Good paints, especially two part epoxy-like paints on clean good valve
covers are extremely resistant to road salt.
POR is a famous one.

I spray a lot of things , like say, the trans ..with some petroleum
product on a regular basis ..
synthetic spray grease, penetrating oil .....even WD which is very light
for this use ..
but 'something' .
There really isn't any reason for rust and corrosion when it's so
rewarding to treat it and prevent it, though I realize some severe
winter/salt  environments are just untenable practically.
  I'm surprised at how many people think an engine is supposed to be
left bone dry to rust on all the metal parts.
and transmissions, etc. Metal likes petroleum products applied to them
if they are not painted instead.

On 7/20/2012 8:01 PM, John Meeks wrote:
> Bill,
> Thanks for the info.  They do sound a bit iffy.
>
> I'm not going for the bling factor.  My original covers are rusting away
> and I'm hoping aluminum will be more resistant to to the winter road salt.
>
> For $30 I may give it a try.  I'll post the results.
>
> This message was autocompleted by my *#�* smart phone.
>
> John Meeks
>
> http://www.vanagonauts.com
> Vanagon Rescue Squad
> On Jul 20, 2012 2:15 PM, "Bill M" <billmonk@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I just talked to someone this past weekend at West River Westies who was
>> having issues with them leaking oil.
>> The solution was taking a set of gaskets and glue them together. Then
>> after their dry using a sealant to adhere them
>> to the valve cover. No problems now. If you could find a set
>> of thicker gaskets you might be fine as is.
>> I personally don't find the "bling" factor on these worth the
>> extra hassle. A better option would be to have a set of stock
>> ones powder coated in a different color.
>>
>> Bill
>>
>> On Jul 19, 2012, at 8:36 PM, John Meeks <vanagon@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi list,
>>>
>>> Has anyone here installed these? Fit and finish? Pros or Cons?
>>> http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=23641
>>>
>>> John Meeks
>>> '91 Vanagon MV Phoenix
>>> Northern Michigan
>>>
>>> Vanagon Rescue Squad
>>> www.vanagonauts.com