I know this has been covered a few times before, but I want the current general concensus.

The story:

After putting on new rims, alot more of my brake rotors show, and they a UGG-UL-LY.
So rather than painting them, I may just replace them with something that uses a harder blank. Some my trains of thought:

1) Although I use Ceramic Pads, I haven't experienced the warped rotor problem some of the new Bonneville owners have.

2) I picked up from here that drilled rotors are more prone to cracking.

3) Someone posted about a nice rotor that was slotted, buy only down to min. thickness, and if I remember correctly, had diamond shaped holes that only went down to min. thickness. I really like the look of a slotted/drilled rotor, but don't want anything that is weakened to much)

4) All things being equal, I would prefer to buy from someone who participates/supports us Bonneville guys. (If they can provide what works best, looks nicest)

So what are you guys running, or recommend?

(Side question: Are the higher quality rotors made of a material that doesn't rust, so I wouldn't have to paint the center of them?)

http://www.sp-performance.com/SPhome.htm

I've heard some good things about these but haven't tried them.

These are made by rsm racing, a few members have them.
http://www.domesticperformance.com/p...roducts_id=108

Domestic Performance also offers RSM rotors. About $170-180.

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ic.php?t=16887

i don't recommend painting any type of rotor. The caliper maybe, but no rotors....

Really? Why not? I really mean just the center section because it really shows with these new rims.

Like so: (Side view) ((ignore the periods...thay are just to get everything to line up))


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Just the face to the left of the first three astericks, and above the forth. Not the braking suface at all, the outside edge, or anything on the inbound face.

Still not a good idea?

You should not coat any of the heat dissapting surfaces and certainly not the face that contacts the wheel or the outside perimeter.
You can buy one that is zinc coated.

I've painted many rotors and drums and haven't noticed any adverse effects, though the only paint I've used is VHT flat black.

In fact unpainted or plated rotors and drums that develop rust to the point that it'* scaling have their heat disapating qualities severly hampered by this build up. I'd rather risk a slight, if any, loss of heat disapation by painting than having the rotors corrode to the point they're unable to cope with the heat.

Where I live snow and salt are prevalent for half the year, anything to keep rust at bay will contribute to a longer life.

Cheers,

You make a good point. Some of us are spoiled....not having to drive in such adverse conditions with our Bonne'*.
BTW I paint the rear drums on my truck because it sees a lot of salt too.