"0" Stamped SBC Factory Valve Covers

[SuperNovaSS]

Does anyone know the true significance of the "O" stamping on 60's SBC valve covers. I have always thought/been told that the "O" stamp was only used on factory chrome valve covers. The theory seemed to hold until I was cleaning up a set of 65-66 painted covers today. These covers look be be in their original paint with the embossed 327 decals/foils. While cleaning the covers, I noticed they both have the factory "O" stamping on the inside rail. Was this stamping for covers that came out stamped with no flaws an therefore were chromeable? Or maybe these painted one were a factory mistake? I thought it was interesting enough to share.

Jason http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[SuperNovaSS]

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w301/super-novass/Ostamp001.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w301/super-novass/Ostamp002.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w301/super-novass/Ostamp003.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w301/super-novass/Ostamp004.jpg

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w301/super-novass/Ostamp005.jpg

[budnate]

nawww, I had standard painted '68's with the O.

[Mr70]

Bud's right..I've seen a few too.Not many,but a few.

[SuperNovaSS]

Interesting. Any idea what the "O" signifies?


Jason

[Kurt S]

My guess would be the supplier.

[SuperNovaSS]

If it was the supplier, would all the covers have that stamp? Not many have the stamp and those that do are usually chrome.


Jason

[Rixls6]

I've got a set of factory painted ones with O's also, so I guess they aren't significant.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/Rixls6/66327valvecovers007Large.jpg

[Verne_Frantz]

If those valve covers indeed have the embossed (raised) decal, they are late '63, which means that the "O" couldn't possibly relate to chrome covers, as none were in production then. The same style stamping of the rectangular decal area began in mid '63 but as of '64, the decals were just flat with no raised embossing.
My information is correct, but in my opinion, those covers you showed look too good to be original. (46 years old??) http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif
Valve covers were installed on the motors BEFORE they were painted. Decals were appplied on the engine dress line. How come they have paint under the screws? (not to mention there is no evidence of screws being attached AFTER paint)

Verne

[SuperNovaSS]

Verne,

You are probably right. The paint has probably been redone. The decals are embossed. The raised areas can be easily felt with my finger. They were very dirty and I cleaned them. The covers came out of a machine shop/collection and have been on the shelf for decades. I just assumed the pain was original since the emblems have raised areas and there is no evidence of old paint scratches, etc. under the paint.


Jason

[JohnZ]

[ QUOTE ]
Interesting. Any idea what the "O" signifies?


Jason

[/ QUOTE ]

Might indicate the inboard side for the engine plant installer, as there's nothing on the top of the raw valve cover (like script) to show the correct orientation, and they can be installed backwards.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[9566 BA]

I have seen the "o" on mostly 68 small blocks. I think they used it to put the valve cover and the "O" to the top at the factory as 68 was the first year they put the PCV in the valve cover.