[C1] Master cylinder
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 47
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Master cylinder
Hi, working on a 1956 Corvette that has been sitting for over 30 years. Came in a bushel basket. It has 2 master cylinders that came with it. Trying to determine which one is correct. Both are small bore cylinders 1" and numbers on them are 5450233. left side cast 51 right side stamp marked D1. Assume this is correct for early 1956. Second cylinder is marked 5458022 left side cast 542 and right side D5. Both are marked Delco Morraine Checking on line there is a 1953-1956 model then 1957 -1958 model. Differences?? Wheel cylinders in front are 1 1/8 inch bore size. LF is OEM and RF is aftermarket. Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Shamong, NJ
53-56 Corvettes all use the Delco 5450233 casting.
I suspect the OP's second mater cylinder is a 5456022, not a 5458022 ("8"s can fill in and look like a "6"). The Delco 5456022 master cylinder was used on 57-62 Corvette's. There are two versions of the 4546022. If all of the numbers are cast the same size, then it's a 57-59 master, but if the "022" is larger than the rest of the number, then it's a 59-62 MC.
Other than the casting numbers, the 53-55 5450233, and the 57-62 5456022, look nearly identical.
I suspect the OP's second mater cylinder is a 5456022, not a 5458022 ("8"s can fill in and look like a "6"). The Delco 5456022 master cylinder was used on 57-62 Corvette's. There are two versions of the 4546022. If all of the numbers are cast the same size, then it's a 57-59 master, but if the "022" is larger than the rest of the number, then it's a 59-62 MC.
Other than the casting numbers, the 53-55 5450233, and the 57-62 5456022, look nearly identical.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2013
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O.K. They both have 022 same size. So the unpainted one is probably the original one. I am sure I will have more questions as we dig thru the parts. The last owner decided to stuff in a big block in it so the front frame has been trimmed out to accommodate it. Had a 1 piece nose put on it too. Will decide how to advance on it. It was as most drag raced in it's past and left for dead. Rest of body looks great. Thanks and Merry Xmas to the forum.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,142
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From: crown point in
O.K. They both have 022 same size. So the unpainted one is probably the original one. I am sure I will have more questions as we dig thru the parts. The last owner decided to stuff in a big block in it so the front frame has been trimmed out to accommodate it. Had a 1 piece nose put on it too. Will decide how to advance on it. It was as most drag raced in it's past and left for dead. Rest of body looks great. Thanks and Merry Xmas to the forum.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 47
Likes: 4
Yes. Rusty one has 5454480 and below it is 320 G. So that is original one and the other one has nothing on the end and looks like the casting not a stamped steel cover. So that would be a service replacement one. Thanks for the reply
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 73
From: crown point in
If you have trouble rebuiding the one with the 320 G plug, you could go to ebay and purchase a 320 G plug for the other cylinder.
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