1970 value covers

[Jim W.]

looking for replacement value covers for my high-perf 350/350 1970. Paragon has the part(s), but they look to be polished aluminum....is that correct? Or should it be a brushed aluminum finish? Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: 1970 value covers

Jim-----

First of all, I don't know if these 1970 aluminum VALVE covers are a good VALUE, or not. Hardly anything for a Corvette is a good VALUE.

Anyway, as far as the finish goes, the 1970 aluminum valve covers were NOT polished. They were, basically, an as-cast piece. The GM SERVICE replacements available for the last 25+ years were polished and the current "reproductions", which I believe are made by the original manufacturer and are identical to the GM SERVICE pieces, are polished.

If I were you and I wanted correct finish valve covers I'd look for a pair of used valve covers and then have the finish restored to the correct appearance by Jerry MacNeish.

By the way, original 1970+ aluminum valve covers had drippers cast inside, as do the GM SERVICE pieces and reproductions. 1969 valve covers did NOT have the drippers.

[Jim W.]

Re: 1970 value covers

Joe, I believe Mid Amearica has the value covers that are cast, (i.e. non-polished), not sure why Paragon wold not have the most realistic, true reproduction. Who is Jerry MacNeish?

[Dave S.]

Re: 1970 value covers

Jim,
I have sets of "as cast" LT-1 valve covers with drippers of different length. I'm not 100% sure but it is possible that 70 had the shorter dripper and 71 had the longer one. That is the way my 70 and 71 LT-1 cars are.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1970 value covers

Jim-----

As far as I know, Mid America sells the same 69-77 aluminum valve cover product as everyone else and these are polished.

Jerry MacNeish is the proprietor of a firm which specializes in restoration services, especially for Z-28 Camaros. However, the provide a lot of outstanding services which can be of use to Corvette folks, too. "Dial them up" at www.z28camaro.com

[John H.]

Re: 1970 value covers

Here are the original valve covers you're talking about (also used on the Z/28) that have been "re-skinned" by Jerry MacNeish (he also did my intake, carb, alternator, A.I.R. pump, and booster). Punch up his website (link below) - he does nice work.




Jerry MacNeish