I hope I get this correct. If not, someone please correct me.
53 and 55 Corvette 235 engine and the 54 and 55 truck with a 261 engine use the same mechanical (solid) lifters.
As it happens in life, they are rare. Figuring out what to do is not easy and it's hard to give advice without more information.
Between 53 and 56, Chevy 6 cylinders were going through a design change transition plus Chevy was using up excess inventory (long story).
You should investigate:
*) 53/55 Corvette 235 engine does not have a drilled lifter galley, for oil passage, for hydraulic lifters.
*) If you have the correct old cam and lifters, you can have them resurfaced IF you have a shop that knows what they are doing.
*) It's possible to purchase a new camshaft and lifters that are close to original specs.
*) Small versus large camshaft journal
*) Pushrod length
You can search the Stovebolt website for the Corvette cam or 261 camshaft for ideas on what others have done for their 261 engines or hopped-up 235s.
Truck shop manual for valve timing and valve adjustment for truck 235 and 261 engines:
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1954truck/54ctsm0606.html
