Valve Cover refinishing...again!

[C4ME]

I know this is a "whipped to death" topic, but I ran into a situation that I am looking for info on.
I had my covers bead blasted and the result is...wow. There seems to be a lot of defects in the covers that look like casting issues. Has anyone found this to be the case? I am not sure how to fill the defects that will not be covered by simply repainting. Some are actually raised blemishes, so I know that the folks who cleaned them did not cause the defects.
I was thinking that I could fill them with some kind of high temp filler and grind down the raise stuff.

Any suggestions?

P.S. Has anyone heard of any company doing reproduction valve cover emblems?

 

[WhalePirot]

There seems to be a lot of defects in the covers that look like casting issues. Has anyone found this to be the case?

Yes. I painted them anyway and the result was less than specacular, but they look lots better.

 

[Ken]

They're made of porous magnesium, hence the rough cast look, as well as being the reason for the discoloration that will reoccur every few years; oil seeps through and discolors them, then you have to refinish 'em again.

 

[Mart]

I painted mine and they look spectacular, well maybe really good.


I will post the info here as soon as I can pull it together.

Found the thread sooner than I thought.

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54086

 

[C4ME]

Does anyone have an opinion on using JB weld like bondo and filling some of the defects that paint won't? It has good high temp properties and that is what I would worry. I imagine as the covers begin to stain again there will be funny spots all over but considering where I started it will look good.

Hey if anyone wants to give away a valve cover emblem, just let me know!! (Notice the operative word GIVE, we can consider it a tax deduction as a charitable give!)

Joe

 

[C4ME]

P.S. I also had my plenum, tudes, and manifold blasted. Any suggestions on finishing these before reinstall? I was considering a good cleaning with a mild solvent and then perhaps a coat of high temp clear on the tudes and plenum to keep the staining to a minimum.


Joe