Aftermarket Valve Cover Bales, Yellow Zinc — Pair | VW Beetle, Bus, Ghia, Type 3 & Thing 1961–1979 (#E26)
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Washburn's Metal #E26 is a pair of aftermarket valve cover bales in yellow zinc plated spring steel, replacing VW 043 101 487. They fit 40hp and later upright air-cooled engines: Beetle and Super Beetle 1961–1979, Karmann Ghia 1961–1974, Bus 1961–1971, Type 3 1962–1973, Thing 1973–1974 and buggies running a Type 1. Not 36hp or Type 4. Two bales, one per cover.
Part numbers: #E26 · E26 · replaces VW 043 101 487 / 043101487 / 043-101-487 (valve cover bale / bail clip)
Fitment
| Years | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1961–1979 | VW Beetle and Super Beetle | Super Beetle 1971–1979 |
| 1961–1974 | VW Karmann Ghia | |
| 1961–1971 | VW Bus (Type 2) | 1200cc / 1500cc / 1600cc |
| 1962–1973 | VW Type 3 | |
| 1973–1974 | VW Thing | |
| — | Dune buggies, sand rails and kit cars | Running a Type 1 engine |
| Does not fit | 36hp engines | Different cover and bale |
| Does not fit | Type 4 engines | 1972 and later Bus, 411, 412, Porsche 914 |
| Does not fit | Bolt-on billet valve covers | Covers that use studs and nuts |
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Part number / SKU | #E26 |
| Interchange | Replaces VW 043 101 487 |
| Material | Spring steel wire |
| Finish | Yellow zinc plated |
| Type | Aftermarket, stock shape |
| Sold as | Pair (2 bales) |
| Dimensions / weight | 10 x 4 x 2 in boxed, 0.3 lb |
| Sold by | Washburn's Metal, Orange, California |
Which Bales Do You Need?
| Listing | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| #E24 — German valve cover bales (black) | Spring-steel German bales with full factory clamping tension, black finish | Restorations, rebuilds, and any cover that has been weeping oil |
| #E26 — Aftermarket valve cover bales (zinc) (this one) | Yellow-zinc plated aftermarket bales, correct shape, lighter tension | Budget replacement for a missing or bent bale on a driver |
What's Included
- One pair: two bales, one for each valve cover
Not Included
- Valve cover gaskets (see our #E22 German cork gaskets)
Why It Matters
Lost a bale during a valve adjustment, or bent one prying it off? These are formed to the stock shape, with a center dip over the cover ribs and hooked ends that catch the cylinder-head ledge, and they go on and come off exactly like the originals. Yellow zinc plating holds off rust.
If you're chasing an oil leak or rebuilding an engine, step up to our German #E24 bales, which have more clamping tension.
Installation Notes
- Seat a new cork gasket in the valve cover. Our #E22 German cork gaskets fit.
- Hold the cover against the head and hook both bale ends under the ledge on the cylinder head.
- Push the center of the bale up and over into the dip on the cover with a large screwdriver until it snaps into place.
- Run the engine to temperature and check the flange for seepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many valve cover bales do I need?
One per valve cover, so one pair per engine. This listing is a pair.
Do #E26 valve cover bales fit a 1967 VW Beetle?
Yes. They fit every 40hp and later upright engine from 1961 through 1979.
Will these valve cover bales fit a 36hp engine?
No. The 36hp uses a different cover and bale.
What VW part number do the #E26 bales replace?
VW 043 101 487, the valve cover bale (bail clip).
German or aftermarket valve cover bales: what is the difference?
German bales (#E24, black) hold more clamping tension through heat cycles, so the gasket stays sealed; they are the choice for rebuilds and oil leaks. Aftermarket bales (#E26, yellow zinc) cost less and suit replacing a lost or bent bale on a driver.
Can I buy the bales with valve covers?
Yes. Our #E20 and #E21 valve cover listings have bale and gasket options you can add.
Related Parts
- #E22 German cork valve cover gaskets
- #E20 New old stock VW valve covers
- #E21 German valve covers with -8 AN bungs
- Engine · All Air-Cooled VW
Prop 65 WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
