The big reds on my C4S have a dull appearance. It appears that the clear coat is missing. The paint is intact and when I rub it with my finger, the deep red color returns. I don't want to repaint the entire caliper especially since the Porsche name is engraved on. I noticed this dull appearance when I bought the car but decided I'd correct the problem after the purchase. It doesn't look bad, just has a dull appearance.

Is there a product that can be rubbed onto them that will restore their color and shine without repainting? I need something that can stand up to the heat and not run and interfere with the pads and braking.

 

I believe the brake calipers are powder coated as opposed to painted. As it relates to your question I dont think it makes any difference however. I had my oem black calipers powder coated and experience the same situation you describe. Once a year I just take of the wheels and put a degreaser on the calipers and give them a good cleaning. I then apply "wheel wax" ( a rennlist sponsor I believe) and they look great. I also clean them as best I can everytime I wash the car. My car is not a daily driver so we may not be comparing apples to apples. In addition if your powder coating or clear coat, whatever the case may be, is actually worn off I dont think this will help you much. There have been many threads posted on the + and - of paint vs. powder coating, so if you need to redo them you can read the archives to determine which suits you best. Powder coating is not that expensive but is a bit of a pita. Mick

 

I have never done this myself, but why don't you just clean them well and then hit them with some fine rubbing compound? I would be careful around the decals though. Finish it off with some wax and you should be shining again...
(I thought I read that the original calipers are painted rather than powder coated.)

 

VHT makes a high temperature brake caliper clear coat if you want something more permanent than wax.

 

I purchased a set of big reds from a TT owner who was upgrading his brakes. When I received them, they were in okay shape, but had suffered some nicks during shipping and the paint was dull. There is definitely a clear coat on mine... are you sure yours have not been resprayed?

I cleaned up the calipers using lacquer thinner to remove the Cosmoline, then used fine rubbing compound to get out the scratches. Touched up the nicks w/ VHT caliper paint applied with a touch up brush. I then treated the calipers as I do any painted surface on my car by using a 3 step method of cleaner, polish then wax. The end result were calipers that looked as good as new, if not better.

 

I appreciate the advice. I'll go with the clean and wax method for now. I had some concerns about the impact of heat on wax , but I'll see how it goes. If I have to I'll repaint them or just add some clear coat, but this will be my last option. These calipers appear to have the Porsche name etched and painted on rather than the sticker. No way to paint them completely without painting over the script. I could try taping over it and using my air brush to apply but I'll just see how the wax does for now. Thanks again.

 

I have just tidied my big reds up on my C4S, the calipers are powder coated, then they have a coat of clear coat applied. When the clear coat flakes off, the powder coat is exposed and looks flat. I spoke to a body shop and they suggested the best way to tidy them up was to flatten the clear coat and edges where it has flaked off with 1200 grit wet and dry, then give them a coat of clear coat.

Very happy with the end result.

 

That's exactly what I'm seeing, flaking of the clearcoat. I can discern the edges where the clear coat has come off. The wax suggestion did bring back the deep red color but the borders of the clear coat are still visible. I'll try the 1200 grit sandpaper idea over the winter.

Two questions;

How did you apply your clear coat and what type product did you use that can stand the heat of braking? Did you use the same VHT product RallyJon mentioned?

Did the clear coat restore the deep color or did you have to do something else to restore the deep red color before applying the clear coat?

 

The clear coat will bring them back like new, make sure you clean the wax off that you have applied. The bodyshop I spoke to advised that regular automotive clearcoat would be fine, as the brakes get hot, but so does the engine lid in a regular car. Mine has lasted so far but only been on a couple of months.

If you are doing track days etc perhaps use VHT clear coat, comes in a satin clear finish. I purchased some online, just do a google search for it, but didn't bother using it in the end, time will tell if I made the right choice.

Regarding the application, I just flattened the clearcoat down, with the calipers on the car, then masked the rotors and surrounding area up and applied several thin coats of clear coat. You wont need to use any other product to get the gloss finish back.

 

Another tip regarding the clear coat, is to go easy on the use of chemical wheel cleaners that contain mild acid to remove the brake dust, if you use it try diluting it 50/50 with water, and avoid blasting the calipers with a pressure washer, as the water gets under the clear if there are any chips, then it flakes off.