NEbody remove valve covers for cleanup?

Well, after replacing the heat shield and repainting the intake ('rossa part), I now have to repaint the valve covers, which look pale in comparison. Will I have to replace the gaskets, or are they reusable? I am hoping that I won't twist off a stud or something and the job turn into a pita, which is what has kept me from doing it so far. Maybe I should just use a brush and do it in the car? Or maybe just wait for the next major, next year. I have a couple car shows I am committed to this year though, so I am leaning toward doing it now. Then again, maybe I am too fussy? I don't want to post pics, it would be like taking my picture with my pants down. LOL

 

Sometimes the gaskets are re-usable, but I wouldn't count on that. I think new cam cover gaskets are about $180 to $200 or so. You will also need new distributor base plate and cap gaskets,a vacuum pump gasket, and bock-off plate gasket. Be very careful with the spark plug wire retainers, they are just plastic and over time - and heat cycles - they become brittle, and some of the pieces are NOT cheap to replace. If you can remove them that's great, but most times they only break. So I'd try and tape them off or something. If your cam covers need repainting then you may as well just do it. If you clean and prepare them properly, and do a nice paint job, the finish will last a long time.

 

Also add to that list 12 x spark plug cam cover o-rings.