69S Valve Cover Color

[Theunz]

My 69s valve covers appear to be unpainted magnesium that has turned grey. Is this correct, or is it paint that has faded and rubbed off? I found an old post on valve cover colors, but it was not definitive per the 69’s. Thanks for any help.

[Scott72]

Not painted with the original metal finish.

[gled49]

+1. Don’t blast them with glass or sand. Oil them is the way to care for them.

[Scott72]

Ours is also just oiled.

[Theunz]

Thanks for the info and pictures guy’s. gled49, when you say not to blast them, is it because of originality or does it damage the magnesium? Most likely I will be having a valve job done, so the heads will probably be hot tanked or blasted and possibly the cylinders as well. The tin will be powder coated and it appears that the air cleaner has been refinished as well. While all the hardware will be extensively cleaned, it will not be replated I’m torn between keeping its patina and restoring the magnesium to it’s original look. While the interior will be left alone other than the carpet, the paint is in somewhat sad shape. So, while this car could easily be restored to concours condition, I simply don’t have the budget, or more importantly, the desire to do so.

[gled49]

The Mag will loose the molded look, the gray/black, and it can not be reproduced. Handle the valve covers as little as possible. I use Gibbs oil.