1982 vette caliper part no.

[Don S.]

My 82 vette rear calipers are leaking and need replacing as per my GM dealer. He ordered new calipers and advises the part number on the new ones that came in is 5473806. I need to know if this number is the same as the original ones that came with the car. I do not have the AIM or JG. Also are calipers considered if the car was to be judged? Should I have the old ones resleeved in order to keep the original parts (and the original number.)Is there any difference with resleeving with stainless steel as I see recommended on this board and just plain rebuilding.
Thanks guys
Don Steele

[Joe L.]

Re: 1982 vette caliper part no.

Don----

The number that your dealer is referring to is one of the caliper half casting numbers. It is the correct number for one of the caliper halves used for 1982 rear calipers. All of the caliper casting numbers found on the rear of an 82 begin with "547". So, if all the ones being used on your car (there should be 4 caliper halves if both rear calipers are being replaced) begin with "547", then they should all be correct for your car.

As far as having the originals rebuilt, that's always my recommendation. However, it will take at least 2 weeks under the best of circumstances to have your calipers sleeved and returned. I doubt that your Chevrolet dealer wants to have your car sitting in a service bay that long. If you wish, you can ask to retain your original cores (assuming that they ARE original which you really have no way of knowing unless they've been previously sleeved). This will cost you the $50-75 core charge per caliper.

Usually, any 65-82 Corvette caliper that has not been previously sleeved will need to be sleeved if it's going to be rebuilt. Previously sleeved calipers can simply be rebuilt with new seal kits and new pistons.

I don't think that caliper "numbers" are judged.

[Tom R.]

Re: 1982 vette caliper part no.

Caliper numbers are not judged but you do want to maintain the same color scheme...low gloss black. Tape the bleeders and machines surfaces...these are natural. Use some aluminum foil to mask those areas. But if the calipers are off...it makes it a lot easier. Judges may look to see that bleeders have no paint!