Chrome Valve covers for my 03 Cobra

Nervouswreck

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Hello guys and gals , question, where can i buy a pair of chrome valve/cam covers ? I want to do some engine dress up this winter and i got a price from a guy by me to chrome plate mine and he wants $500 A SIDE ! If that’s what i gotta pay fine but i think that’s very expensive first off , and secondly if there is a place i can just buy them already done that would work even better . I want to chrome my valve covers , my blower snout , and coolant tanks .
If anyone can tell me where to buy already chromed valve covers I’d really appreciate it . Thank you all


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01yellercobra

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Can't say I've ever seen chrome valve covers for sale. All the ones I've seen were custom. It's one of the reasons I went with powder coat on mine. I wish chrome wasn't so expensive. I have a couple things I'd like to get chromed.
 

olympic

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It's very expensive to chrome plate aluminum. I looked into it and was quoted rediculous prices as well. If I ever have mine off I'm just going to polish them since I already have the tools and supplies on hand from previous projects.
 

01yellercobra

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I'd like to see the powder coating chrome stuff. I had some blower piping done in a chrome type finish a few years ago, but it didn't pop like normal chrome. I have a spare set of valve covers I'd get done if it looked good.
 

03' White Snake

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Good eye. Didn't catch that. Search the mnf p/n and see what comes up. It's a lead at least. Found one company who claims to have stock. Worth a call before ordering.
 

CobraBob

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If you look at the bottom you'll see it says discontinued.
At least you have an idea what the powder coated chrome would like like. IMO I'd do the powder coat chrome. You'll have a nice, durable finish and the look you're looking for. Might even be more durable over time than true chrome plating.
 

ShaneCobra74

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I had mine polished. To me, same maintenance as chrome. Had the valve covers done professionally for $500. I think Mirror Finish Polishing out of MO.

I'd be afraid of peeling after awhile.
 

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GodStang

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Ya Ford made the Chrome ones but have since discontinued them. May be able to find a used pair. Polishing is another idea but they do oxidize and need polishing to keep pretty. Then there is chrome Powder Coating. My CAI is Powder Coated Chrome in this picture:

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Black Gold 380R

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Chrome is a lot easier to take care of. It doesn't oxidize like polished metal does.

Bob, isn't there this stuff called Shark Hide or something that is supposed to be placed over polished metal to keep it from oxidizing?

I think there are MANY options out there to achieve custom results. You just need to figure out which works best for you. Chrome plating is VERY expensive. PC is not as expensive, but it probably doesn't shine as bright as chrome either. Polishing looks great, but then you need to deal with maintenance.

As another member on this site always says.......Pick your poison............
 

cj428mach

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I had mine polished. To me, same maintenance as chrome. Had the valve covers done professionally for $500. I think Mirror Finish Polishing out of MO.

I'd be afraid of peeling after awhile.

Not even close to the same. A good chrome job can be heavily abused and clean up in minutes. I had chrome wheels on my old Fbody daily and I could let them go for months in the harshest of weather with out a cleaning. 5 mins per wheel with #00 fine steel wool and they looked like new.

I'd prefer real chrome but it is expensive as the surface must be polished before chroming to have that super slick finish. Chroming is becoming a hazardous process and fewer and fewer people do it anymore, but spray chromes are becoming very popular. Do some research in the street rod/hot rod communities, every car had chrome on them back in the day and spray chrome has become the solution for lots of people. I believe some of the processes produces results that are very difficult to distinguish from the real chrome.
 

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