I am doing my research on 1969 Vettes for a possible purchase down the road. I have looked at very many ads as well as web sites showing very different amounts of chrome under the hood. Some show cast aluminum valve covers, chromed Cheverolet valve covers...etc. Does anyone know what a 350/427 looked like out of the box in'69. The chrome looks great, but is it what they looked like from the plant. I would like to find a '69 as original as possible. Thanks.

Traditionally, Corvettes with the base engine (small block) have stamped steel valve covers that are painted engine color. The optional engines have aluminum, magnesium or chromed valve covers, depending on year and engine. On the big blocks at least in '69, the chrome valve covers were chrome flashed...not a high quality job compared to more expensive chrome plating. The big block valve covers also had small dimples in them from the welds on the undersides for the drippers.

There are some pretty good books on the market that can help you better in researching whether a car is original or not. Good luck.

I have an original '69 427. The engine chrome includes the chrome valve covers (with chrome oil filler cap), the air filter cover and the distributor cover and top.

Have you checked with the National Corvette Restorers Society (http://www.ncrs.org)? I would think that they would have some good info for you.