I can't remember if I ever aked if there was a source for a nice, chrome timing belt cover. I really want one if there is such a thing and it doesn't cost $6,000.00. Thanks.

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Hello, Euroman

I don't know who gave your post a thumbs down, but it seems silly. It wasn't rude or ridiculous - maybe it was just a mistake - the choices are kinda close together. Anyway, I don't know about a Metal chrome timing cover for the 200 series, but I do know that there is a relatively recent process whereby a chrome-like metal substance is easily applied in a relatively easy process. I saw a demonstration video of a "chrome" surface being applied to many different kinds of materials. It was quite impressive. I will look for the video link and post back for you. Apparently, there are several business out there who are doing this "new" process now. I can't speak to the cost, but I know people are doing just the kind of thing you want. The only problem, for you, is that you want a "metal" timing belt cover, not just a "chrome" cover. I'll post back when I find the link. I was interested in the process, because I have been looking to re-chrome" many of my original "chrome" plastic trim pieces, and was having a heck of a time find anyone who would or could do it.

Hey Ken,
The early covers can be made to fit. One thing you have to have is the metal backplate that goes with, and all the little rubber doohickies to fit in the holes. Nice thing about the old covers is that they are aluminum. Any good polishing shop can make them look great without plating, and I prefer the shine of polished aluminum to chrome, personally. My valve cover is polished, and that's why I want one--to go with and make a set. You can also have them blasted with walnut shells, wire brushed, bead blasted--all sorts of different finishes.

The process for "chroming" your existing plastic cover is called vacuum-metallizing. This is how the industry has been chroming plastic stuff for ages now. Used to be very hard to find this process, but as restoration is chasing newer and newer cars, many plating shops now do it. I have seen advertisements for the process in Hemmings.

Of course if you do the cover, you have to cut out a hole where the cam gear is. Then you custom paint the cam gear and add stainless bolt and polished center washer. Bling!!!
Regards,
DS

David

Thank you for the very informative and helpful reply. I think you are correct when you say "polished" look, and think that is actually what I had in mind after I thinkabout how chrome looks when a finger or hand touches it and over time shows everything whereas polished is kind of shiny but not reflective. My valve cover has a deep black mirror-like finish with white letters and chromed-brass cap nuts and washers all round and looks great. That is one reason I want to dress up the rest of the engine bay. thanks again.

Ken

If you have an early 240 you may be in luck, but it will take some work. A few years ago I was thrilled to find an early 240 in the pick-n-pull with a METAL timing belt cover. Great, I thought. Take it home, have it chromed and then swap it into my 1980 with the B21-F engine. Had it chromed, and then found out that it didn't ft. Looked very similar, but the lower ends were slightly different. Eventually sold it on Ebay to someone who had the correct application for it.


Mike

Well, thank you for that idea. I really had not thought of that and its a good idea. I have just finished having my valve cover painted in "wet-heat" paint with Snow white "volvo" lettering. Then I put chrome-plated brass acorn nuts to hold in on and literally waxed every painted part of the engine compartment and hood, then insulated the hood with chrome-foil-backed insulation. It is bawdy and blingy. ( can a near-70 year old say that?). Anyway, I have always been a nut for clean engine compartment and this one is so nice. I have also replaced every screw and bolt and washer and vacuum and water lines with the stuff Mercedes-Benz is using on the 2011 cars and a 2011, 84-month Lexus battery that just BARELY fits but is a real battery. I made a grille out of the original one but only a picture will do it justice. I am stoked! Thanks.

Euroman,

Here is a link to a mirror polished finish on a factory aluminum intake manifold and TB, if you are serious about "bling" you need to consider it!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8498733@N02/5197398476/

Yes, that is what a factory intake manifold can look like if you have more time and money than common sense! DAMHIK!
jorrell
--
92 245 299.3K miles, IPD'd to the hilt, 06 XC70, 00 Eclipse custom Turbo setup...currently taking names and kicking reputations!

I'd love to see pics of your machine as I am sure others would--sounds great. Thanks

pics please.
Also what year is your car? If you have a plastic cover you will need to google plastic chrome plating and find a place that does this work.Maybe find a good used one in a parts yard and send that one out for plating.No down time while you wait.

Sory, been out of town. I have a `1990 240. I think your suggestion to chrome-plate the original one is good. Just finding a local place to lessen down-time.
Thanks for the suggestion. Best to you.

Ken