i just put a new valve cover gaset in and it still leaks so i put in gascet number 2 in still leaks and tricks to make it stop leaking

A tisket a tasket another leaking gasket. (sorry)
It could be a few things. First, when you removed the old gasket, did you clean the valve cover and the engine surface clean so there was no residual gasket material left?
Next, I believe in '81 the valve cover was still metal. Is the the valve cover itself in good condition and not bent in any shape, way or form.
And finally. When you tighten down the nuts on the valve cover, are you cranking them down so they can't go no more? Or are you using a torque wrench and tightening the valve cover down to around between 5 or 6 ft lbs?? It don't take much to over tighten these "puppies" to make 'em leak all over again.