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Valve Cover Bolts -- Which Ones ?

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  • bcomo
    Super-Experienced
    • Sep 23 2005
    • 1223

    Valve Cover Bolts -- Which Ones ?

    I have two different style valve cover bolts and need to change to the correct ones.

    Some of them are plain bolts with a lock washer.

    Some of them are Flange Bolts, without a lock washer.

    Which ones are correct?

    Thanks
    Bart
    1960 Hard Top/430
    Thunderbird Registry Number 1231
  • Alexander
    Webmaster
    • Oct 30 2002
    • 3321

    #2
    The original valve cover bolts are hex head with a round recess on the head marked "B" in the center. They have an integral split washer.
    Alexander
    1959 Hard Top
    1960 Golde Top
    sigpic

    Comment

    • bcomo
      Super-Experienced
      • Sep 23 2005
      • 1223

      #3
      I have only a few of the original ones (with the split washer).

      Is there anywhere to get more of those? They don't have to have the B in the center. I've tried the vendors, and done a few Google searches with no results.
      Last edited by bcomo; December 20, 2007, 05:26 PM.
      Bart
      1960 Hard Top/430
      Thunderbird Registry Number 1231

      Comment

      • Alexander
        Webmaster
        • Oct 30 2002
        • 3321

        #4
        They should have a letter in the center recess. Dirt often obscure the letter.
        Alexander
        1959 Hard Top
        1960 Golde Top
        sigpic

        Comment

        • Alexander
          Webmaster
          • Oct 30 2002
          • 3321

          #5
          Here is a picture of the correct bolt:

          Alexander
          1959 Hard Top
          1960 Golde Top
          sigpic

          Comment

          • bcomo
            Super-Experienced
            • Sep 23 2005
            • 1223

            #6
            Alexander:

            Is there anyone who sells those new?

            Or are they only available used?

            Thanks for the photo.
            Bart
            1960 Hard Top/430
            Thunderbird Registry Number 1231

            Comment

            • Alexander
              Webmaster
              • Oct 30 2002
              • 3321

              #7
              These were special Ford specification bolts. They are not reproduced as far as I know. Bob's Bird House and Pat Wilson can set you up with used examples. Are any of yours correct?
              Alexander
              1959 Hard Top
              1960 Golde Top
              sigpic

              Comment

              • bcomo
                Super-Experienced
                • Sep 23 2005
                • 1223

                #8
                Most of mine are like the photo.

                I'll see if Bob's Bird House has a few used ones.

                Thanks
                Bart
                1960 Hard Top/430
                Thunderbird Registry Number 1231

                Comment

                • byersmtrco
                  Super-Experienced
                  • Sep 28 2004
                  • 1839

                  #9
                  Does anyone make a reinforcement kit like we have for Chevy small blocks? It consists of studs instead of bolts, locknuts AND a bar with a flanged hole in the center to spread the force of the bolt. They won't work on the Ford, because Chevy V/C bolts are 1/4-20.
                  My rocker covers leak. I've changed the gaskets (cork junk just like early GM). They still leak.

                  Comment

                  • Alexander
                    Webmaster
                    • Oct 30 2002
                    • 3321

                    #10
                    They make rubber gaskets for FE's. They are less prone to leakage. Straighten out your valve cove flanges before installing. You can use some silicone glue on the bottom half of the flange . Valve covers never leak from the top.
                    Alexander
                    1959 Hard Top
                    1960 Golde Top
                    sigpic

                    Comment

                    • bcomo
                      Super-Experienced
                      • Sep 23 2005
                      • 1223

                      #11
                      I found the Valve Cover Hold Downs (Spreader) that John refered to. They are for a Ford small block.

                      Our engines use a 5/16 diameter valve cover bolt.

                      Does the Ford small block use the same diameter bolt?
                      Bart
                      1960 Hard Top/430
                      Thunderbird Registry Number 1231

                      Comment

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