Aluminum Valve Covers

[Bill C.]

What would be the ways to polish these covers for someone without the availibity of a bench grinder and wheel? Once polished, how would that finish be preserved? Thanks for all suggestions. Bill #20328

[Jack H.]

Re: Aluminum Valve Covers

A number of restorers go to great lengths to undo prior owner 'polishing' of these cast aluminum valve covers. In factory concours competition, the natural, as cast, 'skin' on the surface is what's desired. Yes, the original surface is subject to natural oxidation as well as dings/nicks from handling and tends to look 'doggy' over the years, but it's a matter of what the end game objective is: make it look factory original or make it look aftermarket 'bright/pretty'....

If an intentional deviation from the factory original 'as cast' surface texture is desired, then a bench grinder + polishing wheel is your best alternative. Lacking that, consider having a local machine shop buff them out for you or you might try a polishing wheel on an ordinary electric drill. But, the later will create some challenges in terms of keeping pressure uniform during buffing....

[Joe C.]

Re: Aluminum Valve Covers

Bill:

It will be hard to get a uniform shine, especially with all the nooks and crannies in the area of the "Corvette" script. But Jack's idea is pretty much it......very labor intensive. If I went to so much trouble AND achieved the desired result, then I would probably have them clear anodized, or else clear powdercoated. It might be easier and cheaper just to buy a nice aftermarket set.

BTW: You probably know this, but I'll say it for the sake of some who may not. If your covers DO NOT have the casting flaw, and are in relatively nice condition, then please don't do this. These covers are fairly rare, and sought after, in their ORIGINAL state. Those with the casting flaw are a dime a dozen.

Joe

[Patrick H.]

Re: Aluminum Valve Covers

Bill,

Even though your current car is a "driver," seriously consider sending them to Jerry MacNeish for reskinning (www.z28camaro.com). They turn out beautiful and will clean off nicely if you spill anything on them or get paint overspray. When I sent the intake and covers from our 66 to him, I sent a few other sets as well. At $95/pair it's not cheap but it's far better than the cost of new ones.

Patrick

[Charles M.]

Re: Aluminum Valve Covers

Can someone describe this flaw?

[Tracy C.]

Re: Aluminum Valve Covers

Here's the flaw Chuck. Correct for mid 66 & 67, but not 59L thru 66E. Valve Covers without the flaw haven't been availible since the mold broke around March 1966.

What's out there is all there is.....

tc

[Charles M.]

Re: Aluminum Valve Covers

I meant, could someone describe the casting flaw so I can check mine? My car is a 64 with a 66 engine and I don't know if the covers are orig.

Chuck

[Charles M.]

Re: Aluminum Valve Covers

Nevermind, sorry. I didn't see the picture until now. So the flaw is in the new mold that started use in 3/66. I see it. Mine are without flaw.

[Tracy C.]

Re: Aluminum Valve Covers

If yours are without the flaw and you want a polished finish, save your originals and buy a cheap set with the flaw off eBay and buff them. A little sand paper prior to buffing will minimize the flaw.

Joe is right, I've seen original "no flaw" covers in perfect shape sell for almost $400 a pair..

tc