72 base engine valve covers

[Michael B.]

Here's hoping someone can direct me to a photo in the archives of 1972 base engine valve covers. I've searched the archives looking for a picture but haven't had any luck. I know these valve covers have wire retention clips spot welded to them, but I have no idea what they are supposed to look like. I'm going to a large swap meet this weekend hoping to purchase a pair. Thanks in advance.

[Mike F.]

Re: 72 base engine valve covers

I'm not aware of any wire retainer clips spot welded on them. I believe big block valve covers may have had some clips.

1972-1PRE9284-1200x439.jpg

[Patrick H.]

Re: 72 base engine valve covers

Here's hoping someone can direct me to a photo in the archives of 1972 base engine valve covers. I've searched the archives looking for a picture but haven't had any luck. I know these valve covers have wire retention clips spot welded to them, but I have no idea what they are supposed to look like. I'm going to a large swap meet this weekend hoping to purchase a pair. Thanks in advance.

See link in my signature.
Yes, they had clips spot welded to them, usually on both sides though only the driver's side was used.

[Mike F.]

Re: 72 base engine valve covers

Oh, I see now. I was thinking sparkplug wire clips.

[Michael B.]

Re: 72 base engine valve covers

Patrick

Thank you for that link. Your photos will be invaluable to me in the coming months.

I just repurchased a 72 base engine coupe that I ordered new when I was only 18 years old. I'm excited to own that car again and intend to restore it to "like new" condition.

Mike B

[Alan S.]

Re: 72 base engine valve covers

Hi Mike,
I just read your comment about re-puchasing your 72.
That's pretty incredible and should make the restoration you undertaking even more pleasurable.
You really can't take too many PICTURES while you take it apart, you can't be too meticulous in keeping track of PARTS both big and small, and you need to control the myriad of FASTENERS that you'll compile.
I often refer to Patrick's 72 Bowtie car's pictures too. They're a great resource.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

[Michael B.]

Re: 72 base engine valve covers

Hi Alan,

Thank you for the encouragement, and the good advice on photos and organization. I'm anxious to get started on the car but I've got much to learn before beginning a serious restoration. The car has an incorrect intake manifold, carb, air cleaner, valve covers, distributor, and rusted out exhaust. I plan on correcting those things quickly, but for the meat of the restoration I'll need to "OJ" at many more NCRS events before I'll feel confident enough to start on the body off restoration. In the mean time, I'll just be accumulating parts I know I'll need.

I see you are a member of the Mason Dixon Chapter. I purchased the car new from Sport Chevrolet in Silver Spring, Maryland. Perhaps you're familiar with that dealer; they're still going strong.

Mike

[Patrick H.]

Re: 72 base engine valve covers

Interesting how close your 2 1972s are in VIN number and likely build dates.
My car is not too much earlier, so I suspect that a fair amount of details from my car will be similar to your base motor car.
Let us know what questions you may have.

[Joe L.]

Re: 72 base engine valve covers

Patrick

Thank you for that link. Your photos will be invaluable to me in the coming months.

I just repurchased a 72 base engine coupe that I ordered new when I was only 18 years old. I'm excited to own that car again and intend to restore it to "like new" condition.

Mike B

Mike------


These are not too difficult to find valve covers. They were not just used on Corvettes. They were used on probably millions of other small blocks. Go to a self-service wrecking yard and find any 1972 Chevrolet with a small block engine. If it's got its original valve covers, which is likely, you've found your covers.

[Michael B.]

Re: 72 base engine valve covers

Patrick,

That's a nice collection of cars you have. I suspect I'll have many questions when I get started on this undertaking. But, having access to your pictures is a treasure for me. Thank you again.

When I bought my LT-1 last year I knew how close the two cars were in serial numbers. I always knew the serial number of my original car, and had actually tracked it down and became friends with it's owner a couple years ago. He wasn't interested in selling so I decided to get an LT-1. I guess he was just waiting for me to buy another car before he decided to sell my original car.

But, a man can't own too many classic corvettes can he?

[James G.]

Re: 72 base engine valve covers

A good friend is selling his 72. Lots of photos here.

http://www.vettefinderjim.com/72-mint-convertible.html

[Michael B.]

Re: 72 base engine valve covers

Joe,

I'm headed to the Pate Swap Meet in Fort Worth this weekend. I expect to score a set there but I wanted to see a few pictures first so I'd recognize the correct ones. I've got a list of about thirty parts I'm looking for so it ought to be an interesting, and expensive weekend. Then there's always Bloomington in June if I strike out.

[Alan S.]

Re: 72 base engine valve covers

Hi Mike,
I do know of Sport Chevrolet.
It sounds like you may be willing to do some traveling for parts.
If so, you should really put 'Corvettes at Carlisle' in August each year on your list.
It's really worth even a serious trip at least a few times.
Regards,
Alan

[Alan S.]

Re: 72 base engine valve covers

Hi Jim,
I took a look at the car in the link you posted.
Wow! That's quite a beautiful car!
That should be quite an inspiration for someone starting or considering a base sb restoration.
Thanks!
Regards,
Alan

[Edward M.]

Re: 72 base engine valve covers

There was a detailed discussion about 71-72 base motor valve covers many years ago. It was either on this forum on the CF forum. I can't locate it now.

Anyway, I have the following 71-72 stamped steel base motor valve covers laying around the garage

1. Driver's side (push in oil cap), no wire clips on cover
2. Driver's side (push in oil cap), one wire clip, intake manifold side, just ahead of forward cover bolt hole.
3. Driver's side (push in oil cap), two wire clips, one intake side, one exhaust side, both just ahead of forward cover bolt holes.
4. Driver's side (push in oil cap), two wire clips, both intake side, one ahead of forward cover bolt hole, one about middle of cover.
5. Passenger's side (no oil cap hole), one wire clip, intake manifold side, about middle of cover.

I recall a discussion about 71 base motor valve covers that was something like:

The 71 base engine's covers had 1 hole and no clips on the right-side cover, and 2 holes (push in oil cap) and 1 wire clip on the left-side cover.

See attached pictures