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:Well, after owning my Z for five years, I finally broke down and got 18" rims & tires. I decided not to skimp and go half-assed. I wanted to get the rims that I REALLY wanted, even if it meant breaking the bank this summer. LOL
:Since I was getting the rims, I started to think it was time to do something about my calipers too, since now they'll be very visable behind open 5-spoke 18's. Anyone with a 93+ knows how UGLY the cast iron front calipers are:
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:The rear calipers are not as bad, being aluminum and all, they actually look kinda nice.
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:I decided to try the Folia Tec Caliper Paint Kit. I had heard good reviews from several tt.net members, as well as many other good reviews on the internet (BMW, VW, and NSX circles to name a few). This is the two-part laquer and hardner that you mix together and paint on with a brush. The two points that sold me on this product was: 1) nice glossy finish, 2) very durable.
:After lots of cleaning with a wire brush and some break cleaner, the calipers were finally ready for painting. I had removed all the pads & shims and masked off the rotors, etc. I did three coats and let it dry overnight. Then I sanded the NISSAN lettering off the next day. Here are the results:
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:Sanding the lettering off the rear calipers was a piece of cake, came out real nice. On the cast iron front calipers it was a fair bit more difficult. The metal is very rough and porous and I didn't get it perfect. You have to remove a lot of metal to get it smooth and flush. I may take another go at it down the road with my dremel.
:Anyway, now to the good part. Time to mount the new rims.
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:Here's a nice closeup:
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:And the final result:
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:The rims are SSR GT3's (8.5x18" F, 10x18" R) with Bridgestone S-03 Pole Positions (245/40-18, 275/35-18). They came just in time for our annual Z Car Show n' Shine, and a week after I proposed to my girlfriend of 2.5 years! (had to save the best news for last)
:We're getting married next year. With this wheel purchase, and now a wedding to save for, turbos and other big goodies are just going to have to wait.
:(If the wheels had come BEFORE the ring, I would've been dead!) ;-)
:I'd just like to thank the members of tt.net that helped with my questions about caliper paint (most notably ZEngineer - who MUST work for Folia Tec! LOL), and those that inspired me to take the leap and get rims finally!
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Bernie Authorized sales rep for...
Datalogs every run... launches with boost in your 5-speed...
keeps turbos spooled between shifts... enables controlled power slides...
valet mode prevents abuse of your Z... unlike most factory systems, maximizes acceleration! For more information, pricing, or to purchase a system,
feel free to e-mail me: bhsiao@newssun.med.miami.edu
or visit the website
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