L98 Valve Cover Question

[JimmyS5600]

Hi All, Just picked up another C4,this one a 86 Pace Car. I started detailing it and have a question regards to the L98 valve covers. Are the a heavy cast aluminum? They are stained and look crummy. I haven't been able to make them look decent. Any suggestions?
Thanks

 

[JimmyS5600]

Hi All, Just picked up another C4. This one is a 86 and would like to know what the valve covers are made of, heavy cast aluminum? They look crummy,can't seem to clean them at all. They appear to have almost a slight red tint to them.
Any suggestions?
Thanks

 

[Ken]

Cast magnesium was utilized as the material for the L-98 valve covers. Painting is about the only option to revive the looks; the aftermarket companies such as Mid America Motorsports have paint specifically for that purpose.

 

[WNH]

Cast magnesium was utilized as the material for the L-98 valve covers. Painting is about the only option to revive the looks; the aftermarket companies such as Mid America Motorsports have paint specifically for that purpose.

If you send for this "Correct Tint" paint, make sure it really is the correct tint.
They sent me straight silver high-temp spray, which is not the same.

 

[Mart]

The valve covers already have paint on them, and yes they are magnesium.

I used a spray paint, about one can per side and sprayed from about12" -18" away to get that really rough cast finish, they look really good.

I got the paint from a HiPo shop I will get the name and number for you and post a pic later.

Mart

 

[vetteboy86]

This thread reminds me I have been putting off this task all summer. I need to paint my valve covers. I already have the paint which I ordered from Mid America. I think it will make the engine look alot better. The discoloration is an eye sore. So what is the best way to sand them? Just use sand paper, or how about getting them sand blasted? Any ideas?


Craig

 

[Mart]

I used liquid paint stripper, when you get the paint off you are going to be amazed at the lousy finish on the raw cover.

You will need to prime heavily with white then several light coats of the finish ,from farther away will give you the cast finish.

Mart

 

[JimmyS5600]

Thanks for all the replys and advise,greatly appreciated.

Mart,if you have the time that would be great to post the part number
and pics!

Jimmy

 

[Mart]

Here are the pics as promised, there is a wierd greasy palm mark on the plenum, just ignore it I did'nt wipe it down from last night. I only painted the valve covers. (Note: The drivers vette badge is not back on yet, repainting it too)
The silver paint is not really shiny it's more of a dull cast grey, just like the original.

 

[vetteboy86]

Thanks Mart on the suggestion for stripping the finish off the valve cover's. I hadn't really thought of that.


Craig

 

[WNH]

That Mopar paint seems like the right color for the valve covers.
Is there a website I can order a can???

 

[Mart]

No problem, use a pair of rubber gloves and a scraper, once the stuff sits for a bit.

I used the gel stripper, it helps stick to the vertical surfaces.

 

[JimmyS5600]

Mart, Thanks for taking the time to post those photos, it is a great help!
Your engine looks great,nice work.

Jimmy

 

[Mart]

Thanks Jimmy,

I bought the paint from my local speed shop, I figure you can buy it almost anyware.

Mart

 

[krgoodman]

Thanks Jimmy,

I bought the paint from my local speed shop, I figure you can buy it almost anyware.

Mart

my '85 came with chrome valve covers(maybe the original owner removed them as a souvenier) with no corvette logos at all, yet most vettes i see have them, i am goingto order a plate for the top of the throttle-body so i can have at least one vett logo

 

[plumcrazy]

got valve cover refinishing paint from corvette central. it is a lacure paint
and matches really nice