9 Fin Corvette valve covers

[m22mike]

Anyone know the history of the cast aluminum 9 fin valve covers ? Like when and how long were they used ? Were they specific to Fuelies or Dual quad cars ?
What are they worth ?

Thanks Mike

[kwhizz]

As I remember the Fin count was changed in the Early 60's.....I don't think there was any specific's to Intake configuration, just early and late covers

Ken

[John Brown]

The 9 fin covers were only used in 56 and early 57. Look on NCRS and I'll bet they have more exact information. They aren't real valuable, about $2-300.00, maybe a little more.

[Dog427435]

9 fin covers are for all '56's and '57's through serial # 4000 and something - don't remember exactly - like Apr/May cars.
Late '57 -'58's had 7 fin covers
If the 9 fin covers are not notched on top - early '56
Good covers are worth at least $400
If they are early '56 let me know if you are looking to sell

[John Brown]

After a little search I came up with this.....


<font color="blue">Nine fin valve covers are correct for all 1956 225 H.P. and 270 H.P. engines. They are also correct for 1957 cars through serial number E57S4500. (A mix of seven and nine fin low script valve covers was used between E57S2000 and E57S4500.)</font>

One of the Corvette vendors has a pair listed for $475.00. As you know prices vary. Sorta like a BE rear end is worth more here than anywhere else.

[ronebee]

Yo Dog427/435, pm me or call me at (585) 748-8777.

Somehow over the years I have aquired 3 (yeah, go figure, 3) of these valve covers. I haven't looked at them in sometime but I know they are the early ones. I was going to figure out how to make a "spacer" for them so I could use them on later motors, but if you have a need for them, please contact me and lets see if they are correct for your application. Out with the old, in with the other old stuff.

[m22mike]

I talked to one of the locals today who has a 56 Dual Quad Vette, and he said the same thing that John Brown posted. He even knew about the notched ones.
And I do not have a set to sell, just inquiring for a friend.
Thanks Mike

[m22mike]

[ QUOTE ]
Yo Dog427/435, pm me or call me at (585) 748-8777.

Somehow over the years I have aquired 3 (yeah, go figure, 3) of these valve covers. I haven't looked at them in sometime but I know they are the early ones. I was going to figure out how to make a "spacer" for them so I could use them on later motors, but if you have a need for them, please contact me and lets see if they are correct for your application. Out with the old, in with the other old stuff.

[/ QUOTE ]

ronebee
Just for grins, look inside your 3 covers and see if they were made by "The Hoover Co." here in North Canton.
By Buddy who retired from there as a tool and die maker remembers polishing the molds after they would start to wear.
He showed me a set of 7 finned ones he has with the HOOVER logo on the inside.
Mike

[ronebee]

Ok here we go:

My wife is super excited because I have dragged three filthy things onto the computer desk.

These are seven fin offset bolt valve covers. On the inside they have the number 3726086. The name HOOVER COMPANY name is not on the inside of the covers but the trademark "H" is. These covers DO have the cutouts above the top bolt holes.

I'll be damned if I can find it now but I remember one of these covers had a 1955 date cast into one of the insides of the covers, not real legible but like something that would have been in the mold and not supposed to be legible to the public eye. I can't locate it now.

[JohnZ]

I have a couple of sets of 7-fin offset-hole Hoover valve covers; one set of low-script (used through 1958 S/N 3600 or so), and one set of high-script (used from '58 S/N 3600 until about 1959 S/N 6000 or so, when the heads changed to parallel holes for the covers).

The early '56 9-fin covers without the notches in the inboard flange are rare as hen's teeth. The second-design '56 2x4 intake with larger runners required the notches.