1954 Wheel Cylinder

[Russ U.]

What is the correct casting number for a 54 Corvette front wheel cylinder?

Based on the 54 Parts Catalogue, I figured that the front left cylinder should read 5453022, with the 022 being large numerals. The left front cylinder on my 54 shows a large 822, which I think is correct for a 59 Corvette or so.

I have seen a couple of ebay auctions offering a large 822, however, and claiming that it is correct for a 54. Am I missing something? The front cylinders for the 54 should have a large 021 (right) or 022 (left), correct?

Below is a pic of my front left. When I purchased my 54, the seller claimed that the car only had 42k miles, and that it had not been driven much since the mid-70s. I smiled when I removed the left wheel, and saw a lightly used brake pad dated June 1975.

Thanks

[Kent K.]

Re: 1954 Wheel Cylinder

Russ,

From my memories of '54 Corvette research from long ago, the 022 cylinders are correct. (I suffer from CRS syndrome and am subject to correction.) However, since brake cylinders cannot be observed during judging and the 022 may be getting difficult to find (I don't know this for sure), use of whatever works best may be your best solution. Roy Braatz may recommend you look to older Chevies and/or other GM cars of the period. Some may have used the same cylinders as Corvette. It's your choice whether to find 022 or use other servicible cylinders.

Regards, Kent #6201

[Greg Vaka]

Re: 1954 Wheel Cylinder

I believe the following are correct for a '54

Front
Left, casting no. 5453822, part no. 5455479.
Right, casting no. 5453821, part no. 5455478.
Diameter of piston, 1-18".
Rear
Left & right, casting no. 5453820, part no 5453819.
Diameter of piston, 1".

Greg

[Bernard M.]

Re: 1954 Wheel Cylinder

I believe Greg is correct. You may be confusing the large vs small 022 with the MASTER cylinders used 1957 and later.

[Roy B.]

Re: 1954 Wheel Cylinder *NM*

[Dave Suesz]

1955 Wheel Cylinders...

A couple years ago I replaced all the wheel cylinders on my 55, which of course uses the same cylinders as the 53-54. Using the theory that nobody was ever going to be allowed to remove the drums to check the numbers, and there are probably only half-a-dozen people who can tell the difference when assembled (and I'm not one of them) I used modern replacements. Look great, work great, and all four cost less than one original.

[Roy B.]

Re: 1955 Wheel Cylinders..."dave"

SOOOOOOOO your 55 thing is not original , next year NCRS will make you take your drums off to check that!!

[Dave Suesz]

OE parts...

I got a call from a Ford customer once who was looking for an NOS air filter for a 68 Mustang. I asked why, since it is enclosed and cannot be seen. Se said a judge took the (painted) lid off the air cleaner and saw he had a Fram (which by the way was a filter supplier for Ford). I said Id'a prob'ly broke his wrist. For sure I draw the line at takin' somebody's car apart...

[Russ U.]

Thanks Guys - But I'm Still Confused

I appreciate all of the responses. I'm new to all of this numbers stuff, so I am grateful for any help I receive.

I am glad to hear that the judging process does not reach the level of checking the #'s on the wheel cylinders. Given the prices of original parts, I won't be buying any original wheel cylinders.

I am still trying to figure out if my cylinders are originals or replacements. Views seem to differ based on the above comments. Roy's pic shows what I have - front cylinders with the large 821 and 822 on them. The 1953-1954 Parts Catalog states, however, that the casting numbers should be 021 and 022 (see pic below). Am I reading the Catalog correctly - shouldn't the cylinders have a 021 and 022 on them instead of an 821 and 822?

Thanks again for your help,

Russ

[Jack H.]

Understand NCRS Judging Rules...

There's a difference between judges removing a part and judges asking the owner to remove a part. But, we always judge cars with the air cleaner removed by the owner in order to view the carb and air cleaner internal components (filter, bottom side of lid, Etc.).

From the NCRS Judging Reference Manual, Section 1, Rule 22:

"In order to facilitate, or make possible, the judging of various component parts, numbers and dates, the owner may be requested to loosen or remove certain items at the time of judging and if any tools are required, must be supplied or acquired by the owner. Items may include (but are not limited to), the air cleaner, road draft tube, automatic transmission linkage mounting bracket, radio ignition shielding and distributor cap. Only the owner or authorized representative may loose or remove and replace these items. Should the owner not wish to remove the requested items, appropriate scoring deductions will be made for those components which the judges are unable to visually inspect."

[Dave Suesz]

Uh huh...

The Ford air cleaner in question would not prevent authentication of the carburetor, since it does not hang down around the carb to nearly the degree of a typical Corvette air cleaner. It would also be risky to remove without scratching the paint, as the air inlet "snorkle" slip-fits into the heat riser, all of which are painted metal. To remove this item without permission would be very rude, at the least.