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My Mach1's 351cj was recently rebuilt. It is the original engine, the car is a 72. The low comp. pistons were replaced with flat tops. I'm not going into the details, I've already listed them in another post. I had some problems posting the corresponding pics, so here they are.
I welcome any input, even constructive critisism.
Thanks,
KeithEusa_dance
I like the polished steel finish on the stock valve covers very unique looking. At first glance I thought you had painted then then I saw the one on passenger side what looks to be some surface rust on the top edge? Is that what you did or 'am I goofy? Crazy (wouldn't be the first time) JTS 71 Mach1
(09-25-2012, 07:40 AM)JTS71 Mach1 Wrote: [ -> ]I like the polished steel finish on the stock valve covers very unique looking. At first glance I thought you had painted then then I saw the one on passenger side what looks to be some surface rust on the top edge? Is that what you did or 'am I goofy? Crazy (wouldn't be the first time) JTS 71 Mach1
My Mach 1 has the optional and somewhat rare chrome valve covers, They do have some finish issues having been un-cleaned and un polished for many years. Eventually I'd like to get them re-chromed. For now I cleaned them as good as possible and then clear coated them. If I don't re-chrome them I may upgrade to the factory style aluminum covers. Thanks for the interest.
Keith

Your engine is looking great! I cant wait to dig into mine when I get home from deployment. Hopefully with a lot of elbow grease and some youtube videos of how to do things such as 'rebuild a carb' I can get my engine bay looking like yours. I can't wait for a car with fuel injection for the soul purpose of being able to keep the engine bay looking not clustered up. Keep up the good work!
(09-25-2012, 12:09 PM)keith1562 Wrote: [ -> ]
(09-25-2012, 07:40 AM)JTS71 Mach1 Wrote: [ -> ]I like the polished steel finish on the stock valve covers very unique looking. At first glance I thought you had painted then then I saw the one on passenger side what looks to be some surface rust on the top edge? Is that what you did or 'am I goofy? Crazy (wouldn't be the first time) JTS 71 Mach1
My Mach 1 has the optional and somewhat rare chrome valve covers, They do have some finish issues having been un-cleaned and un polished for many years. Eventually I'd like to get them re-chromed. For now I cleaned them as good as possible and then clear coated them. If I don't re-chrome them I may upgrade to the factory style aluminum covers. Thanks for the interest.
Keith

Previous owner may have had the valve covers chromed.
There was no optional chrome valve covers for 71-3
429's, 71 Boss 351 and 72 351 HO's had the cast aluminum covers, other than that they were painted steel
(09-25-2012, 12:35 PM)armyfox Wrote: [ -> ]Your engine is looking great! I cant wait to dig into mine when I get home from deployment. Hopefully with a lot of elbow grease and some youtube videos of how to do things such as 'rebuild a carb' I can get my engine bay looking like yours. I can't wait for a car with fuel injection for the soul purpose of being able to keep the engine bay looking not clustered up. Keep up the good work!
First off thank you for your service to our country. Please use great care and come back home when your deployment ends. Next if you're interested in info. on carbs. Edelbrock.com has great support info. most or all of which applies to Carter competition carbs. as well.
Your motor looks nice with the "satin" look valve covers.

I purchased some chrome covers for mine but am concerned with how well they will actually seal. I have yet to run to motor. If I have problems with sealing and maybe regardless I would like to step up to the factory look cast aluminum covers.

Below are pictures of the covers I purchased, of how my motor looks currently, and what I was shooting for.
(09-25-2012, 07:40 AM)JTS71 Mach1 Wrote: [ -> ]I like the polished steel finish on the stock valve covers very unique looking. At first glance I thought you had painted then then I saw the one on passenger side what looks to be some surface rust on the top edge? Is that what you did or 'am I goofy? Crazy (wouldn't be the first time) JTS 71 Mach1
The valve covers were chromed at some point. They were very grundgy with grime & surface rust. I cleaned them up as good as possible, and then sealed them with clear coat. The clear is mostly responsable for the "satin" look. Eventualy I intend to have them freshly re-chromed.
Thanks for showing interest,
Keith