Valve covers

[Thomas Gardner]

I have just come across a pair of valve covers that fit 56, 57 or 58 Corvette. They are the 7 fin with the offset bolt holes. They are cast aluminum. How do I tell if these are original or remanufactured?

[Joe L.]

Re: Valve covers

Thomas-----

I don' think that this style cover was ever reproduced or available from any source other than GM. GM never actually manufactured them, though, as they were made for them by an outside vendor.

Paragon currently offers the 59-67 style version of these covers and I don't know if they offer the earlier style, as well. However, the covers made for Paragon are made from the same tooling and molds as the originals and, possibly, by the same manufacturing source. I don't think that there's any way to tell "originals" from the "reproductions".

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Valve covers

Don't know about the repos. but the originals have the name "LESTER" cast on the inside. I suppose that was the manufacturer???

[Tracy C.]

I don't think Lester was involved with the early

staggered bolt hole "086" valve covers.

Whoever or whatever part "Lester" had to do with GM. This started with the "493" covers...

tc

[John H.]

Re: I don't think Lester was involved with the ear

Any staggered-hole cover you find is an original or a service part - that version (low-script or high-script) wasn't reproduced.