The mk3/NC MX-5's brake components unfortunately suffer from very unsightly looking surface rust. This forms on the wheel hubs (actually part of the brake disc) the edges of the discs themselves and also on the dust/heat/rain shield that surrounds the outside and back side of the discs. This is quite noticeable as the design of the wheels allows a view right through to the rusty parts lurking inside...

It seems some dealers are willing to fix this upon complaint by the customer, and others are not. Mine was not willing - and responded, when I complained, with; "go look in the car park - they all do that!". This was not satisfactory so when it came to replacing the brake discs and pads, I decided to paint all the parts that were rusting on my car to tidy up the rusty areas.

Discs
I bought all the parts from my local dealership and a few weeks before changing the discs/pads I masked up the brake discs and sprayed them with two coats of Halfords silver Caliper paint.

Problems with removing front discs
The front discs on the mk3 have two retaining screws that hold the disc in place. It seems these are installed during manufacture to keep the discs in place until the wheels are put on (the rears don't have these two screws). Either way they're a real pain in the proverbial to remove and cannot be simply undone with a philips screwdriver - they have to be done with an impact wrench - not something I have lying around! For some reason they are torqued to over 100ft/lbs or something daft so a normal screwdriver isn't ever going to get them moving! I had read on miata.net that they can be drilled out carefully allowing the removal of the disc (but clearly ruining the screws). I plan to replace these screws as soon as possible, although I have been told there's no need to, I'll feel better once they're back in place. The photos below show drilling out the offending retaining screws, masking procedure and then the final product.

Calipers
Once all four disks and pads were removed the calipers and caliper brakets and the heat/dust/rain shields were cleaned thoroughly with brake cleaner and then sanded repeatedly with three grades of emery cloths before a final rinse off with brake cleaner again. With each corner ready they were then masked up with masking tape, black bin liners and newspaper to minimise overspray going anywhere it shouldn't. Each corner was then given a single application of paint. This first coat was allowed to dry for an hour before a second coat was applied.

(Prior to this the whole car was put on jack stands and wheels removed).

Notice how rusty and untidy the discs/shields are in this first shot, then compare it to the finished article.

I will get some better photos when it stops thundering and raining : ( 

Drilling out the head of one of the two front disc retaining screws.

Drilling out the head of one of the two front disc retaining screws.

Two front disc retaining screw heads drilled out - disc coming off.

Two front disc retaining screw heads drilled out - disc coming off.

Back of disc retaining screw - being twisted out clockwise.

Twisting out retaining screw with grips.

Twisting out retaining screw with grips.

Remains of one of the two retaining screws

Front wheel hub/caliper masked up reading for painting.

All done, painted hubs on discs, disc edges, dust/rain/heat shield and calipers

Rear wheel hub/caliper masked up (already painted, didn't take a before shot).

Rear wheel hub/caliper and dust/rain/heat shield painted.

New disc - masking part removed following painting.

Heat/dust/rain shield and caliper painted, new disc waiting to go on.

Rear wheel all done, painted hubs on discs, disc edges, dust/rain/heat shield and calipers