Is anyone else having this problem with the auto part stores?

[rsharpnm]

Well, I wouldn't necessarily blame the employee for the irrelevant questions. It may have been that the software they use made him put all that stuff in before it would find the part. In some cases (though probably not with an oil pan) there are different engine parts for an automatic vs. manual, etc.

x2 on that... my last parts counter job was at a GM dealer in the early '90s (don't ask - - it was college, I needed the work!) and the computer system wouldn't let you go further without bonehead questions sometimes. Yes, you could 'assume' it didn't matter, but if the customer needed another part that it DID matter, you'd have to go back to the beginning.

As a former parts guy, one of my favorite memories was asking if a vehicle had air conditioning and being told, "no." When I got the belt and it didn't fit, I double checked. This time when I asked about the AC, he said, "no... it doesn't work!" LOL!

 

[gddyap]

In their defense, most part monkeys at chain stores probably know all about rice rockets like Hondas and Toyotas. I would not expect many to know about 33+ YO domestic vehicles. It might have been better if you said you needed a Dana Spicer 1310 ujoint. At any rate, I haven't had many problems with the computers at the local O'Reilly's with find Bronco parts. As mentioned before, I go online and get the part numbers first to double check what they find.

 

[tasker]

I've worked as a Ford parts God for over 25 years now, worked at a speed shop and a local parts chain, "CAP" before that. The biggest problem is it's a job. They have no passion or care in anything they do, like a kid making coffee at Starbuck's. Unfortunatly some local dealers act like they can't be bothered to look up or try to find anything vintage. I have at least 8 dealers refer my name to people looking for the old stuff. I enjoy it, like hearing storys about thier builds and it's always cool running into them at the swap meets or car shows.

 

[deltarat]

There are very few REAL parts men left. Computers have replaced that skill set.We still have one of the real parts men left here. You can tell him what you need and many times he can just go get it without looking up anything. They still used parts books with no computer until last week. They said the companies are no longer supporting the parts books.
I have noticed that the 3 best parts men I have known are smartasses, but really good at their jobs. They are all really helpful, just give you a lot of crap while doing it.

 

[tasker]

"I have noticed that the 3 best parts men I have known are smartasses, but really good at their jobs. They are all really helpful, just give you a lot of crap while doing it."
HAVE WE MET? ;D

 

[mcdobson]

Not that I'm bitter about loosing my parts store or anything but, anyone that passed up an independent parts store to save a buck at Kragens, AZ or whomever, is responsible for the state of auto parts stores as they are today.

 

[Crush]

My favorite autobone story is, went with a buddy to get a 302 gasket kit for a rebuild. kid tells him they dont have one for a 302, got one for a 260, 289, 255, 351, 5.0 and 5.8 though. Then would not sell any of them to him because he asked for a 302!! Go figure??

 

[sprdv1]

I worked at NAPA for six years, and at a dealership for four while I finished college. Today's parts people chap my hide...!

Look the parts up yourself on the parts store's website, and just give 'em the numbers to check.

The way to go for sure..!

 

[sprdv1]

I have at least 8 dealers refer my name to people looking for the old stuff. I enjoy it, like hearing storys about thier builds and it's always cool running into them at the swap meets or car shows.

That would be pretty cool..! And the stories they could tell about their problems w/the stores too

 

[johnmlebel]

Not all of the parts stores are like that but most big chains. I am not a big chain but am part of a large group. Parts plus stores. It happens but sometimes the counter people are just as annoyed with the customer that has no clue what they really need or what they drive even. "my car doesnt run right, I need this"(as they hand a rear wheel bearing to you)

 

[deltarat]

"I have noticed that the 3 best parts men I have known are smartasses, but really good at their jobs. They are all really helpful, just give you a lot of crap while doing it."
HAVE WE MET? ;D

I don'tthink so. I too have some of those tendencies, so I usually give as good as I get.

 

[Socal Tom]

I own a 1977 Ford Bronco (small version). I go to Murray's Auto Part Store and ask for parts for my small Bronco and all they come up with is parts for the full size Bronco. They aren't aways the same parts. Right now, my Bronco needs u-joints for the drive shafts front and back. I called another store and I get the same response "they only have parts for the full size Bronco). Will the full size Bronco u-joints work on my smaller version Bronco? Tell me about your auto part headache. ;D

The 77 is a "full size", its smaller than later years, but its still the full size.
Tom

 

[Ohio Bronco 21]

Its ok to frequent the big chain stores but you better know part numbers and what else can be looked up to interchange with your vehicle, most of the young guys have no clue nor do they want one. I still use NAPA and a local parts store with some old gruff guys behind the counter, they know it all and can find just about anything you are looking for. If they dont have it or cant get it they can direct you to where you can go to find it.

 

[Bundy]

Not that I'm bitter about loosing my parts store or anything but, anyone that passed up an independent parts store to save a buck at Kragens, AZ or whomever, is responsible for the state of auto parts stores as they are today.

Amen brother!

there are still some part stores locally that we need to support- i only go to kragen when i absolutely have to... but if i need anything that requires thought i go to the local parts store where the guys know the most basic domestic blocks and transmissions and actually have automotive knowledge.

 

[eblightning]

What an appropriate time for my old timer rant!!! BTW- X4 for Napa. My wife's 2001 Expedition battery light was flickering. Verified charging concern, yanked the ungodly common 3G alternator and 1st thing I do is yank the volt reg to inspect the worn and cocked brushes with visual evidence suggesting of the inside brush not touching the armature. I'm not a rebuilder but my experience has shown that the brushes, wear items, are a very common alternator failure. I tried autobone, advance, local mom and pop that were very good in the past, and Ford dealers only to be told that I would need to purchase a $200 alt vs. a $10 set of brushes that my 4 yr grandson could install. Napa did not list by application but I was able to visually match what appeared to be the correct set. $14.00 later, the Expedition was returned to reliable service. Kudos to Napa (however, an application listing would have been nice to ease the confidence factor).

 

[eblightning]

BTW - for future reference, part # F424

 

[allenfahey]

In their defense, most part monkeys at chain stores probably know all about rice rockets like Hondas and Toyotas. I would not expect many to know about 33+ YO domestic vehicles. It might have been better if you said you needed a Dana Spicer 1310 ujoint. At any rate, I haven't had many problems with the computers at the local O'Reilly's with find Bronco parts. As mentioned before, I go online and get the part numbers first to double check what they find.

I'll bet $100 if you went in and told them "I need a 1310 ujoint" they couldn't find it. They would still need the make, year, model. I too use NAPA and stick to the zone for my wipers and oil.

 

[roundhouse]

I'll bet $100 if you went in and told them "I need a 1310 ujoint" they couldn't find it. They would still need the make, year, model. I too use NAPA and stick to the zone for my wipers and oil.

Good luck finding a U-joint that isnt made in china!

That take some calling around.

There is an Auto Zone or Advance (cant remember which) near me that is staffed by all women, and they know more about cars than anyone except the old gray haired guys at Napa.

 

[badasstrapper]

Not that I'm bitter about loosing my parts store or anything but, anyone that passed up an independent parts store to save a buck at Kragens, AZ or whomever, is responsible for the state of auto parts stores as they are today.

I SECOND THAT !!!!

 

[mustangtoby]

I guess I'm lucky, our local parts house has been owned by the same guy for over 20 years (since I was in high school), and he's good. I try to get every thing I can from him. Last time I was in autobone the guy asked me if my Bronco was 2wd or 4wd. Wow!