I came across a NA Miata in the U-pull it yard today and collected a bunch of parts, including some like new calipers, for my future Midlana project. What is the best way to preserve the calipers for a few years until I am ready to use them? The brake fluid that came out of them looked very clean, but I don't want them to get all rusty and frozen up while they sit on my shelf.
like anything else- spray it with a liberal dose of WD40 and seal it in a big ziploc baggie.
In reply to novaderrik:
wd40 will kill the rubber stuff so keep it off the rubber and out of the caliper. Petroleum jelly is okay for the rubber as is brake caliper grease.
Brake fluid absorbs water, that then will cause rust. Drain it out the best you can, or else seal it in airtight. Ziplocks are a great suggestion
or just do what i do, leave it sitting on a shelf in the garage.
not much for moving parts, why not just remove the piston and then put back together when you're ready to use them?
Duh, get going on your project today so you can use them sooner!
DaveEstey wrote: not much for moving parts, why not just remove the piston and then put back together when you're ready to use them?
^ This, pop the piston out, clean everything up, coat with WD-40 (I'd ditch the seals and just rebuild with new when ready) and place in a big ziplock...
It's important that you don't let any moisture get into the caliper pistons. If any of the brake fluid drained out and there's just air in the cylinder(s) they will start to rust and you'll have problems if they sit a long time. I would make sure they're still pretty full of fluid and cap off the lines.
Thanks for the tips. Do you think plastic wrap over the end of the banjo bolt, then threaded into the caliper would work, or will the brake fluid attack the plastic? I don't have any of the brake lines unfortunately.
In reply to Raze: I'm just starting building a locost, so best case it will be awhile before im ready for brakes. 
oh, i should've mentioned that i cap the inlet, but that's about it. but i've never let 'em sit for more than a couple years, so my experience might not be all that helpful.
In reply to bgkast:
I understood, I'm just saying you're wasting time, every minute spent eating, sleeping, working, checking this forum is another tube welded, another bushing pressed, another electrical connection made... 
Just waiting for the plans to be released.
how much are reman calipers? if you didn't pay more than core price, this is the way i'd go... just let them sit out and when the time comes to use them, just go to the store and get some shiny rebuilt calipers in a box..
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