Valve Cover Color

[Tuxedo]

What is the correct color for valve covers for a '60 t-bird? I know my covers have never been off, and hence never repainted and they are yellow. I do however see blue on cars that appear to be original.

[GTE427]

Yours is correct. In 1960, the 352 engine colors are, Black Block, Black Intake, Black front cover/water pump, Black oil pan, Yellow valve covers.

[YellowRose]

Valve Cover Color

I see that Ken has answered your question! I was researching this while he was. To add to it... The VTCI OFS (Official Factory Specifications) give you all the details as to what color your valve covers should be, per model year.. 1958 Valve Covers are Black. Late 1958 Valve Covers have FORD on them. Early 1959 Valve Covers are Blue. (FORD). Later 1959-1960 Valve Covers can be Chrome, Gold (the OFS calls it Goldenrod Yellow), Blue and Primer (according to a note entitled Service Replacement) with FORD on them. 1959-1960 430 Valve covers are always black. Valve covers with THUNDERBIRD on them are not original equipment on Squarebirds and will get you point reductions during judging... But I like mine!! For a full explanation, go to the VTCI OFS CD and view 7.3.3.2...

[57ford/60thunderbird]

i think id rather have primer colored ones then my ugly yellow uns they hurt my eyes they will eventually be replaced with eith chrome or cast aluminum

[tbird430]

1960 352cid engines had yellow valve covers, white air cleaners, and a black block & accys. The non-air 4 blade fans were also white (same as air cleaner), while the a/c Birds had black fan blades....

[Dan Leavens]

Keith the valve covers on the 60 were "Ditzler Yellow " colour code.I agree thay hurt the eyes and personally I don't know what Ford was thinking That's why I went with the chrome dress up on the valve covers and air breather as it looks much better

[JohnG]

Dano, you really wanted to avoid telling anyone what the shade of yellow was..... ditzler .....

Where do you suppose a name like that came from???

[protourbird]

If memory serves me correctly Ditzler was a brand of automotive paints.

[57ford/60thunderbird]

yes ditzler enamel used to be the STUFF before base coat clear coat became the rage

actually i believe ditzler was the name for some of duponts paint

[fomoco59]

My old '60 had beat up blue valve covers on it when i got it. I powdercoated them yellow from Eastwood.

[Guest]

Hey Mike,
She looks good!
I got me a set of valve covers off Ebay with the Thunderbird logo on them. I'm going to get them chromed.
Chrome, that should be a song! Oh, wait a minute it is!!!

[Alan H. Tast, AIA]

Valve Cover Paint

yes ditzler enamel used to be the STUFF before base coat clear coat became the rage

actually i believe ditzler was the name for some of duponts paint

WRONG! Ditzler is the name of PPG's paint division. DuPont is another company.

As for the valve covers, the only gold valve covers for 1960 were for the 352 HiPo (360 hp) - Goldenrod Yellow was for the 352-300 hp engine used in the 'Bird. How you inferred Gold in the OFS is beyond me, but please give the place where you found the listing so I can review and/or edit a correction.

[tarps3]

My old '60 had beat up blue valve covers on it when i got it. I powdercoated them yellow from Eastwood.

I personally really like the yellow valve colors.
I like the contrast and makes the engine unique.

EVERYBODY has chrome valve covers but not many have yellow.

just my .02 - it's all i have left after paying for the bailouts

[JohnG]

I am relieved to hear Ditzler is not a color...

[57ford/60thunderbird]

i stand corrected pardon the mistake