How to paint your OEM Audi B7 A4 BBK [:D]

[CorneliusRox]

This is how it came out. I like it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0164-1.jpg

So I tried quite a few ways of sanding this down and getting it smooth and by far the easiest way was with a dremel. I also ended up switching from safety goggles to my snowboarding goggles because they kept the dust out of my eyes.
Also make sure you have good lighting. It is borderline the most important part.

Here is what you'll need:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0149.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0153-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0144.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0150.jpg

Here's how I did it:
Get comfy in your TINY garage like I did.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0147.jpg
Then spray them down with some brake cleaner.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0148.jpg
We want to get rid of the gritty cast surface and the flash points so grab the dremel and have at it (take your time and lots of it)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0152.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0169.jpg
Now throw newspaper EVERYWHERE and you can even fit it between the rotor and the pad (tough but definitely possible). And make sure you have everything covered so you dont turn your car a different color. Also dont worry about a little bit getting on the pads or rotors. As long as it isnt a ton, it will just get burned/scraped away after your first drive.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0155-1.jpg
Old towels for extra insurance
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0172.jpg
Now paint! For paint I did a first coat thick, the it sit for 10min, then another still pretty thick, and a third 10min later that was a bit lighter to give it a smooth glossy look.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0158-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0162-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0135.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0137-1.jpg
Not a big deal, it disappeared after my 7 mile drive to work this morning.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0138.jpg
Now remove all of your tape and newspaper.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0174.jpg
Here is what you'll have (hopefully)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0164-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0140.jpg

Before:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0134.jpg
After:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0179-1.jpg
Before:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0132.jpg
After:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0178.jpg

How she looks now:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0180.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0181-1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0183.jpg




And before you tell me to get 'moar low' look what came in the mail today!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0190-1.jpg
not the dogs, already had those ;-)



Hope you all enjoy!

[DrnknCamel]

Looks good!

[Rodmar]

I hate you btw....car looks great as a whole lol...paint looks great, why cant my BB look that clean lol.

[flyingfish2626]

That could be the smallest garage I have ever seen. Good work, looks good.

[Ed Gein]

got the joms huh?

[A4A4A4]

Nice write-up. The brakes look good as does the rest of the car (although if it were my car I'd lose the eyelids).

I can't believe you're still on the stock tires though, those have to be due for a swap soon.

[BlueHiddenSun]

GET MOAR LOW!! ... sorry I had to [:D]

What suspension setup did you go with?

[CorneliusRox]

Looks good!
Thanks!


I hate you btw....car looks great as a whole lol...paint looks great, why cant my BB look that clean lol.
Ha ha what do you mean? Just put a little elbow grease into them!


That could be the smallest garage I have ever seen. Good work, looks good.
Oh it is! I wont let anyone back my car into there except me.


got the joms huh?
Yes sir! Couldnt beat the price and $50 back for before/after pics


Nice write-up. The brakes look good as does the rest of the car (although if it were my car I'd lose the eyelids).

I can't believe you're still on the stock tires though, those have to be due for a swap soon.
I know, AZine hates them but I like them until I get a boser hood one day. and my tires are about due. I am waiting till summer to throw some big meats on my summer wheels.


GET MOAR LOW!! ... sorry I had to [:D]

What suspension setup did you go with?
JOM. Cheap, but I hear good things. I'll do a write-up on them after a few months.

[groundround]

paint looks caked on, and not worth all that effort for the finished product.

[Rodmar]

hahaha I got tons of rock chips I wish would disappear lol.

[moyenecorniche]

You did wear a respirator with a HEPA filter when grinding those calipers....Right...????
Not a paper mask which are useless since they allow dust to pass around the loose fit portions on your face....

Otherwise car looks good.....

[CorneliusRox]

You did wear a respirator with a HEPA filter when grinding those calipers....Right...????
Not a paper mask which are useless since they allow dust to pass around the loose fit portions on your face....

Otherwise car looks good.....

I should have... I wore nothing... I can definitely feel it today, and I know my body isnt happy, but I'm feeling better now. I dont know what I was thinking on that note honestly. I should have grabbed something.

[Mc Suly]

looks good, i'm gonna do black!

[A4A4A4]

paint looks caked on, and not worth all that effort for the finished product.

Even if it's not worth your effort, it might be worth his. Not your car is it?

[:p]

[Schweini]

Looks super sexy. Great job man. I love seeing people take their time and put that kind of effort into their work, 'cause it shows. I'd love to hear about the JOMs as well, since I was terribly close to buying them instead of the ST's

[Rodmar]

Even if it's not worth your effort, it might be worth his. Not your car is it?

[:p]

lol trolls gonna troll...looks good to me

[A4_Ti]

Looks great, I plan on doing the same thing in the spring!


p.s. holy crap that is a tiny garage!

[wildcat333]

Very nice write up and pics. [up]

This should be added to the Tech Section for DIY's. I will definitely reference this thread when I do something similar (although with black paint) to my brakes soon.

Maybe slightly modify the first post to write all the tools at the start of the thread, and the admins will add it?
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/382612-DIY-How-to-submit-your-own-FAQ-DIY-write-up

[t3los]

Only thing I did differently from you is paint a bunch of light coats. Did about seven light coats on each caliper, after sanding and spraying with cleaner until it was nice and shiny.

That, and I didn't cover everything in newspaper. I just used a battery bag and taped it to itself around the back-side of the rotor, and painted away. I didn't use spray, though. I used the brush kit.

[khaos443]

paint looks good as does the rest of the car. can't wait to see it with moar low!

[Ed Gein]

Very nice write up and pics. [up]

This should be added to the Tech Section for DIY's. I will definitely reference this thread when I do something similar (although with black paint) to my brakes soon.

Maybe slightly modify the first post to write all the tools at the start of the thread, and the admins will add it?
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/382612-DIY-How-to-submit-your-own-FAQ-DIY-write-up

no offense to cory but its not exactly rocket science to take your wheels off, mask eveything up and spray away lol. [:)]

[RAudiB7A4]

I picked up THIS (http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/accessoryDetail.jsp?ID=41&s_kwcid=TC|21263|g2%20brake%20caliper%20paint||S|e |6917290693&) in black. Gotta wait till it warms up a bit, but it should look nice with out being to flashy for not having a BBK.

[CorneliusRox]

I picked up THIS (http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/accessoryDetail.jsp?ID=41&s_kwcid=TC|21263|g2%20brake%20caliper%20paint||S|e |6917290693&) in black. Gotta wait till it warms up a bit, but it should look nice with out being to flashy for not having a BBK.

I actually looked into that exact kit but then I looked at how the paint dries and it isnt too glossy and that's what I wanted. Just throwing that out there.
I picked up what I did because B7PhiGam had good luck with it (even after 2 years).


no offense to cory but its not exactly rocket science to take your wheels off, mask eveything up and spray away lol. [:)]

It's Corey*, and stop hating! Never said it was! lol but when I was looking to do this I looked at others who had done it and basically found the paint that worked the best (from my research), and tried to find the best way to sand (which I think I did). I just figure it is nice to have a starting point somewhere instead of picking through a bunch of threads.
Personally, I would have liked it if there was this thread already, so I thought I would throw it together for the next guy.



And thanks for the feedback guys. And if someone thinks it is DIY worthy, feel free to post my picks and make it. I feel like this is more of a 'search and find it' kinda thing though.

[Ed Gein]

no hate intended. i just dont think its worthy of an official diy. if you can jack up your car and take the wheel off you shoud be able to do this lol

[ignus99]

I like the look. I wonder how they would go with my supertones - if I was to paint mine red too I could have matching accents!!

Darth Maul A4, bahahahah!!

[freaksavior]

Why did you choose red? Oh wait racekar :D

looks good though ! good job!

[DRAKLORE]

no hate intended. i just dont think its worthy of an official diy. if you can jack up your car and take the wheel off you shoud be able to do this lol

The members here require a DIY for an oil change...[facepalm]
Not everyone is mechanically inclined lol

[DRAKLORE]

Corey looks good :-)
I remember just yesterday you were trying to convince us there was no way you would drop it haha do much for those first intentions !
Keep it up[up]

[wildcat333]

The members here require a DIY for an oil change...[facepalm]
Not everyone is mechanically inclined lol

...[evilmad]

[groundround]

Even if it's not worth your effort, it might be worth his. Not your car is it?

[:p]

Just trying to fit in here, learning how to not like what people decide to do and tell them to change it.

[CorneliusRox]

Just trying to fit in here, learning how to not like what people decide to do and tell them to change it.

It's all good. Everyone has an opinion. Keep it up [;)]


Corey looks good :-)
I remember just yesterday you were trying to convince us there was no way you would drop it haha do much for those first intentions !
Keep it up[up]

Yeah yeah. lol I was going to do my suspension in my tiny garage, but after posting it on facebook, my buddy (who owns a diesel shop) said I should come down and use the hoist and we can try and bust it out in an hour, So I think I'll do that. Hopefully I fit over the damn curb at the head of my driveway.

[beantown]

Even if it's not worth your effort, it might be worth his. Not your car is it?

[:p]

Oooh snap


Just trying to fit in here, learning how to not like what people decide to do and tell them to change it.

Oh double snap


OP - I almost jumped to post a "moar low" comment before seeing your last pic lol.

[jimrobbington]

Looks good! I'm glad you did it! Are you going to use that same dremel bit on the curb?

JR

[b6onboost]

Calipers look good.

Just for reference, the G2 paint system is much easier to use. You brush it on, so little masking is required. As you apply coat after coat the brus lines go away and the finished product looks glossy and smooth. Just saying with G2 you get near identical results with a lot less mess and effort.

Get those coils on.

[RAudiB7A4]

It's all good. Everyone has an opinion. Keep it up [;)]



Yeah yeah. lol I was going to do my suspension in my tiny garage, but after posting it on facebook, my buddy (who owns a diesel shop) said I should come down and use the hoist and we can try and bust it out in an hour, So I think I'll do that. Hopefully I fit over the damn curb at the head of my driveway.



Dude, if you can get those coils installed in an hour, I wanna see the video! That would be amazing. I had a guy who has installed coils/springs/shocks on 50+ B6's and B7's do mine and it took him 3.5 hours. And that was moving, he knew exactly what he was doing and had a nice routeen down. Maybe expect closer to an hour per corner if you know what your doing....

[CorneliusRox]

Dude, if you can get those coils installed in an hour, I wanna see the video! That would be amazing. I had a guy who has installed coils/springs/shocks on 50+ B6's and B7's do mine and it took him 3.5 hours. And that was moving, he knew exactly what he was doing and had a nice routeen down. Maybe expect closer to an hour per corner if you know what your doing....

Yeah, I'll probably run into issues. I did however spray PB Blaster on everything, and then loosen and tighten all the bolts, so I know for a fact that I wont be running into any seized bolts (always the worst part about suspension). The compressing and getting them in will be the hardest part (probably). If I bust down, dont run into any issues, and we really try... yeah maybe 2 hours. I will think about gopro-ing the whole thing though.

[RAudiB7A4]

^Yeah, with 2 guys and if everything goes right, 2 hours might not be out of the question. That's still super quick though. The guy that did mine had a nice hydrolic spring compressor. So that made it quite a bit easier as well. It'll be a bit of a bitch to get manual spring compressors in there on the rear if i remember correctly. Not much room to work in there.

[CorneliusRox]

^Yeah, with 2 guys and if everything goes right, 2 hours might not be out of the question. That's still super quick though. The guy that did mine had a nice hydrolic spring compressor. So that made it quite a bit easier as well. It'll be a bit of a bitch to get manual spring compressors in there on the rear if i remember correctly. Not much room to work in there.

I might drop the whole sub frame with an overhead tranny jack and do both sides are once, then put it back up with the springs in, no compressor needed.

[GA42.0T]

Awesome deal on that G2 kit here (http://www.wheelskin.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=G2_Brake_Caliper_Paint).

$37.99
Coupon code "G2" for extral $1.90 off
And FREE shipping, no sales tax (for GA anyway)

Total: $36.09

[A4A4A4]

Just trying to fit in here, learning how to not like what people decide to do and tell them to change it.

Just saying.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LJZBU51TCwM/TuVDztVv4fI/AAAAAAAAAP4/g0BZcEpTdBM/s1600/Pot_Meet_Kettle.jpg

[RAudiB7A4]

^They're both black, weird. Lol

[BlueHiddenSun]

I picked up G2 CALIPER PAINT (http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/accessoryDetail.jsp?ID=41&s_kwcid=TC|21263|g2%20brake%20caliper%20paint||S|e |6917290693&) in black. Gotta wait till it warms up a bit, but it should look nice with out being to flashy for not having a BBK.


I actually looked into that exact kit but then I looked at how the paint dries and it isnt too glossy and that's what I wanted.

Corey, I used the G2 Caliper Paint in Black on my SVT and it came out just as glossy as your Red calipers did. I wasn't going for a glossy look, but they turned out great and I actually like how it came out.

Not that you are going to re-do it all over again with G2 paint, but I just thought you should know that G2 has a glossy finish.

Final product came out great. [up]

[CorneliusRox]

Corey, I used the G2 Caliper Paint in Black on my SVT and it came out just as glossy as your Red calipers did. I wasn't going for a glossy look, but they turned out great and I actually like how it came out.

Not that you are going to re-do it all over again with G2 paint, but I just thought you should know that G2 has a glossy finish.

Final product came out great. [up]

Well that's good to hear. I went into a store that sold the kit and had them take it out (just a bit), swash it around on some paper, let it dry, and it didnt come out glossy, but maybe the paper or the small amount used had something to do with it.

Thanks for clearing it up though!

Got any pictures of your calipers?

[Charles.waite]

Well that's good to hear. I went into a store that sold the kit and had them take it out (just a bit), swash it around on some paper, let it dry, and it didnt come out glossy, but maybe the paper or the small amount used had something to do with it.

Thanks for clearing it up though!

Got any pictures of your calipers?

THe paper probably absorbed the oils that allows it to dry glossy. I non porous surface would have shown the finish more accurately.

[9Hooker]

Did you get bigger brake calipers than factory? Because if not, 404, BBK not found.

[CorneliusRox]

Did you get bigger brake calipers than factory? Because if not, 404, BBK not found.

No. And I just got an email that my bandwidth was reached... so... wait a couple days till my pictures come back. sorry guys

[t3los]

Just from a logical standpoint, I'm pretty sure having more than one "DIY" on a simple topic is not a bad thing, so long as people are chipping in useful advice and different methods, etc.

edit: and links to the other threads, that way you can say "should have searched" and provide relative information at the same time.[:)]


Dude, if you can get those coils installed in an hour, I wanna see the video! That would be amazing. I had a guy who has installed coils/springs/shocks on 50+ B6's and B7's do mine and it took him 3.5 hours. And that was moving, he knew exactly what he was doing and had a nice routeen down. Maybe expect closer to an hour per corner if you know what your doing....

I'd pay to see that, myself. Probably would have to do it over and over again a few times.

[GA42.0T]

Well that's good to hear. I went into a store that sold the kit and had them take it out (just a bit), swash it around on some paper, let it dry, and it didnt come out glossy, but maybe the paper or the small amount used had something to do with it.



They wasted that can then. According to G2 website (http://www.g2usa.com/INST.html), it's got to be used right away.

"once mixed, there are only between 4-6hrs working time with the paint depending on ambient temperature. Plan the application process accordingly."

[CorneliusRox]

They wasted that can then. According to G2 website (http://www.g2usa.com/INST.html), it's got to be used right away.

"once mixed, there are only between 4-6hrs working time with the paint depending on ambient temperature. Plan the application process accordingly."

like I said, they only took out a little bit and mixed it up.

[GA42.0T]

Ah. My bad.

[Ed Gein]

regardless of how you do the suspension or how long it takes im looking forward to seeing the results. i will probably be pretty jelly though ;)

[CorneliusRox]

regardless of how you do the suspension or how long it takes im looking forward to seeing the results. i will probably be pretty jelly though ;)

I'll be honest with the results. If they are good for the price, I'll definitely let you know. if they suck and I dropped the cash for nothing... I'll probably let you know even more.

[9Hooker]

No. And I just got an email that my bandwidth was reached... so... wait a couple days till my pictures come back. sorry guys

that is to say your post says BBK, BBK stands for Big Brake Kit.

[CorneliusRox]

that is to say your post says BBK, BBK stands for Big Brake Kit.

It is from a prior thread where we said that our A4's come stock with a big brake kit, because they are huge compared to the power and weight of our vehicles.

[CorneliusRox]

pics are back up! Damn photobucket bandwidth

[Tranzlogic]

Maybe I missed something in the original post or in a response here but it doesn't look like you used a temperature resistant paint or a clear coat?

[CorneliusRox]

Maybe I missed something in the original post or in a response here but it doesn't look like you used a temperature resistant paint or a clear coat?

Nope. I did my homework on it and from everyone I talked to and what I have found out myself, this was the best route. Some people have this paint on there for over two years and it's still glossy. This stuff isnt made to have clear on top of it, and most caliper specific or high temp paint isnt glossy.

[BoSNiaN]

RACEKAR RED?! [:p] Too flashy for my tastes....Here's what I got done for $70 all around with decals I bought on ebay:

http://i.imgur.com/S7GT5.jpg

^High temp black paint (which is glossy as you can tell) and then I brushed on some clearcoat over the decals so it lasts....Took the shop 3 hours to do properly and they are now using that pic on their site to adverstise their caliper painting service lol Probably why they said OK to $70....

[CorneliusRox]

UPDATE:

So over a year later and 40000+ miles, and my calipers still look like I just did them!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/BD048CA2-933A-4ECA-8E66-56A882018A74-975-0000009746005DE4_zps52fdb58d.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/TelevatorTMV/media/BD048CA2-933A-4ECA-8E66-56A882018A74-975-0000009746005DE4_zps52fdb58d.jpg.html)

[Charles.waite]

Hahaha. Followup post from Bosnian right above. Good stuff.

Also thats a lotta Red Corey! Looks VERY good though. My calipers are still looking great after a few months of use. The Akebono pads have like zero dust, I love it. Mine are black though so its mostly impossible to take decent pics of them...

I used Black G2 caliper paint. That stuff turned out great for me, even in less that perfect painting conditions (it was about 40*F outside when I was painting...

[CorneliusRox]

Hahaha. Followup post from Bosnian right above. Good stuff.

lol I know I saw that too and laughed.


Also thats a lotta Red Corey! Looks VERY good though.

Yeah and they are different shades too unfortunately, but those are just my winter wheels. I am hesitant to put on my summers because I think I want to sell them since I am going to try and get into a B8 and they have different hubs. Might be time to strip the stock ones back to silver.


I used Black G2 caliper paint. That stuff turned out great for me, even in less that perfect painting conditions (it was about 40*F outside when I was painting...

Yeah, my conditions were super humid and cold. I did a lot of grinding and prep though and I think that pays off the most!

[A-BlacK_MambA-4]

Nice I somehow missed this original post so thanks for bumping it back to the top. Now moar pics of that red wheel setup [up] (thinking about doing my winters like that)

[papadelogan]

... since I am going to try and get into a B8 ...

you're selling? when? PM me about it. That's a sweet car and it'll be hard to find a B8 as nice as yours.

[CorneliusRox]

Nice I somehow missed this original post so thanks for bumping it back to the top. Now moar pics of that red wheel setup [up] (thinking about doing my winters like that)

Hope it helps! And here you go:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0010-2_zps21693e9e.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/TelevatorTMV/media/DSC_0010-2_zps21693e9e.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0029.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/TelevatorTMV/media/DSC_0029.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0007.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/TelevatorTMV/media/DSC_0007.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0023.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/TelevatorTMV/media/DSC_0023.jpg.html)


you're selling? when? PM me about it. That's a sweet car and it'll be hard to find a B8 as nice as yours.
Sending PM now!

[vortexjunkie]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/DSC_0140.jpg

How did no one notice that this caliper wasn't even painted the entire way. Good work all an all but I would have dismounted the caliper so you could have slated the entire thing. Also would have removed the pads because spraying over them made it look really tacky. I give it a 10/10 for effort and DIY but a 6/10 for execution.

[A4TQS]

Thanks for the nice write-up.

[CorneliusRox]

BTW, just for reference, here are the calipers with my summer wheels on:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/TelevatorTMV/2623ED9C-F826-4AC9-979C-7E6E67F3936C-1596-000000F5BA28767D_zpsb772e30f.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/TelevatorTMV/media/2623ED9C-F826-4AC9-979C-7E6E67F3936C-1596-000000F5BA28767D_zpsb772e30f.jpg.html)

Oh and you can see how Discount Tire Co decided to rest my wheels on each other face to face and scraped the shit out of them! Their prices are good but you have to watch every single little thing they do there! Sonsabitches

[2ptOturb]

Looks great man - nice work!!