2 Dirty Words: Cal--- Cov---

[mjhpadi]

Try this thread again, hopeful I can pass on some information that some of you will find helpful. I received my MGP Caliper Covers a few days ago. I was really impressed with the quality of these covers. They look great, very well made and high quality. I think they improve the look of the caliper.

Anyway, I could not install the front covers because they rubbed the the 20" wheels. Discovered that MGP offers a 3mm wheel spacer that eliminates the problem of the wheel touching the cover. When I contacted their customer service they were great. I told them I was disappointed that I couldn't install the covers because of the problem. They informed me that when they designed the covers for the SHO they had an early production model and the problem occurred after Ford issued the front brake TSB. Apparently when the new caliper bracket is installed it moves the entire caliper assembly outward about 2 mm hence the rubbing problem. So the 3mm spacer eliminates the rubbing. Also they are going to include the spacers with any order for the 2010 SHO covers.

Further, in my conversation MGP told me that they are not sure if this is a problem on the 2011 SHO and that they have not been able to get a 2011 SHO to test fit the covers. SO if anyone in the area of MGP has a 2011 SHO and would like to volunteer their car for use in checking the fit of the caliper covers, either let me know or contact MGP. I know they would like to have access to a 2011. Can't say if you will be rewarded in any way for use of your car, but I wouldn't be surprised.

Anyway, I will post pictures of my covers once both the front and rear are installed. I really think it improves the appearance of the wheel and caliper. BTW, I would have posted the rear pictures, but wifey has the camera in on her camping adventure so until she comes home..no photos.

 

[Billm0066]

I have a 2011 SHO so I will give them a call. I wasn't planning on ordering until I get back from Jamaica in the middle of May though.

 

[Showgun]

Nice to hear it stopped raining long enough to have a look at them Mark. Cool stuff.
Sounds like they make a quality product and I too would like to see them insalled.
Pity the fronts won't fit yet but sounds like that will re rectified PDQ.

Keep us up on developments please. (speaking of which I hope the cam comes back dry.)

Oh yeah: some of us are into "Dirty Words" ......lol

C.

 

[mjhpadi]

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n624/Mjhpadi/IMG_5115.jpg

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n624/Mjhpadi/IMG_5114.jpg

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n624/Mjhpadi/IMG_5113.jpg

Sorry these aren't better photos and the lettering doesn't show better in these shots, but I run out and took these between rain storms and didn't have time to move the "Beatermobile" to get better shots.

Note: Beatermobile = 99 Sable parked in front of SHO.

 

[LJRuddy]

Ill help you with the hot linking.

 

[St Louis SHO]

They might look better if you put stickers on them.

 

[mjhpadi]

They might look better if you put stickers on them.

Hey, great idea! Maybe little dive flags to help advertise for the Scuba Center!:laugh_ti:

 

[Showgun]

Those covers go really nice with those wheels, Mark. I like.

Now you've got me wondering if I'll get the red or the white.
I'll have think on that.

Thanks for posting. They're a nice addition.

btw -- the plain look is better IMHO. No stickers.

 

[SinisterSHO]

 

[Showgun]

 

[Billm0066]

I get the same reaction when I see gen 1's with cowl hoods on the road.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Ok, I have to ask, what are the purpose of those things?

I know the Gen 4's have some braking issues, but I'm trying to figure out how these things are going to help improve braking.

 

[mjhpadi]

Ok, I have to ask, what are the purpose of those things?

I know the Gen 4's have some braking issues, but I'm trying to figure out how these things are going to help improve braking.

They have no purpose other then improving the look of the caliper. They are nothing more then an appearance item. Since I had no plans on removing and attempting to paint the calipers, I thought these were a nice option. They are very well made, and the writing and hex heads are either stamped or machined into the caliper cover. I'm very pleased with them, they were simple to install.

 

[yamahaSHO]

Preface: Please don't take my post as an insult. I am just joining the discussion.

I get the same reaction when I see gen 1's with cowl hoods on the road.

You seem to have a thing for the previous generation cars. Believe it or not, the cowl hood is functional. In addition to removing weight, it helps keep the engine bay cooler. I actually considered one for a short time years ago for said reasons, but I couldn't bring myself to change the appearance.

Ok, I have to ask, what are the purpose of those things?

I know the Gen 4's have some braking issues, but I'm trying to figure out how these things are going to help improve braking.

They do not improve braking. They're are the same type of dress-up as these. What does get me is they advertise that the covers reduce caliper heat when in fact, they hold it in. Through clever advertising, it could be reducing radiating caliper heat to the wheel? After seeing the pictures, I kinda think they look out of place, but that is MHO. I've used spacers on wheels before (to fit Wilwood calipers) that were not hub-centric and never like it, however 3mm isn't all that much. Is the wheel still hub-centric with the 3mm spacers?

 

[KyngofPop]

Un-biased opinion here, they cheapen the look of the car to me. Akin Auto-Zone stick on carbon fiber imo... They don't even look real or technical, just look like a cover. It's your car and do with it what you please, I'm just sayin.

 

[mjhpadi]

Actually, everyone is entitled to their opinion about them, however, they are higher quality then anything made by APC. The pictures do not show the quality of the covers. I do understand why some of you don't like them, but I like the look better then the plain caliper. Surprisingly, I have not had any comments on them, either positive or negative from anyone who has seen them..don't know if it's a good or bad thing?

 

[mjhpadi]

Preface: Please don't take my post as an insult. I am just joining the discussion.
Is the wheel still hub-centric with the 3mm spacers?

Yes, the wheel is still hub-centric. The spacers are very thin and really provide just enough clearance to keep the covers from touching the wheels. The spacers were not needed before the TSB on the brakes was done.

 

[SinisterSHO]

I get the same reaction when I see gen 1's with cowl hoods on the road.

Oh, I was laughing at the conversation. While you got the wrong generation of car from the picture in my signature, if you had read it, you would see I am also a fan of caliper covers.

 

[Showgun]

Glad to see a more neutral attitude here towards these covers.
They're not for everyone for sure but the one's that have them like them and I myself will have them sometime soon (if this damned car ever comes in).

To those who like them, good.....To those who don't, that's cool too, and thanks for respecting our choice.

C.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

They have no purpose other then improving the look of the caliper. They are nothing more then an appearance item. Since I had no plans on removing and attempting to paint the calipers, I thought these were a nice option. They are very well made, and the writing and hex heads are either stamped or machined into the caliper cover. I'm very pleased with them, they were simple to install.

Ahhh ok, gotcha. Didn't realize they were solely cosmetic; figured they were supposed to have a functional purpose since I don't think I've ever seen such a mod before.

They do not improve braking. They're are the same type of dress-up as these. What does get me is they advertise that the covers reduce caliper heat when in fact, they hold it in.

I've seen a lot of mods before, just never ones like this or in your link. Definitely not my style as I don't think they look good at all, but I would really be concerned about heat retention, water retention, debris retention, etc. all being a significant risk with these things. One little stone hitting it at the right angle and next thing you know it's hitting the wheel, tearing everything up, destroying things and making a mess.