Valve Cover Bolts

[Frank D.]

Just completed an engine rebuild of my '65 Coupe with a 327/300 engine. To get my new, replacement valve covers not to leak (after two earlier failed attempts) I used a slightly thicker valve cover gasket which worked fine and is now not leaking any oil.

When seating the gasket, I used "T" screw-downs so as not to damage my newly painted "RBW" headmark valve cover bolts. When replacing the screw-downs with the original bolts, I found the 3/8" original bolts were not long enough to screw into the heads.

I searched the usual catalogs (L.I., Paragon, Zip, etc.) and couldn't find a longer RBW bolt. Has anyone run into this problem before? I am going through Top Flight judging in Charlotte this July and want to remain as true to original as possible and don't want change the gaskets again. Can anyone suggest an alternative bolt that is slightly longer and a source where I could order them?

Thank you in advance for your thoughts,

Frank O'Donnell
Troy, VA

[Larry M.]

Re: Valve Cover Bolts

Frank:

I would contact Richard Fortier (former owner of Paragon). If you have a bolt problem, he should be able to help.

I have recently bought refurbished bolts from Richard.....and in talking with him, he has indicated that he can cut down and/or machine bolts for custom sizes and then re-plate as original.

Richard advertises in the Driveline.

Larry

[Wayne M.]

Re: Valve Cover Bolts

Frank -- check out Keith Bramhill's radical approach to short valve cover bolts; had heads with good markings cut off and welded to longer shanks .

His post is about halfway down in this thread of a few months ago:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?t=77500&highlight=valve+cover+gaskets&uid=3042

[Frank D.]

Re: Valve Cover Bolts--ANSWER

Larry:
Thank you very much for your suggestion. I will give him a call.

Wayne:
If Richard F doesn't have a longer correct bolt, I know a man qualified to do the welding. That's a great idea.

Thanks to both of you for the information.

Frank
See you in Charlotte!

[Mike M.]

Re: Valve Cover Bolts

Frank
"TR's" should be an acceptable VC bolt alternative and were used throughout the M-Y's in varying lengths.
The usual vendors have them up too at least one inch. (ie: 1/4 panel to valance bolt.)
HaND

[Frank D.]

Re: Valve Cover Bolts

Richard Fortier came through for me selling me 8 bolts that were the right diameter and thread and a perfect 3/4" long. They had the "M" headmark on them. I painted them orange Monday night and installed them. Was judged Saturday in Charlotte and they passed with no problems.

Thanks for the advice!

Frank