C3 master cylinders

[Jim T.]

What C3 year models came from the factory with master cylinders that had 2 bleeder valves?

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 master cylinders

What C3 year models came from the factory with master cylinders that had 2 bleeder valves?

Jim-----


All 1967 and 68-73. Early 1974 may have had the bleeders, too.

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 master cylinders

Thank you for the master cylinder information Joe.
I have two master cylinders that have the same numbers on the castings.
Both have 5480346.
One master cylinder has bleeder valves, my original 70 master cylinder. The other master cylinder I bought used from Red Longs Corvette parts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 1976. I thought I was told at the time of purchase the used master cylinder was from a 1973 Corvette.

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3 master cylinders

Some crafty people can add the bleeders that do not work but look good for show. The casting is the same. Should pass judging until you need to draw fluid.
Lyle

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 master cylinders

Thank you for the master cylinder information Joe.
I have two master cylinders that have the same numbers on the castings.
Both have 5480346.
One master cylinder has bleeder valves, my original 70 master cylinder. The other master cylinder I bought used from Red Longs Corvette parts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 1976. I thought I was told at the time of purchase the used master cylinder was from a 1973 Corvette.

Jim-----

I think the casting number is actually 5460346, although I know it often looks very much like 5480346. From what I've been able to determine, no part numbers in the 548xxxx series were ever assigned.

I used to believe that the changeover from the bleeder valve to non-bleeder valve style occurred for the 1973 model year. However, based on further research and observation, I now believe the change occurred early in the 1974 model year.

The 5460346 casting continued to be used well into the non bleeder valve era. I believe it was used at least through 1975.

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 master cylinders

Joe thanks for the correction on the master cylinder number. It sure looked like an 8 last night, however using a hand held magnifying glass she says it is an 6 and not an 8 for the third number on the master cylinder.

[Paul B.]

Re: C3 master cylinders

I used to believe that the changeover from the bleeder valve to non-bleeder valve style occurred for the 1973 model year. However, based on further research and observation, I now believe the change occurred early in the 1974 model year.

...just for info, my 5 Star Bowtie 1974 Coupe, #01950(build date 9/8/73)does NOT have the bleeders. Have had this car since '89 and bought with 26,000 original miles with the same master cylinder, which I believe is original to the car.