Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1957 Pontiac valve stem seals, valve stem seals, valve seals

Question
Hello, I am replacing valve stem seals in 1957 Pontiac while heads are still on engine. The seals go in a groove right bellow keepers groove.. There are what they call in service manual valve stem shields on top of valve spings & they are just about all of them are broke & just dangling around springs. I was going to eliminate them & put umbrella seals over guides, but inner valve spings are to tight over guides to allow that. Would it be a problem to eliminate shields & use stock valve seals, or would I be able to put stock seals on & use a seal on valve stems that would move with valve stems, then offsetting the none use of shields?  Thank You!!!!!

Answer
The stock stem seals will work as long as the valve guides are not worn excessively. Even if the guides are worn the new stem seals will slow down oil consumption. I have been know to use umbrella seals and trim the skirts a bit to clear the inner valve springs and that work fairly well.