This was discussed for 1967 cars here: http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?th...4-speed-59-500-obo.324162/page-2#post-2709237 I have a '68 Accessory book that lists Chrome Valve Covers for the '67 400 but it does not show a part number or '68 engines. These were an accessory, not from the factory. '68 valve covers are the same as '69 but different than '67. Does anyone have proof (documentation) that they were available in 1968?
I remember this being discussed as an appearance option in 69 but I don't remember about 68. Some folks were confused. Thinking it was a Stg 1 only option.
'69 Stage 1's came from the factory with chrome valve covers and air cleaner lids so I bet you could get the valve covers from the dealer in '69 if you wanted them. If they were available in '67 and '69 I would think that '68 would have been available at the dealer but I have no documentation showing that. I will have to dig deeper into my parts books to see if there is a part number for them.
Someone with a better memory than me needs to chime in here. I'm aware of the stg1s coming with chrome. I thought it was an option on the GS400s as well in 69.
I have never seen a factory option code for chrome valve covers or chrome appearance packages from the factory in 1969. But anything is possible if you knew the right people. Everything I have seen have been available from the dealer only.
Mike I know my former low mileage 68 had a chrome air cleaner lid but painted valve covers. now I have no idea if it was dealer installed or factory
I just went through all of my parts books and literature and I do see any mention of chrome valve covers and they are not listed in the valve cover part number group for '68. You could get a ski rack, clothes rod, compass, CB Radio, 4-note horn, but no listings for valve covers.
I wish I could back this up with paperwork... Alan (69gs400s) needs to look through his books. I DO recall seeing a brochure for a "chrome package" or "chrome appearance package" or "engine appearance package" or something which was chrome valve covers and air cleaner lid. Was it a 69 ONLY thing? I don't recall.. as this was 7-8 years ago. So, the 68 AIR CLEANER LID WAS FACTORY CHROME. The 69 Stage 1 valve covers were CHROME. Kenne-Bell sold CHROME 68-69 valve covers. Wish I had or can recall the flier or brochure I saw it in... Maybe it was just a dealer thing- where they bought KB's and offered it as a chrome dress up package..
This is from the '68 Accessory book I have, it lists '67 and '66 but not '68. It was a dealer accessory. '68 Chrome lids are different than the Chevy lids but the same as the Pontiac lids if you ever need one.
Thank you! I thought I remembered a discussion we had about that. I thought it had been like 8-10 yrs ago. Lol
I know the chrome lid was standard on GS, but wasn't it a 'dress up' option for Rivieras, and maybe even the Wildcat, Electra, and maybe the Sportwagon? I'd also bet that the '67 style chrome valve cover option was available all through '68. That would have been an easy thing for Buick, just keep cataloging it and selling it. Maybe send dealers a bulletin advising that, maybe not. Really, if you wanted chrome for your brand new '68 GS400, would you have noticed or been upset that they had plug wire retainers? Patrick
o I get so excited when we get close to that elusive 68 400 STAGE 1 dealer installed option that came suppose in the trunk ?? and if it did why would they send chrome valve covers with it?? it would make sense that no chrome were available for 68 leading up to the master plan for 69
My Dad's car supposedly had this stage 1 kit added on it at the dealership. I was in touch with the dealership before they finally closed in 2008. I even got to speak to their tech whom did the installs. Unfortunately, they had no records of the parts sales etc, and the original owner of the car had none of the records either. The original owner's father bought the car for his son as a graduation present. The original engine was blown up in the early 80s and was scrapped so none of it really matters. I did try to get documentation just because it would have been cool to have other than stories. Haha
I bought a new 68 Riviera in March 68 . I ordered chrome valve covers from the parts department later but not sure if they could have been 69's . If I remember, they looked the same as the original painted covers. Bill
