New valve covers!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 936
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa OK
New valve covers!
Ok, so not new, just newly redone. I started with this:
And as of yesterday evening, had this:
I learned one thing from polishing up those fins. I don't have the patience for what it would take to polish the whole thing. And the thought of pulling them off and doing the same thing all over again each year to maintain that polish gives me nightmares. <shudder>
Hopefully the paint will hold up better than the last set I did. I used hi-temp paint and tried to be meticulous about the prep and cleaning. Here's hoping!
And as of yesterday evening, had this:
I learned one thing from polishing up those fins. I don't have the patience for what it would take to polish the whole thing. And the thought of pulling them off and doing the same thing all over again each year to maintain that polish gives me nightmares. <shudder>
Hopefully the paint will hold up better than the last set I did. I used hi-temp paint and tried to be meticulous about the prep and cleaning. Here's hoping!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 936
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa OK
If I had access to a powder coater, I would have powder coated the whole thing. 
I cleared them with hi-temp clear. It dulled the polished parts a smidge, but it's a better prospect than having to polish them again and taking the chance of screwing up the paint later I think. The last set I did were magnesium C4 covers. Between the crappy castings, poor prep and I'm sure a fair amount of out gassing, the paint started bubbling after about a year. I'm hoping these hold up better. They look better, at least.
I cleared them with hi-temp clear. It dulled the polished parts a smidge, but it's a better prospect than having to polish them again and taking the chance of screwing up the paint later I think. The last set I did were magnesium C4 covers. Between the crappy castings, poor prep and I'm sure a fair amount of out gassing, the paint started bubbling after about a year. I'm hoping these hold up better. They look better, at least.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
They do look great and no one will care that they seem a bit dulled after being cleared. The only thing I would say to be prepared for is that spray on clear will yellow over time with the heat and it's a paint to strip off when it's time to do them again.
Powder coating can be done with a cheap kit from Harbor Freight and any home kitchen oven...when the wife isn't home.
Powder coating can be done with a cheap kit from Harbor Freight and any home kitchen oven...when the wife isn't home.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
They do look great and no one will care that they seem a bit dulled after being cleared. The only thing I would say to be prepared for is that spray on clear will yellow over time with the heat and it's a paint to strip off when it's time to do them again.
Powder coating can be done with a cheap kit from Harbor Freight and any home kitchen oven...when the wife isn't home.
Powder coating can be done with a cheap kit from Harbor Freight and any home kitchen oven...when the wife isn't home.
Powder coating is ideal but you also have to make sure those valve covers will fit in your oven. I think they will. BUT you cannot use an oven that is used for food. Every powdercoat kit says that in BIG LETTERS. Luckily we upgraded our electric oven during xmass last year and I've saved the old oven from the garbage pile 5 times since. Look up on the internet, you'll be suprised how many powdercoaters there are around you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
Likes: 266
From: indy indiana
I have those same covers,looking a bit worse off, than the first pic. My thoughts pararell yours in thinking about "between the fins". Yours turned out great, good job. Kinda makes me want to start on mine now.
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
Be Careful
Electric ovens only, not gas !!!! otherwise KAPOWIE, BOOM. And using the kitchen oven would be much worse then using the dishwasher to de-grease your grungy parts. Very nice job on those valve covers Peace,,,Moosie 
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 2
From: New Zealand
............
I learned one thing from polishing up those fins. I don't have the patience for what it would take to polish the whole thing. And the thought of pulling them off and doing the same thing all over again each year to maintain that polish gives me nightmares. <shudder>
I learned one thing from polishing up those fins. I don't have the patience for what it would take to polish the whole thing. And the thought of pulling them off and doing the same thing all over again each year to maintain that polish gives me nightmares. <shudder>
I get annoyed having to polish my thermostat housing.....which is why I chose these powdercoated valve covers.....Great job you did there, especially around the Chevrolet script......I really like the M/T valve covers 
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 936
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa OK
Now I've just got to find a filler cap that'll fit without leaking. There's some damage around the hole and I'm worried that a normal twist in cap won't seal properly. I'll have to do some experiments and see what works.
Excellent Job. They look great!! As far as leaking on th ecap, you may want to double gasket the cap that would give you more sealing power.