'66 327 / 350 HP Valve covers

[Frank D.]

Re: '66 327 / 350 HP Valve covers

I provided pics of original covers vs Jerry MacNeish 'reskinned' covers vs the thinned out Alumi-Blast painted covers (discussed in post #7 above) on the CF thread you posted... I've used all three on various cars...

You can pick your poison...

[Steve Z.]

Re: '66 327 / 350 HP Valve covers

Thanks Frank,
I'm trying to fix my dumb-dumb move. I want to stay as close to NCRS correct as possible.
Steve

[Steve Z.]

Re: '66 327 / 350 HP Valve covers

Thanks guys for all the suggestions.
I found a NOS set and bought them to replace mine. Now I will try to fix my bead blasting error and try to sell them to someone who doesn't care about originality.
Live and learn,
Steve

[Bill W.]

Re: '66 327 / 350 HP Valve covers

Steve,
Let me guess.....you bought the NOS valve covers from Joe, didn't you? :-) Bill

[Steve Z.]

Re: '66 327 / 350 HP Valve covers

No, Found them on another forum. They are originals with the flaw, not re-pops or cleaned in any way. I was told the were never on a car and come with the original boxes. Seller sent me numerous photos. I should have them by Thursday.
DFA

[Joe L.]

Re: '66 327 / 350 HP Valve covers

Steve,
Let me guess.....you bought the NOS valve covers from Joe, didn't you? :-) Bill

Bill------


Believe it, or not, I don't have and never had any NOS C2 small block aluminum valve covers. When they were available from GM, they were actually very inexpensive but, for some reason, I never wanted any.

I do have a lot of NOS valve covers, though. Which one am I proudest of? Very easy question----the 1992 LT1 right side valve cover, GM #10108590 [not for sale]. It was one-year-only and ultra-rare in NOS form.

[John D.]

Re: '66 327 / 350 HP Valve covers

The "O" in Corvette got slightly disfigured through the years as they continued to make reproductions on the original dies.

[Bill S.]

Re: '66 327 / 350 HP Valve covers

For Bill Wilhelm - Have you a contact number for Joe - I also had my L79 valve covers glass blasted with disappointing' results.

Bill Syblon (1705) from Tulsa and the original chapter work in 1981

[Steve Z.]

Re: '66 327 / 350 HP Valve covers

Is there any way to tell if the valve covers are really older OEM or are they reproductions ? If they are re-pops how much will that affect the judging score ? If they have been re-finished how will that affect the judging score ?
This is driving me nuts and I'm afraid it is a short drive :-))))))))))
DFA

[Donald H.]

Re: '66 327 / 350 HP Valve covers

Is there any way to tell if the valve covers are really older OEM or are they reproductions ? If they are re-pops how much will that affect the judging score ? If they have been re-finished how will that affect the judging score ?
This is driving me nuts and I'm afraid it is a short drive :-))))))))))
DFA

it is my understanding that Paragon purchased and uses the original GM molds to produce the valve covers today.one way to tell if they ar Paragon is that there is a Paragon logo one the inside. I have a pair that has the Diamond shaped mark and PR inside it.

[Steve Z.]

Re: '66 327 / 350 HP Valve covers

Don,
I just spoke with Paragon and they said their re-productions don't have any non original marks on them. They said they don't have their logo on them.
Can anyone tell me how to tell them apart from OEM originals ?
Steve

[Ed S.]

Re: '66 327 / 350 HP Valve covers

I've had good luck with a product called "Nice and Easy Aluminum cleaner" found at True-Value hardware, gives that nice washed look.

Brian
The originals on my '64 L76 have never been cleaned or reconditioned and I am looking for options to do that. Did you do anything to your valve covers before using the Nice & Easy or did you just take them off the car and clean them with Nice & Easy? Also, when you say they have that "nice washed look", do you feel the appearance / texture of your cleaned covers pass judging?

[Brian K.]

Re: '66 327 / 350 HP Valve covers

Hi Ed, the Nice and easy is a concentrate which you reduce with water so you can try different strengths. The washed look I'm referring to is where you have that different gray colors mixed on the covers looks like what you see on NOS covers (in my opinion). I cleaned them with a paint brush and lacquer thinner before using the Nice and Easy. I didn't get anymore aggressive with cleaning, because I didn't want to scratch or mark the cast aluminum, I don't know about judging since my vette wont be done until next year (I HOPE).

[Brian K.]

Re: '66 327 / 350 HP Valve covers

The Paragon covers are made off the GM molds and have all the old GM markings on the inside of the valve covers like LESTER and the part number, they also have a Paragon logo. Now no one would ever see these marking unless the valve covers where removed and turned upside down, I wonder how they do in judging. I hope someone with judging experience chimes in.