I think red calipers set the MS off as not just an ordinary sedan. My P85 had the standard black calipers, so I set out to find the best way to get the factory red appearance. Aftermarket solutions that provide Tesla looks and quality are hard to find. There are after-market caliper covers available, but, in my opinion, none of them I could find are of Tesla quality or appearance and some could easily create problems if they worked loose. I decided the best solution is to do as Tesla does, and paint them.
Painting calipers on the car is not a good idea as overspray can be a problem and the entire caliper can not be painted while installed. The calipers must be removed to be properly painted which involves the need for re-assembly and brake bleeding after re-installation. The car has to be on a lift so all 4 wheels can be removed. This is not an easy DIY project.
Continental Imports in Gainesville, Florida is a high end shop doing mostly Merc, BMW, Audi, Porsche and Lambo work. They’ve done work on several Teslas and are familiar with the car. Darren, the Service Manager, has a lot of experience painting calipers on other high end cars, and is able to exactly match the Tesla factory paint. The job requires two coats of paint, followed by the Tesla decal application and then clear coating. To allow the paint to properly dry between coats, they need the car overnight.
Since the cost is about the same as Tesla charges, I decided to get the job done. I was provided a loaner 2014 BMW while my car was in the shop. I’m very pleased with the results and can’t find any difference between the appearance of my calipers and those supplied by Tesla.
If you need an excuse to make a road trip and want red calipers, give Darren a call at 352-377-6604. With some notice, he can probably provide a loaner car. Gainesville is a great place to visit, particularly during football season, and I think you’ll be happy with the results. Hopefully the supercharger there will soon be open.
Have a look at the finished product.
Painting calipers on the car is not a good idea as overspray can be a problem and the entire caliper can not be painted while installed. The calipers must be removed to be properly painted which involves the need for re-assembly and brake bleeding after re-installation. The car has to be on a lift so all 4 wheels can be removed. This is not an easy DIY project.
Continental Imports in Gainesville, Florida is a high end shop doing mostly Merc, BMW, Audi, Porsche and Lambo work. They’ve done work on several Teslas and are familiar with the car. Darren, the Service Manager, has a lot of experience painting calipers on other high end cars, and is able to exactly match the Tesla factory paint. The job requires two coats of paint, followed by the Tesla decal application and then clear coating. To allow the paint to properly dry between coats, they need the car overnight.
Since the cost is about the same as Tesla charges, I decided to get the job done. I was provided a loaner 2014 BMW while my car was in the shop. I’m very pleased with the results and can’t find any difference between the appearance of my calipers and those supplied by Tesla.
If you need an excuse to make a road trip and want red calipers, give Darren a call at 352-377-6604. With some notice, he can probably provide a loaner car. Gainesville is a great place to visit, particularly during football season, and I think you’ll be happy with the results. Hopefully the supercharger there will soon be open.
Have a look at the finished product.