Caliper Covers available for the G8 - Your opinion??

[AttorneyGuy]

Hey all,

I saw this product while surfing on the net. They are caliper covers for the G8 (but not those fake Brembo ones).

http://www.calipercovers.com/

What are you thoughts on this product as an alternative to painting our calipers?

[G8GT721]

cool, much easier then painting them and probably wont fade
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[johnh]

I like 'em they are probably easier than painting, although paintings not that hard

[AttorneyGuy]

I'm very interested in these. A lot easier than painting, and they look a lot better. I mean, the G8 doesn't exactly come with the most beautiful calipers, ya know?
These caliper covers (made in the USA) are $200 for a set of four, and installation for all of them is about an hour.

I'm going to decide in the next few days whether to get these. If I do, I'll be sure to post pics...

['02 ws6]

$200 for four? AND it still takes about an hour? I'd rather spend $15, and take that hour and paint them.

[AttorneyGuy]

Below is a video showing the caliper covers installed on various vehicles. Looks nice!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Csdhcs_IQSM&feature=player_embedded

[Darkside]

Nice, but a little pricey. Its another $100 to get a custom color.

[AttorneyGuy]

$200 for four? AND it still takes about an hour? I'd rather spend $15, and take that hour and paint them.

I don't mind spending extra money to get better results. And it looks like these caliper covers do offer a better appearance than simply painting. Plus the company claims that this product reduces heat, so it is functional (not just for appearance).

I'm close to buying them, unless someone can tell me about potential downsides?!

The way I see it, people on this board spend thousands of dollars on mods to enhance their G8s in various ways. The price for this product isn't so bad considering what you get.

[AttorneyGuy]

Nice, but a little pricey. Its another $100 to get a custom color.

$100 extra for a custom color, and $140 extra for get customized lettering. I agree that these additional upgrades are a bit much!

I'll just buy the $200 set of four and add my own Pontiac decals for a much cheaper price.

[jbradsh1]

When you look it over, if they sell 1 M of them, that's over $200 M in sales, from caliper covers! Their capitalization value on the stock exchange could end up making them worth more than GM. Amazing. Hmmmm, now it's got me thinking.

I think they should price them a little more reasonably, although it looks like an outstanding product.

[AttorneyGuy]

I did more investigating. This Dodge Charger guy installed them on his car (after getting custom color), and they look pretty good...

http://www.chargerforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102269

[Cobra]

My only concern is whether they will retain heat or not.

[AttorneyGuy]

My only concern is whether they will retain heat or not.

According to the company, the caliper covers are "proven" to not only reduce heat, but also to extend the life of critical braking components.

This video claims to show a field test...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf3nnZTAXcg

[GT G8]

I couldn't see any pics of them on a G8....

What gives?

[MANOFSTEEL69]

Yea, I didn't see any listing for a G8.

[AttorneyGuy]

I noticed the same problem with their website. It's weird because the G8 is listed as one of the few GM vehicles that is supported, and they even have a specific model number for the G8, but I couldn't place an order.

I emailed the company to find out the deal...

[G8H8]

Supported vehicles
Ford Passenger Vehicles
2005-2009 Mustang "S197"
1993-2004 Mustang "SN95": Coming Soon!
1964-1969 Mustang "Classic": Coming Soon!

Ford Trucks: Coming Soon!

2003-2006 Explorer
2003-2006 Expedition
2003-2006 Navigator
2004-2008 F150


GMC/Chevy

2003-2008 Yukon and Yukon XL
2003-2008 Suburban
2003-2008 Cadillac Escalade
2003-2008 Avalanche
2003-2008 Tahoe

Saturn

2007-2008 Sky

Dodge/Chrysler

2005-2008 Dodge Charger, Challenger & Magnum
2005-2008 Chrysler 300C


No listing of the G8, doesn't mean they aren't being developed

[jbradsh1]

I noticed the same problem with their website. It's weird because the G8 is listed as one of the few GM vehicles that is supported, and they even have a specific model number for the G8, but I couldn't place an order.

I emailed the company to find out the deal...

They did say, "coming out in March", so maybe they're just not quite ready to release it yet for the G8 GT, a story we're all old friends with by now.

[BlueJacket]

Not as bad as those things on ebay you were looking at. lol

[confused2much]

I like the look of painting the calipers better, but seeing as I already did mine I might be a little biased... :)

[gearhead455]

I'll be getting a set when they are released. :)

[-Ray-]

I won't be putting them on my car. I see them as a way to trap road dirt, sand, salt etc. Seems to me, the claims are a little over blown. I've not had any heat problems with my brakes. You?

[AttorneyGuy]

I would do it first and foremost for appearance. Plus, you could always clean them once a year (in the spring, for example) if they collect debris inside (apparently it only takes 10 mins to put them on).

[MoonPie]

Painting is overrated...i've done it and wasn't happy with the result. this time i'm going caliper covers.

[BlueJacket]

Painting is overrated...i've done it and wasn't happy with the result. this time i'm going caliper covers.

Painting is very easy to do. Just get a G2 kit and you will be happy with the out come.

[AttorneyGuy]

Painting is overrated...i've done it and wasn't happy with the result. this time i'm going caliper covers.


What didn't you like about the results? I told my friend how I bought a caliper painting kit, and he warned me that people will be able to tell that I painted my calipers with a paint brush. He said not to expect the best results. After hearing that, I started looking more closely at these caliper covers...

[BlueJacket]

What didn't you like about the results? I told my friend how I bought a caliper painting kit, and he warned me that people will be able to tell that I painted my calipers with a paint brush. He said not to expect the best results. After hearing that, I started looking more closely at these caliper covers...

I have used G2 on two cars and it leaves no brush marks. It is hard to tell if they are painted or powder coated.

[MoonPie]

What didn't you like about the results? I told my friend how I bought a caliper painting kit, and he warned me that people will be able to tell that I painted my calipers with a paint brush. He said not to expect the best results. After hearing that, I started looking more closely at these caliper covers...

I have an OCD complex, when I do something I want it done to perfection, otherwise I'm pissed off. When I painted my Charger calipers they looked good from a distance, but you could definitely tell they were painted. I don't want that with my G8, going to get silver caliper covers for the back calipers.

['02 ws6]

Or leave the brushes for painters, and get the ol' rattle can w/ clear. Just mask off the surrounding areas, and have some brake cleaner to clean off any excess paint that may show up.

I did the brush on my TA and have hated it. I did a couple coats, and it's still worn off and chipped. Not pleased. Kit cost me $25

Now the G8, I masked off, rattle canned on 3 coats paint, 2 clear, and have NO overspray on any areas what so ever, and going on a year now, all I have to do is spray and wipe them down and they're just like new. Paint only cost me around $15.

[AttorneyGuy]

OK I'm hearing both pros and cons associated with spray painting vs. paint brushing the calipers. And regardless of which method I choose, there is also the challenge of making sure the taping is perfect so that the paint doesn't seep.

OR I can just avoid this mess and buy the caliper covers?

[AttorneyGuy]

UPDATE:

I just spoke with the company. They said that their caliper covers will be available for the G8 in two weeks.

So now the question: WHICH COLOR? Red, silver, or black?

[MANOFSTEEL69]

orange!

[AttorneyGuy]

orange!

They do offer custom colors for $100 extra. They claim they can match it exactly to your vehicle's color...

[MoonPie]

UPDATE:

I just spoke with the company. They said that their caliper covers will be available for the G8 in two weeks.

So now the question: WHICH COLOR? Red, silver, or black?

I'm there. Wonder if I could get just two rear calipers in silver?

[AttorneyGuy]

OK here are some choices...

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c299/AttorneyGuy/SantaMargaritaSaddleBackMustangC-3.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c299/AttorneyGuy/1409ChargerPictures001.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c299/AttorneyGuy/HPIM1707-1.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c299/AttorneyGuy/covers1.jpg

[AttorneyGuy]

I'm there. Wonder if I could get just two rear calipers in silver?

Almost positive you'll be able to. I ran across a Mustang website selling just the rear covers for $99.

[majesticix]

Keep us posted on when these are available. I've painted calibers before and while the results were great, it is very time consuming to do it right. I thought the flat look of these were a little cheesy...but seeing them on these cars it looks surprisingly decent.

[Chewy]

I'm not feeling it. They look to much like something trying to be something else. Like a Fiero with a Ferrari or Lambo body kit on it.

[-Ray-]

UPDATE:

I just spoke with the company. They said that their caliper covers will be available for the G8 in two weeks.

So now the question: WHICH COLOR? Red, silver, or black?

Why don't you see if that company would do a group buy?
Save yourself and a few others a little coin.

[BlueJacket]

OK I'm hearing both pros and cons associated with spray painting vs. paint brushing the calipers. And regardless of which method I choose, there is also the challenge of making sure the taping is perfect so that the paint doesn't seep.

OR I can just avoid this mess and buy the caliper covers?

Using a brush it is very easy to keep it neat and not much need to tape off anything.

[BlueJacket]

I'm not feeling it. They look to much like something trying to be something else. Like a Fiero with a Ferrari or Lambo body kit on it.

+1

[AttorneyGuy]

Why don't you see if that company would do a group buy?
Save yourself and a few others a little coin.

I inquired about a group buy. I'll keep you posted...

[AttorneyGuy]

I'm not feeling it. They look to much like something trying to be something else. Like a Fiero with a Ferrari or Lambo body kit on it.

True. But the same criticism could be leveled against the G8 as a whole. It's trying to be something it is not--namely, a BMW 5 series! And the same criticism also could apply to those folks who are converting their G8s to a Holden.

[-Ray-]

I'm not against someone wanting those for their car. I just don't want them for mine. It's not THAT rice.

[BlueJacket]

I'm not against someone wanting those for their car. I just don't want them for mine. It's not THAT rice.

Yeah these are not as rice as the covers that have been posted from ebay, but they are boarder line. IMO

[-Ray-]

True. But the same criticism could be leveled against the G8 as a whole. It's trying to be something it is not--namely, a BMW 5 series! And the same criticism also could apply to those folks who are converting their G8s to a Holden.

You did ask for opinions. When you do that, do you think you need to justify a response to someones opinion? You are going to get them regardless.
I don't agree to your last statement though. It is a Holden with a Pontiac badge.

['02 ws6]

there is also the challenge of making sure the taping is perfect so that the paint doesn't seep.


That's what the beautiful thing called Brake Cleaner is for! Plus if you spray enough, and start breathing very heavily, you get to feeling goooooooood........:)

I had a few overspray spots, to which I just sprayed some cleaner onto a rag and wiped it off. None what so ever now.

[AttorneyGuy]

More pics...

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c299/AttorneyGuy/_calcover.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c299/AttorneyGuy/_blackcalcover.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c299/AttorneyGuy/_before20after.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c299/AttorneyGuy/_redcalipercover.jpg

['02 ws6]

I may a traditionalist by I like a caliper and bracket showing, with either or both painted. The covers look bulky. But I'm now knocking anyone who does like them, just not my thing. Plus it's just another "thing" to remove when changing out pads.

[jbradsh1]

I like the idea, the look, but it still reminds me of say the Lexus F sport sedan with the 4 tail pipes that aren't even connected to anything, they're just for show. It's kinda obvious that's what these are, pretend things.

[majesticix]

In most cases it beats the rusted look I'm starting to get. Damn snow.

[AttorneyGuy]

I like the idea, the look, but it still reminds me of say the Lexus F sport sedan with the 4 tail pipes that aren't even connected to anything, they're just for show. It's kinda obvious that's what these are, pretend things.

I suppose I would be able to tell people that the covers are not purely eye candy; they are totally functional. They reduce heat, and they greatly reduce brake dust, so my rims stay cleaner.

In other words, these caliper covers offer benefits that I could not get from simply painting my calipers.

[SLA]

Looks like rice to me, just a way to make it look like you have a bbk when you really don't. Your wheels are still going to get brake dust on them, and these do not reduce the heat on your brake caliper. In their video all they compared was the surface temp of caliper from one side and the surface temp of the cover on the other, they showed no proof that it reduces heat on you calipers..... which it won't. Thats like having 2 g8's side by side, one with the engine cover and one with out, and then using that thermometer to test the difference in temp between them, the cover is going to be cooler than the motor, that doesn't mean that the cover cools the motor.

['02 ws6]

I guess I don't see how a cover, be it engine, brakes, whatever, will actually help heat dissipation of a particular part.

Last time I checked I'm cooler when I'm naked as opposed to having clothes on.:woohoo:

[BlueJacket]

+ 1 to the above. There is no way these will cool anything. I would bet they will hold in heat.

[Slizzo]

+ 1 to the above. There is no way these will cool anything. I would bet they will hold in heat.

I suppose you could think of them as heatsinks. Transfer heat from the caliper to the cover, but they would be grossly inefficient at that job anyway IMO...

[AttorneyGuy]

What about the company's claim that these covers will reduce brake dust? Thoughts?
(I suppose you can't eliminate it entirely, but this will help reduce it?)

['02 ws6]

It may collect dust on the inside of the cover, which actually may be of some help, but cleaning would have to be frequent.