1966 Big Block Valve Cover Gasket Tabs

[David K.]

The 66' Valve Cover gaskets have six (angled) tabs which protrude (extend) from the valve covers (two on top, two on the bottom edge and one at the front and another at the back end. Question........ were these painted Chevy orange along with the rest of the block when they left the factory, or left natural cork ? Mine are left as natural cork from a recent restoration & I'm wondering if I should give them a dab of orange paint....?
Thanks in advance.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1966 Big Block Valve Cover Gasket Tabs

The 66' Valve Cover gaskets have six (angled) tabs which protrude (extend) from the valve covers (two on top, two on the bottom edge and one at the front and another at the back end. Question........ were these painted Chevy orange along with the rest of the block when they left the factory, or left natural cork ? Mine are left as natural cork from a recent restoration & I'm wondering if I should give them a dab of orange paint....?
Thanks in advance.

Dave------

They received paint (on engines with painted valve covers). However, for what it's worth, the gaskets were not natural cork. They were coated with a silver coating.

[Dan T.]

Re: 1966 Big Block Valve Cover Gasket Tabs

Dave, I just finished with 66 judging in Denver. Having worked with some of the 400 point guys was a pleasure to learn from them. Be sure to paint the gaskets, the valve covers were on the engine when they painted them. Good luck Dan

[David K.]

Re: 1966 Big Block Valve Cover Gasket Tabs

Thanks guys; I'll take out the fine paint brush and hit them with the orange paint. Regards from Montreal; David

[Neil C.]

Re: 1966 Big Block Valve Cover Gasket Tabs

Orange on Ground side or Top side of the Tabs???

[Wayne M.]

Re: 1966 Big Block Valve Cover Gasket Tabs

Dave------

They received paint (on engines with painted valve covers). However, for what it's worth, the gaskets were not natural cork. They were coated with a silver coating.

Here's a pic of GM top-end gasket service pack, circa late '60's, early 1970's. The non-silver are a Mr. Gasket set.