[GoreMaker]

Although the stock chrome valve covers on my W72 400 have a weird, textured finish that's indicative of a poor quality chrome job from the factory, I'm actually quite fond of the look and would like to retain it. I also like the oil drippers and the resulting spot weld marks on the outside.

My original valve covers are starting to look... worn. I thought maybe a new nickel plating might restore their appearance, so I called a local place that does nickel plating, and they quoted me $300-$500 PER COVER!

BAHAHAHAHA!

no.

So keeping all this in mind, which reproduction valve covers have people found to most closely resemble the factory originals?

[tom s]

Copper nickel chrome is really expensive!Tom

[tom s]

The ones I have bought from In-line tube have been great.Tom

[Jack Gifford]

That nickel plating quote is crazy. Nickel plating is usually inexpensive. Just a few months ago I had the lakester's DOHC sprockets nickel plated for under $100.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Have you tried 000 or 00 steel wool on the old ones ?
Brillo pads and SoS pads are about 00 grade.

The mid to late 70's type , are called "flash-chrome"

Most of the catalog repops will be full chrome plated like the 67-70 era.
You might could glass bead them to get the flash/cheap look on them.

That was an amazing price quote.
Either they didnt understand the low quality you are looking for, or they just don't want to do any valve covers at all.

[LStathas]

Most platers use a "lot" charge. You may ask them how many you can do in a lot and get other members to go in on a group buy.
I would also shop other places in other states. Some states really frown on plating and make it all but prohibitive. Also contacting a machine shop in your area that sends out parts for plating and maybe get in on one of their lots. I believe the finish you want comes from electroless nickel plating. This is a place in WI that the shops in my area use often https://www.pioneermetal.com/. Hope this helps

[rwfisher]

For the look your after you may want to look at shops that do Hydrochroming paint process…

[Steve C.]

You wouldn't want them 'nickel' plated. As eluded to in Tom's post they should be electroplated with copper, nickel and then chromium.
And to be done right for a top notch job the old plating should be stripped off first, then the bare metal buffed.

Would these work?
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/o...EaAn8UEALw_wcB
.

[GoreMaker]

It's so difficult to know for sure without having them in my hands. Is the chrome mirror-like or textured like OEM? Do those have oil drippers inside? I've found half a dozen alternatives from a bunch of sellers, potentially some are from the same manufacturer, but it's impossible to know which are decent and which are lacking. That's why I'm asking for feedback on personal experience

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

You wouldn't want them 'nickel' plated. As eluded to in Tom's post they should be electroplated with copper, nickel and then chromium.
And to be done right for a top notch job the old plating should be stripped off first, then the bare metal buffed. .

He wants the late 70's factory flash-chrome look.
None of the above would apply to replicating that look , except possibly de-plating.
They were not smoothed or buffed prior to plating , and not triple-plated.
Its a "cheap look" but has its own character.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Most Stock-Looking Reproduction Chrome Valve Covers

Try posting this same thread in the 77-81 TA section also .
Not many others are going to know what you are actually looking for.

Most of us want nice shiny pretty chrome covers.

[69FIREBIRD76MM]

I sold a pair on ebay recently OEM ones and the chrome wasnt that great at all but they were really nice and straight.

[unruhjonny]

I doubt any of the repops will have the correct finish.

if you're interested, I have a really nice set (I can email you larger images if you wish)





(the cap pictured with them is the wrong style, just a cheaper aftermarket chrome one)

[Skip Fix]

The W72 400s came with a dull chrome from the factory, not shiny. but not a brushed look either.Not sure if it could be duplicated.