54: Master Brake cylinder

[Rob M.]

What is the part no. of the 1954 master brake cylinder (and any other features I should be aware of). My 1953/55 judging reference manual is in my workshop and during last weekend tech. session on my 1954 (Bowtie state) car I noticed this part being MIA so I needs some details to start the SEARCH...

[John S.]

Re: 54: Master Brake cylinder

#5450233 will be on the side of the cylinder. look for a 320G on the front plug. a H on the front plug is buick and a blank plug is a replacement cylinder. the 5450233 is on the inboard side on very early 54s and on the outboard side for most 54s. i would recommend purchasing a c.d. from troy pyles who took the time to take pictures of two very original low mile 54s. he has just recently posted these c.ds in the c1 corvette forum "parts for sale" site. i notice you are a judge. troy also has a c.d. on one of the most original unrestored 55. this c.d. should greatly help in judging future 55s.

[Troy P.]

Re: 54: Master Brake cylinder

Just thought I'd mention that the JM indicates you may find an "320H" on a Corvette. I happen to have one. Can't say it came on the car from the factory though.

Since Rob is not in proximity to his JM, here is some other info it contains on the subject:

Part number 5454480 is stamped on the end plug along with the model number 320-G. Or 5454350 with 320-H.

540233 on the side is the casting number as opposed to the part number. The JM goes on to talk about embossed and debossed casting numbers, sometimes on the inboard side and sometimes on the outboard. Rob has a mid '54 car as I recall and the JM is not clear on what he should be looking for relative to the type and position of casting number. The update in progress will make this clear but I'm sworn to secrecy until it is published.

[John S.]

Re: 54: Master Brake cylinder

Just thought I'd mention that the JM indicates you may find an "320H" on a Corvette. I happen to have one. Can't say it came on the car from the factory though.

Since Rob is not in proximity to his JM, here is some other info it contains on the subject:

Part number 5454480 is stamped on the end plug along with the model number 320-G. Or 5454350 with 320-H.

540233 on the side is the casting number as opposed to the part number. The JM goes on to talk about embossed and debossed casting numbers, sometimes on the inboard side and sometimes on the outboard. Rob has a mid '54 car as I recall and the JM is not clear on what he should be looking for relative to the type and position of casting number. The update in progress will make this clear but I'm sworn to secrecy until it is published.

let's address the front plug. the only number used since the 53-55 corvette part book came out is 5454480. that includes the 233, small 022 and large 022. even the replacement cylinders made in the 70s have 5454480 on the box even though the plug is blank. now what do all 5454480 cylinders have that the 5454350 with 320-h not have? it appears to be the eyelid settup at the rear of the cylinder. i doubt that the assembly line would be taking the rear C clip off the 5454350 with 320-h and add the eyelid settup to adapt to the corvette system. as for the casting number if rob has a mid 54 car, then i know that larry gerigs #1662 has the casting numbers on the outboard side. i have seen this unrestored car go through ncrs judging in indiana and ohio and lately it has been an example at ncrs meets. so an outboard casting number should be expected on rob's car.