63-64 Steel Valve Covers

[Kerry A.]

I thought I had read somewhere quite awhile ago that the steel 63-64 valve covers in addition to the other characteristics there was an oval stamped in the flange of each cover. Without the oval the covers would be incorrect for judging. I'm contemplating selling a pair which has the stamped ovals and when I checked the latest JG to make sure everything was in line I noticed there is no mention of the ovals. I then checked my Third Edition JG and no mention of the ovals either. In addition to the pair of valve covers I'm contemplating on selling, I have a passenger side and the pair on my 63 coupe and all have the ovals. I've noticed as the older I get my memory worsens so I just can't remember where I originally read about the ovals. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 63-64 Steel Valve Covers

Kerry,

I think it was discussed here a few years ago.

[Kerry A.]

Re: 63-64 Steel Valve Covers

Thank you Tim. I'll search the archives. Noticed your picture looks very similar to mine. Mine is a pic of my 67 425/435 4 time Top Flight and Golden Spinner Concourse Award. Love this car. I aslo have a 63 SWC which is where the valve covers question came from

[Timothy B.]

Re: 63-64 Steel Valve Covers

Kerry,

My 67 & 63 are both 300hp cars.

[Harry S.]

Re: 63-64 Steel Valve Covers

The O on the valve cover was there to let the installer know which side is up. The cover is not symetrical. If you install them up-side-down there is a good possibility the lifter will hit the cover, make lots of noise and potentially work its' way through the valve cover.

You are correct, I have never seen mention of it in any JG. Sometimes over painting the valve cover will fill in the O.

[Kerry A.]

Re: 63-64 Steel Valve Covers

Harry, Thank you for your response. You are correct. If either valve cover is installed upside down the rockers will hit the cover. One of the covers has evidence of this but luckily it's not visible from the exterior. Possibly the oval is not judged because some may have been over painted at the factory? I have seen covers without the oval as well. Possibly repros or service part.

[Rick A.]

Re: 63-64 Steel Valve Covers

Harry is correct in that typically painted over and thus you can NOT judge/deduct absence of 'O' feature as being incorrect. Covers are supposed to be painted.