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

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

I would be interested. However, the design in the picture doesn't make me want to spend $235 for them. It does not appear to be very different than the Blue Thunder offering which I have on my engine. Because of my personal taste, I would not want the valve cover to have Thunderbird on it unless it is actually in a Thunderbird. That sort of thing just bugs me for some reason.

I think that rather than using fins, some kind of interwoven Y pattern would be neat. It looks great in my head. I wish I had some drawing skills in order to illustrate it. It certainly wouldn't be mainstream. I'm sure the fins are just cosmetic anyway so some different design shouldn't be bad.

I am definitely interested in a new valve cover. Anything new for the Y is good. If I were buying a valve cover for style alone, the submitted design would not suffice. In my opinion, it is too mainstream. It reminds me of the old Corvette valve covers.


Lawrenceville, GA

I happen to like the "8" over V emblem from the T-bird glove box / 55 front fender - and in the lead banner for this website. It's a Y block emblem and is probably not going to get put on another Ford model real soon - but the T-bird keeps popping back up from time to time.

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.

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

How about the Y-Blocks Forever logo? Chuck

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

how about a two piece so you set valves on a running engine?.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Ted, thanks for your leg work on this one. I would have to agree with Charley about using the Y blocks forever logo. I know the checkered flags may bring up some old Corvette memories, but scrub doesn't have the market on the old checkered flags. I think the logo in place of the usual Tbird pictured, and then the scallops you mentioned.

then again, pegleg's advice is pretty good!

Dan

Daniel Jessup

Lancaster, California

aka "The Hot Rod Reverend"
check out the 1955 Ford Fairlane build at www.hotrodreverend.com

I say nuke the bird logo, and use the Y blocks forever logo but sans flags.

- John

John: Lake Forest, IL



'57 Fairlane 500 - Looking better every day.

Ted:

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

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

I'd be in for a set (or two). And hello from Finland to all! Had a great weekend with the Ford Freaks club, went swimming in a cold Finnish lake, etc. I'll put a page up either tonight or tomorrow night full of images.



You guys KNOW that I'd love to see the YBF logo on a set of covers!!! But then, I suppose that is natural.






Jim (site owner)
'56 Club Sedan - Ted Eaton built 429 hp '292/318, '54 Sunliner - stock '302

By the way Ted, I have been known to make aluminum castings.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart)