64 valve cover clips

[Dan H.]

Hi all, need information on the temp wire retainer clips on pass side of alum valve covers. Looking at Nolands pictures of orig 64's the clips appear very light silver as in zinc plated. I've read in the archives that they may be 'grey' or 'black phosphate' in appearance. Also, if they were installed during the 'silver' touch-up after the orange engine paint out, did they then receive their silver color? For 1964 L84, what should be a 'correct' color for the wire retainers? Thanks in advance!!!!
Dan

[Michael H.]

Re: 64 valve cover clips

Hi all, need information on the temp wire retainer clips on pass side of alum valve covers. Looking at Nolands pictures of orig 64's the clips appear very light silver as in zinc plated. I've read in the archives that they may be 'grey' or 'black phosphate' in appearance. Also, if they were installed during the 'silver' touch-up after the orange engine paint out, did they then receive their silver color? For 1964 L84, what should be a 'correct' color for the wire retainers? Thanks in advance!!!!
Dan

Dan,

You are correct. The clips were originally a dark grey plating of some sort. They were installed on the engines at Flint before the dull aluminum paint operation for the bare head surface so the top side of the clip would also be covered in dull aluminum paint.
NOS below.

[Dan H.]

Re: 64 valve cover clips

Thanks Michael, there was a question at recent Bend Oregon meet as to whether the clips were on before or after the 'silver' detail painting. Being on explains the silver appearance in factory photos, but grey they are!
Dan

[Michael H.]

Re: 64 valve cover clips

Thanks Michael, there was a question at recent Bend Oregon meet as to whether the clips were on before or after the 'silver' detail painting. Being on explains the silver appearance in factory photos, but grey they are!
Dan

I probably should have also mentioned that the clips were NOT on 62 engines during the paint process like 63 and later. For 62, the clips were added at the St Louis plant, according to the 62 AIM, so no silver paint.