Brake Caliper Covers

[M1ck3y]

So I've done some searching and have come up with quite few threads on the subject. But nothing regarding my particular concern 

 

I just picked up some fuel 18" wheels and I'd like to put on a set of caliper covers to hide the rust. But I'm concerned about the clearance. MGP says they're designed to fit oe wheels down to a 17" wheel. Because of how fuel designs their wheels there's a 1/2" bead around the inside (following the spokes) essentially making it 17" wheel.

 

The new wheels have a lower offset (+1) which I think helps but I'm struggling to get the visual... Has anyone ran these covers on an 18" or 17" wheel, or have any pictures?? 

 

Thanks

Edited December 17, 2021 by M1ck3y

[dieselfan1]

My guess is they will interfere.

Those covers are lame anyways and a ripoff. IMO $250? I did mine for $30

Get some POR 15 and paint them. Looks way better.

 

[shakenfake]

I agree just paint them

[M1ck3y]

Thanks, I agree that they are over priced. I'm just not a fan of the cast finish..

[shakenfake]

Could always powder coat them too

[Supreme Pizza]

I have looked into powder coating, but the places that I called said the calipers need to be disassembled, power coated, and then reassembled. I have looked into the caliper covers, and they seem to be over prices and people have problems getting them to fit properly. As for paint, I think that's the best way to go. They make special high temp caliper paint that you can use. As long as you clean the caliper really well with alcohol or brake parts cleaner, the paint should stick well. Might want to do two coats, if there are instructions for that on the can. Personally I would remove the calipers and caliper brackets from the truck before painting them, but that's just a personal preference. I would not disconnect the brake hoses though.

[shakenfake]

That is correct you would need to take them apart. If you are going to take the calipers off the truck to paint them you might as well get them powdered imo.

 

Paint works though but it will not last unless you bake it in the oven afterwards.

[M1ck3y]

2 hours ago, shakenfake said:

That is correct you would need to take them apart. If you are going to take the calipers off the truck to paint them you might as well get them powdered imo.

 

Paint works though but it will not last unless you bake it in the oven afterwards.

 

I think they use the heat from normal use to cure the paint. Similar to diy ceramic exhaust coatings. I've used neither before so not sure how well it turns out, but it looks like I'll find out  

[shakenfake]

No not really. I have some buddies who a couple years back painted all their brake calipers. The paint looks like trash now and needs to be re-done. Lasted less than two years/just over a year.

 

I think even on the can it says to put it in the oven.

[josney]

I painted the calipers on my 03 CTS with the dupli-color kit. 2 layers and it kept really well. I have the same for my 14 Silverado but probably a spring time project.

 

[dieselfan1]

I painted mine (two coats) over two days.

They still look as good as the day I painted them.

Shakenfakes buddies didn't clean them very well or used crappy paint.

Edited December 19, 2021 by dieselfan1

[shakenfake]

Very possible as those guys are certified r3tards

[UofAZCats]

On 12/19/2021 at 12:37 AM, josney said:

I painted the calipers on my 03 CTS with the dupli-color kit. 2 layers and it kept really well. I have the same for my 14 Silverado but probably a spring time project.

 

 

I painted my calipers using this kit.  I did 2 coats and otherwise followed the directions.  I have not had any problems with the paint.

[Supreme Pizza]

Not bad.

 

How do you like the wheel spacers?

 

I see that you got the hub centric ones, which I think are the safest type.