Painting my Calipers (different question than the usual)

[MINI-LOVER]

Hi, I'm looking forward to paint my calipers in the next couple of weeks, already know how to and got the paint and brake cleaner, my question is:

I would really like not to use the jack that comes from the factory, it's too small so it'll cost me some more time to paint the calipers by having to do one wheel at a time. Can I use a bigger jack and place it somewhere in the middle of the car so that I can work on 2 calipers simultaneously?? (I'm not taking the calipers off the discs) Should I just use another small jack?? I need recommendations

Thanks a lot!!

[G-Man]

I think if you use a trolly jack on the front jacking point and jack the car high enough the back wheel will lift off the ground too.

[Scrogg]

That would be one hell of a Trolley Jack to lift the entire car off the ground from the front. The basic laws of physics make it a virtual impossibility!

It's a sound suggestion for just lifting either the front or the back though, assuming you can get hold of one...?

[G-Man]

When I had my corsa and painted the calipers and rear drums, I put my trolley jack by the front jacking point and lifted the front wheel off the ground and the rear wheel came up when the front got to a certain hight. I also used an axle stand to support the rear.

[OneDriver]

Yup, jacking the front of the mini with an average trolley jack will lift the rear up too...

I honestly do not trust the freeby jacks that come in the boot much at all... they are for emergency tyre changes and should really be kept for that purpose.

[Scrogg]

Quote: Originally Posted by OneDriver (original)

Yup, jacking the front of the mini with an average trolley jack will lift the rear up too...

All four wheels? From the front axle?

[G-Man]

Quote: Originally Posted by Scrogg (original)

All four wheels? From the front axle?

No just one side of the car. Eg front passenger and rear passenger wheels.

[Scrogg]

That'll be where the confusion is then, I thought you meant putting the jack in the middle of the car at the front to lift the whole front end up - so we're both right!

[alski]

axel stands every time, not much more than a tenner from halfrauds, and how long will it take the paint to dry?...... too long if its on a jack, and my guess is, your not painting inside some big workshop but trying to fit in a domeatic garage, which if its like mine is not even big enough to open your doors fully. i suggest not worth cutting any corners on this one

[MINI-LOVER]

Quote: Originally Posted by alski (original)

and how long will it take the paint to dry?...... too long if its on a jack... your not painting inside some big workshop but trying to fit in a domeatic garage, which if its like mine is not even big enough to open your doors fully

According to the instructions the paint settles in about 20 minutes but should be left overnight to completely dry. I'm doing it on Saturday morning and yes, I'm doing a DIY job at my house but luckily I do have enough room to do it.

BTW, you don't have to leave it on the jack, you just need 20 mins for the paint to settle, then place the wheels back on and go for the other side. After that I'll leave it a whole day without moving it for the paint to dry completely.

Thanks for everyone's help and replies!!