simonmd

So, i've had my RX8 for nearly 3 weeks now and it's time to put my own stamp on it. The most obvious items were the wheels as the fronts expecially were looking a bit scruffy round the edges and I was looking at getting some after market rims but the stock alloys are so good, I decided to renovate them instead. Black wheels on a sunlight silver Rex look stunning so black it had to be but if i'm doing the wheels black, why not go the whole hig and do red brakes as well?

Wheels off then and time to inspect the brakes. I'm very lucky with my car, all the pads look recently changed,


Allong with a new pair of front disks too, so no rust like the original ones,


The calipers have to be red of course, decided not to muck about removing them so lots of masking up,




With the rears, something had to be done about the typical rust around the hub so thought id try red around it and i'f I dont like the look, i can go over it with black or silver after. I've ordered some white 'RX8' stickers from the UK club shop to finish them off, hopefully be here in a few days,


Had second thoughts about the red around the hub so decided to repaint it black, along with the disk guard and suspension links to smarten it all up,


As the front disks have no rust on them, I just painted the caliper, disk guard and track rod. Pretty pleased with the result and looking forward to seeing them through the wheels, have to see if I can trim the couple of minor red marks off the pads though!


In the mean time, the two offside wheels were given a good clean, then all the corrosion was taken off with a drill and wire brush attachment,


Before sanding smooth, ready for primer and top coat,








It wasn't all easy and staightforward though, wanted to put clear lacquer on to finish them off and it RUINED one of the wheels!!! I included this pic as a warning to those wanting to do similar, you MUST ensure the lacquer is compatible with the basecoat or you will have a very bad day like I did!


The finished result, the entire job will have cost about £80 / $120 and can be done in a weekend, especially if you have stands and are able to do all four wheels at once, which I dont!

tza0001

iTrader: (2)

Well done! Now you need a drop

monchie

That wheel gap is horrendous, you need a drop, but the work you did looks good...

altspace

iTrader: (2)

Wow, that's seen a lot of salt. Rust everywhere. What paint did you use to cover it?

simonmd

Yup, a UK car so has had to suffer a few winters with salty roads, now shes down in Spain, hopefully a thing of the past!

The wheel gap does look awfull in the last two pics because i'd just let it down off the jack and the suspension hadn't settled and the rear was still jacked up, couldn't move the car as the rear wheels are still off!

This is what it looks like normaly,

monchie

^ You still need a drop...lol

simonmd

LOL, have you seen Spanish roads? The main roads are ok but go anywhere near a town and they really have a fetish for HUGE speedbumps. I'm afraid a drop is not an option out here!

olddragger

iTrader: (3)

that makes sense.
I recently did about the same thing. I painted my wheels also. They turned out well enough I have decided NOT to powder coat them. I too had trouble with the clear coat. Yahhhhhhh!
Good job.

R80MAV

nice work, but NOOOO not red painted calipers

olddragger

iTrader: (3)

I wish we did have better LOOKING brake calipers.

altspace

iTrader: (2)

I agree. Even the FD brakes were decent looking. Here you go....http://www.calipercovers.com/ LOL!!!! They don't even make them for the RX-8. Ha!

However you can get the "Brembo" for cheap.

simonmd

PLASTIC covers on something that can be 600 deg??

GK1707

iTrader: (10)

Fake Brembo's = ghey. That thing looks like it could fly off quite easily.

My calipers are painted blue (how I got it from the previous owner). Last year I got a few high heat Mazda caliper decals. Basically I cleaned up the calipers with some rubbing alcohol and laid the decals down. They've lasted me a year so far and still hold great.

simonmd

Getting there, wheels now had first coat, should be able to do second and third tomorrow before finishing painting the suspension,





Then i'll be able to use my car again!!

RXeligion

^ BAD FORM using two scissor jacks. Jack stands are cheap and available. They will keep you safe and your car from being damaged.

simonmd

Lol, I was wondering when someone would comment! I know what you mean but the parking space has a slight downhill grade towards the kerb, which the offside front wheel is firmly against as well as being chocked from behind and of course, the parking brake is also on the rear wheel so she's stable enough. No way would I go under a car supported like this though but as i'm working outside, it'll do for now.

monchie

At first i thought your wheels got stolen...lol

simonmd

Nearside now done and brakes finished off with some special RX-8 stickers,

NYC Drift King

iTrader: (5)

Nice bro... what paint did u use?

Carbon8

iTrader: (4)

Now you need these.

Mazda^® Rotary Wheel Center Caps (Set of 4)

Final result

simonmd

I've seen them and very cool but over 150 inc postage? I think i'll pass!

Normal black enamel paint for disk guards, high temp specific brake spray paint fr the calipers.

Carbon8

iTrader: (4)

Agreed expensive but well worth it. There gel coated not painted, painting center caps over time they will always chip due to vibration.

zoominomad

Very nice! Where do you get the caliper decals? I really like the black wheels!

simonmd

I dont plan to paint my center caps, I think the contrast looks good and works well on a silver car. It's an option for the future though but i'd still have a problem with spending the same amount a new rear spoiler would cost on 4 tiny things that most people wouldnt notice!

simonmd

I got them from the UK RX8 owners club shop, however, i've seen them on Ebay as well - Mazda RX-8 Brake Caliper Decal/Sticker 13 Colors To Choose From x4 Decals | eBay