valve covers

[zoltanb]

The finish on my valve covers are starting to peel any body refinished these? I think they are plastic how to you get all of the finish off? Would like suggestions for materials to use. Thanks

[Guest Corvanti]

i refreshed valve covers on a 3.8L - not a Reatta - a '99 Firebird a few years ago. same color, etc...

once off, i cleaned them with a degreaser. "simple green" or "purple power". scrubbed with a nylon brush and rinsed.

then "goo-gone" citrus pump spray. scrub and rinse. DON"T use anything with acetone or a stronger adhesive/paint remover. it will eat into the plastic.

clean again with rubbing alcohol.

if there are any rough spots, lightly sand with wet/dry sandpaper and rinse.

i used a silver/gray spray engine enamel to complete the refresh. i used either matte or semi-gloss just to give it a little more "sheen". the paint was available at my "flaps".

obviously, i didn't do anything except clean the interior of the covers.

hope this helps!

[D-a-n-i-e-l]

The finish on my valve covers are starting to peel any body refinished these? I think they are plastic how to you get all of the finish off? Would like suggestions for materials to use. Thanks

They are so common and cheap that I would just find a good used set and clean them up. This is goes for keeping them stock or repainting.

[drtidmore]

I am curious as when GM started using plastic valve covers on the 3800. On my '89 they are most assuredly cast aluminum (I have had one off to retrieve broken breather tube grommet pieces). Mine look as good as the day they came off the assembly line.

[D-a-n-i-e-l]

They are still metal through out the 3800 line of engines. They just have a thick covering that looks like plastic. Some one correct me if I am wrong but even the 2005 engine I am getting ready to use has the same covered metal design.

[jonlabree]

The covers Ronnie is talking about are for the early 3800 engine where the hold downs are like the chevys.

They will not fit our engines.

[Ronnie]

The covers Ronnie is talking about are for the early 3800 engine where the hold downs are like the chevys.

They will not fit our engines.

You are right Jon. The valve covers have been deleted from the store and I deleted my post about them. Sorry! Edited December 11, 2013 by Ronnie (see edit history)

[jonlabree]

Ronnie, No problem. I just didn't want anyone to buy them and then find out that they don't fit and have to return them as I did from another site.

[Ronnie]

Ronnie, No problem. I just didn't want anyone to buy them and then find out that they don't fit and have to return them as I did from another site.

Several cross references I found said they should fit, Amazon being one if them. However, I was sure you knew what you were talking about. With a little more digging I verified that you were correct. Thank you for pointing that out!

[Guest spongebob]

look at the pontiac fiero covers..