1963 Master Cylinder

[Jon R.]

The master cylinder on my mid May built 1963 coupe has a casting number of 5462389 and a casting date of M292; both located on the bottom of the cylinder. I have two questions:

1) Is "M" equal to December for master cylinders? Do they skip "I"? Seems they must have, but I would like to confirm!

2) So far, most everything on the car appears to be original. Does this date sound correct? I know that it is within the "6 month" range, but again, I would like to try and confirm. Are there any others with cars in that date range that have their master cylinder date codes for comparison?

Thanks,

Jon

[Tom H.]

Re: 1963 Master Cylinder

Hi Jon !

Sounds like it is in line to me. I have to believe the I was omitted in casting numbers but can't confirm that with 100% certainty. Sounds like it was if you have an "M" casting.

[Sydney G.]

Re: 1963 Master Cylinder

The master cylinder on my mid May built 1963 coupe has a casting number of 5462389 and a casting date of M292; both located on the bottom of the cylinder. I have two questions:

1) Is "M" equal to December for master cylinders? Do they skip "I"? Seems they must have, but I would like to confirm!

2) So far, most everything on the car appears to be original. Does this date sound correct? I know that it is within the "6 month" range, but again, I would like to try and confirm. Are there any others with cars in that date range that have their master cylinder date codes for comparison?

Thanks,

Jon

Hi Jon,

My guess is also that "I" was skipped for the MC date coding. "M" must equal December.
Can't anyone confirm?

Syd

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 Master Cylinder

If it's an M then I had to be skipped, else there was 13 months in 1962.

[Jon R.]

Re: 1963 Master Cylinder

Harry, Syd and Tom,

Thanks for the responses.

It is definitely an "M" - below is a photo. Kinda hard to read but it says "M292". So "M" is December. That question is answered!

Now, can anyone with close to a mid May '63 (or earlier) build date confirm their non-power brake master cylinder date? Just curious if the 4-1/2 month spread is typical.

Thanks,

Jon

[Chuck W.]

Re: 1963 Master Cylinder

I have an unrestored May 10, 1963 car. I'll check my master date tonight.

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 Master Cylinder

Best I can recall the master cylinders were cast in batches.

When I bought my 63 it had an aftermarket MC in place. I bought a P/B MC several years ago dated A53 for an April 20th car.

I imagine that yours is OK!

[John D.]

Re: 1963 Master Cylinder

4-1/2 month spread on the 63 master cylinder is not typical of a lot of the cars I have looked at.
Two 63's I have owned each had a MC that was less than 2 months of the car going down the line.
But it will fly on the judging field. JD

[Jeff Z.]

Re: 1963 Master Cylinder

Jon,

My April 30th car has A53 casting. Does seem kind of early but I don't see any evidence it's been changed. Most other components are "C" or "D". Can you attach a picture of your master cylinder cover. I'm curious about detail around retaining bolt?

Jeff

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 Master Cylinder

Jeff, I like your A53 for an April car, I feel better!

[Jon R.]

Re: 1963 Master Cylinder

Jeff and Harry,

I like it too because it fits right in there with my M292 for a mid-April car also!

Attached is a photo of the top of the master cylinder. It has been painted, but might still show the detail you are looking for. If not, be more specific and I will take another shot.

Regards,

Jon