I think what we don't want if every cover looking the same, ala early corvette covers.  Each of us is different.  We have to be careful about using Ford logos without permission.  That said, Frank alluded to being able to custom mill or cast names, logos, etc in them.  How about an area in whatever design is chosen that can be flat and with enough meat that anyone who wants to can have whatever they want milled into it.  Maybe that area can come from the foundry with a raised logo on it that can be milled off to customize your own cover.  My 2 cents.

John

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

What John said!

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Seems to me - and this info is quite dated (mid eighties) - my buddy Tom Lusch in Ohio - got into a fight with Edelbrock over a a patent on the removeable top valve cover. Tom didn't get to make very many covers before he was being hounded by legal experts etc. As I recall - the open top concept was actually pioneered by Cosworth and neither US party could really get the upper hand out of trying to patent installation on specific US engine types - there being many "public domain" examples around. But... it cost Tom for the legal work - so much he just gave it up. Edelbrock could out spend him  - right or wrong - and they knew it.

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.

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

Steve,

           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.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Gary,

           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.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

I don't know who owns the rights to the 50's truck logo but the Y-Blocks Forever one is a known! From Jerry C. so no litigation to worry about there? (at least I think not) Jerry? Chuck in NH

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

Marc, I like that design with the emblem you're showing.

-Gary Burnette-

Gary,

           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.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

    Tooling costs money Gary, one thing at a time.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

I want some in clear lexan or something so I can see it ticking inside, it would be an incentive for people to keep their oil clean. A clear intake manifold and hood to go with them along with one of those clear distributor caps. But whatever you make I would like some, try to keep the lip on the inside and a tight groove to hold the gaskets in place or some type of permanently moulded in rubber or to hold a large O ring in the groove. O ring material can be bought by the roll and make up your own by just glueing the ends together.

55 Vicky & customline

58 Rack Dump, 55 F350 yard truck, 57 F100

59 & 61 P 400's, 58 F100 custom cab, 69 F100, 79 F150, 82 F600 ramp truck, 90 mustang conv 7 up, 94 Mustang, Should I continue?