68z valve covers (The O)

[black69]

I put the valve covers back on, they are aged, and I have not seen the O on the lip.  I could be blind, but had to ask if they are hard to see on originals.   Just would like to know if there is something I dont know on these being original to the car or not.  I dont want to bug the previous owners (including owner #1 yet). July (last week or so of production).

bob

[MO]

Most that I have seen have been fairly prominent, but there are some that are harder to see because of light stamping. 

[68L30]

Not just on the chrome covers, but the painted ones as well. I’ve been a collector of 68 covers. One year only pieces..

Steve.

[GMAD_Van Nuys]

A seller on eBay has a pair of 1968 small block chrome valve covers for sale and shows the "O" stamping:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/116208084154?_nkw=1968+z28+valve+covers&itmmeta=01J6A94YTRENHH2FPBYSFB36MD&hash=item1b0e8aa4ba:g:Da4AAOSwkFtmYPYR&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA8HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKlyaV3F9AdwPnxHu8M%2FWxUWk7%2FxN2t3p%2BX2loFrkdBg8jlMdNbiDxNZi6VC%2BXY3xrLi2OjWVYrMqdkT9vG7XH8RtWyZWPUE8j3CzDqgXDWr3l4uqm50drn0QK1960tGMzxNTXsaUYXe2IKtdYZIx2zX4WNfp4cV8EEdmv1fWzRotvRbF9HzBgLWlrwkIsa89Q%2BiBMvsyC3rNmOEadkvSvM9xFPfJl72jmyVBHvS0rh7FLzcqU8E49Q%2BtJ3TXEtIhFcPbBOhuOKWS5CNT0znwGTuCxBphKc%2BobbZ7YVW7AUcLw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR77tk8myZA

[169INDY]

Sample:

Warning When sending Orig cover to Plater inform then to not Remove the stamp. LoL Mine are gone post plate
oops

[black69]

thanks for the help/education.  I have to now ask, did they make identical covers without the stamps? Like even without the stamps, would there be an application?  Someone told me the O is tied to the use case of 'O' stamped rocker arms.  had to ask, and I will really look harder at mine with a pen light next time in the garage. 

I have a friend that has the same month build (July), I need to ask him how his valve cover stamp looks, the VINs are really close (last 2000 68s made). Maybe they are both really hard to see stamps, doubt it but why not ask. I find it hard that these are not the originals as the patina matches the 25K mile car (driver quality).

-bob

[169INDY]

I will take a Guess: The Stamp is most likely at Mfr. Identification, Same covers were used on the Camaro SS350 & Corvette  SBC Motor Dress up if I am not mistaken.
The question 'could' be ARE the Service Parts stamped the Same as Engine plate parts?

[68camaroz28]

On our 68Z I had NOS valve covers in the GM boxes that were purchased in 1979 as they came with our car when purchased in 1983 and have chevy dealership receipt. They are on the car but I could not find any "O" stamp on them. I have a picture in my Camaro files of an "O" stamp and it is just barely visible.

[black69]

all great info, time tonight to go search better, helps to know they can be faint.  I have to say when I did look, I was not sure where they were, but now know exactly where they should be.

[GMAD_Van Nuys]

Discussion on the CorvetteForum about the difference between original and replacement 1968 chrome valve covers:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-parts-for-sale-wanted/1941923-wtb-68-valve-covers-2.html

[z28z11]

Had mine rechromed years ago, fortunately the plater heeded my warning about removing the “0”, but it’s still a little lighter than the finish with the OE chrome over nickel.

I do think it’s peculiar to the HP engines, my ‘67 script Chevy ll L79 covers are supposed to carry the “0” as well. I assume the ‘67 Z (same covers) would be the same -

Regards,
Steve