Re: '63 Muncie Bearing Retainer

[Douglas Cline]

Hi,

I just picked up a '63 Muncie Bearing Retainer to fit
a 421 63 Bellhousing. The part is cast iron with part
number 358475 GM 1 cast into the front of the retainer.

The diameter of the retainer is 4-1/8", which seems correct
for the 421 bellhousing. I was wondering if anyone could verify
the part number.

Thanks,

--Doug, # 13644

[Joe L.]

Re: '63 Muncie Bearing Retainer

Doug-----

GM #358475 was the casting number used for retainer GM PART #358474. It was discontinued in July, 1983 and replaced by GM PART #14038689. Neither the GM #358474 or the 14038689 have any Corvette application that I can find. They did have some other Chevrolet and Pontiac applications, but I can't determine specifically what they are.

It's also POSSIBLE that other bearing retainers were manufactured from the GM #358475 CASTING. I can't confirm that, though. Also, I believe that GM SERVICE bearing retainers sold after about 1965 under GM PART #604932 for the 63 application may have been made of cast iron as opposed to the original aluminum. I'm not sure of this, though, and, in any event, I don't know what casting number that these units carried.

The 63-only retainer had an OD of 4-3/16".

[Clem Z.]

Re: '63 Muncie Bearing Retainer

from my sperence you are better off with a cast iron one rather than a aluminum one because the aluminum ones had a problem with getting worn or rought from the dirt and grease and causing the TO bearing to stick.

[Loren L.]

The one I have in the garage carries

a 604932 casting, FWIW

[Joe L.]

Re: The one I have in the garage carries

Loren-----

Is the piece that you have cast iron or aluminum?

[Robert L.]

Re: '63 Muncie Bearing Retainer

Ditto on the '63 Muncie front retainer: 604932 (Cast Iron)
Bob L.

[Douglas Cline]

Re: '63 Muncie Bearing Retainer - Thanks

Thanks for the responses. I have re-measured the diameter
and it is in fact 4-3/16".

Thanks for your help!