This is probably a dumb question to ask in this group.

I have a 69 MACH. Had it since late 70. Asked about paint earlier. The 351W is on a stand.
It needs a new water pump. Air Cleaner has a dent in it and one valve cover has a dent. (motor mount let loose years ago) I am going to replace all these or fix them.

But, then I look at "chrome".

I kind of want this to be stock. But then, a little Chrome wouldn't be all bad under the hood would it?

What should I do now and what later?

Have a Paddock catalog laying here. The "351 valve covers" look kind of good. The chrome water pump looks good.

This is worse than buying a new car.

Appreciate the input,

Tom

 

Well, a lot of us go further with the engine bay than with the exterior. I know several of the forum members who have extraordinary engine bays. Take a look at the gallery for some examples:

clutch's


Uwt's


and mine:

(im fairly proud of it, and it occupies much of my time)

In other words, the possibilities are only as endless as your wallet.

 

I would steer clear of chrome. Get some cool ALUMINUM "powered by Ford" V/C's, and get an aluminum water pump too. Less work, and you can clear coat them to save that look. Just make sure it's Hi-temp stuff, if you can't get it at a parts store, try Eastwood's, they have some really cool stuff. Luck

 

That's why you don't see a lot of chrome valve covers or oil pans in racing. On top of that it is just a stamped steel cover so it will leak like a stock cover as well.

Aluminum is much better, even if it's polished. And the sealing surface is much better, so your engine stays cleaner, longer.

 

yeah, a lot of guys like the black wrinkle valve covers. They dont show dirt and oil as easily.

 

It's really up to your personal taste and choice when it comes down to it. It's your car, do what you want...

 

I like the looks of the aluminum covers as well. I haven't seen the hi-temp clear coat before but will check it out!

 

I did some digging, and found some thru Eastwood. It's called "Diamond Clear" and it withstands heats up to 300*F. I don't think they get that hot, do they??? It's for bare metal, and they have some for painted surfaces that go to 250*F too. It/they go for 11 bucks a can, and they cover 6 sq ft per can. Again, I don't want to step on any sponsers, so if anyone knows where this Man can get it, please respond. Eastwood's # is 1-800-345-1178, give them a call and see what they say. I would check the local parts houses/hardware stores first. Hope it helps.

 

Thanks 68Coop for the tip! Hopefully it won't ever get nearly that hot! Maybe right by the exaust but nowhere else!

Good point about shopping our sponsers first! I always do try to do that. I figure they help make this great forum possible. I also think that if they gave sub-standard service, they wouldn't remain a sponser.

 

Thanks for the info. I will probably go Aluminum then. Those valve covers with black stripes looked great.