit"? The paint in the kit is more of an epoxy. All the reviews I found said it held up really well. Lots of people said it was still going strong after 2 years, although not quite as glossy as when it was new.