1973 340 Valve cover question

[John Hogan]

Going through the 340 in my 1973 Road Runner brought up a silly question. I was told this motor had never been touched and by everything I found that seems true. I always thought the breather and pcv grommets were installed at the factory after the valve covers were painted. And that is how I restored my big blocks in the mid '80's.
However, after cleaning off the grime from the valve covers the grommets definitely show signs of engine paint. So, my question is, were they painted installed in the valve cover from the factory?
Thanks as always for help from the experts.

 

[Floyd]

I don’t have any experience with 72-later 340s but conventional wisdom for 70-71 340s is they were installed prior to paint (should be painted engine color).

 

[MoparJimT]

Hey John, First I apologize I have not been in better contact with you. We are so close in proximity, I really need to try and come out and visit with you. I have a box of parts that need a home.

As far as your question, my original valve covers are long gone, unfortunately, but as I searched for another set they all had blue paint on the old grommets so I would imagine Floyd is correct and it was standard practice.

Happy Thanksgiving to you, your Family and to all the FBBO friends on the Forum

 

[John Hogan]

Hey John, First I apologize I have not been in better contact with you. We are so close in proximity, I really need to try and come out and visit with you. I have a box of parts that need a home.

As far as your question, my original valve covers are long gone, unfortunately, but as I searched for another set they all had blue paint on the old grommets so I would imagine Floyd is correct and it was standard practice.

Happy Thanksgiving to you, your Family and to all the FBBO friends on the Forum

Wow, Jim I can say the same. Seems like we make it to Elizabeth a couple of times a year but never end up going further west. However.....we might be coming to Parker this Friday to pick up my wife's daughter. Will you be around on Friday afternoon?

A couple of months ago we went to a car show in Loveland and headed up to Ft. Collins to see "idrivemopar"'s '73. It's a really amazing restoration and Paul is a great guy.

And between your findings and Floyd's info it looks like blue they will be!