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[hdefer]

Could anyone tell me what the original stock valve cover color should be for a late TR3A?

Hans

[herald948]

"Chrome" (as in chromium plating)!

[hdefer]

I am quite certain that mine (1961) was not chrome plated. I had been told that chrome plated ones were either a dealer-added extra or an after-mart upgrade(?).

[charley fitch]

Mark is correct.  They were all chrome.
Charley Fitch 

[ronin]

Others may correct me, but I believe the only non-chrome plated valve covers (out of the original TR2/3s) were the early TR2s which were painted black.

Eric

[JohnB]

Hans,
Another vote for chrome.......My TR2 is painted black.....but my parts TR3a's
are chrome plated.
John

[hdefer]

Well, looks like I got a TR2 valve cover with mine.
Thanks for the inputs.

[tr3bGeorge]

Hey Guys.  They changed to the chrome [plated] valve cover at 18230E, in April 1957, or so.  Probably around TS17500, or so.  (Someone with a '57 TR3 may be able to give you a guesstimate at to what commission number was close to engine number 18230E.)

Good luck.

[noskcire001]

I had a early 1957 TR3 (SN# TS16100L), and it came with a chrome valve cover. Speaking of TS16100L, if anyone sees it please call the West Sacramento Police Department as I have reported it stolen about 20 years ago and I would like it back.

Mark A. Erickson
noskcire001

[TR3driver]

TS13571L (sorry, don't have the engine number handy, but it's close) has chrome, as did the earlier drum-braked TS11xxxL.

TRA judging guidelines also note that the change to chrome was "late TR2".

[Chahles]

I bought a new '60 TR3a...well....back in 1960. Here are pictures of it, in situ...way back then.
Notice the chrome valve cover.
http://thecostafamily.net/triumph/60tr/

Charlie Costa
'57 small mouth

[tr3bGeorge]

Hello again, guys.  Here is the paragraph from my latest Bill Piggott "Bible," 2009, "Collector's Originality Guide, TR2, TR3, TR4, TR5, TR6, TR7, TR8."  The book is a compilation of three previous books, with new history added and old history clarified (Original Triumph TR2/3/3A; Original Triumph TR4/4A/5/6; and Original Triumph TR7 & TR8).

Remember, of course, that this book was written in England, for Englanders, so he has to "qualify" the export market.

"TS18230E April 1957.  Chromed rocker cover replaces previous black-painted item for all markets.  Chromed covers had been used for some, or possible all, US market cars from TR3 introduction.  Oil filler/engine breather cap changed also to incorporate thumb grips rather than plain type--again, this change occurred for US market cars somewhat earlier."

I hope this helps.

P.S.  I NEVER KNEW THEY WERE THUMB GRIPS!!  I THOUGHT THEY WERE DENTS!!

P.P.S.  I highly recommend this book, although my mechanic heard rumors that there is an even-later Piggott book.  (This book is 350 pages.)

[tr3bGeorge]

Funny that you should mention it:  here is one on eBay, reasonable price, looks pretty good, less than 2 days to closing:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Triumph-TR2-TR3-Original-CHROME-VALVE-COVER-Oil-Cap-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2308537501QQitemZ150463542529QQptZVintageQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[hdefer]

Thanks for the info.,
I'll just have to live with an non-original rocker cover finish. Being Dutch, I think, I'll paint it orange.

Hans