BB Valve covers and underbody plates

[Nick I.]

Hello everyone. This is my first post since the discussion board upgrade last month. I have a few questions pertaining to a customers 1969 427 tri-power Corvette convertible. I am in the process of restoring his car to factory specs and would like to know the following:

Question #1. The old chrome valve covers on his 427 tri-power are well worn and dented. We purchased a new set from a large Corvette supplier and the dripper spot welds are very pronounced on the outside face of the covers. He paid a lot of $$ for these pieces and we are both concerned pertaining to judging points if we use these new covers. Would there be a deduction for the more pronounced dripper welds on these new parts??

Question #2. I have done some research and would also like to know what the requirement is for all of the underbody reinforcement plates (seat belt anchors, seat support, etc). I have seen several cars with the plates natural, a few in black, and one car had all of the plates replated in silver cad with the seat support plates in gloss black. What would be correct for a 69 Corvette convertible??

Any help a fellow member could provide would be great.

Thank You,
Nick

[Grant W.]

Re: BB Valve covers and underbody plates

Hi Nick
Well its been a while since I restored my 69 Tri power car but here goes. In the AIM manual there is 4 designs. Early carry over from the 68 design, Jan 69 design, Third design and the 4th which is a later design like for a late 69 Like my car. Sept to Dec. So if you can tell us the vin of the car then we can figure out what you need.
As far as the weld spots showing not a problem. If you have none showing then probably will get a deduct. Also If the person spent $$$$$$$$ on a possible correct valve cover then it better have the double lip edges as originals. Otherwise money not well spent!!! You'd be better off restoring a set of nice originals. I've gone through so many valve covers I'm all valved covered out. Can't comment on the seat stuff but the seat tracks bottom 1/2 are zinc phosphated gray and the top 1/2 is natural steel. Thanks, Grant

[Nick I.]

Re: BB Valve covers and underbody plates

The car has a January 69 build date

[Nick I.]

Re: BB Valve covers and underbody plates

The car has a January 69 build date

[Mike M.]

Re: BB Valve covers and underbody plates

Grant is right on.
If the only problem with the original are dents, take them to you local paintless dent wizard guy to straighten them and have them re-chomed, (more flash than show).
The edge he mentioned is very important.
Compare the repops to your originals to make sure that the flat surrounding edge that conacts the gasket is not the same width all the way around.
The current repops we are seeing on the judging field do not have an accurate edge on the top of the covers.
H. a. N. D.