Any one interested in aluminum valve/tappet covers?
GrimGreaser
Senior Contributor
I had to pull the manifolds off last weekend due to a busted carb stud, and seeing the filthy state my 308 is currently in I pulled off the valve covers to clean 'em up too. Now I've got plans rolling around in my head about making some finned and/or 'HUDSON' scripted covers out of aluminum. I've got plenty of CAD experience and access to a nice CNC milling machine.
I'm thinking simple finned cover with a standard PCV/breather grommet hole for the back and a finned/HUDSON cover up front where one has a better chance to see it tucked under those manifolds.
Who might be interested? I have no idea about price or anything like that right now, just trying to gauge interest. I'll update when I have some drawings made up, too.
Also, pondering a simple adapter to bolt a regular Chevy/aftermarket waterneck and thermostat in place of the Hudson unit. Simple aluminum plate, bolts to head then waterneck bolts to the plate. Any thoughts on that?
I'm thinking simple finned cover with a standard PCV/breather grommet hole for the back and a finned/HUDSON cover up front where one has a better chance to see it tucked under those manifolds.
Who might be interested? I have no idea about price or anything like that right now, just trying to gauge interest. I'll update when I have some drawings made up, too.
Also, pondering a simple adapter to bolt a regular Chevy/aftermarket waterneck and thermostat in place of the Hudson unit. Simple aluminum plate, bolts to head then waterneck bolts to the plate. Any thoughts on that?
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Comments
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Hi Grim Greaser,
I think that is a great idea and would be interested in the tappet covers if the price isn't out of sight As to the water outlet, I like the shape of the old Hud gooseneck. I use a simple flat plate to almost block off the bypass just like Walt Mordenti suggests and that works fine for me.
Brucehttp://classicar.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif0 -
i would be interested in two or three sets of these for the 232-262-308 engines.
thanks,
Ralph
aka: PaceRacer500 -
Sure, aluminum valve covers would be great!
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I'd be interested as well- to go with that finned aluminum head that somebody's just GOTTA make. . .oh, and the manifold for 3 Rochester 2 barrels. . . and. . . and. . .
You can't be too thin, or too rich, or have too much bling on your hot rod. . .0 -
Quick Solidworks model. Not dimensioned, not final...
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Put me down for 2 sets if this comes to be. One for the car and one for the future car!
What are you thinking for gaskets?0 -
I'd take a pair. And just to throw out for discussion,how bout a register
on the back to locate the gasket? Also,I'm not opposed to running a PCV
setup and like the idea but currently using the road draft tube with the
Clifford headers. Have you considered any baffling for the PCV port
(or is there even room)?
Anybody running a PCV with a Twin-H manifold? Where did you plumb
the vacuum source? Pics would be even better.0 -
Are they done yet?0
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What you can't see on the back is the relief to index the cover and gasket onto the engine. Plan to have these use the standard cork/rubber gasket. Though, there's all sorts of interesting gasket material at McMaster.com one could play with.
I've used these: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G3413/ on my Chevy and they work pretty good.
There should be enough meat (plan cutting these from 1/2" plate) on the back to bolt any sort of baffling one would want, even a mount for the draft tube.0 -
Those look GREAT. Sign me up for a pair.
Bruce0 -
all you boys are spoilt for choice, good on ya GRimGreaser for thinking of the community
Mike0 -
Let me know the price, two pair. Thanks, Bob0
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I would buy several sets, but would want provision for the standard road draft tube. No PCV. Having enough engagement through the gasket into the block is the way to go--you have to do this behind the headers and any alignment help is a good thing!0
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Glad to see folks are interested, I'll do my best to get these going. Figured I could use my fancy degree for something I really enjoy. Not that this requires a whole heck of a lot of engineering, but I sure did spend a lot of money to learn to use SolidWorks...0
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dougson wrote:Sure, aluminum valve covers would be great!
So please add a pair w/pcv.0 -
Not yet finished with '52 Hornet and don't know if I'll attempt to restore '56 Twin-H Powered Hornet, but just in case I do, depending on price I may buy to keep on shelve?
Thanks,
Ray0 -
I'd be interested in a set if they are reasonable.0
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Updated design:
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I prefer the original design myself!
Please keep in mind that the original steel parts often were bent by over tightening and didn't seal well as a result. Make 'em thick enough where it counts. The original design looks like it might get more stiffness from the ribs, but I'd buy either style.
Thanks--Ivan0 -
I know what you mean, but the previous design was done up from memory. 3 x 9 was what i started with, but the covers are actually ~3.5 x 13.5. Having the bolt holes in the 'U' and 'O' might still work, have to play with it. I switched because it was a pain to set up the letters that way. I considered sqeezing the HUDSON in between, but to keep the cut time (and thus price) down the letters need to be nice and big to be able to use larger cutters. Don't worry about thickness, these will be cut from 1/2" plate.
Nothings final yet.
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I like this much better. The fins are trimmed down 1/16 of an inch to reveal the letters.
Here's a view of the back, 1/4 inch relief to hold gasket and align the cover with the engine:
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Any further progress?0
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The gears are turning... I'm waiting for my buddy to get back from business travel and to free up some time on his companies CNC. Plan is to cut some test covers, see how long and involved they actually are to cut out. From there refine the design again and come up with prices. Then I'll start queuing up orders in the order folks expressed interest here, if they're still interested.
That said, many of you guys have said 'reasonable price' here. Well, what do you guys see as a reasonable price? Keep in mind, these will be time and toolbit intensive (at least for the 'HUDSON' cover). Anodizing (red, black, clear) may be available, but I don't want to get ahead of myself here.0 -
Hi grimgreaser, Some good solid carbide cutters and fluid will make easy meat of the Ali
1 jig and you got it for as many as you want, I would have done a bit more of this sort of stuff but my CNC doesn't have fluid running with it, was made for wood instead of metal and as you now it makes a lot of mess,I spent too much time cleaning up last time
Mike0 -
Believe me, my friend knows how to make his CNC cut damn fast, and more than 90% of the cutting is with at least a 1/4 inch tool. It's the 1/8 and 1/16 inch cuts, while minimal, that slow everything down. However, until we actually cut some out I want to remain mute on price.0
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Those are sweet !0
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The one with the PCV/breather hole has been cut. The one with letters should be cut Tuesday.0
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OH MY, that sure does look lovely !!!!0
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WOW! I like it.0
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Lookin' GOOD!!
Put me down for a finished set----
THANX!0
This discussion has been closed.
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