Painted valve covers

[Michael W.]

Re: Painted valve covers

My mistake. I evidently know how to bring out the worst in some people. Good luck with your car.

[Valeria H.]

Re: Painted valve covers

My mistake. I evidently know how to bring out the worst in some people. Good luck with your car.

Michael,
It has taken me many years to be assertive enough to be able to return a comment of such nature to someone who is being unkind. This was definitely not my worst. I look at it as an improvement in interactional skills which I have worked diligently on over the years.

I do thank you for your "best wishes" regarding my car.

[Valeria H.]

Re: Painted valve covers

I've been told that my valve covers are original ones but they are 1966's. I have a contact who has 1960's covers but have not been able to discuss price as of yet.

Does anyone know of anyone else who has a pair of nicely restored 60's for sale.
Valeria

[Edward M.]

Re: Painted valve covers

Valeria;

Exactly what year Corvette are you working on? I thought it was a 58. Approximately what VIN number is your 58? Is it before or after #3600?

This info will make a difference in exactly what valve cover is correct for your car.

BUT, you must start with the answer to this question. Are your cylinder heads straight hole valve covers heads or staggered hole valve cover heads?

You can't go any further until this question is answered.

Here is a link on the Corvette Forum that has an excellent discussion about Corvette script valve covers (thanks again John H.)

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...ve-covers.html

[Jimmy G.]

Re: Painted valve covers

V.

People painted valve covers because the aluminum they are made of is very porus. After some time they become very staind and it is easier to paint than have them "reskinned" I.E. properly restored. I good set cleaned and painted with a correct aluminum looks almost factory correct. In fact FI cars probably had some silver or similiar paint on parts of them from the factory

[John D.]

Re: Painted valve covers

As Valeria mentioned she has a pair of March 66 or later seamed valve covers on her 1960. Old JD has proof.
So she needs the usual 60 to part of 66 valve covers. And she needs them ASAP in time for the National convention in her home town. No boat anchors from the Titanic please as a pal has to refinish them before next full moon.
Hey Valeria, How bout posting nice pic of your gorgeous "60 here so the gang sees how nice it is. Thanx, JD

[Bruce B.]

Re: Painted valve covers

Valeria,

In my opinion if you have the aluminum valve covers soda blasted and painted you might not like the resulting appearence.

If you want them to have an original appearence there are a few people who can refinish them for a reasonable price. I saw a sample of a new process at Bloomington Gold and it looked very nice.

Years ago I took an extra pair of valve covers for my 62 and bead blasted them then applied a clear coat. Although they do have the appearence of a "original" they look good and can be cleaned with a damp cloth. They have been on my 62 for about 12 years.

I will post some pictures tomorrow.

PM me if you need any other info.

Bruce B

[Bruce B.]

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.

[Bruce B.]

Re: Painted valve covers

Valeria,
Here are some more pictures of finned aluminum valve covers.
1---painted wrinkle black then high points sanded.
2---1962 low HP painted with sticker. 63 through 67 similar but different...
3---re-skinned 1957 9 fin next to 1956 originals with no cutouts at top.
4---possibly old original finish or lightly blasted.
.
I can't get pictures of my 62 valve covers but will try tomorrow.

The conditions I described will be construed wrong by some people but this should give you an idea of what is out there.

There is also a stamped steel painted valve cover with Chevrolet script lettering on it, I can't find mine at this time. I have to much stuff.

If you want to borrow a set for your trip to the National Convention just contact me. The 9 fin covers will not fit your car as they have the staggered bolt holes.

I did once see a pair of early covers advertized on Ebay as having "staggered boat hose". A interpretation of the correct description.

Bruce B

[Valeria H.]

Re: Painted valve covers

John,
You are so sweet to boast on my "Bella". Here are some of my latest photos of her looking sweet and driving better than she ever has since I've owned her.

My previous "nickname" for her was "the Beast" but I was compelled to rename her after Kenny Floyd here in Charlotte tweaked her up to her best!

[Valeria H.]

Re: Painted valve covers

Sorry, I do not know why the photos did not come thru. I will make a feeble attempt to attach them again.

Valeria

[Bert L.]

Re: Painted valve covers

Fine looking car Valeria, thanks for sharing photos of Bella. I also own a sweet sixty, (Ermine with Sateen coves), it's sobriquet is Princess, been part of the family since 1974.

Best,

[Jimmy G.]

Re: Painted valve covers

NO Crager SS Wheels for the convention? It looks good but I really like the personal touch of the SS whels. Plus I did not want to be the only 1960 at the convention with aftermarket wheels. Oh Well

[Valeria H.]

Re: Painted valve covers

NO Crager SS Wheels for the convention? It looks good but I really like the personal touch of the SS whels. Plus I did not want to be the only 1960 at the convention with aftermarket wheels. Oh Well

Sorry to disappoint you Jimmy but I took them off and am going with the real deal for the convention. I'll put the Cragers back on after the meet for driving around town.

[Jean C.]

Re: Painted valve covers

Valeria....,But if you are chasing the points Valerie and have the aluminum covers then they have to go.
JD

Like John said. I have both stamped steel and AL covers for my '64, steel for judging, AL for "every day wear".
Best regards,