I have a Chinese SKS built from factory 906 in 1973. It has an aftermarket receiver cover on it. I am thinking of sanding and refinishing the wood and possibly checkering the stock. Is this something I should do as it doesn't seem to be a highly valued rifle as far as SKS goes. What are thoughts on this.

It would be a great rifle to practice your checkering on. Dembart tools are good.

Sure; go for it; stocks are still available if you destroy it. Can't really hurt it.

Checkering that thing is going to be like checkering a sponge. That old, punky, rotten, pine, or what ever brand of (Zimbabwe death wood it is) is going to fuzz and break up like hairy, oily, chalk.

You could check to see if Boyds makes a stock for it. I imagine they do and knowing Boyds it will be cheep. But as said previously, it's a great stock to practice on, if you're fond of pain and aggravation.

Found three on flea bay for $10.50 to $12.50.