Valve Cover Casting Flaw
 

So...question is, is the casting flaw through the "o" correct for a 61? If not, in what production year did the use of flawed covers become correct?

No the flaw happend doing mid production of 66 cars

Thanks! SO, what is the correct part number for a 61, 283-245 2x4?

The casting flaw did not affect or change the part number.

Larry

So you are looking for a set of Corvette script covers with straight across bolt holes and NO seam through the 'O'. They can get a bit pricey.

All of the above is as correct as you can get.

Keep in mind, over the years, many of us bought and installed the factory style, Corvette aluminum valve covers for a variety of reasons. They were cheaper, took less time than restoring a set of metal ones and also did a better job of sealing. Leaking valve covers on the SB Chevy was a very common issue with the tin covers.

Heck, some even feel it added about 20 hp to their 327's... :D

Bottom line is in the late 60's they ran about $11 @ and made a great 1st mod to a new purchase if it didn't already have them. :thumbs:

Good luck... GUSTO

Since Paragon is a Forum sponsoring vendor, it should be OK to post this. As the GM Restoration Parts licensee, Paragon offers the 3767493 valve cover in several configurations. They are sold without any clean-up (with casting flaw), refinished (with the flaw removed), refinished and clear coated, and refinished and chrome plated. The prices are for individual covers. Here's a shot from their catalog.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...43b4735392.jpg

Just note Paragon bought the tooling from GM vender ib he 90’s. They are still using it to this day. So the flaw has gotten worse over the years. Paragon does offer to clean it up

Best alternative is to buy old stock, or NOS if you have the money. Look around, they are out there.

Larry

Covers no flaw
 

Found these on Craig's List Asheville NC:

https://asheville.craigslist.org/pts...794705166.html

For $125???????????????????
If someone does not grab those immediately, they are missing a super buy!
They look like they can be cleaned up and finished real nice.

Does look like a good buy.

I paid $200 for a nice pair needing to be cleaned up. I had them restored by Fred Hudson, which cost another $175 (I think).

Yep, I use Fred for much of my alum refinishing. Fortunately, he is right here in Okla City, so I don't have to pay shipping. I just meet him in the McDonalds parking lot.I've been using him for several years.

Available for $450

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...f9acf4a6ef.jpg

That's funny, I had a decent set in the classifieds here for over a year @ $200. and they never sold. They are on my 65 now.

I sold two sets a while back (no flaw) and it took a while to get $150 for them. Seems like when somebody needs something, they need it, otherwise a nice, rare part can languish. Another problem is that nearly every set has been mistreated one way or another - polished to death or badly reskinned and look nothing like originals...

Or the aluminum is cracked or broken, which was the case on mine. Had them repaired by an aluminum weld expert, look great and functional.