These beautiful desk lamps were created from vintage valve covers. They feature silver and copper patinas and a touch of gold. They are fitted with push button switches for individual control of the edison style bulbs. Each one was individually handcrafted and is unique. If you are thinking of making some of these beautiful lamps for your home, then you are in the right place.
DIY plans are available here!!
How to make Lamps from Vintage Valve Covers
If you have a love for vintage cars, you can make vintage valve cover lamps from salvaged auto parts. These lamps are based on the old valve covers from a small block Chevy V8 engine. You will find some slight variations in color and design from one cover to another. Valve covers are roughly 20 inches in diameter and 9 inches high, and they weigh 6 pounds.
Valve covers are a popular vintage accessory, but you can also make them into lamps for your home or office. You can make them in a wide variety of styles, from primitive to steampunk. If you want to make a vintage lamp for a specific car, look for a valve cover with an engine logo and name highlighted in black.
Materials needed
There are many materials that can be used to make vintage valve cover lamps. These include a polished steel valve cover and polished aluminum or brass hardware. You will also need spray paint and the appropriate color spray enamel for your vintage car. For 1967 Chevys, you will need Chevy Orange, while later years will require blue valve covers. You should also have a spray can with trigger grips to make the spraying process more comfortable and easier.
Techniques
Vintage valve cover lamps can be made from a variety of recycled car parts. One example is a Chevy harmonic balancer. These lamps are repurposed and then painted with a glossy protective finish. Some even include the original color of the car as a decorative element. A spray paint gun is a good tool for this project.