Since my Mini "Spunky" is getting fixed and is in the shop I had them install his H&R springs and they went ahead and changed out the front pads and rotors (JCW CROSS DRILLED ) as to it was time. So now I'm getting the rims (16' s-winders) powder coated ANTHRACITE like the R90's they matched the color and everything all for $400 which I thought was a deal and I have the paint to paint the calipers red but they said for an extra $200 they'd powder coat them as well!!! should I have them do it? or for the fun of it say that I painted the calipers myself and saved $200

 

Seems like you have the dough and don't like to work on your own car(seeing as how you didn't install the springs). So in your case, yes get them to do it.

For most others, I would say do it yourself just cause I truly believe DIY's teach you more about your car. Then again I could be way off base. -shrugs-

 

Powder coating is alot more durable than paint. It will hold up much better to sand,rocks,salt and harsh cleaning chemicals. If you paint it will start to chip and flake off in short order. I had my calipers powder coated on my Vette last year and they look brand new today. It will save you time and money in the long run.

 

No!!! I don't really have money I'm actually broke right now cause of the labor for the springs, rotors, and the insurance deductible I was thinking the same thing, I have that dupli color caliper paint and I know it'll look cool but I was thinking of how it would look in the long run and if I'd have to touch em up.... anyone think $200 for the calipers too much?

 

If you decide to paint the calipers yourself, the most important part is the prep work. To give the paint any chance of sticking to the calipers for longer than a month, you can't half *** the prep. One of the pros of painting them yourself however is the shortened down time. No need to remove and disassemble the calipers. Just mask off the area in the wheel well and the fender.