Where did all the "REAL" parts guys go??

[blubuckaroo]

I learned not to ask for parts for a '77. Some of the books split mid-year to the big '78 models.%) I now just tell the parts guy it's a '76. That has saved a lot of grief.

 

[jckkys]

One of the problems with the computer system is a total lack of car and part knowledge, that these guys can get by with. Any question about the quality of the parts has no chance of being answered. I had to return 4 Chinese Autozone thermostatic fan clutches, that leaked, before I gave up. The real parts store here in Tucson is Merle's where I got a Haydon Fan clutch for the same price; no leaks. Pep Boys sold me a Chinese U joint for the rear drive shaft that failed in less than a weak. The shaft whipped around destroying the muffler. Luckily it didn't do much damage to the floor. Merle's had a Spicer for less that has worked fine for the last 11 yrs. Ask the best rated repair shops in your town where they buy their parts.

 

[BronCowie]

My local NAPA rocks. There's a kid behind the counter that works on old cars and trucks and we speak the same language. But really, all of the parts people there are great.

 

[nickgp]

I have a similar problem when I get parts for my 97 F350 crew cab Powerstroke. Seems like the non parts guys think it doesn't exist due to the half ton "new " body style that year. Oh and don't even think about asking for parts for the Bronco! Can't wait to buy brake pads after just doing the Chevy disc conversion!

 

[Tedster100]

It's a crapshoot anymore, seems like most times there are new people in there all the time. The big corporate machine is part of the problem, pay is based on corporate policy rather than performance, knowledge or their contribution to the team. Corporations don't place value on an experienced and seasoned counterman. I was getting ready to install my ARB and wanted to check my gear pattern before I tore it down. Knowing they probably wouldn't have it I walked into Autozone and asked if they had gear marking compound. I might as well have asked if they had tampons, they just stared at me. After a long akward pause I had to actually explain to them what it was used for. Out of three guys, none had any idea what it was.

 

[904Bronco]

I guess I am fortunate, my brother is 50 y/o's old and he has been doing auto parts for 25+ years. He got his start an independent A/P store and he is well versed in the book(s), because that is what he started in... He works at O'Reilly's now and he is losing his mind because he has to deal with fellow workers who do not know how to do an honest days work. He has clients that cannot speak English and they cannot answer simple questions about their vehicle. (shop mechanics included) But the major shops call for him in Wholesale sales because he gets them what they need the first time. When they hired him he doubled the store's wholesale sales in 6 months to $60K, He is approaching $80K and they want him to do more... But they seem unwilling to supply him with people that want to work and support him to reach a higher number.

There just seems to be less people out there that really want to work and learn their job. But everyone wants to be paid, and have their breaks/lunch, and be on their smart phone...

 

[tasker]

DAMN PARTS GUYS! oh, wait.....never mind. close to 30 years in on it now, a couple independents, over 28 with Ford..... Sad when we have to call outside if i can't look it up myself
Give me a call if you ever need something looked up or located!

 

[dao1980]

It is pretty ridiculous that folks working the parts counters these days seem to know nothing about parts or vehicles.

We had a radio commercial a few years back that ran all summer for Advanced Auto Parts where a guy proclaims that "they've got everything you need for your auto!" He rattles off a few parts, one of them being; "locking hubs for a 1993 jeep cherokee!"... maybe he'd swapped in a D44??

 

[broncodriver99]

Knowing they probably wouldn't have it I walked into Autozone and asked if they had gear marking compound. I might as well have asked if they had tampons, they just stared at me. After a long akward pause I had to actually explain to them what it was used for. Out of three guys, none had any idea what it was.

LOL. I went through the same thing at AutoZone and Advance Auto. The girl working the counter at Advance suggested using a sharpie or paint pen. I asked her if she was serious. She didn't respond. NAPA didn't have it in stock but it was there the next morning along with some acid brushed to apply it.

The NAPA here rocks. Fairly knowledgeable guys on the counter and they still have some books around for the odd bits. They did have an old school counter guy who didn't need the computer far anything but the newest cars. Sadly he had to spend a little time in the hospital and then recovery and they won't hire him back because it would affect their health insurance premiums. I give them hell about it anytime they get stumped on something, I suggest they call Julius cause he would know.

 

[bmc69]

It is pretty ridiculous that folks working the parts counters these days seem to know nothing about parts or vehicles.

Most of the chain stores (Advance, Autozone) are operated that way on purpose. Their business model is set up to rely on a steady stream of relatively low-pay employees with no more knowledge of automotive parts retailing than of flipping burgers. So when you do encounter an employee in one of the chain stores that actually knows something about working on vehicles, its more by accident than by design.

I knew guys that worked the same store as counter men for 30 years. (heck, my youngest sister worked the counter in one particular store for 15 years and another one 3 years before that..and she mixed all their automotive paint too). Those stores are largely all gone now..and so are those skilled counter people. Our local NAPA is the only local "exception" with some skilled old-timers behind the counter. Unfortunately for me, the NAPA is a 40-minute drive and the Advance is only a 20-minute drive.

I was back in Lafayette, IN a few years ago for a "30 year" reunion with a bunch of my university friends. Whilst there, I drove by the main store (family owned since 1932..had three stores total) where I had worked as an automotive machinist and counter sales guy. I wanted to show the place to Filly and hopefully catch up with someone I knew. It was gone.

 

[half cab]

Yea I liked it when the parts stores were the owners last name or the hwy or rd they were on!!

 

[Slednut10]

Made it to NAPA this morning to return the upper hose. Counter guys both picked up on the order sheet that said "cut to length". They took the hose and marked it as a defect and reordered a new hose "not cut to length". At least these two were sharp enough to catch that. I hope they stick around for a while! No argument, no blaming me or any other type of BS I've heard before, just "we will call when it's in".

 

[Skiddy]

I have a similar problem when I get parts for my 97 F350 crew cab Powerstroke. Seems like the non parts guys think it doesn't exist due to the half ton "new " body style that year. Oh and don't even think about asking for parts for the Bronco! Can't wait to buy brake pads after just doing the Chevy disc conversion!

same here with my 97 F250 w/460 i just tell them i need parts for a 96 so i get the right parts

 

[Seventee]

I've gotten to the point where I find the parts on the internet, locate them on Napa/Oreilly/Autozone site, print out the sheets and hand to the counter person when I go into the store. Saves a lot of questions and answers, and I get what I want.

 

[nickgp]

Two weeks ago I go into NAPA to get rear shoes, all the hardware and wheel cylinders. Guy about mid 30 s helps me. As I pay the bill I see front shoes. I ask him are they universal from front to rear. He says yes and blames the computer. Luckily he doesn't have most of the parts, so I go to their warehouse across town. No big deal. Gotta go that way anyway. As I drive I decide to look over the invoice real good. See that he specd same number for both wheel cylinders. Now I'm getting aggrivated. This is the reason I did not go to Auto Zone, P boys etc. Get to warehouse and the manager helps me. Guess what? Yup all F d up! Told the guy this is exactly why I came to NAPA! We'll he gets me all lined out( didn't have the shoes but got them next day and upgrades for free). Moral of the story, don't trust a guy who drives a Bronco II!

 

[CopperRanger]

I've gotten to the point where I find the parts on the internet, locate them on Napa/Oreilly/Autozone site, print out the sheets and hand to the counter person when I go into the store. Saves a lot of questions and answers, and I get what I want.

That sounds like a good idea. Also, I have had good luck at rockauto.com

 

[thegreatjustino]

In my town the Napa is hands down the best parts store to go to. There are a couple others that know their stuff. All three are in older parts of town 20 minutes from my house. There are half a dozen chain stores within five minutes of me. Wish the good stores were closer.

There is a guy at the local Autozone with an amazing chip on his shoulder. If I walk in with part numbers I'm looking for, he'll argue with me that I'm wrong. Gave him A FelPro part number for a 351 intake gasket. He told me the number was completely incorrect and that he couldn't help me. Went home, found it in less than a minute at Jegs and ordered it. Guy wanted to argue with me that I was wrong and lost a sale because of it and probably still thinks he knows more than me with his trusty computer.

 

[BronCowie]

In my town the Napa is hands down the best parts store to go to. There are a couple others that know their stuff. All three are in older parts of town 20 minutes from my house. There are half a dozen chain stores within five minutes of me. Wish the good stores were closer.

There is a guy at the local Autozone with an amazing chip on his shoulder. If I walk in with part numbers I'm looking for, he'll argue with me that I'm wrong. Gave him A FelPro part number for a 351 intake gasket. He told me the number was completely incorrect and that he couldn't help me. Went home, found it in less than a minute at Jegs and ordered it. Guy wanted to argue with me that I was wrong and lost a sale because of it and probably still thinks he knows more than me with his trusty computer.

Probably does a nice goose step :-X

 

[nathan.hall1]

My local area the Napa is the last resort they are overpriced and the guys are arrogant.

The autozone and orielys are filled with guys that just know how punch numbers in the computer but I know how to guide them to get the part I need...

 

[rhino2104]

AutoZone around here is a complete joke. The only decent one of the 3 within 5 miles is their local hub. Even then it is sketchy at best. O'Reilly is decent. Again, we have 3 within 5 miles. One of them is managed by a guy that has a 1968 Bronco so if I need anything I go talk to him and get set up in the right direction. The local NAPA is pretty good too. A couple of good guys in there that bend over backwards to help you out.