I'd like to find out if Delco-Moraine ever printed a parts book using THEIR parts numbers during the era of 1955-65. If so, where do I find a copy? Failing that, where do I make contact with a current/retired Delco-Moraine employee? Wasn't their main plant in Dayton? Any help is appreciated.
-
-
Re: Delco-Moraine
Loren----
As far as I know, as a GM component operation, Delco-Moraine would have used the GM part numbering system. If there had been any type of "catalog" it would most likely have been an internal, GM document which wouldn't have been released into retail parts(dealership)channels. While occassionally these type of documents surface, you'd probably look a long time to find one. Finding a former employee might be your best bet, as you mention. Many Delco-Moraine plants are/have been in Dayton, OH. However, I believe they had plants elsewhere. Moraine, OH being one other place(hence the name Delco-MORAINE).In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Delco-Moraine
Loren- I worked in an Auto Parts Store as a "Counterman" a while back... United Auto Parts in Endicott NY to be exact... and we were an "Authorized Delco Dealer". At that time, there were separate Delco Moraine catalogs which had their own parts numbering scheme, but which could be crossed over to GM part numbers using cross reference tables. I still have one of these catalogs in a box somewhere. This was around 1976-1978. Don't know about 1965 or earlier.Comment
-
Re: Delco-Moraine
Tom----
I was unaware that Delco-Moraine had its own, unique part numbering system. Delco-Moraine castings, for example, used the GM "long number" system as far back as the 50s. However, Delco-Moraine, as a "member" of the Delco "family" of parts distributed through the "Authorized Delco Dealer" aftermarket distribution channels, would also have used the Delco part numbering system. This system is common for all Delco parts distributed through these channels. Parts in this system often have a "dash" in the number(e.g. 10-351)or a letter(e.g. AC 212CW or D-308). Often times, parts dealers will refer to these as the "short number". Could this be what you're referring to?
Incidentally, when buying GM parts through Delco channels, which are often less expensive, always look for the GM "long number" (6,7 or 8 digit number with no dashes or letters) on the box/package. If the long number is the same as the part available through the GM parts system, the part is the same. If the "long number" is different, the part is different. If there is no "long number" on the Delco box, then only the "General" knows for sure.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Delco-Moraine Numbers
Joe-
Yes- if my memory serves me- the ##-### (Delco) system, as opposed to the ####### (GM)system, is what was used in the "aftermarket" catalogs. There was no digit correlation between the "Delco" number and the "GM" number. Since I have been buying GM parts for over 25 years using the GM system, I sort of refer to the Delco numbers as a "separate" numbering system, commonly used by auto parts stores. I know that GM clerks could, would, and did also use these numbers, but that was not the rule from my experience. I also know that some, but not all, of the Delco numbers are listed in the GM catalogs, since I have my own copy of the GM catalog.
As "secondary" sources for GM parts, the aftermarket (or at least my store)only used the GM system as a last resort. They (we)relied heavily (almost exclusively) on the Delco numbering system. I know GM also used the Delco #s in many cases, but there was always a refer-back to a "proper" GM number (at least at my local Chevy dealer).
So... the catalog that I have... is in the Delco format, which the GM parts counter guys weren't interested in discussing back in 1976. They always wanted the GM number. As far as I can tell, this catalog was printed primarily for use by auto parts stores. We also sold "Packard" parts using the Delco # system... that's how our catalogs identified the parts. An ignition part usually had the Delco number on the box in big letters, and the GM number in tiny print. Same thing for Delco Rochester. The regular GM number was not always evident. Our inventory, ordering, & sales were all indexed on the Delco numbers... no regular GM numbers were used. You had to be a detective to make sure you were providing the correct part. For example, a set of points could be referred to as #-### or #######. There were cases where the Delco part was incorrect and the GM number had to be discerned to identify the appropriate part. Many times, we had to physically match up the parts to get a correct fit because of production run changes.
Occasionally, I tried to order GM parts at GM parts counters using the Delco numbers... the counter guys refused to produce a part until I gave them the application so they could look up the "correct" GM number. I am definitely not an expert on this topic, but I did work in the industry, on the front lines. I hope I made more sense this time around.Comment
-
Re: Delco-Moraine Numbers
Tom has it right in his last post, there are two parallel systems for marketing parts, the GM system, used internally in the Divisions, (component and car) using seven digits (or fewer) and the AC-Delco aftermarket or "Parts store" system. Occasionally, a GM service number is created for a special part that is built as a "universal" part, as in the case of a wiring harness which could be built for service to incorporate multiple option combinations. I don't believe this was used for Corvette service due to the low volume. Be careful with brake parts, the number on the outside is ususlly a casting number for the bare casting, and the assembly machined with internal parts will have a different number.Comment
-
I BELIEVE! - WHERE
I believe that there was a parts book with Delco-Moraine numbers that were NOT Chevrolet #'s. I believed it when I made the post and I still do. WHERE do I find one or WHO do I contact? THANKS FOR THE CONFIRMATIONS.Comment
-
Re: Delco-Moraine Numbers
I'm no expert, but Delco is in the brake and electrical component business and, if I'm not mistaken, many parts in those industries use industry-common (ie, standard) part numbers. So, I would expect Delco to produce catalogs that utilize the industry-standard numbers.Comment
-
Re: I BELIEVE! - WHERE
Hi Everyone, Don't know if this helps but I have a several old Delco catalogs. For example, #17A-100-1 was for Brakes-Passenger Car & Light Trucks. It covers thru 1969 and is dated May 1976. It only lists the Delco Numbers. A 1953-59 Corvette front wheel cylinder would be a 172-83 (left) and a 172-82 (right) There is also a suggested list and retailer price sheet that also is in Delco numbers only. Neither the parts book or price lists makes any reference to the GM numbering system. Page Campbell #2299Comment
-
Re: I BELIEVE! - WHERE
Loren, I would contact literature collectors. Terry McManmon has a large collection and may have the catalog that you are looking for. I am sure that there are others that do the same. Old parts catalogs are not in demand like sales literature, but do have a small following of collectors. Another source for things like that might be dealers like Walter Miller in NY.
Dick WhittingtonComment
-
Re: Delco-Moraine
Loren,
Dick is right - I have some of these catalogs. They were/are intended for retail parts stores, not internal dealerships. E-mail me off board as to what parts you are looking for and I will see if I have anything that covers it.
These parts books are available at swap meets from all sorts of people. They are usually rather economical because they are thought to be of little use to us. Of course, that is not always the case.
Terry
TerryComment
-
Re: I BELIEVE! - WHERE
Loren, we all agree with you, at least as far as AC-Delco catalogues are concerned. I have a few, oldest is '67, contact me offline or e-mail me & I'll try to get you a copy of what I have you might need.
ClupComment
Comment