So I went to replace the valve cover gaskets an noticed that they had been put on wrong at one time. Cause they had rocker marks an small cracks. So my question is what is the correct way that the valve covers should go.

 

Look at em:

You'll observe that one side kinda stands up straight, and the other is kinda leaned in more.

You'll also notice that the gasket flange has an extra 90° whoop-de-doo all the way down one side, and on the other, that feature is missing.

Upon further study, you'll will notice that the side that stands up straighter, is the one missing the feature.

That side in the intake side. The side where it runs the full length, is the exh side.

Then, upon even further study, you'll notice that if you lay the VCs on the floor and observe them, when you face them so that the exh side is toward you (which is what you'd see on either side of the motor), the PCV fitting will be to your left. Front on the driver's side, rear on the pass side.

 

I tried putting the vc with the pcv an oil cap on the driver side with the pcv towards the front of the car .but it would work what I'm I missing

 

Explain "would work" more fully.

Stock, the oil fill was on the pass side toward the front in your car, if memory serves. But I could very easily be wrong about that.

 

Yes they are stock

 

On my 84 the pcv valve is on the passenger side towards the rear. The gaskets I got from fel-pro had a single hole per stud on one side of the gasket and 2 on the opposite. I went to put them on and they would only fit properly one way. I believe the side with the double holes went towards the manifolds. That is also how my aftermarket valve covers fit as well. Hope this helps.

 

Yes that is mostly correct: the different pre-1959 pattern is the reason for the extra set of holes, and they're on the intake side.

 

^^^^Correct, like I said, I could not remember.