Early Cadillac 331 cover Risers

I have a 331 Cadillac that I want to use stock valve covers. I know they made valve cover risers at some point. Do they still or know where I can get some. I have adjustable rockers BUT want to use original tin valve covers.

Thanks

 

I looked for about 3 months and couldn't find any. Finally gave up and had a friend of mine with a cnc mill make me a pair. I had him make them with a taper so the valve covers would actually kant over a bit to aid in the clearance for the rockers (I'm running Stude rockers). I don't know if he saved the program for them or not but if your interested I can find out what he might charge to make another set.

 

I'd be interested in the program if he's willing to share--have access to a CNC here.

 

CayoRV , I would be interested in a set of the 331 risers.

Let me know if he would do a set,
Thanks


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Did I start something here?

 

Yep!!

 

Sign me up.

 

Sorry guys but so far he has been unable to find the program for the spacers/risers. He is still looking (he has several computers and hundreds of programs). He's really a very organized guy, its just been about 2 1/2 years ago and a bunch of other stuff since then, I'll keep you all posted.

Chuck

 

This is how I solved the problem. Just a sand bag br*** rod and hammer.

 

Nice job! I was tempted to try that myself but I didn't want to screw up a really nice set of valve covers when I messed up. Always figured I would get a sbc cover and use it for practice but then we made up the risers and I never persued working on my dimpling technique.

Chuck

 

Wouldn't it be possible to make up a set of dies for a hydraulic press to press the reliefs into the stock valve covers, avoiding the "beating" concern?

 

Definitely, as long as you know a good die maker who works for free.

FWIW, back in the po'boy days, I stacked up three cork rocker cover gaskets, glued them together with aviation Permatex and as long as I was careful tightening them down, they lasted.

We have the same problem with adjustable rockers on the Packard V8s. Rich Fox made a set of aluminum spacers on a manual mill; no CNC program, just fifty years of experience.

jack vines

 

I have a pair somebody PM me with the ability to reproduce these and get this going.

 

Wow, those look factory, and all uniform.

 

Jack, yes, you're right if somebody wants to make dies to do quan***ies of these, I was more referring to the kind of dies we see lots of guys here on the Hamb making to do one-off stampings in sheet metal, etc. The gasket stack idea is great too, but how about making an 1/4" or 3/8" aluminum spacer on the bandsaw (or with a decent jigsaw) then gluing a set of the thick gaskets to both sides with something like Gaskacinch. I made a set of spacers for a BBC by sawing up 4 pieces of 5052 aluminum and TIG'n them together and sanding them flat. Lotsa ways to skin a cat.

 

PM sent to 31modelo. I have a CNC, hopefully we can work something out. I'l keep you guys posted.

 

Just got another update on the program that we used and alas, its no longer there. For multiple parts though a better way would be to have them water jetted. Material costs would be a bit pricey and there would be alot of waste if they were being jetted from a sheet of say 3/8" aluminum but it could be that if the price were cheap enough for the water jet time it might be worth it. The s**** could be used for other projects possible or sold for s**** value. You would just have to take a gasket to the water jet service and ask them what the costs would be, I know it would be a simple part for them to make.
I like the idea of making them up in pieces for a one off set also, providing you have the ability to tig them together. I have also seen some cast ones for sb Fords.

Chuck

 

31, if 54 cad can get it going let me know.

 

Don't forget me I started all of this

 

I'll gladly buy a pair if/when they're ready for production.

 

Its in the works guys. 31Modelo PMed me back and hes out of town for the next week or so but when he gets back hes going to send me one to copy. He said they are about 3/8" thick. Is steel ok? I'll be cutting them with my CNC plasma and it cuts a lot easier than aluminum. Plus it would keep costs down. Any feedback/ideas are helpful!

 

Thanks 54 Caddy....... Let us know how much etc....... Guess I really hit on something a few of us need. That's the great thing about this site. When ever someone needs something guys are willing to help find a solution.

 

Yep steel OK, sounds good.
Thanks for working on this!


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I would like to buy a set of these as well. If you can let us know what the cost will be I'd be willing to "pre-order" them (ie send you the money in advance). That way you don't have to go out of pocket for materials and you'll know for sure how many of these things you'll be making to sell (plus the extras you'll be able to sell once the word gets out.) Let us know - and thanks!
Curt

 

I appreciate the offer Curt, but I'd rather wait until I produce them before collecting any money. It seems like there will be enough interest to make at least a few sets at first and I dont mind floating the cost of material. Im going to do my best to keep the cost down on these and will let you all know as soon as progress is made. Thank you all for the interest, Im looking forward to getting this underway!
-Josh

 

Let me know what you guys decide Thanks

 

i need a set also, where do you get the adj. rockers??

 

keep us informed. steel's fine here.

 

I ran a set of spacers on a 331 Cad in the 60's. Always leaking!