C-3 1973 Valve Cover Redo Question

[Charles P.]

I am in the process of refreshing my valve cover paint. At some point these were repainted hastily with overspray inside the pvc inlet and onto the baffles and on the baffles inside the air inlet on the passeger side valve cover. These baffles are factory spot welded into the cover. This made me wonder if this inside paint wasn't a factory item since they would probably have installed the pvc inlet gasket after painting and these holes would have been open. Is the norm no paint on these baffles? They are plastic bead blasted clean now. Also should the reverse side of the oil cap have paint on it or should it be natural steel? I bead blasted it clean on both sides and would like a few tips before I rattle can the cap and each of the covers. Also any other painting tips would be appreciated. I plan to use a sealing primer first. I have been told high temp paint is not necessary. Thanks.

[KEN BUTCHER]

Re: C-3 1973 Valve Cover Redo Question

Hi Charles, the valve covers were originally painted on the engine block and the oil cap had factory overspray(just a little) on the reverse side. And the engines were painted with not the most perfect paint job, thus that is why after just 10,000 miles the paint starts to peel off the valve covers. So if you want it to look as stock as possible just use the high heat paint with no primer and just a few thin coats. Hope this helps, and they will look fine.
Ken.

[Charles P.]

Re: C-3 1973 Valve Cover Redo Question

Thanks for the encouragement to keep it real. The temptation I keep having is to make them better than they probably ever were. People around here (ie not NCRS) keep telling me to powder coat them. Of course they also tell me to quickly get rid of the points and put in a HEI ignition etc. Today I primed the covers with VHT high temp, then wet sanded them with a 400 grit. Okay I know this is way better than what GM did but I figure if I start with a good base than I can be less than perfect with the finish coat. Only question now is if to clear coat with satin or semi if at all. I am leaning toward no clear as original.