Originally Posted by RML

I brought this question up as an add on in a thread on the diesel forum but I think it will be better addressed to the body experts:

I am rebuilding the rear brake calipers on my 300D. While I have them out, I am thinking of painting them. I could take them to a local shop and have them sandblasted and professionally painted, but this is not a show car and I think that would be expanding the scope of the caliper rebuild way beyond what I want to spend. I have wire brushed off the rust but because of all the curves and crevices, I cannot get the metal down to shiny everywhere. I am wondering if I use Por-15, then an etching primer then a topcoat, if the paint will stay on. Or should I just use the etching primer? Or will this all be a waste of time? Do calipers come from the factory painted or do they just develop a layer of oxidation and stay that way? Thanks for any suggestions.