The ribbed valve covers are on good condition. I would like to improve the look. Can you use mag wheel or aluminum polish on the ribbed covers or will that take any protective finish off the covers? Would it be better to send out to have them professionally cleaned? Are there any best practices to clean but not damage the covers?
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Re: 66 327 350 cleaning valve covers
David,
"improve the look" is a subjective term. If you want to polish them out, then hours of work with a buffing wheel, dremel tool and jeweler's rouge will net you some fairly impressive results.Leif
'67 Coupe L79, M21, C60, N14, N40, J50, A31, U69, A01, QB1
Top Flight 2017 Lone Star Regional -
Re: 66 327 350 cleaning valve covers
I sent mine to Fred Hudson. Had them back in less than a week. Excellent results. He has an ad in the Restorer
Lief Larsen (50308)
restored valve cover.jpgvalve cover.jpgComment
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Re: 66 327 350 cleaning valve covers
Lief, wow the restored look great. Was it sand blasted? Is it shiny or like the original finish?Comment
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Re: 66 327 350 cleaning valve covers
David
I'm not sure of the process but I'm sure Fred could fill you in. The finish is as close to the original as I've seen. It is not shiny but more of a matte finish.It almost has a slight texture to it. Hope this helps
LiefComment
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Re: 66 327 350 cleaning valve covers
I have sent valve covers to Fred Hudson. Don't be surprised if he doesn't fully explain the process and chemicals used, the end result is the best! Also be sure to follow his instructions on cleaning them and keeping them clean after he is done with them.
Eric Patty
NCRS # 8355Comment
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Re: 66 327 350 cleaning valve covers
What the heck are the chances of us having a LEIF and a LIEF in the same thread? LOL.
Both Leif's and Lief's covers look fantastic. Personally, i would want a set of each for my L79.Comment
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Re: 66 327 350 cleaning valve covers
In my humble opinion Leif A's valve covers are way to polished and Leif B's valve covers are more the way they were from GM. I have several sets of early offset hole covers in the original GM boxes and they look like Leif B's covers.
JRComment
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Re: 66 327 350 cleaning valve covers
There are a lot of threads that compliment Jerry MacNeish's (the Z28Camaroman) aluminum valve cover restoration work. There is obviously a number of members that like Fred Hudson's work as well - and I have to admit the valve covers Fred restored look great in the pics. Anyone care to comment or recommend one over the other? Any difference in the final results, are both NCRS quality? If you are reluctant to render an opinion publicly please PM me with your thoughts - thanks!EdComment
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Re: 66 327 350 cleaning valve covers
JR,
While I agree that mine are not as "original" in finish, the OP asked for ways to "improve the look". And, as I said in my original post, this a very subjective term. Lief's, no doubt, appear more original. Different ass...different seat.Leif
'67 Coupe L79, M21, C60, N14, N40, J50, A31, U69, A01, QB1
Top Flight 2017 Lone Star RegionalComment
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Re: 66 327 350 cleaning valve covers
I had mine "re-skinned" by Jerry MacNeish and have been very pleased with the finish and quality of the work. I'm not sure what his process is - perhaps it is a trade secret. IMG_20201118_091323065.jpgIMG_20201118_091340179.jpgKeith MacRae
NCRS #36692
New Mexico Chapter
1960 290HP FI
2013 427 Convertible
Shade tree mechanic and
B-52 pilot extraordinaire
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Re: 66 327 350 cleaning valve covers
One of our fellow DB posters, John DeGregory, restored my ‘66 L79 valve covers. They look virtually identical to the one in the photo done by Fred Hudson. I think like all people who restore/reskin AL valve covers, John probably has his secret steps or entire process, and he might only share it to a vague degree. I can’t blame anyone for playing it close to the vest.
GaryComment
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Re: 66 327 350 cleaning valve covers
In Copenhagen the chances would be much higher than here in the US. When I was in Denmark there were 3 pages of Leif Larsen's in the phone book.Comment
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