In looking for a unique but easily identifiable aluminum valve cover for some of my Y projects, I contacted David Tolin with PML.  Specifically, I was looking for an aluminum valve cover design that would identify a Y at a glance while being less mainstream than just the plain finned valve covers and still being suitable for modifications such as additional vents or pan evacuation systems.  What brought on this search is that whenever I bring up the subject of modifying the factory aluminum T-Bird pieces I have on hand, I take a thorough bashing besides the fact that those original covers are still quite heavy.

Although PML did not have any current offerings for a Y, it was mentioned that if there was interest in about 50 sets, then something for the Y could be made available. His suggested pricing if the project can be made to happen is as follows: As cast - $235.00, Powder coated - $350.00, Polished - $395.00.  Here is a preliminary design David had already worked up that’s not set in stone but at least it’s something to look at.  He said that the “Thunderbird” script may have to go depending upon licensing restrictions from Ford.  If I was to modify this design further, I would add the eight scallops that are present on the outboard side of the stock steel covers.

At this point, I’d like to know who would be interstested in a pair or more if PML could bring a Y specific aluminum valve cover to the market place.  Just add comments or interest for such a project to this thread to get an idea of the feasibility for this.

Here’s the web link to his site which gives some examples of current offerings.

http://www.yourcovers.com/newvalve.htm

I'd also like to suggest a fore or aft circular flat or opening for breathers or maybe an O-ringed screw-in oil filler. And a bottom groove that provides a drip edge inside the gasket.

then again, pegleg's advice is pretty good!

Dan

- John

However many replies as you get, that's how many opinions you'll get.  Here's mine.  Whatever design is chosen, also make another version with four hold down screws on the flange so the scrub guys can easily use them.  Leave the hold down bolt bosses so they can drill them and put dummy bolts and wing nuts on them.

Just joking, we don't really want our good Y covers on scrubs, even though some have done it.

John

                  OK I'll bite. I didn't do this earlier because Mummert makes them, and for a while Chris Larson in Cincinnatti was going to do one. I actually had a couple of sam[ples made for Chris, But he's dissapeared.

     Do we want a nostalgia ribbed cover like John's, A two piece Hard Core race cover, don't mess with me look. A high rise Ford motor sports cover? Send sketches or ideas to me or Ted If you have an idea, DRAW it, don't want to hear "that's not what I meant." We might do two if it's a two piece, in fact, I could put names on a two piece with a mill or (more expensive) cast the names logos what ever. To reverse John's idea how about one with a bowtie? That ought to confuse somebody.  If I do them, I'd really like to see provisions for breathers, oil fills, and the Rebop logo somewhere.  

          Actually Chris did the pattern, He's a pattern maker for someone in that area. I'm not sure he'd done a foundry pattern before. And you're right, it was a neat design. A little hard to make in Green sand, but definitely pretty. I made the sample castings, he ran into a wall trying to get someone to make them. I may have a place or two that will do it now. Also the pattern needed to be turned into production tooling and he didn't want to pay for it. Not cheap. 

     Just measure a stock rocker cover. It will be very close, i would adjust the scale to actual casting. We will have a vote on the final designs. If you can get some F100 guys to commit, I'll listen.

If anyne with more artistic flare would like to give it some more depth, go at it.  The idea is to have a three dimensional design kind of like a flame job.  Maybe even incorporating the YV8 lettering somewhere.  It will be a different, generic and specific design for the Y.

John

Harassment, is a very real legal tool and often used as a pure scare tactic (hence the poor reputation of legal professionals) whether the principle is legitimate or not. The US patent office has in recent years taken to cutting costs by allowing all sorts of patents (many of them poorly researched) - and then letting the courts sort them out. This type of economy measure doesn't help matters at all - makes it harder than ever to decide whether you are trampling on anothers rights - or being trampled on yourself.

           So far, (knock on wood) Ford has enough problems that they're missing me. We do have to be careful not to infringe on their copyrights as John said. That's partly why I suggested a flat top with an area to mill or etch you own logo / name/ design. If you do it youself, for your own vehicle, and not for resale, they'll never catch on. If I make a hundred that say FORD y block, I could be toast. I like my house, intend to keep it. Many of the Mustang aftermarket houses have had to remove the word "Mustang" from their names to prevent lawsuits. Ford as won every time they've pushed it as you said. At the rate FoMoCo is going today, Nissan will buy what's left after the boankruptcy, and only build F150's and Mustangs. Then they'll be no problem, until the Japs discover lawyers and our ridiculous legal system. Ford, and Harley Davidson have managed to shoot themselves in the foot  (feet) in the long run by being overbearing in that area. A major part of their success was the availability of after market parts and or service. Don't see many Yamaha choppers or '32 Buicks do you? Not to offend any of the legal proffession here, but Forest Gump said it best, "Stupid is as Stupid does.

           I'll get some numbers soon, trying to get the car ready for the Martin Race next W/E. Want to look like I know what I'm doing without John or Gordon Payne being there to offer help.

           I get about 3 5/8 by 18. The width will probably be greater in a casting, buit not by much. Depends on the final design.

Here are the pics provided by Gary for a 14” air cleaner design.  The emblems themselves could be used on a valve cover depending upon Ford licensing restrictions.  With the way licensing is, “Ford” would likely have to be dropped and even then, the use of the emblem itself may still be restricted.  Perhaps "YBLK" could be substituted for "FORD" as an alternative.

My own thoughts on a valve cover design is something that’s generic for all Y powered vehicles while still being easily recognizable as a Y-Block from a distance.  The scallops on the lower sides would be a good start for this and then fins and a design or logo on the top.  Just plain finned covers don’t light my fire in regards to this as the uninitiated do not have the least idea that it’s a Y engine.  People already scratch their heads when they see one of these engines so I’d rather not compound that problem.

         If you think they're going to cooperate (Ford) I'll be happy to send the number for the legal dept at FoMoCo. Bet you'll change your mind. You are probably OK on the emblem, nobody left at Ford old enough to remember it.

 Re: Lexan, You buy it in sheets and machine and polish it, Molds are typically made from metal, iron or aluminum. Foundry patterns are the mirror image and are made from plastic. They make an impression in sand and the sand makes the casting.

I've seen these but just didn't go for having "Fenton" emblazoned across their tops.

        Have not seen it.

          Vintage, I think, is already doing that. Next project will be another front cover and maybe a cast stoker crank.

     No, you and Royce have the only Lincolns, not much of a market!

    30,000 for an intake is not out of reason, can be done cheaper, but requires cad dwgs done by you. 

        Not bad! You guys can thrash this out for a week or so, I have to haul a trailer to South Dakota to a Reservation. Leaving Thursday morn.

     Still like the two piece thing, but how about this, flat on top?

I'm moving this post to "this and that" to discuss the decals!

John

Would there be an advantage for detailing or maintenance if they came off with the valve cover? Could be......If the casting just had the necessary "boss" cast down on the lower lip of the cover it wouldn't be too hard to finish them - or not. Some stainless sheet would make some neat removable shields.....

              like SPEEDWAY or MOROSO would be interested. If you, Mummert,

              Ted, and any other performance builders plus others on the site,

              would make a number's guess(Like the head count thing) and say

              WE could come up with an estimate of say 100 pair, it may open

              some avenue's to pursue this.

                      I could live  with a nice steel cover or aluminum one that

              could be anodized several colors or maybe a 2 piece set with

              an interchangeable top with several logo's(Y-BLOCK/Thunderbird,

              292/312/  plus other suggestions.(Easy valve adjustment a plus!)

                       I'll step down now, I've rambled enough.....

                                                  Bill

      Chris Larsen had made the patterns, pretty nice piece.

                                           Michael

If the picture you are referring to is the cover with the Mercury “M” on it, then that’s a different valve cover than is being discussed.  Gary Burnette found those particular covers but the supply was very limited.

Here’s the pic of the valve cover as posted as a link by Tero.  I’ve seen Chris Larsen’s covers on his truck and best I remember (been quite awhile), this cover is very similar.

The one you show there is the one I like, although there was another that had the Y logo and the scalopes.

                                                                Michael

               Ted, i too love the scallops on the outer edges, totally sets them from all the others, did you know, (and am unsure if still available at present), that Charlie Price, of Vintage Speed, down in Florida, has alloy covers, with both the fins, and scallops, that also incorporate the, FENTON script at the top edge of the scallops.Very trick looking cover, i have a set of these, and have had them since about 02, 03. For my money, the scallops need to be incorporated it a major factor in setting them apart from the crowd/s.

              Have read some teriffic stuff on here, you are ALL an inspiration, THANKS!

                                           MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!

                                                 Scotty!

        Missouri Mike