Rechrome valve covers or replace???

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Jan 29, 2003 | 09:49 PM

hudman

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 473

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From: Raleigh NC

Rechrome valve covers or replace???

I have the original valve covers on my big block and they are in need of freshening up.

I can rechrome the original valve covers for $150, or replace them with the reproductions from Zip for $129.

I am fearful that the new ones are thinner/lighter weight and will not hold up long term.

What should I do?

Jan 29, 2003 | 09:56 PM

trw

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 2000

Posts: 2,125

Likes: 9

From: Crescent City, CA

Re: Rechrome valve covers or replace??? (hudman)

The cost difference is mimimal and you know that the finished product will be correct.

I'd have a good rechrome, if it was me.

Just my opinion.

Terry

Jan 29, 2003 | 11:34 PM

Solidlifters

Pro

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 502

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From: Georgia

Re: Rechrome valve covers or replace??? (hudman)

Hud, it really depends on who and how the plating is done. I had an original set done off of one of my cars and they plated them so heavily that the spot weld marks for the drippers went away and they were so thick in the areas that the plug wire looms went on that they'd no longer fit without splitting the ends, then they wouldn't stay in place. They're pretty to look at, but ruined from an originality standpoint. I'm not familiar with the ones that Zip sells, but there are some good repops available.

Jan 29, 2003 | 11:43 PM

PRNDL

Team Owner

Joined: Jul 1999

Posts: 26,545

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From: Huntersville NC

I have seen repop chrome valve covers for <$100... which I plan to order fairly soon. If I had the originals I would definitely get them rechromed, but after reading Solidlifter's post I would make sure I sent them to someone who knows what they are doing. I wonder what is under the orange paint on my valve covers? :confused: MJ

Jan 30, 2003 | 11:33 PM

hudman

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 473

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From: Raleigh NC

Re: (MNJack)

I am in NC and this company is is VIrginia (Hanlon is the name I believe). They were recommended to me by another C3'r in a local club here that has used them and was pleased with their work.

I talked with them and the guy was very aware about the weld marks from the drippers. In fact, he brought them up, not me. I would not anticipate getting back a "over chromed" set of covers, but you never know.

Jack-They did ask me if mine were painted or chromed right now, so you may be able to get yours chromed if they are the original ones that have just been painted. Just a thought.

Jan 31, 2003 | 01:59 AM

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 3,023

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From: TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS

St. Jude Contributor

Re: (hudman)

You can get very acceptable covers on ebay for ~$35 that only an expert could tell from the original. I've got my originals up in my attic waiting for me to get around to getting 'em rechromed--meanwhile I'm running the ebay set and they look and seal great. For the most part, my originals differ only in having a little "thumb ridge" near the brake booster you can hardly even see when the covers are on the motor.

JB

Jan 31, 2003 | 02:26 AM

GREGG-73

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 2,813

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From: JOPPA MD

Re: Rechrome valve covers or replace??? (hudman)

Ask them how they intend to prep them prior to re-plateing. This should involve a mild acid etch to remove any/and all contaminants and the old chrome. If they do this proper and re-apply I would think a minimum of 3 mils of chrome they should be perfect. You may also inquire as to how they will be determining the finished thickness. They can use a timed solution bath or they might use a ultrasonic thickness gauge and or other. I am in Balto.,MD and I have heard good things about this company. I am surprised that you do not have a shop closer to you in NC :cheers: