Alternator Tin Questions, Early vs. Late, Fastener, Gasket Options

[frank_c]

The alternator tin on my '76 914 was damaged due to the PO not installing the alternator bracket leaving only the tin and the adjuster bracket to hold the alternator in place (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) . I have three questions related to replacing this piece of tin:

1. Early vs Late tin
I see that there are two tin part numbers; early: 021-119-281D, late: 022-119-281
When I searched for the later part number, I found a replacement on eBay and placed the order. I did not have the tin piece from my car in my had at the time to compare the two, but later noticed that the circular opening is different between the early and late parts (see 2 photos below). Searching for photos of the two part numbers, it appears the eBay seller tagged the post with the late part number, but the tin is actually the early part.

So first question - why is there a difference, and can I use the early tin on my '76 2.0? Or do I need/should purchase the correct later tin?

Early Tin 021-119-281D:


Late Tin 022-119-281 (damaged area circled):


2. Wrong Fastener?
When I was removing the tin piece, I noticed something that appeared odd to me about the bolt for the hole circled in red in the image below. First, the bolt was difficult to remove for the entire length of the thread. Second, it was an M8, while all the other tin fasteners are M6 (and PET doesn't list an M8 in this area). Third, it was an M8 fine-thread - which is not very common on these cars.

I suspect that the tapped hole in the fan housing was originally an M6 that was damaged at some point, and someone drilled & tapped it for an M8. Can someone confirm? I searched fan housing photos I was able to find online, but it's difficult to tell. If it should be an M6, I'll probably install a time-sert (because these types of things bother me).



3. Gasket for Alternator
PET shows a "Gasket for Alternator" (see #6 in screen shot below) - part number 021-903-203. As far as I can tell, this gasket is missing from my car. Does this go in the front or back of the alternator? How important is it to the cooling function. If important, where do I get one ? I thought it would be available at 914 Rubber, but I don't see it. None on eBay as well.

[914Sixer]

I have some used sealing rings, not sure IF early or late.