Is there no anwer?

[Doug F.]

I've posted this twice and got no response from anyone.
Thats hard to believe no one knows the answer to my question. What is the correct color of my valve covers for my 89??? thanks anyone,, doug

[Terry M.]

Re: Is there no anwer?

Doug,
You may not realize how many (maybe how few is a better term) people hang out here. The last numbers I saw -- which I think were for November 2010 -- were an average of 500 unique individuals per day for the month. Now how many of those own a 1989? Your guess is as good as mine, but I think the answer is not many.

I know someone who just might know, and I will message him directly -- but I can't guarantee an answer.

[Tom H.]

Re: Is there no anwer?

Hi Doug !

I saw your original post but could not give you a perfect answer that I was comfortable with. I don't have an 89 here to inspect today, but if I recall correctly, the covers were silver. With age, they often discolor or peel.

If you do a little digging around you will find an old article in the May 2000 Corvette Fever Magazine that has a procedure for refinishing the L98 covers. I believe Eastwood or Zip also makes a product for refinishing these.

A quick peek to ebay I found an auction with a pretty nice 89 with some good engine shots. Perhaps this might help. Sorry I can't give you an exact color or formula for the covers.

Here's the link to the 89 listed for sale today.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevrolet-Corvette-C4-Trophy-winning-SHOW-car-Nov-09-Literally-AS-NEW-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3f0619ad3aQQitemZ270685285690QQptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks

[Michael W.]

Re: Is there no anwer?

Aside from the obvious 'what does the judging book say', try a search on google images. I pulled up a few dozen pics that indicate that they are a metallic silver colour.

Much faster and possibly more accurate and credible than waiting by a computer hoping for one person to answer correctly.

[David H.]

Re: Is there no anwer?

I've posted this twice and got no response from anyone.
Thats hard to believe no one knows the answer to my question. What is the correct color of my valve covers for my 89??? thanks anyone,, doug

The NCRS 1987-1989 Corvette Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide, page 81 (Mechanical Section) states:

Valve Covers
Valve covers for the 1987, 1988 and 1989 were finned and made of die cast magnesium.

The valve covers are epoxy coated to look like natural aluminum.

Both covers have openings ..... ..... passenger's side only. The space occupied by the oil filler on the diagonally opposite side is filled in and displays a crossed flags emblem.

Valve covers are attached by four phosphate torx head bolts with cadmium plated flat washers in the center of each valve cover.

Deduct points for over restored, show chrome, or polished aluminum valve covers.



FYI: The Technical Manual and Judging Guide for your car is available from the NCRS bookstore for $30.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Is there no anwer?

I think that they were powder coated rather than epoxy, but that's just my experience from trying to remove the coating on a set.

If I were going to redo a very poor set I'd think about powder coating, but that's just me.

PS. - I'd call it a "wam silver" color.

[Dick W.]

[Steven B.]

Re: Is there no anwer?

Years ago I believe it was Eckler's who sold spray can for the covers.

Steve

[William C.]

Re: Is there no anwer?

Not sure what you are looking for, but attached are two pictures from my low mileage '89, McLellen award car (ignore the new Injectors) You can see the difference in shade between the valve covers and the intake runners in the pictures. I don't know what the coating is, but I've seen some without the coaring and they quickly turn to a black color, very typical of Magnesium in an unprotected state.

[Paul H.]

Re: Is there no anwer?

Years ago I believe it was Eckler's who sold spray can for the covers.

Steve

Mid America still carries it and it's dead on. I think I still have a can kicking around from my C4 days. Looks alot better than the inevitable brown color as they age.

[Paul O.]

Re: Is there no anwer?

Doug here is a link to the Cincinnati Craigslist these look to be NOS GM the looks to be very reasonable.

http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/pts/2138231735.html

Paul 18046

[William C.]

Re: Is there no anwer?

Yes, as my intention is to drive the car, and I have already had a "dead on the road" experience with the originals, I decided to upgrade. BTW, there subtle (but noticeable if you know what to look for...) differences between the Delco units for different years also. With the exception of the oil stain, the valve covers have not materially changed appearance in the last 7 years or so. Car is about 17K miles as it sits.

[Doug F.]

Re: Is there no anwer?

Aside from the obvious 'what does the judging book say', try a search on google images. I pulled up a few dozen pics that indicate that they are a metallic silver colour.

Much faster and possibly more accurate and credible than waiting by a computer hoping for one person to answer correctly.

hey, when your retired you can sit by the computer as much as one wants,,,, I just thought this bunch would know the answer to my question,,,,

[Doug F.]

Re: Is there no anwer?

a BIG thanks to all the responses.... for the fyi about buying a judging book, great idea,, I will do that,, but sometimes its easiest to do a spell check than look up a word in the dictionary.... My valve covers have done that faded brown look as someone mentioned,,, I will leave alone,,,, Dave P...sorry for not responding about the injectors,, must have gotten side tracked,,, Jon from FIC hooked me up with some and they look great and are Ncrs correct ..... just had them installed yesterday ,,,, runs like a new car,,, I am ready for JOPLINs regional in April,,,,, thanks again to everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! doug

[Patrick N.]

Re: Is there no anwer?

FWIW, I had an 88 valve cover and Mid America paint and put it to the test tonight. I did this quick just to see. Have to say, the spray paint color is a dead match to the "silver" in the original emblem-I was suprised about that. Not sure how it would judge, but you can decide.
1st pic is "before" 2nd pic shows the new paint on half the cover and the 3rd is total new paint.