I recently bought a set of big block Chevy valve covers that are finned and aluminum with M/T on the them....I assume this to be Mickey Thompson...when did they start making these and do they still produce them?...is there any way to find out the production date on this particular set...they came with a '67 427 motor that has set since '71...there are a few numbers on the underside, but I will have to go look at them...I don't have them here with me...any comments or info...are they worth anything?

I had a simiar/identical set on my 70 SS396. I thought that they were ugly compared to the orginal chrome ones. I'd be extremely surprised if they are actually "rare". Yes, please tell if they are worth anything.

Don't take them for granted. Yes, they are a '71 vintage accesory. I doubt they have been made since the late 70's. They lack the aura of factory or 'legendary' dealer instalation, so I doubt they are worth much. You never know, somebody masy remember them and want them and be willing to pay for them, but the market can be quite fickle. Maybe a set of vintage 'Chaparell' rocker covers will turn somebody's crank. I still remember watching the musclecar boom and mini-bust, so anything can happen. The M/T valve covers would be really neat on an early-70's period modified street machine with vintage aftermarket equipment. That may push a few buttons (remember the Baldwin-Motion cars). Personally I love the stock equipment look, shortcomings and all.

I had a set(that I bought in 1978) on my big block until last June, when I rebuilt the engine. The pictures on the main page of my web site show the engine with these covers on it. They came in two flavors: plain aluminum or with a black krinkle finish,with the top of the fins being exposed aluminum. Mine were the black kind, which I then painted Chevy orange.
After checking Holley's website, it looks like they still make them, although the picture they show is a small block valve cover. Link: www.holley.com/HiOctn/ProdLine/OthrProd/ValveCvr/241-25.html (http://www.holley.com/HiOctn/ProdLine/OthrProd/ValveCvr/241-25.html) .

[This message has been edited by Gene McGill (edited 01-16-99).]