New Old Stock VW Valve Covers — Unused Factory Stock from Mexico, Cork Gaskets Included | VW Beetle, Ghia, Bus, Type 3 & Thing 1954–1979 (#E20)
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Short answer: These are unused new old stock Volkswagen valve covers (#E20), built at the factory in Puebla, Mexico, and never fitted to an engine. Sold as a pair (left and right) with two cork gaskets, stamped steel in semi-gloss black, for single and dual relief upright air-cooled engines: Beetle 1954–1979, Super Beetle 1971–1979, Karmann Ghia 1956–1974, Bus 1954–1971, Type 3 1962–1973 and Thing 1973–1974. Not for Type 4 engines.
Part numbers: Washburn's Metal #E20 · E20 · bale options #E24 / #E26
Fitment
| Years | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1954–1979 | VW Beetle | Single and dual relief upright engines |
| 1971–1979 | VW Super Beetle | Single and dual relief upright engines |
| 1956–1974 | VW Karmann Ghia | Single and dual relief upright engines |
| 1954–1971 | VW Bus (Type 2) | 1200cc / 1500cc / 1600cc |
| 1962–1973 | VW Type 3 | Upright air-cooled engine |
| 1973–1974 | VW Thing | Upright air-cooled engine |
| 1972 and later | Does not fit: Type 4 engines — Bus, 411, 412 and Porsche 914 | Type 4 covers are a different design |
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen — new old stock from the factory in Puebla, Mexico |
| Condition | New old stock — unused, never fitted to an engine |
| Material | Stamped steel, correct gauge and baffling |
| Finish | Semi-gloss black |
| Sold as | Pair (left and right), includes two cork gaskets |
| Boxed size | 10 x 5 x 3 in |
| Shipping weight | 2 lb; about 2.3 lb with bales |
| Part number | #E20 |
What's included
- One pair of covers, left and right
- Two cork gaskets, one for each cover
Not included
- Bales, unless you add them with the Bales option below. Or reuse your stock bales if they still have spring.
Add bales
If your old bales have lost their spring, or you're missing one, add a pair with the Bales option and they ship with the covers. The bales fit 1961 and later (40hp and up) engines; 36hp engines use a different bale.
| Bales option | What it is |
|---|---|
| German Bales, Black (#E24) | Pair of German spring-steel bales with full clamping tension. They match the black covers |
| Aftermarket Bales, Yellow Zinc (#E26) | Pair of zinc-plated aftermarket bales. A budget choice if yours are missing or bent |
Why it matters
When a valve cover keeps weeping after a fresh gasket, the cover is usually what's wrong. Reproduction covers run thinner steel and a softer flange, and after a few heat cycles they stop holding even pressure. These are genuine Volkswagen covers, boxed and shelved and never fitted to an engine — correct gauge, correct baffling, and a flange that has never been clamped down on a head.
Which valve cover do you need?
| Listing | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| #E20 — New old stock VW covers (this one) | Unused Volkswagen factory covers from Mexico, never fitted, with two cork gaskets in the box | A rebuild or a restoration where you want an unused factory part |
| #E25 — German aftermarket covers | New German-made replacement covers — made now, not old factory stock and not restored | A car that needs covers that seal and look right without paying for new old stock or restored |
| Restored German covers (#E23) | 1960s–70s German covers, sorted for straight flanges, media blasted, powder coated | A driver you want looking right without paying new-old-stock money |
| #E21 — Restored German with -8 AN bungs | Same restored German covers, with TIG-welded -8 AN breather bungs | A 1776cc or larger build running a catch can |
Installation notes
The gaskets are already in the box. Our #E22 German cork gaskets fit these covers if you want a spare set on the shelf. Covers ship boxed as a pair, 2 lb, standard ground service in the US.
Frequently asked questions
What does new old stock mean?
Factory parts that were made years ago, boxed, and never used. These have never been on an engine.
Where were these VW valve covers made?
At Volkswagen's plant in Puebla, Mexico.
Do these valve covers fit a 1967 VW Beetle?
Yes. These fit upright air-cooled engines from 1954 through 1979, single or dual relief.
Are gaskets and bales included with the #E20 valve covers?
Two cork gaskets are included. Bales are not included by default; pick German black bales (#E24) or aftermarket yellow zinc bales (#E26) in the Bales option and they ship with the covers.
How are NOS valve covers different from your restored covers?
The restored covers are 1960s and 70s German stampings that we inspect, media blast and powder coat here in Orange, California. These have never been on an engine and come as they left the factory.
Will these valve covers fit a Type 4 engine?
No. Type 4 covers are a different design.
Related parts
- #E24 German valve cover bales, black
- #E26 Aftermarket valve cover bales, yellow zinc
- Engine Tin & Components
- Engine
- All Air-Cooled VW
Made by Volkswagen. Sold by Washburn's Metal, Orange, California.
Prop 65 Warning
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
