Valve Covers

[Eddie M.]

Rob...As far as fit the cranes were no trouble at all.They do look nice but they are not the factory look is all.

[Supercar_Kid]

Pantera, you're right...the GM originals were "flash chromed" which is just as you described, a single layer of chrome plating right over the bare steel covers.

Nowadays, it's tough to find anyone who'll replicate this process. I've tried lots of industrial plating places and have come up empty. It's been explained to me that the reason it's even more difficult to do today, is because you need a perfect fresh virgin core to get the right effect. If the covers you're having replated have any flaws of any kind, there's really no way to hammer them out and have them come out clean looking with only a single layer of flash chrome. Not to mention any surface contaminants, corrosion, etc. causing problems with the chrome plating adhering to the bare steel.

The "triple plate" process that everyone uses today is done because it's the best way to get good adhesion, as well as a super smooth, highly polished end result, hiding any grind marks, weld lines etc.

Platers also seem to look at me funny when I tell them their usual process turns out "too nice." Go figure...

If anyone finds a place that can successfully flash chrome a set of original covers, I'd love to hear about it.

[Mr70]

I have a Plater over here that seems willing to try flash plating,but as you stated,not on 30+ year old imperfect covers.
Is it possible to get a set of Valve Covers from Crane,or anyother manufacturer today,and get them "Virgin" before they 3 step process plate them?
I would then try to coax my plater to Flash Chrome those.

[ChrisS]

Maybe try www.corvette-paragon.com. They offer a series of flash-chromed (not sure about this as the samples in the pics from the catalog appear kinda nice) and unpainted steel BB covers, some with drippers.

[427TJ]

Should original BBC chrome valve covers have the spot welds showing through on the outside? The repros look totally smooth, which I like, but my '67 Camaro SS L35 stock (original, I think) chrome covers have the spot weld marks slightly visible. The chrome is totally intact, it's just that the spot welds show up. Which is 'correct,' smooth or spot welds visible?

Another fascinating discussion, by the way.

[Supercar_Kid]

The spot welds should be visible on the outside of the covers.

[Paul_S]

I think you answered your own question. Yup, they'll show.

[wingcars6970]

They called those valve covers drippers.As they had the drip rails spot welded from the inside.And made the bumps visible from the outside.Do the repos have those details

[ChrisS]

Pic of a low-mileage, Bow-Tie/Survivor '68 427/435 w/L89. Spot welds on the covers are very obvious here.

[Supercar_Kid]

Here's one on an unrestored, unmolested '69 L-78 Chevelle.