1954 Pinion Seal part number

[John L.]

Need a little help on the correct part number for a Victor pinion seal for my 1954 Corvette. Having a bit of a question dealing with the local parts stores so I wanted to give them a number to start with so they can cross reference.
Thanks!!
john

[Joe L.]

Re: 1954 Pinion Seal part number

Need a little help on the correct part number for a Victor pinion seal for my 1954 Corvette. Having a bit of a question dealing with the local parts stores so I wanted to give them a number to start with so they can cross reference.
Thanks!!
john

john------


The GM part number was 3707355. However, it was discontinued without supercession in December, 1971. This is a Corvette-only seal and applicable only to 1953-55. I kind of doubt that there's going to be an aftermarket replacement but it's worth a try. Otherwise, you might need to contact a C1 parts specialist.

[Dick W.]

Re: 1954 Pinion Seal part number

C/R 17727 is what I come up with

[Joe L.]

Re: 1954 Pinion Seal part number

C/R 17727 is what I come up with

Dick-----

Yes, I recall now. I did an interchange for this seal in the past. The problem is that the CR 17727 is shown as the interchange for BOTH the GM #3707355 AND the GM #3705725. The latter was used for 1956 Corvettes and passenger cars. As far as I know, the seals for the 1953-55 Corvette and 1956+ Corvette are significantly different so I can't understand how the CR 17727 could work for both. But, maybe it can.

I do know that GM never replaced the 3707355 with the 3705725 or any of the several supercessive part numbers to the 3705725.

[Troy P.]

Re: 1954 Pinion Seal part number

Yes, 53-55 differs from 56 and up. I believe the differential for 53-55 was from the passenger car that had an enclosed driveline. With the tube removed to convert it to a Hotchkiss type the opening in the carrier is larger than it would have been if it was designed to be an exposed driveline car. But of course they wanted to used as many existing components as possible to reduce costs and time to get the 53 on sale quickly. The 56 and up differential was designed to have an open drive shaft. So the hole to be filled by the oil seal is smaller.

Bottom line is the you may not find the part at your typical parts store. But they are available at a higher cost from several Corvette suppliers. But if you are successful in finding it around the corner please let us know.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1954 Pinion Seal part number

Yes, 53-55 differs from 56 and up. I believe the differential for 53-55 was from the passenger car that had an enclosed driveline. With the tube removed to convert it to a Hotchkiss type the opening in the carrier is larger than it would have been if it was designed to be an exposed driveline car. But of course they wanted to used as many existing components as possible to reduce costs and time to get the 53 on sale quickly. The 56 and up differential was designed to have an open drive shaft. So the hole to be filled by the oil seal is smaller.

Bottom line is the you may not find the part at your typical parts store. But they are available at a higher cost from several Corvette suppliers. But if you are successful in finding it around the corner please let us know.

Troy-----


As I mentioned, as far as I can tell, this GM #3707355 was applicable only to 53-55 Corvettes and nothing else. Given that there were only 4,640 cars ever made that used it, the last one of those was made 58 years ago, and likely attrition over the years, manufacturing this seal would probably not generate the slightest interest on the part of the major seal manufacturers. Still, there are likely the C1 Corvette specialty parts sources you mention that have them, so they must be getting them somewhere. Maybe a small seal manufacturer would be willing to do it if they ordered a minimum quantity.

[John L.]

Re: 1954 Pinion Seal part number

Excellent feedback gentlemen - that must be why the parts houses here locally were more puzzled than usual. I believe a while back I noted these seals in the catalog of one or more of our specialty vendors....just for kicks though I think I will remove the seal, and with the part numbers provided, will stop by our local indurstrial bearing and seal supplier here in town to see if they can help. They were successful in providing sealed rear wheel bearing for my 31' Chevy so perhaps they could be of help. If so, will pass on the information.
John

[Troy P.]

Re: 1954 Pinion Seal part number

The speciality C1 suppliers that sell these must be getting them somewhere. But could be old stock.

Another option that has been used over the years is to have a steel ring machined and pressed into the differential carrier to reduce the size of the hole to the size of the 56 and newer and then use the newer seal.

[Chris S.]

Re: 1954 Pinion Seal part number

I have to throw up a BS flag....
I had my orig 54 rear rebuilt (pinion brg was bad)
I know Grossmuellers had the seal
I would suggest contacting Carol and see what she uses or sells

[Dick W.]

Re: 1954 Pinion Seal part number

There are not many seals that you cannot find a replacement for. If I had the O.D, I.D., thickness, and type in about 15 minutes I could give you a number

[Troy P.]

Re: 1954 Pinion Seal part number

Like I say, the C1 suppliers must be getting them somewhere. It would be good to find another source if one exists as the price they charge is much higher than you'd typically pay for such a seal. Paying for the rarity.

[Brett H.]

Re: 1954 Pinion Seal part number

Grossmueller, as Chris stated. They do have a part number on them. Bearings Inc. could probably supply the part.

[Gary H.]

Re: 1954 Pinion Seal part number

As you can see this discussion is nothing new, it has been an issue for decades.

[Brian T.]

Re: 1954 Pinion Seal part number

Try a NAPA 47643 or CR 17748. I show that as a seal number we have used in the past.

[Troy P.]

Re: 1954 Pinion Seal part number

Very interesting, Gary. If the seal was not available back in '74 I wonder what application might have caused it to be (possibly) available today?