Alpina (ish) valve cover?

[Pagan]

Hey all,

This valve cover made its way to my garage. Not sure what to make of it. I was going to send it off to be blasted/coated but I want to make sure that there is no historical significance to it before I ship it out.

Thanks as always,

T

 

Edited September 1 by Pagan

[Pagan]

I should mention, the reason I am hesitant is that this was the same parts lot that included the 1800 TISA head,  Venulia  Alpina clone pistons and some other nifty bits. 

[visionaut]

No external ribs means an early cover. The Alpina ‘logo’ badge is period correct, but easily imitated/faked. But given the provenance of the other bits, it may be genuine…

 

Look for a date elsewhere under the valve cover from the BMW mold versioning number (another square nearby or at the ends.)  There was a valve cover thread recently that may help you locate it. ( note there are some undated covers too).

 

Valve covers are plentiful - I wouldn’t redo that one until I knew more…

 

[bob02]

If you intend to use it, I'd recommend having it surfaced. They do warp if overtightened. If it was mine, I'd clean it first and see if its possible to straighten the logo without damaging it, and definitely wouldn't have the logo bead blasted.

 

 Cool cover!

 

 Bob

[markmac]

Leave it be (I would). 

 

Alpina valve covers were never black, although often you see them that way, they used something of a proprietary dark gray 'hammer' finish, which appears to be what you have.  The Alpina badge is likely original as well.  That said, as previously stated with modern CNC technology there are a few people that have replicated them and they are pretty much indistinguishable from the original(s).  I have a replica on my Schnitzer valve cover.

 

Original is only original - once.

[mccusername]

@markmac's replica badge is a very high quality one (I have one like it). Most 95% of these replica badges are incorrect.

What you have appears to be original-- please don't refinish it!
And please sell it to me if you don't want it!
Michael

 

[Pagan]

Thanks everyone for the replies!

The finish is not black, it is actually a sort of glossy gray hammer tone. There are no casting marks on it other than those in the picture. Also, the casting ribs seem to be a bit different from those that I have seen previously.

[Flunder]

I have a genuine one with similar gray (non paint) finish but it is the later version with a 70 casting date. 

 

Unfortunately it is the wrong version for an early car like my current project.

 

Will post a pic.

[Tommy]

Looks that the ribs are those early ones having trouble to pass the oil spray bar. Here's link to the discussion mentioned before.

@Pagan So based on the comments what you found is early, rare, original and it has historical significance. Great that you asked!

[steve k.]

Some Alpina information

 

 

[Pagan]

Thank you… 

There is always so much to learn about these cars and obscure bits of history that go unnoticed until someone points them out.

[uai]

+1 do not refinish it's a geniune. 
However it may be not suitable for a standard 02 head without additional machining.

[visionaut]

8 hours ago, uai said:

+1 do not refinish it's a geniune. 
However it may be not suitable for a standard 02 head without additional machining.

Yep,  it may need trimming of  the ‘straight across’ style internal structural ribbing for clearing the spray bar… later molds had shallower curved ribs.

 

[BarrettN]

I have the appropriate period engine for your valve cover - I'll PM you, if you consider selling it hopefully me having a period engine will allow me to persuade you and to steal it away for anyone else who wants it. 😁

versus today

Edited September 4 by BarrettN

[markmac]

$1500 (he wants it......)😎