Hello everyone!. I am very pleased to say my 1972 Skylark 350-4 restoration project is finally getting back under way after awhile of sitting due to financial issues. I am in desperate need of any useful advice and input on straitening out the warping on my original tin valve covers. I have gotten them off and can definitely see some warping issues near the bolt/stud holes on both covers. This is not an area I'm very informed in and would really appreciate any input on how some of you feel may be the best way to go about it. If it were up to me, id just be getting a set of cast aluminum replacements from TA but that's just not in the budget right now unless I come across a nice used set on here. However, for right now my only option is to straighten out the warping as much as possible, then I would like to get them sandblasted and painted before throwing back on. I can have them sandblasted and paint mixed for free as I have access to such machinery. The straightening is what I really need assistance with. They are the original tin covers that came on the motor factory. Will upload pictures tomorrow after I have them scraped free of the old gasket material. Thanks!
I would clamp a 2X4 in a vise and with the cover upside down and the gasket flange on the 2x4 gingerly go around the perimeter with a small hammer and a block of wood. Be careful to keep the rolled edge on the lip intact. Use the rubber VC gaskets (they can be re-used several times) and consider a "spreader washer" that's about 3" long on each bolt (usually not necessary). Snug the covers down. They don't need to be cranked down on just good and snug. You may need to go around them periodically with a nut driver for an extra 1/8 turn once in a while. This is evidence of a cracked and broken cork gasket: These are redone and ready to go..
