Well, I've got a few more lessons in how not to buy parts. Herewith----
eBay #4601049693------This item is a GM #3877660 thermostat housing. It opened at $0.99 without reserve, drew 12 bids, and closed at $93.52. The seller claimed that it was a REAL '660' and had the "raised beveled underside ring". The seller is absolutely correct, too----this is a REAL '660' and will have the "raised beveled underside ring" (although it can't be seen in the picture). The problem is that while it's a REAL '660' thermostat housing, it's NOT THE ONE used in PRODUCTION from 1966 through 1972. The PRODUCTION piece was configured differently at the base. This is a SERVICE-only configuration which came into being about 1990, or so. So, from a restoration perspective, it's worthless; I'm sure that even the most novice judges will spot this from a mile away. From a FUNCTIONAL perspective, it's just fine. But, you don't need to spend $93 for a functional thermostat housing. You can even get a Paragon reproduction which is virtually identical to the original for $40 and you can get an aftermarket replacement (which is just about the same as the one in the eBay item except for the part number on it) for about $10.
eBay #4600453887-----This item is a set of 16 of GM #3959182 rocker arms for Mark IV big blocks. These are the "H" stamped rockers which were originally used only on 1969 L-88/ZL-1 and 1971 LS-6. These rockers were not originally supplied with rocker balls or nuts, but the seller included a complete set of GM #5232762 rocker balls and GM #3896648 rocker nuts with the rocker arms. The auction opened at $9.99 with no reserve, drew 27 bids and closed at $206.77. Also, based upon my inspection of the parts as can be seen in the pictures, I am quite sure that they are accurately represented. So, what's the problem? Well, you can still purchase the GM #3959182 rocker arms from GM. Now, though, they come in a unit package under GM #12368082 which includes 1 GM #3955182 rocker arm, 1 GM #12338047 rocker ball (same exact configuration as GM #5232762 except made of better material), and 1 GM #3896648 rocker nut. What's more, you can purchase a complete engine set of these under GM #12368085. This set carries a GM list price of $91.36, but can be easily purchased for about $70. So, why pay $206.77 for the same thing?
As I've said before, don't blame the sellers. They described the items perfectly accurately, they held no reserve, and they started the auctions at a VERY reasonable price under any circumstances.
eBay #4601049693------This item is a GM #3877660 thermostat housing. It opened at $0.99 without reserve, drew 12 bids, and closed at $93.52. The seller claimed that it was a REAL '660' and had the "raised beveled underside ring". The seller is absolutely correct, too----this is a REAL '660' and will have the "raised beveled underside ring" (although it can't be seen in the picture). The problem is that while it's a REAL '660' thermostat housing, it's NOT THE ONE used in PRODUCTION from 1966 through 1972. The PRODUCTION piece was configured differently at the base. This is a SERVICE-only configuration which came into being about 1990, or so. So, from a restoration perspective, it's worthless; I'm sure that even the most novice judges will spot this from a mile away. From a FUNCTIONAL perspective, it's just fine. But, you don't need to spend $93 for a functional thermostat housing. You can even get a Paragon reproduction which is virtually identical to the original for $40 and you can get an aftermarket replacement (which is just about the same as the one in the eBay item except for the part number on it) for about $10.
eBay #4600453887-----This item is a set of 16 of GM #3959182 rocker arms for Mark IV big blocks. These are the "H" stamped rockers which were originally used only on 1969 L-88/ZL-1 and 1971 LS-6. These rockers were not originally supplied with rocker balls or nuts, but the seller included a complete set of GM #5232762 rocker balls and GM #3896648 rocker nuts with the rocker arms. The auction opened at $9.99 with no reserve, drew 27 bids and closed at $206.77. Also, based upon my inspection of the parts as can be seen in the pictures, I am quite sure that they are accurately represented. So, what's the problem? Well, you can still purchase the GM #3959182 rocker arms from GM. Now, though, they come in a unit package under GM #12368082 which includes 1 GM #3955182 rocker arm, 1 GM #12338047 rocker ball (same exact configuration as GM #5232762 except made of better material), and 1 GM #3896648 rocker nut. What's more, you can purchase a complete engine set of these under GM #12368085. This set carries a GM list price of $91.36, but can be easily purchased for about $70. So, why pay $206.77 for the same thing?
As I've said before, don't blame the sellers. They described the items perfectly accurately, they held no reserve, and they started the auctions at a VERY reasonable price under any circumstances.
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