I was going to sandblast my calipers to get off the dirt and surface rust before rebuilding them but my Dad said bad idea. If I just use the parts cleaner it's not going to take care of the rust. What do you guys do? I don't see any other (affordable) way than blasting them and making sure they are cleaned real good.
Chris

They should clean up really well without using an abrasive. Just get some stiff brushes and use some brake cleaner. Once everything is clean and dry you can use POR paint. If you want color other than black or silver, you can top coat it while it's sticky.

KEEP POR & paint away from slider holes and the very edges of the piston cup.

allright I'll give it a whirl.
Thanks

You might want to look into this as a possible solution.

I plan to be using this for some "rust washing" of the inside of the doors, hood, and parts (site will explain). I contacted a few of the folks who had "endorsements" listed and they love the stuff, especially for your type of rust removal (parts and pieces).

http://www.safestrustremover.com/

I think before I did that I would try electrolysis. When I did my '53 Ford I did a bunch of parts that way. Take a gallon of water, battery charger, baking soda, stainless steel bar, submerge the part and the rust usually removes itself without a abrasion or messy chemicals.

It's not a great idea, but I have done if before. The important part is to not let any blasting happen inside of the caliper where the piston rides. I have done it by putting a bolt through the bleeder hole and stuffing the piston hole with paper towels and taping off the piston hole with a good quality masking tape. After blasting I fully cleaned the caliper before removing the bolt, tape and paper towels. After removing that stuff, I cleaned it again in mild soap and water then blew dry with the compressor. I then reassembled, painted and they were better then new.

BTW, I wouldn't put POR-15 paint anywhere near my calipers or brakes. Use a good high temp caliper paint.

Take a look at the price of rebuilt calipers. I have paid less than $15 each at a local parts store. You will get nice clean calipers with all new parts inside for low cost.

Take a look at the price of rebuilt calipers. I have paid less than $15 each at a local parts store. You will get nice clean calipers with all new parts inside for low cost.
Good idea!

And new calipers often come "loaded" (with new pads). You can always upgrade to better pads later if you want, but new calipers and pads will get you rolling.

I bought new ones (I think they were $12 each) and just went over them with lacquer thinner, masked off the piston and painted them with a good cast iron high temperature paint. They still look great.