Aluminum valve cover question

[Jon R.]

I have two aluminum valve covers that I plan on listing on Ebay. I could use some help in the descriptions. By looking thru the archives, I have determined that they are early (no flaw thru "0") 7 fin valve covers with the holes directly across. They are stamped "3767493" and "LESTER" inside. There is a casting flaw on the inside of the cover near "LESTER".

Questions: What I can not figure is which engines/years do these go with? What other info should I add? What would be good reasonable starting price?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

Jon

[Joe L.]

Re: Aluminum valve cover question

I have two aluminum valve covers that I plan on listing on Ebay. I could use some help in the descriptions. By looking thru the archives, I have determined that they are early (no flaw thru "0") 7 fin valve covers with the holes directly across. They are stamped "3767493" and "LESTER" inside. There is a casting flaw on the inside of the cover near "LESTER".

Questions: What I can not figure is which engines/years do these go with? What other info should I add? What would be good reasonable starting price?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

Jon

Jon-----

These valve covers are applicable to late 1959 to about mid-1966 Corvette small blocks. They were used on all OPTIONAL small block engines during this period except 1962-65 300 HP. I believe sometime about mid 1966 the mold broke and was repaired causing the casting flaw line on those covers manufactured after that time. The basic cover was used through the 1967 model year, though, but never used in PRODUCTION thereafter.

This cover is GM-discontinued. However, it is available in reproduction and I believe it is cast using the original GM mold.

[James O.]

Re: Aluminum valve cover question

not sure about the price but the repos i have seen have a rough sand-blasted appearance while originals have much smoother surface so i would think they are more desirable.

[Jack P.]

Re: Aluminum valve cover question

If they are very old and not repros, they tend to have cracks around the holes for over tightening them. You can buy a pair of good ones for about 50 to 70 dollars each. Paragon sells them, and if you check ebay , you will see that they are not in great demand.

[Jack H.]

Re: Aluminum valve cover question

If they are very old and not repros, they tend to have cracks around the holes for over tightening them. You can buy a pair of good ones for about 50 to 70 dollars each. Paragon sells them, and if you check ebay , you will see that they are not in great demand.

Agree with the crack comment, but not necessarily with the supply/demand/value. The prices you quote are representative of the much more plentiful variety with the casting flaw. I've not seen real, smooth, original covers without the casting flaw that cheap in a while. Also many of the vendors are selling ones made with the casting flaw molds, but have subsequently removed the casting flaw for appearance purposes to make them look like the older non-flaw version. IMHO, the covers that you have are nice original examples with a bit more value assuming they are not cracked or otherwise damaged. Another thing to look out for that can affect value is whether the rails are still straight, as some that aren't cracked from overtightening can be warped instead. Another reason why good original non-casting-flaw examples are more valuable. Just my 2 cents.

[Tracy C.]

Re: Aluminum valve cover question

Questions: What I can not figure is which engines/years do these go with? What other info should I add? What would be good reasonable starting price?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

Jon

Jon,

Joe's description is the info you need in your listing. I've seen several top quality "no flaw" originals sell for $400 a pair. I also watched one perfect pair bring $800. Average sets will bring $250 all day long.

tc

[George W.]

Re: Aluminum valve cover question

Jon,
The pics look like original covers with normal wear; I would say top dollar is $80-125 for the pair, you may have to take less to move them.
I have a pair of "repos" in excellent shape listed for $50 and no takers...good luck.

[Jack P.]

Re: Aluminum valve cover question

Unfortunately for the hobby, or for those who drive their cars and get them dirty , this kind of thing ($$$$$) spent to satisfy the need of some one with more money then good sense, gives rise to the criticism that befalls NCRS members . Pricing cars out of reach for even moderate income people.

The real shame is that most of these cars are not seen by the general public, not seen on the street, not enjoyed by the very people who 40 years ago fell in love with them. Not seen by the younger generation as cars that can be driven.

Just my two cents

Jack Ps I still drive my matching numbers 66 , and have for over 41 years and 300,000 miles. There are modelers and there are drivers and sometimes both

They are just cars

[Terry M.]

Re: Aluminum valve cover question

Come on Jack -- lighten up. Did someone piss in your Wheaties this morning, or too much snow in Maine?

If someone wants to spend stupid money (and who is to say what is stupid money?) for a part, or for a Corvette or any other thing; why should that bother anyone else? Other than envy?? Or setting the market for parts prices, but that is dependent on another willing buyer at the same stupid price.

If someone has the resources and desire to buy a brand new Corvette and store it in a heated and air conditioned shelter for 50 years is that any sweat off of your or my private anatomy? I think not. Is driving your Corvette 300K miles a better use than the storage for 50 years? Obviously you think so, and that is fine. The person who supports the "garage monument" (as my wife calls them) thinks their use of their property is a better use than driving it. More power to them. All I want is the chance to crawl all over the "garage monument" from time to time. We need both kinds of people to keep our “hobby” going.

[Jack P.]

Re: Aluminum valve cover question

I don't disagree with you. As I said , modelers and drivers. I just think we have more then enough correct cars out there. I have been to a few restoration shops that get orders from people to make a " top flight car for them" we know what this leads to. Others spend years restoring the car themselves and that is great.

I spent 90 days on the road and 20,000 miles and only saw 3 C2 and no C1 on the roads. Many at shows. We all know the excitement that our cars create, and I just want to keep the driving dream alive. And , yes, we are getting old and it becomes more difficult to drive a young mans car, which they where and still are.

Most know that I appreciate the time and work done by most to get ' Top Flight " I am just sad for the cars that never get to run wild in the fields anymore. They (cars) just sit and wait and hope the master will do more then just rub them for a few moments, then the light goes off and darkness come back and they wait again, waiting to show that they can still run wild in the fields .

Jack

[Jon R.]

Re: Aluminum valve cover question

Thanks to all for the information!

Regards,

Jon