Classic Hifi Care

This is a long-shot, but I'm always in search of NOS / NIB (new old stock / new in box) parts for my automotive projects.

I've been 'burned' so many times on reproduction parts it isn't even funny anymore. The extra $$ of the original stuff is worth it when you weigh in all of the pain and suffering caused by parts made overseas that don't look right, and also don't fit right.

I'm trying to find some new hydraulic tappets for my Chevy's 307 engine. Before anyone chimes in, "you can still by those new".....all I can say is do some youtube searches and what see some knowledgeable people who have their rebuild ruined by inferior modern parts.

Sooo....do you any of you have a source for 'interchange manuals' and the like?

What I'm trying to find out is, say I want to purchase these; will they be correct for a Chevy small block in 1970? The 'in house' part numbers means nothing to me with a reference.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/256246174920?m ... media=COPY

If you can find new valve lifters made by Johnson Controls, I have had good luck with those in Buick, Packard, Pontiac and at least in 327 Chevy engines. The only NOS lifters I would use were for Straight 8 Buick or Packard, since those are a different animal. The typical problem you run into using NOS lifters that may be older than the engine you are putting them into is internal rust that you can't see. You really need to take NOS lifters apart then check them for corrosion. Many are stored in cosmoline (sp?) that deteriorates over the decades. The good thing about Chevy lifters is that all the small block engines used the same lifters. I'd work with a known-reputable machine shop so you get the right stuff. I have been out of the restoration business for so long, I have no idea who to refer you to. I've had a set of new Johnson Control lifters for my Buick in the drawer for over 25 years. I believe, at this point, I'm not going to use them. If they would fit your Chevy, I'd send them to you. Good luck.

Thanks Greg.

I'll keep an eye out for Johnson Controls. I've heard of them, but never thought they would be a brand I would see on engine parts (but again, I'm no engine rebuilder).

The problem with finding a 'reputable' builder is the "old guys" are pretty much all gone or out of the game. When I say "old guys", I should probably explain; that translates to KNOWLEDGEABLE.

It just bugs me that there seems to be a lot of engine parts that are old stock on eBay, but without a guide to translate in-house part numbers from one supplier back to another, I may be passing up hidden treasure. *Sigh*.

MOTOR Manual covered a range of years of allcars with factory numbers and what other cars the part was used in. Unfortunately I don't have one as late as 1970.

Check with the corvette guys. Can't be as hard to find lifters for a Chevy as any other GM.

Johnson Controls doesn't sell parts under their own name. I know they made parts for NAPA for awhile and for some of the independent parts distributors. You can ask parts suppliers who the vendor for their parts is.

Johnson Controls makes batteries for Walmart. They also make Delco batteries. Johnson Controls and Wix make AC Delco filters.