Hey... I am looking for a set of bolt on caliper covers for a base XK when I do the next break pads. I would prefer black metal (willing to paint them myself), Jaguar logo or no logo. Are there OEM covers for the base breaks or aftermarket only? Suggestions appreciated.

Thanks - Sean

 

I looked at that for my XF and then the XKR. The XKR has a plate that goes on over part of the caliper but not all of it. There are generic aftermarket caliper covers available but I didn't try them due to mixed reviews.


While powdercoating gives a better result, I had my calipers painted on the XF with red caliper paint which came up very well (you can do it yourself but I had it done at the tyre place because I don't have a hoist and didn't want the car dropping on my head).


I had the grey powdercoated calipers on the XKR but had them repainted red because grey looked like brake dust to me and was a bit understated for my lowbrow tastes.

 

I vote paint and/or decal the calipers, or leave them as is.

 

Thanks everyone. I will try painting them black when I have them apart.

 

On eBay it looks like covers go for in the neighborhood of over $100 which is nuts. A good caliper painting kit can be had at Amazon or most auto parts chain stores for $22-25, there are also places to get Jaguar or Brembo caliper stickers for a few bucks.

To do this wash the wheel and brakes as best you can with the wheel on. Jack up the car and remove the wheel (no hoist needed). Lay a shop towel over the brake disk so the caliper doesn't swing back and scratch the rotor. Best if you remove the caliper bolts. Usually no need to remove the disk pads just work around them. While they are in your hand give them a good dousing with the brake cleaner then hit them with cleaner (dish soap, Simple Green, etc) and water to clean them and dry them. Mask around the bleed nipple and brake line. Now just apply the paint as per the directions and let dry. As per instructions don't worry about the brush strokes they do disappear to an excellent finish

The degree of difficulty is very minimal, time involved also minimal. If you opt for some sort of sticker you may want to then spray them with a VHT clear coat, you can also find that at most auto parts stores, Amazon, or sometimes Walmart. The Dupli-color kit is super easy to use and the results are excellent! Not affiliated with them just a happy user on two vehicles.

Total cost for me was @$35 with the stickers made from some eBay seller for my Porsche, had enough paint left over to do my son's Civic Si.

The idea of buying covers for $100 makes little sense to me as the time invested is almost the same

 

Please do not put caliper covers on your Jag or any other car... Tacky and worthless are just the start of descriptors for caliper covers...

 

great advice thank you

 

Another 'Holy thread resurrection Batman' moment

 

Gotta disagree. I like mine just fine