UNDERspray on BB Valve Covers

[Wayne M.]

The original valve covers on my L78 were removed by a previous owner in 1968, replaced with a set of chrome ones ordered from Nickey Chev. I recovered these and other parts during a visit with him in northeast Texas in the early 90's. I noticed that the orange paint on the passenger side cover barely touched the 1" vertical face next to the intake manifold. There is only a light "mist" of paint, with the bare steel clearly showing.

Is this common ? Was this a 2-man job, one on each side (like the car bodies) ? Just curious.

[Jack H.]

Re: UNDERspray on BB Valve Covers

Paint mask dropped over intake and valve covers were shot on the engine, in place. Coverage is known to vary considerably both in terms of when built (early engines vs. late) and the human factors of how nice & neat did the mask fall into place, how big a rush was engine painter in, distractions, Etc.

Having my L-78 judged six times, I got five different versions of what 'correct' overspray line should be on intake. At final judging (Duntov), NCRS National team was much more enlightened -- said both overspray and underspray were known and 'correct' is a figment of imagination. Is there paint there? OK....

Doesn't surprise me you have a case of underspray. Just bear in mind, this is almost an artistic call. Simply photo the valve covers and use that as your 'proof'. Reasonable judging team should accept without question. Only issue is whether you REALLY WANT this level of factory originality as it brings up the issue/byproduct of rust formation. Your assest, your call!

[Jack H.]

Re: UNDERspray on BB Valve Covers

Paint mask dropped over intake and valve covers were shot on the engine, in place. Coverage is known to vary considerably both in terms of when built (early engines vs. late) and the human factors of how nice & neat did the mask fall into place, how big a rush was engine painter in, distractions, Etc.

Having my L-78 judged six times, I got five different versions of what 'correct' overspray line should be on intake. At final judging (Duntov), NCRS National team was much more enlightened -- said both overspray and underspray were known and 'correct' is a figment of imagination. Is there paint there? OK....

Doesn't surprise me you have a case of underspray. Just bear in mind, this is almost an artistic call. Simply photo the valve covers and use that as your 'proof'. Reasonable judging team should accept without question. Only issue is whether you REALLY WANT this level of factory originality as it brings up the issue/byproduct of rust formation. Your assest, your call!