Painted valve covers

[Jack H.]

Re: Painted valve covers

Mull this over, Valeria...

The aluminum valve covers you have on your car ARE real McCoy GM parts. They differ from the factory originals in terms of Configuration and perhaps Condition, once you remove the paint.

The casting mold was repaired in '66 which created a vertical line of 'flash' down the center of the letter 'O' in Corvette. That's the Configuration issue that differentiates them from the factory original aluminum valve covers for your car.

Maybe this is a specific part, where you opt to save a few $$$ in your restoration efforts by simply cleaning off the paint and LIVING with a 20% deduction on originality (Configuration vs. Finish, Date, Installation, Completeness) and perhaps a few more points off on the Condition side of the ledger...

Finding a set of NOS, correct originals OR having a used set of originals sent out for cosmetic 're-skinning' isn't going to be cheap... So, you're looking at a restoration economics question:

"How much are those extra judging points worth to your wallet/your pride???

[Edward M.]

Re: Painted valve covers

Thanks for your responses. I spoke with the man who is detailing the engine this morning and he is going to soda blast them. I wonder what he will find under there. I hope I am not sorry for doing this.

And yes, the HP on my car is only 245. Were the valve covers really orange?? All the replacement valve covers are aluminum, I think.

Valeria

OK, I'm confused. Valeria says engine is a 245 hp engine. That is an optional engine, not the base motor, so it would have aluminum valve covers originally.

What am I missing here? Why do some people think this engine should have stamped steel valve covers?

[Mike M.]

Re: Painted valve covers

Valeria, If i were you I would take the valve covers you have and send them to Jerry or John and have them reskinned. Ask them to take out the casting mark that is from 1966 and later and be carefull around the O in corvette when taking the casting line out. I think they use a small hand grinder or dremel to take it out and they will look very original and should pass judging. Thats what I did for my 65. Alot cheaper then looking for original ones and refinishing. If they can see the fact that they are newer covers the points hit is not that bad. Mike

[Joe L.]

Re: Painted valve covers

OK, I'm confused. Valeria says engine is a 245 hp engine. That is an optional engine, not the base motor, so it would have aluminum valve covers originally.

What am I missing here? Why do some people think this engine should have stamped steel valve covers?

Ed------


I can't figure that out, either.

[Valeria H.]

Re: Painted valve covers

Valeria,
Here are some pictures:
1---old 1956 9 fins with old original finish which has oxidized.
2---bead blasted cover
3---original with light polish
4---NOS, actually 5 to 10 years old from cracked (late 1966) tooling.
See next posting for the next 4 pictures.

Great photos Bruce! Thank you for taking the time to post them along with an explanation of the differences.
Valeria

[Valeria H.]

Re: Painted valve covers

I received a set of 1960 valve covers for my car this past week which have been restored! This is far better than what I started out with.

Thank you all who have strived to assist the underdog who is trying to get their car up to speed!

Valeria