In 2009 I completed a full rebuild of my UK 300ZX - engine, respray, interior etc. Unfortunately since then it has been sorned and sat in the garage. The one and only job I didn't attend to was the brakes and they were terrible to the extent it failed the brake bias part of the MOT test. The tester passed it presuming it would free up with use :shifty:

 

 

Here's the car: http://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?126910-My-Zed&highlight=

 

 

Anyway I recently decided to perhaps put the car back on the road and therefore overhaul the brakes. I removed the front calipers and indeed they were in a shocking state. At least 3 of the 4 pistons were seized. I had already purchased (2yrs ago:blush:) a rebuild kit so my intention was to rebuild them and fit new discs and pads. Despite my best efforts it proved impossible to remove the pistons despite using penetrating fluid, compressed air, various clamps and grips. Now I wanted to retain the stock caliper’s and I had already purchased the new discs and pads. My options were therefore to either purchase another set of calipers to refurb or send this set away.

 

 

I decided to send my set to Bigg Red for re-manufacturing. They shot blast and completely refurbish the calipers using new seals, pistons, bleed nipples and then offer a variety of finishes to suit choice and budget. I opted for a polymer coating which is apparently resistant to rust, salt etc. They then pressure test them to ensure all is as it should be.

 

 

I received them back today. Unfortunately I didn't take any pics of them before they were sent away, but take my word they were awful. Look at them now.

 

 

 

 

 

Absolutely chuffed with them. So if anyone needs brake calipers re-manufacturing I can highly recommend Bigg Red :yes:

can i ask what you parted with cash wise for that job?

Nice one Phil.....

 

....I looked at Bigg Redd for mine too; but did not want to send my own ones away and wait for their return. So I found another company who sold me a fully re-manufactured set on an exchange basis; I paid £300 for the pair and got £50 back when I returned the old ones!!

 

It's amazing just how good the stock brakes are when they are new and working properly - but then you already know that with the Collector's Zed!!

 

Before spending £££s on an expensive upgrade, if your ZX is a relatively stock car for regular normal road use, then this is a good way to go!!

 

Richard:thumbup1:

can i ask what you parted with cash wise for that job?

 

£179 for the pair plus postage.

 

 

Nice one Phil.....

 

....I looked at Bigg Redd for mine too; but did not want to send my own ones away and wait for their return. So I found another company who sold me a fully re-manufactured set on an exchange basis; I paid £300 for the pair and got £50 back when I returned the old ones!!

 

It's amazing just how good the stock brakes are when they are new and working properly - but then you already know that with the Collector's Zed!!

 

Before spending £££s on an expensive upgrade, if your ZX is a relatively stock car for regular normal road use, then this is a good way to go!!

 

Richard:thumbup1:

 

Bigg Red do the same but it is dependant on what stock they currently have. The 300zx pair they had in stock were finished in blue - I didn't fancy blue and as there was no rush I was happy to send mine off. For comparison thought they wanted £230 for those with £70 cashback.

Wow!!!! nice one Phil, they look like brand new :) nice to hear your getting your zed back on the road :)

that is very very reasonable.

Excellent job at a more than reasonable price IMO. Seems like a bargain in fact :thumbup1:

£179 for the pair plus postage.

 

Bigg Red do the same but it is dependant on what stock they currently have. The 300zx pair they had in stock were finished in blue - I didn't fancy blue and as there was no rush I was happy to send mine off. For comparison thought they wanted £230 for those with £70 cashback.

 

That is very reasonable mate!! And as said before - this is a much more sensible option than paying ££££s for a big brake set-up if your car is pretty stock and only used for normal road use....

 

.......sadly Bigg Redd did not have anything on the shelf when I wanted mine; and I'd have had blue ones considering the colour of my car:biggrin:

 

Richard:thumbup1:

Word of warning on the Big Red kit - the outer retaining clips are useless and very flimsy compared to stock. I can see you have them in your pic - they are thicker but not as solid as the originals, I just cleaned up and reused the originals.

I actually emailed them about it and they asked what type it was (so there must be two outer retainers available) and they said they would look into it.