Is there a good fix for cracks in factory valve covers?

[dibbons]

These small block valve covers are notorious for cracks around the bolt holes. Back in the day I simply purchases mopar brand chrome covers to replace them. However, now I have a 273 Formula S with the original Hemi style valve covers (fins and black wrinkle finish). I would like to save them, have cracks. Any ideas?

 

[halifaxhops]

Bet Phoenix specialty coatings can fix them.

 

[lilnoah]

She will try that is for sure. If she can't she will tell you.

 

[jaws]

Find someone that is good at tig welding. Weld from underneath should do it.

 

[Riddler]

I've seen a few sets done. It's quite involved. Last set the guy used a dremel to groove the crack and then tig welded it. Then smoothed out the weld for powdercoating.

Riddler

 

[Sedanman]

pics of the cracks?

 

[TrailBeast]

That's what happens when you put a flat valve cover on a non flat surface.
Put a straight edge front to back on the valve cover rails on a factory small block head and see what happens.

Any welder worth anything can fix them, but a good welder can do it where you can't even see it was done.
The problem is that any good welder that can do it will cost you as much as replacing it, or even more.

 

[dibbons]

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Once I get these repaired, has anyone used these "universal" valve cover spreader bars and, if so, did they make a good fit? Thank you.

 

[moper]

Have them welded and refinished. Simple fix really.