Correct Finish on 2400 Valve Cover

[Hardway]

I didn't know whether to put this in the Body & Paint section or Engine section.  A few months ago I picked up a 2400 valve cover that is in very condition.  Years ago the previous owner had cleaned and wet sanded it to smooth it out.  I am wanting to get it back to original as possible but I am having a hard time finding what an original really looks like.  Were they painted grayish silver from the factory?  Did they have a smooth finish or cast finish?  Based on what t looks like now should I just leave it as is?  Any details or pictures you guys have are greatly appreciated.  Below is what it currently looks like next to the series-1 air cleaner I plan on restoring soon.

Edited March 2, 2016 by Hardway

[AZ-240z]

The valve cover was not painted from th factory.  The finish was a dull, grainy, cast, finish.

I would look at your SU carb domes, and balance tube if they have not also been 

polished.  In stock condition, they should have the same raw metal, cast finish as well.

You may be able to restore the stock finish and appearance by experimenting with 

media blasting, possibly using glass beading.

www.ztherapy.com has some pictures of valve covers that I believe represent the original

stock appearance.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Dan

[Stanley]

Looks good as is. I'd use  aluminum polish and elbow grease, toothbrush to work polish into difficult areas, and a polishing attachment on a drill for final buffing. Need to shine it up now and then to keep it looking great. Maybe easier when it's on the car except for fuel rail area. A year since I shined mine and it needs it.  Maybe I should try wet sanding mine or using some rubbing compound before polishing, cause that one looks better. Racers used thin black paint for better heat transfer. I saw a beautiful grey one at a car show, owner said it was powder coat. Keeping mine as is, though.

[Patcon]

I think it looks great as is...polish it, protect it and put it on the car. I think the original finish is a distant second to that. It will also be easier to keep clean with the smoother finish 

[jfa.series1]

Looks really good.  Consider a good rub down with Nevr-Dull to keep it that way.  http://www.nevrdull.com/

[Hardway]

I like your ideas guys of leaving it as is and just polishing it some more.  Plus, it will be easier to maintain with the smooth finish.  I don't want to polish it to a mirror finish but I will work to get the color a little more consistent.  I will post updates as I make progress with it.

[oemz]

I will be vapor blasting my cover this weekend and will post up some pictures of the results. 

 

[Hardway]

That is interesting Oemz.  I had never heard of vapor blasting until I saw your post.  For anyone that is interested, the website below has a lot of good info and pictures.  

http://www.arnoldsdesign.com/Gallery.html

Oemz, can you post some before and after pictures of your valve cover when you get it done?  I think we would all love to see how your valve cover comes out.

[siteunseen]

I know we're talking about an early car and originality, but just for a little bragging here's how one of mine turned out after bead blasting.

[oemz]

Sure Hardway, I'll post up some pics after its done.

Memeber Gav240z has already had his done and can be seen in the following link.

http://www.viczcar.com/forum/topic/11264-safari-brown-i-mean-gold-the-nsw-project/?p=171715

 

When I purchased my Z, it had a chrome plated valve cover which I had the plating professionally removed.

See pictures attached of Chrome valve cover before and after.

It looks pretty good now and has a very smooth finish, but I think it'll be more consistent in color after vapor blasting.

I'll post pics after this weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 3, 2016 by oemz

[oemz]

Here are some pics of the valve cover after vapor blasting. Very time consuming and tiring process. It was more satisfying and easier doing the balance tube or any heavy grain casting vs a smoother surface like the valve cover. However, i'm very happy with the outcome and I think it looks very clean. I might coat it with Shark hide to protect it, but for now i'm glad I did it.

[grannyknot]

It looks beautiful but you might want to install a heat shield under the carbs.