Parts Guys Are Stoopid!

There was a local parts store where the owner was an old guy that used to build and race cars. He knew so much about cars and was always willing to help you out with your car. If things weren't to busy he'd go outside and help you with your problem. He was the kind of guy that would know exactly what you needed when you walk in and say 'I need that thing that always goes out on Fords.'

My town has been over run with Kragens and Autozones. They are popping up like Mc Donalds. These 'drive through' parts stores eventually put the above mentioned parts store out of business. I'm sure most of you know by now that if you go to Kragens, Autozone, Federated, etc., and ask for a part for a car not in the computer (usually pre 1968) that the kids working there are lost. Pull out the book?! Oh no!!! Punch in a 1968 Dart when the customer has a 1963 and hope he doesn't notice and hope it is the same part. A few years back I went to a Kragens for a voltage regulator for a 1963 Plymouth and the kid looked straight at me and asked if they made cars back then. More recently I went to Autozone for some u-joints for a 1971 Van. It's in the computer so you're safe you say? Nope, what the computer comes up with isn't what the van runs. That was the end. I had the old one with me, but the lady working the counter said if it isn't in the computer she can't help me.

I sure miss that old guy with the local store.

Yep, I agree with you wholeheartedly. I'm starting to have problems even with places like NAPA with some of the help that they have. The thing that the Kragens etc. do have generally is a good return policy although it can sometimes get hard to get them to take back wrong parts. You have to remember that cars aren't being built anymore to be repaired by the backyard mechanics but rather only by the dealer. The problem with the dealers is that not only do they charge you a lot for simple repairs but they also tend to do the stupid thing of replacing parts that aren't really bad.

Theres a pretty simple solution to your problem. Find you an ASE certified parts specialist. Yes...ASE certifies parts people just like they do mechanics. It requires two years experience plus passing a test of 100 questions or so.

Most times you can find an ASE man on the NAPA parts counter. Ask for him. If you ask a kid for an ASE man it won't hurt his feelings as much as it will give him incentive to study to become one himself. If he's interested in parts as a career anyway.

A guy came to me yesterday looking for points for an 1952 8N Ford tractor. Before I grabbed the catalog, I asked him if it was a front mount distributor or a side mount distributor. You should have seen the relief on his face when he realized I actually might know what he wanted. He had a great quote. 'You know...you can get parts at Autozone or you can get parts at Napa, then again, you can get a T-bone steak at Waffle House or you can get one at Outback. They just ain't the same! '

Sam

Hey, Sam, does Echlin still make their performance Holley rebuild kits with the extra tuning parts and the Teflon shaft inserts?

Not only do I find this type of store insufficient in the service category, but the quality of parts seems to be compromised. Years back when NAPA introduced the Silver line I said no thanks to my parts person. Years later I learned that if the parts store (any parts store) was located near used car lots, cheaper (inferior quality) parts were more likely to be sold in that store. So if the store supports the majority of the clientele, you need to find a store that supports home mechanics, restoration shops, and farmers. Even then I wonder. Does anybody have any luck with internet parts, how about the dealer parts?

I have had very good luck with wrenchead.com, that is if it is listed. I bought several different catagory items from them and found all to be better than standard quality. Be careful to note the price differences of the same items listed, ie they have a 39.00 starter and they have a 129.00 starter, and a 300 dollar starter, get the 39 and it may last for a while and the 300 is as good as OEM. Brakes I ordered were just a few dollars more for the premium (still cheaper than local parts store), and they came with new anti-squeel pads and looked like better quality than the 'lifetime' pads I bought locally - which I have replaced once already and they still sound

Dan PS. Be careful of Kanters Auto parts, I've had mismatched components and wrong parts in the proper box. But, they make it right and they are the cheapest for a front end rebuild. Just allow time for any snafu and check the parts. I've ordered brakes for my Corvair from Autozone and had the parts guy order in 3 sets and ended up needing all three sets to assemble brakes for 2 good wheels. Mismatched parts are getting more common through the local parts stores especially for the older cars. Look around and try to find a vendor that supports you car exclusivley and support them. After all, when the parts store parts dry up, they will be the one reproducing them. If they are big enough to pay for the tens of thousands of dollars for repops. Good Luck

Maybe not. But, if you think Outback is the best steak, you've never HAD steak! Next time you get out to Omaha, give me a call. I'll make a recommendation you'll NEVER forget.

God Bless, Dan'L

Former slayer of dragons; practice now limited to sacred cows. Thinking that America is still a pretty good country, because we were able to survive eight long years of a lying, cheating, lowlife, now-unemployed, president, Orenthal J. Clinton.

Well Max...its was actually a customer that made that remark, but if you want to pack a few of 'em Omaha steaks on dry ice and over night them to me.....I'll see how my grill can handle them!!!

Thanks...Sam

you've never