1963 C-10 in NC

[bj383ss]

Those are the sexiest valve covers I have ever seen! I have a set of the "new" Edelbrock elite valve covers but they look crappy compared to these.

Bret

[1963c-10]

Thanks guys....its a lot of work, but I'm happy with the progress so far. I can't wait to get the buffer out Saturday and get some polishing done.

[Ta2Don]

Great work on the BB covers!!!

[1963c-10]

Thanks ta2Don....they are getting there. Dads says I'll have the passenger cover back this week, hes been backed up on work in his shop.

[1963c-10]

Got the fittings on the heater hoses. I have another member getting me some lenths for the hoses, but I think im in the ballpark pretty good. My alternator will mount on pass side of engine, but there will be plenty of room. Engine pic is just mocking up fitting placement to make sure I have the proper angles on the fittings.

And need to touch up some paint over the timing chain before I get too far. Builder painted block and I painted tins, heads and bolt on components myself. Hes a machinest/engine builder, not a painter. But its an easy fix.

[1963c-10]

Not much progress to report lately. Have finally completed sanding for like the 3rd time. I like to do a little hand polishing 1st to see what scratches I missed 1st, but tomorrow it has a date with the bench buffer. So hopefully I'll get some paint laid down this weekend too.

[TJ's Chevy]

Gotta say...when that Bigblock goes in...it is gonna look KILLER! That thing is making me droole! lol! Can't wait to see the new valve covers on! Good job!

[1963c-10]

Thanks TJ. I'll have far more hours in the valve covers than I anticipated at 1st. I've already got over 20 hours in them, but they are sand cast which has a lot of scars and imperfections than anyone would want and the sand casting makes for a rough finish that I have to get to a point to be able to polish. And to do them right just takes patience. I did a lot of research on polishing sand cast aluminum and magnesium and most guys said it was too much work...so sounds like a great project for me. I love trying what everyone else won't. Will have 1 pretty much done this weekend...hopefully. And the other ones ready to go, just got to pick it up from my dads house. Then the fun starts on that one.

[1963c-10]

Well, I didn't get to the point of paint, but did get some time on the bench buffer and a little hand polishing done. I still have a few spots that need more attention, so maybe if the weather gods will give me a break I can get the rest of the buffing done on this cover so I can get paint on. Its a shame they had 4 coats of paint applied, as there was some nice aluminum underneath all of it. Heres a before and 2 pictures of where I'm at.

[TheBlueBomber]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

No....my original 63 I had when I was 16 (family got it when I was 10 or 11), had the two speed wiper (non washer) and it worked fine for me then, so it'll probably be ok now too. If not, I can always add it later. Anything will be an upgrade from the single wiper speed now.

looks great. Are you going to use the wing style valve cover bolts?

[1963c-10]

Hey whats up Austin. No, I've got studs in the heads. Makes taking the covers on and off much easier in my opinion. All of my engine bolts are polished strainless from ARP.

[markeb01]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

I did a lot of research on polishing sand cast aluminum and magnesium and most guys said it was too much work...so sounds like a great project for me. I love trying what everyone else won't.

Beautiful progress, can't wait to see them finished. The whole engine is going to look killer.

Your comments above are what make me try half the stuff I do. I like accomplishing things well outside my experience and comfort zone.

[1963c-10]

Thanks Mark. Its not really the work (at least on this project), just the time that it consumes. I'm also OCD about my work and like things as flawless as I can get them. I read a lot about the vintage covers before attempting and many guys spent 5-10 hours, gave up and then painted anyways. I knew the work would be intense before hand. With the sand casting its just tedious amounts of sanding to get the blemishes and scratches out. This pair I believe was anodized originally. There are some deeper scratches that will remain...really gouges I guess, but it gives them a little character. I'm planning on taping tonight and hopefully get 1 coat of paint down. Then detail on the bowtie and more polishing, but the long hours are definitely starting to show in the finished product. Then I get to start all the fun over again with the passenger side cover.

And thanks to all for the support and kind words.

[bj383ss]

Looks great man. Well worth the effort. I painted the fin parts on my new elite style covers. It just makes them pop. Can't wait to see these finished. And thumbs up on the ARP stainless and studs. Only way to go.

Bret

[1963c-10]

cool, id like to see a pic of them. i got some paint down tonight. still have to clean up the fins and a little more buffing and they'll be ready to go. ill get some pics uploaded once my home computer quits uploading.

the arp bolts are well worth the money in my opinion. if i had owned the big block since new or knew more history on it, id probably reuse the oem bolts, but since i didnt know how much abuse they've had...new ones it was.

[1963c-10]

Heres a few pics as promised. Next step will be to polish out the fins and script. Some paint in the background behind the bowtie, but leaving the ring polished. Thinking maybe black and a blue bowtie w/the chevrolet script polished.

Anyways...it'll be a work in progress through the week after work.

The sign is for my girlfriend and my niece who don't have the same value for my parts as I do and the counter often plays host to parts until the barn is finished.

2 light coats of engine paint, followed by a heavier coat. The paint laid down flawlessly...alot of prep, but the look much better in person. Then 2 med coats of clear. Has always done good for me in the past for steel or aluminum. The color matches the engine and i think it looks great with the polished aluminum. Not bad for an old vintage set of covers.

[McMurphy]

Very nice !!

Shiney !!

[Ta2Don]

X2

[bj383ss]

Looks Awesome. Love the sign.

Here a couple of pics they aren't great shots. I wiped the fins and Edelbrock sig clean with paint thinner right after paint.





Bret

[Sharps40]

Now I'm trackin. Couldn't figure why you were polishin yer fingers off just to lay on paint. But, I been known to be a bit slow. Is the clear on the entire valve cover or just to top coat the blue paint?

[1963c-10]

Clear just over the paint Rich. I'm hoping to get back to work on it tonight. I didn't polish where I laid paint. Just removed the 4 layers of old paint and some sanding work for good adhesion. I'll get the fins cleaned up tonight and maybe the detail in the logo if I have time.

Thanks for the pic BJ, they look great.

[TJ's Chevy]

Those covers are getting really neat! Makes me anxious to get me an Offenhouser valve cover for mine! Has the finned style.

[1963c-10]

Thanks TJ. I had an old vintage set a few years ago for a BBC and had the matching bolt on breathers. Traded them for the big block heads I have on my current build. My buddy had been eyeing them for awhile and I needed a set of heads so it was a fair trade.

[1963c-10]

Had a little free time last night. Got the fins & script cleaned up and the black detail done.

[Ta2Don]

Great Job!!!