..need help! want to paint my calipers - how to remove pads?

[Reiroi]

..just wanted to remove the pads (how?) and tape the rest. Please shareyour expertise! Thanks.

[snwbrdr435]

Um are you qualified to paint?

Welcome to nico!

[aris_unlimited]

Agreed! Welcome to NICO.

Also if you don't even know how to change the brake pads you probably shouldn't be thinking about doing anything to your car to begin with.

If you are still insistent on trying though I suggest you get a repair manual for it and follow instructions step by step.

[BusyBadger]

Link to 350Z FSMs, but I'm in full agreement with the two previous posts. There's nothing wrong with asking for help, but if you're not sure what you're doing one of the last systems you want to tinker with on a car is the brakes.

You might want to stop by the Regional forums and see if anyone local can help you out - its always good to have someone there that's done it before.

[HeavyDuty]

If you do insist on doing it yourself, get the paint here;

http://www.g2usa.com/

BUT...be prepared to have the car down for 24hrs following the paint process. It's an epoxy paint that you mix the color and the hardener then brush on. It also comes with a can of spray cleaner to use before painting.

You would unbolt your calipers, remove the pads, and support the caliper with a coathanger or safety wire so you don't put a strain on the brake line. You can hang it from an upper control arm or the coil spring, etc. Clean them, paint them, let them dry for 24 hrs then reinstall.

Definitely *DO NOT* unbolt the brake line and definitely *DO* get someone to assist you.

If you're thinking about using spray paint...don't waste your time, particularly if you want a bright color like red or yellow, etc. The stuff listed above is a *perfect* match for Brembo caliper finishes.

[BusyBadger]

That is a great paint source! Thanks!

I might order some just to touch up a some dings from some careless moron gave my Brembos after I got new Bridgestones last fall.

[HeavyDuty]

That is a great paint source! Thanks!

I might order some just to touch up a some dings from some careless moron gave my Brembos after I got new Bridgestones last fall.

It will flow in just right, I've used the kit on several apps and even side by side with OE Brembo black and you absolutely cold not tell where the match line was.

Thing of it is, once you mix the hardener, you've pretty much blown your wad, you can't close the lid and have it keep on the shelf. If you want to do a touch-up, it'd be best to find someone that wants to do theirs and then use their batch for your touch up.

[Reiroi]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and for sharing your insights.I was able to manage painting the calipers "old school" (taping everydetail..(1)pad retainers, (2) inner shim, (3)outer shim cover, etc.I used the VHT 900F (gold) heat resistant paint available online or@ your local auto store. I've checked 15 stores but they only carry red, yellowand some common colors.

As a beginner (not qualified), it took me 4 hours to complete the job (much of it taping small details and making sure it'll look professionally done).

My office "Z" group would want to imitate...that's the best form of compliment!