Joe:
All I can do is just tell you what I have done with my LAT 8 valve covers.
I had them off my Tiger last year and cleaned all the stains off of them.
Then I bead blasted them, being particularly careful to mask off the inside
surface of the covers. It is extremely important not to blast the inside as
those tiny beads can lodge themselves in the aluminum, only to drop out into
the motor later. I repolished the ribs and letters and then reinstalled
them. I did not clearcoat them; there may be a durable heat-resistant clear
coat out there for just such an application but I don't know about it. I've
been very happy with mine just in their natural finish.
As far as gaskets are concerned, there is nothing magical about sealing an
aluminum valve cover. Frankly, I recommend using cork gaskets with the
steel sleeves in the bolt holes to prevent the crushing and deforming of the
gasket upon installation. The method I have always used for sealing them is
to brush on a light coating of contact cement onto the sealing surface of
the valve cover, as well as to the valve cover-side of the gasket. Allow
that to tack up and then place the gasket on the valve cover. Let that sit
for a few minutes and then install them on the car DRY. I've seen this done
for years by some of my friends and I've done it for years and never had a
leak. The secret, of course, is to have a very clean head sealing surface
and to not over-tighten the bolts (the sleeves in the v/c gaskets help with
that).
Good luck and let us all know how it turns out for you.
Andy Walker
B382001600LRXFE
----- Original Message -----
From: "joe brackin" <joebrackin@attbi.com>
To: <tigers@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2003 5:04 PM
Subject: LAT 8 valve covers
> I just purchased a set of LAT 8 valve covers. Any recommendations good or
> bad for valve cover gaskets are welcome. Also any suggestions to insure no
> oil leaks would be appreciated. What about clear coating or any other
> protection to keep the new aluminum looking nice?
> Thanks in advance,
>
> joe brackin
> '66 Tiger
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