Anyone know what the black hard OEM material is on the valve covers? ... or the best way to remove it without damaging the metal surface underneath?

Mine is flaking off and it looks terrible, so I would like to totally remove it.

 

local hardware stores have paint removers.

 

aircraft stripper

 

Hell yeah, that stuff will make the paint melt off pretty much.

Just make sure you go through and repaint it... Use something like Dupli Color's Engine Enamel in just about any color you want.

 

If you use chemichal stripper (aircraft stripper), you will need to be quick when removing it, try to get as much paint out of the "h" and "vtec" or "16valves" lettering as possible, those are time consuming to be perfectly cleaned. After stripping the valve cover, wipe it down with thinner, and then wipe it down with clean water. Sand it smooth, and apply primer, for high temperature (anything more than 350 degrees is more than enough). Sand it again, wipe it clean, and paint the valve cover.

 

after you strip it with what ever chemicle you want you can also polish it. it is an alluminum valve cover so you dont have to worry about rust. I will warn you though this is a time consumeing matter. I did it, it took a few hours, but I think the end result was worth it.

 

Polish LOooks so much Better than paint Got mone Polished

 

if you do plan to go the polish route, take a look at this thread...

Polishing Parts with a Dremel

Also, if you run a search on that user on that site, I'm pretty sure he has other polishing related threads.