For a 1969 Z/28 DZ 302 with a flat hood the correct cover is part number 6421832.
CHROME
I have seen many many postings where people state that chrome lids are supposed to be flash chromed (as opposed to triple chromed). In one of his postings, JohnZ set the record straight and it looks like they are supposed to be “Factory Chromed”.
Paragon Corvette makes an outstanding heavy-gauge reproduction 14″ lid that’s done with “factory chrome” (only nickel and chrome, no copper under the nickel), and they do the silk-screening on it; closest thing you’ll find to the original factory lid.
“Flash chrome” is only the .0005″-thick clear chrome layer; that was used only on polished stainless steel trim like windshield and back window reveal moldings, wheel trim rings, etc. to add brilliance and protect the underlying stainless from oxidation.
“Factory chrome” was a layer of nickel, followed by the final layer of clear chrome; used on bumpers, die-cast emblems, air cleaner lids, etc.
GM never used “show chrome” (copper, then nickel, then chrome).
I am looking into having my original air cleaner cover rechromed. The problem is the silkscreen on the bottom.
SILKSCREEN TEXT
1) There are a lot of guys who say that the silkscreen on the bottom should be curved text.
2) Paragon Corvette states on their site that curved text is for 1966 – 1969 cars and that square text is for 1970 – 1972. Paragon also calls their chrome for this lid “flash chrome” so I don’t know how reliable of a source they really are.
Counter-argument
1) The silkscreen text that came on my car is straight. I believe my cover is original. Most of the original parts were either on the car or came with the car and the lid is very rusted out. My car is a Norwood, second week of January 1969 Z/28.
Here are two pictures of my lid:
2) There is a guy on Camaros.net with a 8,000 mile Z/28 he found in a field that has the exact same text that mine does. I really don’t believe his car had the lid changed since the miles on his car are so low. His barn find survivor is a Van Nuys First week of May 1969 Z/28.
His lid:
3) A guy that I really trust told me has seen these covers both ways for 1969.
Unless I find some major evidence that it has to be curved, when I have the cover restored, I am going with the straight text.