The Ford Barn

Brian54 · 06-01-2023, 02:47 PM

I currently have a pair of aftermarket valve covers on my 1954 Victoria ; one is fine the other one leaks ( different thickness gaskets attempted ). They were not expensive and probably poorly made . Does anyone have any recommendations regarding replacements ( I don't want to pay for the Thunderbird ones ).

dmsfrr · 06-01-2023, 04:14 PM

Sight unseen it can be hard to say, but with a little time and elbow grease an 'adjustment' to the leaky one might be possible.
New replacements are available from lots of the parts vendors. Used originals can be found also. There is a Swap Meet section here on Ford Barn, ebay, etc...

Fyi, if you do change from the sheet-metal to the (slightly taller) cast aluminum versions be aware the hold-down studs are approx one half inch longer.

oldbugger · 06-01-2023, 07:38 PM

flattening the gasket contact area around the cover quite often fixes leaks. people tighten the hold down bolts to tight and bend the cover. just tap the bolt hole area back to level with the rest of the cover. should fix the leaks. good luck

GLAmes · 06-01-2023, 07:42 PM

I have a pair of stockers. How much work are you willing to do? I used them to "mask" the heads when I painted them so they need to be stripped and repainted. Still a little greasy from the old engine they were mounted on too. Otherwise they seem to be OK.

paul2748 · 06-01-2023, 08:50 PM

If you want to go to steel ones. I have a couple of sets for sale. All oem. All will need stripping and painting. If interested, PM me. I live in NJ

Daves55Sedan · 06-01-2023, 09:36 PM

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Last time I looked, a few of the more popular repro parts suppliers were offering OEM style, stamped tin rocker covers, chrome-plated and they also sell gaskets (although i don't recall if they sell the rocker cover gasket sets separately).
I'm pretty sure all the new rocker cover gaskets you get now are cork. I've always used Blue-RTV gasket sealer with the cork ones.
Don't get the gaskets for a truck engine unless you want to cut off the tabs.

Brian54 · 06-03-2023, 08:34 AM

Thanks to all that responded ; I have located a pair locally and once blasted , painted and decals have been added they should do the trick .

06-01-2023, 02:47 PM	#1
Brian54 Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Posts: 60	valve covers I currently have a pair of aftermarket valve covers on my 1954 Victoria ; one is fine the other one leaks ( different thickness gaskets attempted ). They were not expensive and probably poorly made . Does anyone have any recommendations regarding replacements ( I don't want to pay for the Thunderbird ones ).

06-01-2023, 04:14 PM	#2
dmsfrr Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Abq, NM Posts: 3,607	Re: valve covers Sight unseen it can be hard to say, but with a little time and elbow grease an 'adjustment' to the leaky one might be possible. New replacements are available from lots of the parts vendors. Used originals can be found also. There is a Swap Meet section here on Ford Barn, ebay, etc... Fyi, if you do change from the sheet-metal to the (slightly taller) cast aluminum versions be aware the hold-down studs are approx one half inch longer.

06-01-2023, 07:38 PM	#3
oldbugger Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Holland Mi Posts: 642	Re: valve covers flattening the gasket contact area around the cover quite often fixes leaks. people tighten the hold down bolts to tight and bend the cover. just tap the bolt hole area back to level with the rest of the cover. should fix the leaks. good luck

06-01-2023, 07:42 PM	#4
GLAmes Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Killeen, TX Posts: 246	Re: valve covers I have a pair of stockers. How much work are you willing to do? I used them to "mask" the heads when I painted them so they need to be stripped and repainted. Still a little greasy from the old engine they were mounted on too. Otherwise they seem to be OK. __________________ '54 Skyliner. Restoration in progress.

06-01-2023, 08:50 PM	#5
paul2748 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Midland Park, NJ Posts: 3,982	Re: valve covers If you want to go to steel ones. I have a couple of sets for sale. All oem. All will need stripping and painting. If interested, PM me. I live in NJ __________________ 48 Ford Conv 56 Tbird 54 Ford Victoria

06-01-2023, 09:36 PM	#6
Daves55Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Granite City, Illinois Posts: 3,008	Re: valve covers Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Last time I looked, a few of the more popular repro parts suppliers were offering OEM style, stamped tin rocker covers, chrome-plated and they also sell gaskets (although i don't recall if they sell the rocker cover gasket sets separately). I'm pretty sure all the new rocker cover gaskets you get now are cork. I've always used Blue-RTV gasket sealer with the cork ones. Don't get the gaskets for a truck engine unless you want to cut off the tabs.

06-03-2023, 08:34 AM	#7
Brian54 Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Posts: 60	Re: valve covers Thanks to all that responded ; I have located a pair locally and once blasted , painted and decals have been added they should do the trick .