Restoring script valve covers?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,281
Likes: 6
From: NC USA
Restoring script valve covers?
I have original corvette script aluminum valve covers on my 65 coupe. They look dirty and dull. What do you do to restore them? I like bright work so the shinier the better!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
If you want "correct" there are several places to send them to be reskinned so they will look like factory. Other options include a good cleaning or sandblasting and a spray like Alumi-Blast. I've also taking High Heat VHT Aluminum paint and sprayed them and then wiped them down with a clean rag while still wet. Gives them a smoother, less metallic look.
My .o2
My .o2
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 13,634
Likes: 3,581
From: NorCal
Originally Posted by 78Vette-SA
If you want "correct" there are several places to send them to be reskinned so they will look like factory.
I thought there was just one place that "reskinned" aluminum parts, at:
http://www.z28camaro.com/restosvcs.html#AIM
Are there other places? I'll be getting this done to my 67's intake and valve covers this winter, and knowing an alternate place to send them might be useful.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,025
Likes: 12
From: Pleasant Grove AL
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,680
Likes: 68
From: Towanda KS
The covers on your 65 should look like this. Note the absence of the casting flaw across the "o". These covers are getting rather hard to find in good shape. If you want a "shiny" set, please get a set of the common ones WITH the casting flaw and buff them. You can remove the flaw during this process and nobody will know the difference anyway. I hate to see anyone ruin a good set without the flaw by buffing the natural finish away. If you like the finish in the picture, I can help you. Price will depend on the existing finish condition, but it's usually around $75 a pair.
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,680
Likes: 68
From: Towanda KS
Yours could still be NOS but all "493" script valve covers from GM after March 66 (around Vin 17000) have the flaw across the "o".
That's what makes the "no flaw" versions so valuable.
To make the buffing job go faster, wet sand first with progressively finer grades of wet or dry paper to even the surface and remove minor surface imperfections. Start with 120 and finish with 600 grit and then buff away. They will look pretty dang spiffy, but unless you clear powder coat or otherwise clear coat them, the shine will oxidize and dull in 10 or 12 months.
Go to Caswells and get some good compound and specialized buffing bobs for the tight spots around the script.
good luck,
tc
That's what makes the "no flaw" versions so valuable.
To make the buffing job go faster, wet sand first with progressively finer grades of wet or dry paper to even the surface and remove minor surface imperfections. Start with 120 and finish with 600 grit and then buff away. They will look pretty dang spiffy, but unless you clear powder coat or otherwise clear coat them, the shine will oxidize and dull in 10 or 12 months.
Go to Caswells and get some good compound and specialized buffing bobs for the tight spots around the script.
good luck,
tc
Last edited by project63; Dec 23, 2004 at 06:54 PM.
