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I've bought three pair off him and the chrome is much better.
[/ QUOTE ] That's the problem with repro valve covers, they look repro from a mile away. I've yet to find a place that can accurately reproduce the factory "flash" chroming process. Most platers today use a "triple plating" system, which isn't to say that there is 3 layers of chrome on them, that just means that they plate the steel part with brass and nickel before chroming over that. That's for better adhesion of the final layer of chrome and also helps to fill in minor surface imperfections. Original GM BBC covers were "flash" chromed, one thin layer of chrome over bare steel. This is why they didn't hold up well and every original pair you find has bad surface rust, especially around the bolt holes and wire stands where the chrome didn't adhere well. Here's a pic of an original '69 Chevelle L-78 motor, probably the nicest original valve covers I've seen in years.
L-78 Here's a close up of the dripper spot welds and the ripple effect the flash chrome has on the bare steel.
Original GM Valve Cover If someone can reproduce this look on a correctly stamped cover, then you're onto something. I'd be happy to find someone that will single layer flash chrome my original stampings, but I can't seem to find anyone who'll do it, especially in a small quantity like a single pair of valve covers. Anyone know of someplace that'll do this?
