Need advice on cleaning up a caliper.

Johnnymac · Nov 6, 2014

Hi Guys,

I have a Norton-Lockheed caliper that I'm rebuilding to add to my Atlas racer (so I can actually stop). It should polish up nicely but there is a big chunk/blemish on the bottom of the unit. I'm trying to figure out the best way to clean it up. What would you guys do? I have no access to welding really so I can't easily add material back on it. I was thinking I could use some elbow grease and a file and maybe bevel the edge and perhaps make it 45 degrees? Or I could just leave it and not bother. I would like it to look as good as possible though. What are your thoughts.

Onder · Nov 6, 2014

Just smooth is out a bit with a rat tail and then smooth that out on a buffer.
Buff the snot out of it. Do be careful not get any buffing dirt in the caliper.
A sleeved master, ground disc and new pads will get you a good brake.

concours · Nov 6, 2014

Just hit it with the power buffing wheel, round the sharp edges, enjoy.

Hobot · Nov 6, 2014

Could grind out almost matching notch in other side then do as told and people and you may see it as a neat custom touch. Don't know how thick the caliper shell is on opposite side though so better wisdom is just get nice & shiny - lopped sided.

Torontonian · Nov 6, 2014

Rat-tail file then buffer it all , yes . Then after the cleaning install new seal rubber rings with their taper edge pointed the correct way . $tainless piston access cap to look good after fitting those stainle$$ pistons too.

kerinorton · Nov 6, 2014

Torontonian said:
Rat-tail file then buffer it all , yes . Then after the cleaning install new seal rubber rings with their taper edge pointed the correct way . $tainless piston access cap to look good after fitting those stainle$$ pistons too.

Maybe if you polish the hell out of the 3 faces on the caliper it wont be noticed. I don't recommend removing too much metal though.
dereck

Torontonian · Nov 6, 2014

LOTS of metal there just get down n' dirty.

Johnnymac · Nov 6, 2014

Thanks guys. I took a file to it and some 400wt sand paper. Looking good eh? A little time on the buffer and it will look good as new.

Hobot · Nov 6, 2014

Ok what did ya do with the notched one?

Deets55 · Nov 7, 2014

Johnny,
I did mine with a 4" belt sander. Started with 80 grit down to 120. Then finished up up wet/dry down to 400. Aluminum polish and it shines like a mirror. Only problem is no one really sees it.
Pete

Johnnymac · Nov 8, 2014

A little time on the buffer wheel... Lookin good.

Biscuit · Nov 8, 2014

Torontonian said:
Rat-tail file then buffer it all , yes . Then after the cleaning install new seal rubber rings with their taper edge pointed the correct way . $tainless piston access cap to look good after fitting those stainle$$ pistons too.

Those rubber seals are not tapered. The are square in section. The ring grooves in the calipers themselves are tapered in their depth so when the square sectioned seal is installed it twists slightly to effectively raise the sealing edge. This is why the ring itself looks tapered when installed and also why an old ring once out of the caliper also appears tapered, as it has taken on a 'set' with age. You will notice new caliper seals are absolutely not tapered so no wrong way to install them.

Need advice on cleaning up a caliper.

Similar threads