Are these valve covers original? If so, can I fix them?

[Paul S.]

Hi all,

The valve covers on my '69 base model (300 HP/350 CID) were extremely leaky. After removing them, I found that the flanges have some slight bends from someone over-tightening the bolts in the past, which I suspect may be causing the leaks. Before I try to straighten them, I had a few questions I was hoping someone on here could help with.

1. Do these appear to be original/correct valve covers?

2. Does anyone know the part numbers for these and/or if any accurate reproductions are available? (I can't seem to find any.)

3. If trying to straighten them is my only option, does anyone have any recommendations on the best way to do so?

Thanks in advance! Here are pics of the valve covers:

[Joe L.]

Re: Are these valve covers original? If so, can I fix them?

Hi all,

The valve covers on my '69 base model (300 HP/350 CID) were extremely leaky. After removing them, I found that the flanges have some slight bends from someone over-tightening the bolts in the past, which I suspect may be causing the leaks. Before I try to straighten them, I had a few questions I was hoping someone on here could help with.

1. Do these appear to be original/correct valve covers?

2. Does anyone know the part numbers for these and/or if any accurate reproductions are available? (I can't seem to find any.)

3. If trying to straighten them is my only option, does anyone have any recommendations on the best way to do so?

Thanks in advance! Here are pics of the valve covers:

Paul------


1) I'm certain these are the originals. Also, the oil filler cap and PCV grommets are original, too. Of course, the grommets will almost certainly be hardened and should not be re-used;

2) The original part numbers were GM #3923205, left side, and GM #3923206, right side. These were discontinued more than 40 years ago and replaced by valve covers that differ in some aspects of configuration. I know of no reproductions but there were lots of these made and used on most 1969-70 Chevrolet small blocks. Many likely survive;

3) Distortion of the flanges is ultra-common on any small block steel valve cover. Usually, the distortion is in the area of the bolt holes. Straigtening is fairly simple. With the valve cover upside down, place one of the bolt hole flanges on a length of hard wood. Then, tap the bolt hole area flat with a small hammer. Very simple and easy. It does not have to come out perfect;

I recommend the use of Fel-Pro #1604 Cork-Lam valve cover gaskets. These are a rubberized cork material with a steel core. They're a little thicker than stock cork but they seal much better. They're a bit expensive, though.

[Paul S.]

Re: Are these valve covers original? If so, can I fix them?

Thanks very much, Joe! As always, I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

- Paul

[Mark B.]

Re: Are these valve covers original? If so, can I fix them?

x2 for those cork-lam gaskets. They work really well.