Genuine Chevrolet Parts

[Frank D.]

While following up on your suggestions to fix my "stumble at idle" problem (current post thread) I decided to replace my breaker-less ignition system with a set of good 'ol Delco points and a condenser. I couldn't find a local auto parts store that carried Delco brand points, only house brands that were made outside the country and a color other than silver!

So... I had this great idea to visit my local Chevrolet dealership to try and purchase a real set of Delco points. When I asked the 20-something parts man behind the counter for a set of points for a small block 327/300, he asked me for the last eight digits of my vin number! Now of course, I KNOW the last eight numbers of my vin number, but somehow I figured having him enter the numbers into his computer wasn't going to get me any closer to a set of points. So he goes back into the parts office and out comes a 40-something parts manager to help me. After telling HIM that I just need a set of points for a 327/300, he asks me for my distributor number! Okay, I just happen to have that number memorized too but at this point I ask him, "When did buying a set of points for the most popular engine in the world become so much trouble?" To which he replied, "Some time in 1982."

Just had to share this experience with you.

Thanks again for all your replies to my "stumble at idle" post. I will keep you up to date on my progress as I investigate all your suggestions.

Frank

[Terry M.]

Re: Genuine Chevrolet Parts

No surprise to me Frank, but I teach Auto Shop as a hobby.

I am surprised the 20-somethign didn't ask you what ignition points are.

We are the dinosaurs in more ways than one.

[Dick W.]

Re: Genuine Chevrolet Parts

I started working behind a parts counter in the late '50's when a good counterman knew common part numbers with having to refer to a book (at that time there were 50 some books, varying from 1 1/2" to over 5" thick International Harvester and Plymouth). Today the kids behind the counter cannot/do not try to remember anything but which button turns the computer on.

I have always taken pride in my ability to cross reference part numbers, but today the counter clerks cannot do a thing that the computer does not tell them to do. No initiative at all on their part.

Very sad, I miss the parts clerk with the pocket protector and about 20 pens/pencils just waiting to take your info and sell you something.

[Peter H.]

Re: Genuine Chevrolet Parts

I too have evolved from the printed page to a computer terminal with the big blue oval company.. Anyway the memory chip i use im my gm day.s say,s points # 1931988... And condensor # 1932004...can,t forget them..

[William C.]

Re: Genuine Chevrolet Parts

The real issue is that Delco Remy is out of the manufacturing business for these items, and if you can find a good made in the USA aftermarket source you will be fortunate. NOS items do show up occasionally on the flea... and at swap meets.

[Joe R.]

Re: Genuine Chevrolet Parts

Frank,

I'm sorry to hear that you struck out. I have bought a few things at my friendly local Chevy dealer. But in each case Joe L. Had alerted me that they were available.

Joe

[Michael M.]

Re: Genuine Chevrolet Parts

I agree. Parts countermen are not what they used to be. But remember, "back in the day" the American automakers had 60-70 percent of the market so they were retrieving the same parts very often. Now the market is very frgamented and there are tons of different models to pick from, even within a single manufacturer.

You may try to buy a set of Accel points. I've had good luck with them over the years, although I have since changed over to an electonic breakerless ignition.

[Joe L.]

Re: Genuine Chevrolet Parts

While following up on your suggestions to fix my "stumble at idle" problem (current post thread) I decided to replace my breaker-less ignition system with a set of good 'ol Delco points and a condenser. I couldn't find a local auto parts store that carried Delco brand points, only house brands that were made outside the country and a color other than silver!

So... I had this great idea to visit my local Chevrolet dealership to try and purchase a real set of Delco points. When I asked the 20-something parts man behind the counter for a set of points for a small block 327/300, he asked me for the last eight digits of my vin number! Now of course, I KNOW the last eight numbers of my vin number, but somehow I figured having him enter the numbers into his computer wasn't going to get me any closer to a set of points. So he goes back into the parts office and out comes a 40-something parts manager to help me. After telling HIM that I just need a set of points for a 327/300, he asks me for my distributor number! Okay, I just happen to have that number memorized too but at this point I ask him, "When did buying a set of points for the most popular engine in the world become so much trouble?" To which he replied, "Some time in 1982."

Just had to share this experience with you.

Thanks again for all your replies to my "stumble at idle" post. I will keep you up to date on my progress as I investigate all your suggestions.

Frank

Frank------


If the countermen had found the part number it would have been GM #12338659. This is the contact set that's been available for many years. It's manufactured by Standard Motor Products and it's the same as the one sold under their own brand as well as most others.

[Dick W.]

Re: Genuine Chevrolet Parts

I too have evolved from the printed page to a computer terminal with the big blue oval company.. Anyway the memory chip i use im my gm day.s say,s points # 1931988... And condensor # 1932004...can,t forget them..

And 1942654 cap, 1932015 rotor. IH trucks used them for years. Sold many a brown distributor cap for trucks. I guarantee I sold more for trucks than all the original L/88's used.

[Larry M.]

Re: Genuine Chevrolet Parts

I sold auto parts from 1974 through 1979 - five years at a regional retail/wholesale chain; and ten years at a GM dealership, the last five as department manager.
I met a number of individuals (and in fact developed into one, myself) who did not need to rely on the 4-foot wide bank of paper catalogs to provide commonly-requested parts. I can still recall dozens and dozens of group numbers. (And Joe L., knowing what I know about the parts resources that were available to me at the dealership, I am continually amazed and astounded by the information you have available)
The dealership experience, with exposure to in-depth mechanical and body work, gave me the education and confidence to tackle any number of projects on my and my sons' vehicles that I might otherwise have never considered.
When I go into a local NAPA, or Advance Auto or whatever, and see the counter sales reps relying on the computer screen, I marvel at what the business has developed into.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Genuine Chevrolet Parts

I started working behind a parts counter in the late '50's when a good counterman knew common part numbers with having to refer to a book (at that time there were 50 some books, varying from 1 1/2" to over 5" thick International Harvester and Plymouth). Today the kids behind the counter cannot/do not try to remember anything but which button turns the computer on.

I have always taken pride in my ability to cross reference part numbers, but today the counter clerks cannot do a thing that the computer does not tell them to do. No initiative at all on their part.

Very sad, I miss the parts clerk with the pocket protector and about 20 pens/pencils just waiting to take your info and sell you something.

Don't even think about paying for something with a odd amount of cash. I have had them look at it get a calculater, paper & pencel to try to figure out the change for a 6.25 item & I give them 11.25. Do they not teach kids to do basic math in there heads anymore? I had one give up & ask how much I should get back.
KEN

[Paul J.]

Re: Genuine Chevrolet Parts

When I go into a local NAPA, or Advance Auto or whatever, and see the counter sales reps relying on the computer screen, I marvel at what the business has developed into.

That's one of the reasons that I go online and compare part configurations/prices from several sources, including the stores. I'll pull their parts number for the part I want and carefully inspect it when I get to the store. When I don't give them the number up front, they bring back the right part about four out of five times. Now days there seems to be a lot of non OEM configurations that will work, and you have to be careful.

[Michael J.]

Re: Genuine Chevrolet Parts

I've always used Standard Blue Streak points, I have been told they are the best and Delcos were just impossible to find where I live. And I have been told Standard makes most all of them anyway these days.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Genuine Chevrolet Parts

hows that saying go, "give a man a fish and feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and feed him for life"

Things certainly have changed in the past twenty years..

[Joe L.]

Re: Genuine Chevrolet Parts

I've always used Standard Blue Streak points, I have been told they are the best and Delcos were just impossible to find where I live. And I have been told Standard makes most all of them anyway these days.

Michael------I consider the Standard Blue Streak contact sets to be about the best that's currently available and they are what I now use (even though I have enough NOS Delco of the original part numbers to last me several lifetimes).F

For cap and rotor I use Accel.

By the way, these are made in USA. They are also available as separate contact set and condensor although I prefer the "Uniset" design



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