Valve Cover Paint/Replacement

[Ling_650vette]

I used to detail cars for the Chevy/Caddy dealer, and i wanted to clean up the vette for my dad (being he never does lol), and when i poped the hood to degrease the engine, i noticed the valve covers were a brown/rust like color.

I have degreased the engine before, but it was when it was cold (and no i didnt place any degreaser on it when i noticed the problem). Just wondering, if anyone has had this problem, and what route did they go, VC paint, or new covers? I know the paint is cheaper (new covers are about 130/170), but would it be better to do the paint, or buy new covers? And, the emblems that're on the covers, how easy would they come off? I can mask them if i have too, but im wondering how easy do they come off, if i go the paint route.

 

[WhalePirot]

I painted mine with fine result. The decals came off easily with the age/miles on mine, but I'd try a sharp knife, a heat gun or hair drier and patience and care to loosen the glue. If you screw it up, you'll be out $10-15. New covers then become your choice.

 

[Ling_650vette]

Whale, just curious, were your covers sounding the same as mine, or were they just discolored slightly due to age? This is a L98 w/ almost 70k on it, and i was just shocked that it looked like an older engine thats just sat out in the rain.

 

[WhalePirot]

My engine was 15+ years old with 105k on it. The covers were lousy looking with more than discoloration. I had a bit of work to do, especially the light sanding to even any bumps and get a good base for the new paint to adhere to. The louvers were the hardest part, but with some time and effort, all is well.

 

[Ken]

Just as an FYI, the covers will discolor again sometime down the road. They are made of magnesium which is porous enough to allow oil to seep through, hence the cause of the discoloration in the first place.

 

[Ling_650vette]

Yeah Ken, i figured they'd discolor down the road, cause nothings going to be like new in 10 years and another 70k on it.

 

[oldace84]

What about Powder Coating?
tony

 

[Ling_650vette]

Havent really given that too much thought. Would be cool and unique, and probably last a lil bit longer. But, being the paint is relatively cheap, i'll probably go that route. Just spend an afternoon in the garage back home when my dad leaves the car, and just paint 'em up. Thanks for the help tho, much appreciated.