Black or aluminum finned valve covers

[forestb]

I have a set of powder coated black fiend, Edelbrock valve covers and air filter cover. I am thinking about stripping off the black so that they will be all aluminum. I think this might go better with my aluminum intake manifold and aluminum heads. Also, I just bought a set of similar looking valve covers for my Thunderbird and now both engines look so much alike. here’s a photo of what they look like black. Let me know what you all think.

[Getter-Done]

It yours but since you asked, I think if you removed the black that would be too much silver.
It blends with black of the pulleys and pumps as it is and looks good.

[3757chevy]

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

It yours but since you asked, I think if you removed the black that would be too much silver.
It blends with black of the pulleys and pumps as it is and looks good.

I second that.

[jayoldschool]

3rds

[AcampoDave]

I think most higher end aluminum finish valve covers have a clear powder coat to keep them from tarnishing.. I figure that because a long time ago my battery puked acid on my old Edelbrock aluminum covers and it clearly did remove a clear coat where the acid splashed. From then on those spots would never hold a shine. I'd say after removing the black, your covers would take on a more natural patina type finish, which may or may not be what you had in mind. I personally like natural aluminum when it gets a good dull patina.

Edit: I'm just guessing here, but I bet that black finish won't want to come off easily.

[Cooter!]

I love the contrast of the fins and the black base

[forestb]

I think you guys are all probably right. Sometimes I just get bored and look for ways that I can tweak stuff.

[Shifty One]

The correct answer is old-skool Moroso anodized covers, preferably gold (which normally I don't like, except in this instance).

[forestb]

I hear where you’re coming from but I’m not in the market for a whole new pair of covers especially stamped steel ones

[franken]

Removing the black means you'd have to periodically polish them. Gack.

[jocko]

ok, I'll be the oddball - aluminim, all day, every day I've had Moroso, they are as thin as the factory covers, even with load-spreading hold-downs, they can bend easily if over-tightened (but I agree, I do like the anodized gold ones, I have run Moroso covers before, they scream late 70's, which is a good thing). I like the look of old aluminum Corvette covers, and they don't need to be all polished up to look "just right." Same goes for your Edelbrocks in my opinion. Either way, they'll look real nice on your truck, you can't go wrong. Since yours are powder coated, I'd probably not go to the trouble of stripping them for the sake of change - they do look nice as is.

[Shifty One]

Another alternative....powder-coat. If you like shiny, the "chrome" powder is pretty close, and will hold a sheen for a damn long time.