C1 Master cylinder identificatiion

[John F.]

I bought waht appears to be a correct M/C for my 62. The numbers on the front cap are 5454480, 320-G. The numbers cast are 5456022 (large 022). It is very hard to read the date. Appears to be 51601, then 1" DIA, then R1. What does the R1 mean? What date should I be looking for a May build date? s110975. The reservoir is pretty clean and the sleeve does not appear to be pitted. Will just lightly hone and rebuild. I have DOT-5 in the current system.
John

[Tom F.]

Re: C1 Master cylinder identificatiion

I recently had my C1 1962 master cylinder resleeved and and your part number is correct. The master cylinders have the date code stamped on the freeze plug at the front of the unit.

[Edward L.]

Re: C1 Master cylinder identificatiion

C-1 master cylinders are not dated.

[Tom F.]

Re: C1 Master cylinder identificatiion

Hello Ed:

Thanks for setting me straight, the rebuilder Apple Hydralic of Long Island NY sent me a note stating that the freeze plug on the front of the master cylinder had the date code. Mine didn't and it's obvious I got some bad info.

[Jack H.]

Re: C1 Master cylinder identificatiion

Re-read your copy of the '61-62 Judging Guide and you'll note there's a conspicuous absense of text describing the MC dating process. That's because these parts were NOT date coded...

The numbers you describe simply define the part and its raw casting components (what mold/where produced the MC's cast body) with the end cap emboss designating the final assembled configuration of the master cylinder.

[Tom F.]

Re: C1 Master cylinder identificatiion

Hello Jack:

I recently joined NCRS and just ordered the C1 judging guide, but haven't yet received it.

I do have the Corvette Restoration & Technical Guide Volume #1.

The information here states that all 58-'60 and 61 and '62 Corvettes used master cylinder part numbers 5454480. One of two casting numbers were on its body, these being 5450288 and 5456022. The master cylinders part number was stamped on a metal plug which was pressed in the hole in the end of the assembly.

Original master cylinders had metal filler caps, with hex nut fittings, bearing the casting number 5300880. Replacement master clyinders have clear plastic filler caps with lips that extend up so the cap may be removed with one's finger.

[Donald L.]

Re: C1 Master cylinder identificatiion

Quote
Original master cylinders had metal filler caps, with hex nut fittings, bearing the casting number 5300880. Replacement master clyinders have clear plastic filler caps with lips that extend up so the cap may be removed with one's finger.

The plastic cap w. the words "Use Delco Brake Fluid" was originally used on the 62 model. Prior models used the metal cap.

[Tom F.]

Re: C1 Master cylinder identificatiion

Don:

My master cylinder does have the clear plastic cap, but no other identification. Most likely replaced somewhere in the past.

[Bruce B.]

Re: C1 Master cylinder identificatiion

Tom,
The cast iron master cylinder caps were used up to 1961 and "possibly" on some early 62 Corvettes per the JM.
The plastic cap is specified for 1962 .
Maybe Mike Ernst could shed some light on this question.

[John F.]

Re: C1 Master cylinder identificatiion

Still need to know what the R-1 stamped into casing is for and what the numbers with a (screw-head) impression means.
John

[John F.]

Re: C1 Master cylinder identificatiion

Forgot the pics. Also what color should the MC be painted?
John

[Bob H.]

Re: C1 Master cylinder identificatiion

I believe black or bare metal is correct

[John F.]

Re: C1 Master cylinder identificatiion

Forgot the pics. Also what color should the MC be painted?
John

Does anyone know what the numbers to the left of " 1" DIA" stand for? Or the R 1 stamped into the the MC to the right? See the picture posted on the left.
John

[Jack H.]

Re: C1 Master cylinder identificatiion

Such designators (e.g. R1) typically are there for source traceablility (what mold, what line, what plant made the original casting). Since they're unimportant to the judging process, descriptive text omits mentioning them.

[John F.]

Re: C1 Master cylinder identificatiion

Thanks Jack.

John