GEM '62

I have had a set of tapered roller wheel bearing, in my trunk just in case kit, for 4 years. I didn't install the bearing because the old ***** were fine so why fix it if it isn't broke. Well, last Thursday my left front bearing went out so I replace both sides with the tapered bearing. What a difference these bearings made in the steering feel. If I had any idea how much improvement this change would make, I would have installed them the day I bought them. Just ordered another set for spares.

Frankie the Fink

There are some mods on these cars that are just "must do" items if you drive them much....needle bearings are one, radial tires are another...

1snake

There are some that say you can't tell the difference between ball and roller bearings. It's all in your mind. My "mind" noticed a big improvement when I changed over to rollers.

Jim

Ironcross

what are the numbers of the bearings and seal.....BCA and National if possible, not GM

GEM '62

I bought the bearing from Allied Bearings in Los Angeles (310)837-0752 the inner bearing # is 909052R $26 the outer is 909067R $24 and the seal is 6064 $6. The bearings are made in Japan. Not U.S.A. made but at least not Chinese.

Jack60

That's the place I got them from..
I had different # for the bearings, but they knew exactly what I needed, good people.........

1955 copper

I talked about them over 30 years ago while I was in NCRS and some one did a article on them , now many people use them.

scopeli

corvette central sells a front wheel roller bearing and seal kit #571043. to get the most satisfaction out of a c1 front end add the needle bearing king pin assemblies and radial tires.

luvmy62

What are the other "must do" items to make a 62 more fun to drive?

wmf62

the BIGGEST 'must do' is to take the slop out of the steering..
Bill

1955 copper

Adding GM accessories and after market items from the year Corvette you have.Makes it more enjoyable and different then other Corvettes.

DZAUTO

Some of you know, and the rest of you have NO CLUE, that Roy Started SACE (Straight Axle Corvette Enthusiasts---which is now SACC). As he mentioned above, Roy is the person who turned the early Corvette owners onto the front wheel roller bearings-------------including myself.
Also, as mentioned, SOME people believe there is no change to handling between ball and roller bearings in the same car. I for one, feel there is an improvement in tracking---------------BUT AS I'VE MENTIONED SEVERAL TIMES RIGHT HERE, YOU GOTTA DO ALL THE OTHER STUFF TO THESE OLD FRONTENDS TO ACHIEVE THE OPTIMUM DRIVING/HANDLING RESULTS. This includes a properly rebuilt frontend (if needed) with alignment, proper adjustment of the steering box per the ST12 (and a rebuild if needed), replacement of the bearing in the center steering arm (if needed), roller bearings and radial tires. Wide wheels and tires LOOK cool, but excess width will subtract from ideal handling. For performance driving, the addition of the fast steering adapter to the center steering arm is helpful, but NOT such a great idea for daily street driving. I have one on the 56, and I'm the first to admit that it does stiffen up the steering when not moving or when moving VERY slowly. Once over 10-15mph, it isn't noticeable.
Also, as pointed out above, the roller bearings ARE NOT, repeat, ARE NOT available from ANY of the common American bearing sources (BCA, Timken, SKF, etc, etc, etc). Again, NOT available. The ONLY source for the roller bearings is offshore. And that brings us to the last part. For those Corvette owners who thrive on bragging about how much money they spend on their cars (and those people are prevelant!!!), then the bearings are readily available from the normal Corvette vendors at premium prices (CC, Paragon, etc). But if you want to acquire the EXACT SAME bearing, at the best prices, buy them from Allied Bearing in Los Angeles-------------------and of course, ALWAYS ask for the "Corvette club" discount. Which Corvette club??? ANY Corvette club, NCCC, NCRS, SACC, whatever.
You can thank Roy for the original information on the roller bearings!









Tom Parsons

63Corvette

C2 Disc brake conversion

OK guys, I have my flame suit on.............but I just couldn't resist

wmf62

i did that...

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...es-work-2.html post #28

Bill

Frankie the Fink

Some insist on power steering and A/C. I don't miss power steering at all but living in Orlando...I fully understand the desire for A/C. Disk brakes add a comfort and safety factor.

Some are adamant about dual master cylinders. Personally, I don't count that as a "must have"...some do however.

DZAUTO

The ONE thing that I haven't done to the 56, and it is the ONLY thing I'd consider, is to add AC. Summers in Okla, ESPECIALLY this year, can be brutal!!! The number of 100+deg temps this year in Okla was record setting. There were even some days when my 51 Chevy's cooling system struggled to stay in an acceptable range with the AC on (stock radiator, 5-blade fan and no fan shroud.
Yesterday, working on the A26 in the hanger, was another scorching day-----------brutal. Today it was supposed to cool down--------------and boy did it! Today was a great welcome! I don't know if it even got up to 80deg by mid afternoon.

Tom Parsons

luvmy62

Since we've gotten to brakes, does anyone know the part number & manufacturer of the stock master cylinder for a 1962. I have a wagner but I don't think that is correct.
Jeff

JohnZ

GM (Delco Moraine), casting #5456022 (with the "022" characters in a larger font size than the 5456), with "5454480" and "320-G" stamped into the steel plug in the front of the reservoir.

luvmy62

Thanks JohnZ for the info and great photos. I have been offered on of those, so I guess I'll take him up on it.

C1-Curt

When you changed out to rollers was there any special installation procedure ie: tightening them down/adjusting them differently then the book says to?