To paint or not to paint brake cylinders? that's the question

[Alex van de Wetering]

I hope to put some time in my C8 again soon and one of the things that I can't figure out is if wheel brake cylinders were originally painted or not???

I bought a set of newly made cylinders for my Chev and they come in blank steel. I see some people fit these in their restorations as-is, while others decide to primer and paint them. I can't make up my mind on this!

By the way my brake back plates showed traces of Khaki green on the inside, so that's what I have painted them again. I think I have seen NOS brake shoes in blank steel, painted green and others painted black(?)

Alex

[Andrew]

If you decied to leave natural finish color, paint clearcoat to protect from rust

[chris vickery]

I agree with Andrew. I always do the same;
Items which may have been originally bare do well with a coat of matt clear lacquer to protect them.

[Bob Carriere]

There is a special cast iron grey coating available specifically for wheel cylinders and master cylinder that is brake fluid PROOF....... Brake fluid will not disolve the coating.

Having said that I did not paint nor coat mine but did paint the master cyl with POR 15 semi gloss black and it is holding out.

A clear coating would be a good idea.

Bob C

[Alex van de Wetering]

Guys,

Thanks for your feedback and comments. I'll probably go with a clear coat on the black steel.

Alex