Powder coating calipers: Harmful or not ?

[youngturk]

I recently purchased a set of 300ZX calipers and would like to have them powdercoated. I painted a set previously but the color dulled and changed in a short time.

I did a forum search on this subject and found only two threads. Both threads commented that powdercoating would/could damage the structural integrity of the calipers.

I found a professional shop in Round Rock, Texas which will do it for $95 (not a bad price). He guarantees the finish to withstand heat up to 600 degrees.

Has anyone experienced damage to their caliper's operation as a result of having them powdercoated?

And what parts other than the pistons should be removed prior to handing over the calipers to the shop? I am planning on removing the pistons because their have seals around them (which would melt during the 350 degree baking process). The shop will mask the openings.

Thanks for your feedback in advance.

[Bronze MFP]

What color are you going for? I'd imagine brake dust would make any color look like crap in a short abount of time if you don't regularly clean the calipers. I used some black duplicolor caliper paint from advance autoparts. The paint itself has held up really well, but I don't know if yellow or red or any other color would hold up as well. Check out page 2 of my cardomain for pics.

[nismofly]

theres a low temperature powdercoating process that ive heard is safe for things like calipers that are important structural and safety items of the car, but i dont know any details about it really

[youngturk]

Hey Bronze MFP: I want to do red, since my car is red.

[Bronze MFP]

They should have red caliper paint at the store. Unless you are dead set on powdercoating, i'd try the paint. it's a lot cheaper and it has that glossy laquer look to it. I was lazy and only did half of my calipers, but with the wheels on, nobody can tell

[ShortyS14]

I got some black VHT (very high temp) paint and put about 3 coats on it. It's good to I think 900 degrees. Just for some added protection, I put 2 coats of clear coat (engine paint) on them. They look really good, and I haven't had any issues with fading/ chipping/ etc.

[Bronze MFP]

are those q45 brakes? looks good

[ShortyS14]

Yep. Thanks.

[youngturk]

Hey guys, just to wrap up and pass on what I last learned: I visited with my local Nissan dealer techs yesterday. They told me that they have never seen anyone experience da,age to their calipers from powdercoating. Apparently, our Z32 calipers are designed to operate at the baking temperatures for quite a long time.

Which brought up the second question: What type of prep should be done? Remove dust boots and rings, pistons, remove piston seals embedded inside the cylinder walls (this is also a good time to replace them if any of them is damaged), and remove bleeder valve. Make sure to tell the company which will do the powdercoating to mask all piston openings plus all threaded holes which are the threads that bolt the caliper onto the suspension, the hole that accepts the brake line, and the bleeder valve hole.

Thanks again for all of your input.