netsrac

OK before your start flaming, please read whole post.

I recently changed my brake discs and pads, front and back.

I also got some new wheels (18", my stock are 17")

Now my AWD IS250 (2006) brake calipers are not in the greatest of shape visually, and I was thinking of painting them as they really stand out (in a bad way) with my new rims.

My problem is that living up north where we still use salt in the winter and my car sleeps in a garage at night, my calipers are not in the greatest shape and would need to be taken off and sandblasted thoroughly before painting to get a good finish, or I could try sanding them down myself and painting them, but being the 2006 model year, front calipers are not very pretty to start with. (wish they were like the IS350)

So I start looking for an alternative,

Saw the fake glue on Bremo's on Ebay and NO WAY!!!
I do not like posers (ie; my last car Magnum got rear-ended and I put on an SRT - rearend, because it looked better but still kept my RT badge)

Now I came across the MGP Caliper covers.


That is what they are COVERS, they do not pretend to be a big brake name, and in my opinion do not even look like calipers.

Now what I like about them;
They reduce brake dust (this is from people who actually bought them)
Easy install compared to prepping and painting existing calipers.
They are made of 6061-T6 aluminum. (being in the machining business for over 20 years, this will help to dissipate heat from the calipers)
They are powder coated.
Can easily remove them when I put on winter wheels.

What I do not like about them
Cost extra Not to have MPG logo on it. (Hey free advertising for them)
Not cheap, but cheaper than doing myself.


Now I understand that this is not everyone's cup of tea, just like driving on rubber-bands is not my cup of tea. I do respect other people likes and dis-likes.

I have read posts in many forums where people either love these or totally hate them (not much grey area here )

If you hate them, that is fine.

If you do like them, even better.

Now I have a silver IS and C-Squared C2 rims in black


Now my debate is which color cover to get
Red ,Black or Satin ?

I also might pay extra to have the MGP logo removed and put on Lexus.

shadowman

iTrader: (2)

I don't see anything wrong if you are not trying to pass that off as a BBK. But it's your car and you have the ultimate decision on what you like.

IMO, I wouldn't do it because other people will tend think they are BBK immitations. Also, it's a bit pricey for MPG caliper covers.

I would just paint it with G2 Brake Caliper paint kit. It's more durable than normal paint. It's a special epoxy/enamel paint that you brush on. I would go that route.

Crispy

iTrader: (3)

Seeing as how your intent is to cover up dirty/worn stock calipers, I would get satin finish for the OEM look. Red would stand out too much, and may make people think you are trying for the BBK look.

Just my $.02, post pics on what you decide.

vwynn

iTrader: (4)

i would just paint your calipers blk n call it a day...

Sffd103

iTrader: (16)

I'm not a fan but if you do get them, get the silver or black.

Nevadaface

Its an interesting concept. Looking for something for my brakes as well, but ill probably go with painting them. How much will it cost for 4 covers?

shadowman

iTrader: (2)

2006-2010 Lexus IS350/250 Custom Made Caliper Covers (Item #: 16121-S-CUS).

Our Price: $200.00

Full Set (4) Custom Made Caliper Covers. $100 for custom paint and $140 for custom engraving added to $200 base price. Fits wheels 17" and larger.

Basically 200 bucks for standard color. If you want to customize it, see above this line.

netsrac

I am leaning towards Black or Satin as you are right about the Red ones.

I am very happy with the look of my Black C2 rims on the silver IS with new cross-drilled discs.

The 2 things that stand out is the wheel gap (AWD) and the ugly calipers.

Wheel gap will be next years project.

I will take some pics as soon as I wash my ride.

Thanks, I might just go Satin

montgb

iTrader: (7)

I understand your reasoning for getting the covers, but unfortunately any car enthusiast who sees them on your IS250 is going to think "BBK poser".

I vote to paint the calipers black.

netsrac

This is why I might spend the extra on removing the MPG logo and put on Lexus.

If the front calipers on the 250 looked anything like the ones on the 350, I would be asking "What color should I paint my calipers?"

Through most of the painted caliper threads I have come across, the 350's look great painted, the 250's not so much.

Do a search and you will come across very few IS250 painted calipers, yet tonnes of IS350's painted calipers.

DaXxJaPxX

if you like it go for it. unless u plan on bringing ur car to import night or something, how many people are you actually going to come across that would be like "hey, thats not a BBK, u suck", lol. If it looked tacky, that'd be one thing, but it looks nice, do it up.

brociouz

iTrader: (65)

Just paint them.

drftsoarer

iTrader: (3)

$200?! Just sand them and paint them if they look so bad

shizblam

iTrader: (1)

It's your car man. Who cares what anyone else likes. Get what YOU like.

mindnmine

I just ordered some for my gs, I don't understand why guy's get so insulted with covers,anyone who knows about car's Will be able to tell they are covers so its not to impersonate bbk's. It could be argued that painting your calipers is an attempt to impersonate bbk's(they are the only brakes that come in colors) With that said I really like what the do for the look of the car I never really liked the brakets on the front brakes of either one of my gs's ( got 1st and 2nd Gen), I ordered mines with the Lexus engraving I will post some pic as soon as I install them.just my .02 cents.