The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Chevrolet 1957 5700 brake supplier and setup question

Hi
So i have torn appart my 1957 5700 lcf to rebuild the braking system and im in need of some front wheel cylinders, only markings i have found on them are 7/8 - 5454-385 any one know where to get these along with a new master cylinder?
My second question is more technical, so the truck has a late model rear end from a 96 3500? Chevy dually now this has 1 3/16 inch rear cylinders would this newer rear end with brakes be compatible with the existing set up of original drums up front and hydrovac set up? Do i have any other options?
Thanks
James

what year truck are you working on?

Hi it's 1957

JDs, I have the same truck, I was able to rebuild every cylinder. Your original rear brakes had two wheel cylinders per side. The rear drums were 15x4, I think the hydro will be ok with your set-up. So your 'new' 1996 axle has either 4.10 or 4.56 gears, the original had 6.17 or a two speed with something lower than that. I replaced every brake line and hose but I have bypassed the hydro until I can rebuild it, truck stops real nice without a load and no leaks from the system. I plan on loading 100 bales of hay as soon as the roads dry up a little, we'll see how the truck acts then.

JDs, If you want I can get part numbers for the rebuild kits that I used although it could be slightly risky to rely on them, on my rear axle one side had different part numbers than the other side for the wheel cylinders. I'm lucky to have a parts store where they still bring out the books for difficult to find numbers. The casting number on each wheel cylinder will dictate which kit to use. After I disassembled the cylinders I soaked the casting in muriatic acid and the pistons in vinegar, honed the bore and things looked good. I did the same with the master cylinder.

Well that sounds promising, i will try running without hydrovac connected and see how it stops, i have ordered new cylinders and shoes for the c3500 rear and looking into options for the front cylinders as they are complete toast! I managed to press out the pistons and it is so heavly corroded in side the only option would be a re sleeve but this is a last resort due to $$ cost, so the hunt for new or good rebuilable ones are my next step, luckily the shoes on the front are good!

You will have a good chance finding new wheel cylinders that will work, they may not be exact as far as the port angle but with new lines it won't matter.

I think I have found some that will fit so fingers crossed, will let you know how it goes

Hi JDs I realize this is an old thread but wanted to know how did u make out with the front wheel cylinders ? I am in the same situation I rebuilt the front 2 cylinders and they continue to leak !?! Any help would be greatly appreciated
Mike

Dragging up old threads is seldom useful. JDs has not logged into the site since 11/21/18. He gone!

You didn't say what year/model your working on, but wheel cylinders are available new for many of our older big trucks from NAPOA or Rock Auto. If they are no longer available you can send you cylinders to White Post and have them sleeved and rebuilt.

Mike B

NAPA has replacement slave cylinders and master cylinder. I would replace rather than rebuild. Why take a chance.

Thank u “Mike” and “Chevy til I d” I have a 1957 Chevy 5700…checked NAPA they were a no go and rockauto doesn’t show anything for a 7/8” bore…I did see another thread where a “bolter” used a C60 application that had the 7/8” bore just has the inlet on an angle as opposed to straight like my setup…guna give that a try if no good I’ll contact White Post like Mike mentioned!!!!
Thank u men
Mike

Just an update on my wheel cylinders I took Mike B advice and sent them to White Post Restoration to be re-sleeved the company was honest and direct $85 each plus shipping and estimated at 7-10 days I received them back on the 8th day
They look and operate as new !!! Wish I hadn’t wasted the months of looking for new or nos
Hope that helps someone !! off to bleeding the entire system
Mike