[baron_]

I think these would be neat

I've been testing valve cover types and thicknesses of lexan, polycarbonate, etc


Tons of ways to go about it, but getting close on the first prototype
I hope to have it mounted tomorrow

The lexan I've got at the moment says it easily withstands temps over 300 degrees
Mounted to the aluminum valve cover with a gasket in between, I'm thinking I might get by without it warping?
Even if it lasts a year or two and needs replaced: no big deal for how neat they look

Anyone else tried it?
I heard they sold 'em in the 60's...all Lexan and they warped. Mine isn't all lexan...and the materials are better these days


Thoughts? Looks cheesy?

I included a google pic of someone else's project
I've always thought my HS roller rockers were too pretty to cover up....

And I haven't had time to play with the car much (it's a few states away), so this gives me something to do

[65gto69]

I remember in the mid eighties you could purchase small block chevy clear valve covers. I saw them at a local speed shop here in NE Pennsylvania. Don't remember price or who manufactured them, but thought they were pretty cool.

Mark

[amcmike]

Cool concept. Wonder what it's going to look like once the oil is splashing all over them.

[tom s]

they were made at one time.There is a guy in Harbor City that puts a set on ebay from time to time for stupid money that never sell.Tom

[richard sargent]

Here's a set for Pontiac

[Jack Gifford]

Roland Racing offers modern clear-top rocker covers for the CV-1 heads. I imagine that Jim Sammons would answer any questions you have.

[baron_]

Originally Posted by amcmike

Cool concept. Wonder what it's going to look like once the oil is splashing all over them.

I'm told, surprisingly...that they clear up within a minute or two of stopping. And if you have an issue: one guy I talked to applies a little wax to the lexan and it clears up instantly.

Originally Posted by richard sargent

Here's a set for Pontiac



Attachment 209536

Awesome, rich. How long you had those? I saw some sbc ones like that on ebay and got me thinking..years ago. That would be the neatest route to go (form lexan like that), but also the most difficult, i figure. And would need the most maintenance (turning yellow, warping, etc).
I figure just the window in the top of them will be easy/simple

Originally Posted by pontiac jack

Roland Racing offers modern clear-top rocker covers for the CV-1 heads. I imagine that Jim Sammons would answer any questions you have.

Yup. I've seen those. I'd love a pair...but not love a pair for $325.00 =)
I'll try to make mine for substantially less...maybe even make a few different pair and put 'em on here
I've got 3 different pair of valve covers here I'm experimenting with, at the moment.

[Bill Hanlon]

Originally Posted by richard sargent

Here's a set for Pontiac



Attachment 209536

How do you get oil into a Pontiac engine using these covers?

[guccieng]

i'm in total shock that no one is giving you hell over the 'heartbeat' breather! i think those covers look great.

[paint guy]

Originally Posted by guccieng

i'm in total shock that no one is giving you hell over the 'heartbeat' breather! i think those covers look great.

The motor those covers are on is a SBC.

[baron_]

I'll probably have holes in each of mine for breathers - last thing I'd add

working on them at the moment...

[guccieng]

Originally Posted by paint guy

The motor those covers are on is a SBC.

that would explain it! i didn't even look that close...

[kyle_blake]

coool

[richard sargent]

The second hand story on these valve covers, from the guy I got them from, Pontiac built them for display. No way of really knowing, no marking on them from Pontiac or aftermarket co. like Mr. gasket etc. I would fill thru the dipstick tube.

[antique69lemans]

Originally Posted by 65gto69

I remember in the mid eighties you could purchase small block chevy clear valve covers. I saw them at a local speed shop here in NE Pennsylvania. Don't remember price or who manufactured them, but thought they were pretty cool.

Mark

IIRC Performance Automotive Warehouse did sell those, and maybe J.C Whitney as well. You might look online and check speedway too. They have some vintage stuff.

[ITSBACK]

How about not having oil drippers?

[baron_]

Originally Posted by ITSBACK

How about not having oil drippers?

Most don't have them anyway?
I don't think I've had them in quite a while
I assume you mean the ones on the bottom of stock valve covers?


PS. No progress. Not nearly as easy as anticipated
MT and Holley alum valve covers have VERY thin walls - almost worthless
And one raised part on them that doesn't even make them easy to mill (the different heights make it uneven, and you end up with an uneven hole)

[Tim john]

Nothing new, been around many years. I ran these translucent valve covers back in the late 70's and early 80's on my GTO. I also had a clear distributor cap. They were readily available in the aftermarkey world (J.C. Whitney). I think I still have the valve covers up in the Hay barn loft. The valve covers were copmpletely translucent and never warpped or turned yellow, they did tend to crack under the heat however, thus my removing them.

Tim john---

[goquick]

You want nice valve covers you can see thru;

www.rolandracing.com

[Jack Blum]

I have seen a nice set for Chevy's that have a sealed door so you can easily run the vales without need to scrape gaskets for 20 minutes. Though about adapting a set of doors on mine now that I'm back to the solid roller.