Removing a C2 Valve Cover Decal and the Story!

[Tim E.]

What tricks do you have to remove the '66 327/300HP gold & black valve cover decal without damaging the paint?

The story: After all the years of working on SB Chevy's, I didn't realize you could install a stamped steel valve cover upside down! After rebuilding the 327/300 base motor in my '66 and test running it in the bare chassis, I began chasing valve train noise on the right side. I adjusted the valves 3 times cold and once running (with the oily mess that goes with that!) and still had tappet noise. I could feel the tapping while holding the valve cover with the engine running. I removed the cover one more time and noticed the marks from the rockers where they touched the inside edge of the cover. Next time you have a cover off, look at it from either end and you'll notice a very slight difference in slope between the upper and lower sides!

So I feel kind of stupid UNTIL: A fellow enthusiast loans me his original '64 250HP covers to "practice" removing the decals. I'm telling him the story and showing him the differences. Lo and behold...there are the same marks inside one of his covers. Sure enough, the factory installed one of his upside down as well. Apparantly the rockers will beat their own clearance in about 50 miles and the sound will cease.

[Page C.]

Re: Removing a C2 Valve Cover Decal and the Story!

Hi Tim,
I think everyone who has worked of small block Chevy,s has found this out the same way you did - himself included. Another thing to notice is a small "O" stamped in the gasket flange of the stamped steel valve cover to indicate the up side of the valve cover.
Page Campbell

[Mark Milner]

Real Corvette Valve Covers only install 1 way

There are four holes along the bottom and three across the top. Hard to mess that up.

Welcome Tim to the world of small blocks. Some valve covers are a bit less obvious than others and you have found them. A lot of aftermarket cover may have only a cosmetic top and bottom.

As to your decal, you might try soaking in water. Since it is fresh, I assume, you might get it to soak and come off.

If that doesn't work, you might try a heat gun. You might heat the decal enough that it peels without burning or bubbling the paint.

If neither works, well, it isn't like you have to paint the entire car. Just strip it off and repaint.

Don't feel alone in dumb mistakes. If we had a board to list them, and everyone was honest, we'd have more messages on there than here.

[William V.]

Re: Real Corvette Valve Covers only install 1 way

Tim

Your openness about the mistake is a good thing. It will help others avoid the same. Someone should write a manual on all the goof-ups one can make and how to avoid them. I'm sure it would be the thickest restoration manual available.

BV

[Barry K.]

Re: Real Corvette Valve Covers only install 1 way

I never knew there was a up and down on valve covers.
thank god I have the aluminum ones with the script so as long the script is not facing backwards I guess i'm safe and putting them on the right way!

[frank mccracken]

Re: Real Corvette Valve Covers only install 1 way

WD40 is a good adhesive remover. It will only work if it can contacct the adhesive which is difficult thru the aluminum decal. Soaking for a while may work.