valve covers

[whistler]

I have a set of 409 valve covers with the welded in "drippers".This set also has the end breathers which I have not seen on others.Could someone please tell me what year these covers were used on.Thanks in advance.

[Ronnie Russell]

whistler. chrome or painted? The breathers were added , a common modification. Cuts the value in half. painted 1961 and 1962 Chrome 1963,4, and 5

[whistler]

Ronnie,thanks for the info.

[JimKwiatkowski]

whistler. chrome or painted? The breathers were added , a common modification. Cuts the value in half. painted 1961 and 1962 Chrome 1963,4, and 5

Ronnie,are you saying the breathers were a factory add on,or owner add on's?I installed breathers for better crankcase evacuation when drag racing,they reduce the pressure build up in the engine crankcase at high RPM'S.

[Ronnie Russell]

Jim, the breathers were add ons by owners. They are a great addition to any w-head engine . They dont look too good on show cars as they are not factory pieces, but they sure do their job. We use the standard evacuators that are plumbed into headers like most racers. Unfortunately, when you cut up a nice set of drippers to intall breathers, the value of the valve covers must go down. Thats okay, I like the benefit of the breathers.

[bobs409]

Fixable though, metal can always be put back thanks to the almighty welder. :D If they were mine, I'd weld in new metal and if needed, replace the drippers. (repro's available)