1949 B1B master cylinder

[jrocco49]

Does anyone have an opinion about a good replacement for my old master cylinder?  It's the Wagner FE 543.  I thought about rebuilding it but the top bolts have broken off and I have not been able to get them out.  So I thought I would just replace it with something new.

 

I see them from around $90 to over $200 dollars!  That's quite a jump in price.  Just wondering how the reproducing's are , and if they bolt right back in place.  Not making a show truck, I just want to get it back on the road.

[bkahler]

5 minutes ago, jrocco49 said:

Does anyone have an opinion about a good replacement for my old master cylinder?  It's the Wagner FE 543.  I thought about rebuilding it but the top bolts have broken off and I have not been able to get them out.  So I thought I would just replace it with something new.

 

I see them from around $90 to over $200 dollars!  That's quite a jump in price.  Just wondering how the reproducing's are , and if they bolt right back in place.  Not making a show truck, I just want to get it back on the road.

 

Can you post a picture of the MC?  

[jrocco49]

Here are a few quick pictures.  If I hadn't messed up the top trying to remove the broken bolts I might have attempted to put a rebuild kit in, but then again maybe not!  Hoping to get a nice replacement that fits without any modifications.  

 

[TodFitch]

34 minutes ago, jrocco49 said:

Here are a few quick pictures.  If I hadn't messed up the top trying to remove the broken bolts I might have attempted to put a rebuild kit in, but then again maybe not!  Hoping to get a nice replacement that fits without any modifications.  

 

Looks like it is Chrysler part 695696 or something quite close to it. The price on that has gone up since last I checked, but NAPA claims a new one could be at a store near to me tomorrow for about $166.

[dcotant]

When I bought my parts truck it had a brand new master cylinder in it but brakes were not working. I put my 1949 master in it and then disassembled the "new" master. Turns out the far end cup/valve was cocked in the cylinder which is what made it fail. I don't think the casting on the cheaper masters ( around 100 ) is going to be a problem but poor workmanship could be. That said I will put a new kit into the "new" master and keep it as a spare.

[wallytoo]

i bought a new MC from Roberts Motor Parts.  $185 plus core charge.  fit perfect, works perfect.  it's the larger bore, because it's for a 1.5-ton with a booster, but i'm happy with the price, function, and fit.  no more leaks, and the brakes work.

[B1B Keven]

https://dcmclassics.com/brake-parts/71-br-231-master-cylinder-1-2-to-1-ton.html?search_query=master+cylinder&results=7

 

 

https://hagensautoparts.com/dodge - truck/9-brake/2855

[JBNeal]

additional information - brake cylinder restoration 

[wallytoo]

https://www.robertsmotorparts.com/master-cylinder-dodge-truck-plymouth-truck-fargo-truck-up-to-1-ton-1930-1958-chrysler-dodge-desoto-plymouth-1930-1936-1

 

at $125.

[Boody]

Have you looked at Rock Auto? I bought one looked like the original. The have a couple of choices and much lower prices.

[jrocco49]

Thanks to all for your help.  If the reproductions are OK then I will start searching for a new MC.

Jim

[1949 Wraith]

I have bought the Raybestos MCs from Rock Auto for both my trucks. Made in China or Taiwan but carry a limited lifetime warranty, whatever that is worth, for $84.

[jpwuertz]

I purchased a new one at NAPA for my B3B and the price was reasonable. 

[squirebill]

IMO for a driver I would rebuild and 4 out of 6 bolts to hold thick cast iron cover with new gasket would be fine.