ticking on start up.?

This happens on older vehicles. It normal. It won't really hurt anything or do any damage in the long run. U are right, it is the lifters tapping until they fill with oil again. When you change the oil, get a quart of marvels mystery oil and add to it. I've done this with many older vehicles and it seems to help some. You can replace the lifters but On a vehicle that old, it pointless and not worth the time and money. Trust me, u will do more damage from trying to replace them than you will with just leaving it the way it is. Basically, the lifters bleed down overnight or whatever and when you start it, they tap until they fill back up with oil. Like I said, it's a common problem and is virtually harmless. Its just something that happens over time.