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.

 

And for Frank: In reference to Billy’s question, what does it take to make clear valve covers from the same molds used for aluminum?  Clear covers do sound like a neat idea if they could be made to hold up to the heat for any reasonable period of time but I'm not familiar with the nuances when dealing with molding 'clear' items and what it really takes to have them 'clear' or distortion free when making these items.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

I think that the only people that know about the Y-block will recognize one. It's just doesn't have enough recognition. I've had people ask me if my motor was a Chevy when I had the old stamped valve covers with F O R D clearly stamped on them. This happened several times. If the original stamped valve covers don't scream Y-block, I don't know what does. I think it will be a while before people will be able to look at one and say "Oh, that's a Y-block" This is a good thing anyway. I for one don't want to go to a car show where 75% of the cars are Y-blocks and 50% of those have 6-71 blowers, all with some slight variance of the same beautification. Don't take this the wrong way. I love the Y but if it becomes mainstream like the chevy and even ford small blocks, I'll have to find something else. I just don't like mainstream. I'm willing to bet that if you had valve covers that had Y-block written in big bold text people will still ask.


Lawrenceville, GA

Gary,

         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.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

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

The inside of the clear covers cloud up initially when first fired up due to condensate but then clear right up as the engine warms up.  Even with the oil hitting the covers from the underside, the general area around the valve train assemblies remains quite visible.  Here's a picture of the covers I ran on my Fe with a clear lexan insert that held up quite well for the twelve years that they were ran.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Gary,

        Have not seen it.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Gary,

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

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Now you are talking Frank, them valve covers are "eye candy", a real stroker crank, that's something we can sink our teeth in.

Glen Henderson



Freedom is not Free

Letohatchee, AL

Gary,

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

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Gary, front cover 5000 =/-, Crank, a little less. the prices can vary all over the map depending on the local market, how hungry they are, and what kind of tooling you want to build.

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

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Here's the valve cover design sent by Gary.  It's drawn to approximate scale and would likely look good with or without fins.  As Gary mentions, it has seven scallops instead of eight so that the emblem can be suitably centered.  The design is generic enough in nature that it could be right at home on cars or trucks.

 

 

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)