Aluminum valve covers, staggered bolt, new or rip off

[Ted K.]

Just purchased on E-bay valve covers represented as new for early Vettes. They definitely appear new, they look like they were just cast in sand, not smooth as others that I have had. Were the original valve covers rough in texture when they were made and then smoothed at the factory. Could the ones I purchased be after market casts? Trying to decide if I just got ripped off or they are correct.

[John H.]

Re: Aluminum valve covers, staggered bolt, new or rip off

Just purchased on E-bay valve covers represented as new for early Vettes. They definitely appear new, they look like they were just cast in sand, not smooth as others that I have had. Were the original valve covers rough in texture when they were made and then smoothed at the factory. Could the ones I purchased be after market casts? Trying to decide if I just got ripped off or they are correct.

Ted -

Those sound like old high-script staggered-hole GM Service Parts, which had a VERY rough surface; no staggered-hole valve covers have been made for decades. The original production parts were smooth, both low-script and high-script.

[Ted K.]

Re: Aluminum valve covers, staggered bolt, new or rip off

So are you saying that the rough surface ones are correct also. Is there a difference between GM Service Parts and original production parts?

[Tom P.]

Re: Aluminum valve covers, staggered bolt, new or rip off

I'm not sure what you are calling rough, but the service replacement staggered hole covers were available for MANY, MANY years. Several years ago, I bought a set from my local Chevy dealer (LONG before the days of ordering by computer). The ones I have are what I'd call smooth. They're still up in the attic in the boxes.

Ted,
Also, if they came in GM style boxes, I would sure be interested in the empty boxes if you don't wish to keep them.

[Ted K.]

Re: Aluminum valve covers, staggered bolt, new or rip off

Sorry but the valve covers did not come in any kind of original box or packaging. I have smooth valve covers on other cars of mine but the ones I just bought are about the texture of 150 grit sandpaper.

[John D.]

Re: Aluminum valve covers, staggered bolt, new or rip off

Ted, It seems that some of the NOS service replacement valve covers that I have seen are basically as you described. Whether they be NOS staggered hole or the later ones with the seam. Some of those SR valve covers are crap for lack of a better word.
Your valve covers are readily available at the fleas. You are better off finding a decent looking set of original ones and having them refinished. John