71 BB vavle covers

[Ed L.]

How do I know if my vavle covers are stock/original? If they are how do I get the shine back on them? metal polish is not doing the trick. thanks, ed

[Joe L.]

Re: 71 BB vavle covers

How do I know if my vavle covers are stock/original? If they are how do I get the shine back on them? metal polish is not doing the trick. thanks, ed

Ed-----


Unless it's a very early 1971, the valve covers were painted engine orange. So, if it's a later car and it has chrome valve covers, they're most likely not original to the car.

If the chrome has dulled, just about the only way to restore it is to have the covers stripped and re-chromed.

[Edward J.]

Re: 71 BB vavle covers

How do I know if my vavle covers are stock/original? If they are how do I get the shine back on them? metal polish is not doing the trick. thanks, ed

Along with Joes post,The valve cover chrome was not the typical bumper chrome, GM used a flash chroming process that I think looks like a Satin finish on the chrome. your engines ignition sheilding has the same process.

[Ed L.]

Re: 71 BB vavle covers

thanks for info. i think mine are chrome and original but will have to investigate more.

[Monte M.]

Re: 71 BB vavle covers

I have a set of original 1971 orange valve covers. If you have an interest, I can send you some pictures. They were taken off the car in 73 from what I was told. They are an extra set just sitting around here now. You can also buy repops that look pretty good.
Can you tell me what month your car was built in, or what your serial numbers is. Feel free to leave the last two digits of your serial number off if you feel more comfortable doing it that way.
Best of luck with your car.
Monte

[Joe L.]

Re: 71 BB vavle covers

thanks for info. i think mine are chrome and original but will have to investigate more.

Ed-----


Any 1971 BB with original chrome valve covers should have the 1970 configuration covers. This includes the "twist-lock" oil filler cap not otherwise used for 1971.

[Byron L.]

Re: 71 BB vavle covers

Monte,
I have a very original 71 LS5 convertible that is missing the original orange valve covers. My car is number 14615. How much do you want for the valve covers? Are they in good shape?
Thanks,
Byron

[Ed L.]

Re: 71 BB vavle covers

Mine have the black plastic plug saying "oil" what does that mean? Thanks..Ed..

Ed-----


Any 1971 BB with original chrome valve covers should have the 1970 configuration covers. This includes the "twist-lock" oil filler cap not otherwise used for 1971.

[Monte M.]

Re: 71 BB vavle covers

Joe,
I was under the impression that 70 BB valve covers did not have the twist oil filler. I thought that 69 was the last year for that.
I believe you far more than my memory, so once again thanks for the great information.
Monte

[Joe L.]

Re: 71 BB vavle covers

Joe,
I was under the impression that 70 BB valve covers did not have the twist oil filler. I thought that 69 was the last year for that.
I believe you far more than my memory, so once again thanks for the great information.
Monte

Monte-----

You have a mistaken impression. All 1970 Corvette valve covers used "twist-lock" style oil fill caps.

[Joe L.]

Re: 71 BB vavle covers

Mine have the black plastic plug saying "oil" what does that mean? Thanks..Ed..

Ed-----


As far as I know, GM never used in PRODUCTION a chrome big block valve cover which had a push-in oil filler. If I'm correct on this, your valve covers would have to be an original non-chromed cover that someone later had chromed or aftermarket. As far as I know, the very early 1971 big blocks with chrome valve covers used the 1970 style covers, perhaps "left over" from 1970 engine plant parts stock.

What is the VIN number of your car?

[Monte M.]

Re: 71 BB vavle covers

Byron,
I am sorry to say that a number of people have asked to buy them. I already gave someone my word that I would sell them to him. He is putting them on a survivor car, so they will work out very well for him being they are in such good condition and all the areas that should not have paint, do not.
Once again, sorry.

Just so you know, the other buyers sent me a PM. That reached me much faster as I do not always look at this site. Also, for whatever reason, I do not think the site notifyed me you added a comment to the thread. I does this quite often depending on how you reply.

It seemed you did it right for it to notify, so I am not sure why it did not.

[Patrick B.]

Re: 71 BB vavle covers

Ed-----


As far as I know, GM never used in PRODUCTION a chrome big block valve cover which had a push-in oil filler. If I'm correct on this, your valve covers would have to be an original non-chromed cover that someone later had chromed or aftermarket. As far as I know, the very early 1971 big blocks with chrome valve covers used the 1970 style covers, perhaps "left over" from 1970 engine plant parts stock.

What is the VIN number of your car?

What about 71 LS-6? Weren't they chrome?

[Monte M.]

Re: 71 BB vavle covers

I am not sure where they came from, but back in the day there were over the counter, chrome valve covers with the push in plug. I have a set I got in the late 70's. They even came with a foil GM sticker on them.

I was always under the impression that they were 70 stock covers. Now I know better. I always thought the push in oil plug started in 70, but it has been brought to my attention that I have been wrong all these years. In 1970 the oil filler was still twist from what I just learned.

The chrome covers with drippers and a push in plug are very common and very easy to find. So they came from somewhere. Mine came from over the counter at GM.

LS-6 were painted. I lust sold a set to an LS-6 owner today.

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 BB vavle covers

What about 71 LS-6? Weren't they chrome?

No, 1971 Corvette LS6 rocker covers were painted. I believe that Chevelle 1970 LS6 rocker covers were chrome, but those also had the twist in oil fill cap.