I was at a AutoZone tonignt...

[klenger]

... to get a windshield wiper blade for the wife's Saturn. We are checking out, and on the wall behind the register, they have a huge display of spark plug wires. I mention to the wife (loud enough for the parts guy to hear me), "l'll be they don't have plug wires for my truck?" With a disgusting tone she says "quit that. " The parts guy says "I'll bet we do, what kind is it?" After giving him the year, engine type, etc, he couldn't find them, and said "I guess you're right". The wife thinks I'm a jerk.

 

[Jeff H]

Parts guy dumba$$

you smarta$$

 

[duaneparks]

I was at the local Hi Lo/O'Reilly's Monday evening to pick up an air filter for my little Volvo TD and couldn't find one in their book. I approached the counter guy, he produced a filter that the "computer says will work. " Counter guy and I took it outside, popped it in the filter housing, wayyy too small. Counter guy couldn't believe the difference in size.



We went back in and he ordered another one that also "says it'll fit. " I asked him just how many possible filters could this one car have? He scratched his head.



I know it's hard for these guys to know everything about all the vehicles they carry parts for. My situation is different, yes, and the guy had a little more snap than the one looking for spark plug wires for a diesel.

 

[jelvington]

I'm tired of these guys telling me that I can't paint my A-pillar.

To top it off the parts guy at the dealership told me the same thing. I finally went into their collision center and the manager gave me the number to their paint supplier and he told me no problem.

 

[WadePatton]

My parts guys

will reach across the counter and slap ya when you ask for parts like a thermostat for a corvair.



But then I'm not shopping at the K-mart of autoparts.

 

[Scot]

Went into AutoZone one day and asked for a belt. Told the guy to cross a Gates #. He insists he has to look it up by application. Then he is shocked because he cannot find where a '55 Ford F100 had a 302, power steering, and A/C.

 

[patrobertson]

I had to chime in

I will not go into another Checkers in my neck of the woods, I went in there with some custom plugs off of my boat, they want year make model, well its a 351, and I showed him the plug type and ends that I needed, well he kept bringing me the same type of plugs and asking if it will fit, happened three times, I finally had to be nice and leave, and this was an older gentleman. It would be like me trying to sell hair products, I don't know crap about them, hence I won't sell them. But we do have a good parts place nearby that I can always count on for the hard stuff. Its great to have a good store, I go to them now just to support em. And their plugs were cheaper.



Shane

 

[WDaniels]

Klinger,

voonderbar

 

[Billy Diesel]

We were driving through central Wisconsin when the Grand Cherokee we were in started "chirping" around corners. Come to find out the owner of the vehicle had the diff fluids changed about 200 miles prior, and there wasn't an item on the invoice for friction modifier. Well, it took over 80 miles and over a dozen stops at truck stops, gas stations, Mills Fleet Farm, and even 3 autoparts stores before we found someone that had HEARD about it, and then 2 more parts stores before we found the stuff!



A guy at one of the parts stores didn't even have the slightest idea how a differential worked. He probably thought it worked on the "FMH" theory... . "F*cking Magic Here"

 

[klenger]

In our business, we refer to that as PFM, ... "pure f. . ing, magic"

 

[24V-DSL]

I have very low expectations at the Autozones of the world, and only go there for service within those very low expectations.



I don't expect to find Piers, HVAC, etc. behind the counter. How many 18 yr. old kids behind these counters have even seen a diesel engine?



Now, if this had been a Dodge dealer parts dept. I'd be

 

[DPelletier]

Ken,

Your wifes right! Seriously, though, I feel your pain when it comes to know-nothing partspersons. I like what Wade said about "not shopping at the K-mart of autoparts"!! I go to places like that here (Can. Tire or Wallmart) if I need something low tech like wipers, floor mats, bug deflectors. etc, but if I need real parts I go to a good jobber parts store. I was assistant manager of an autoparts store for several years, and it really fries me when I ask the 18 yr old, former burger flippers for something common and I get the blank stare! Sheesh! I used to be able to procure bearings, seals, u-joints, etc. just from the measurements. I still have more part #'s rolling around in my head, than some of those guys are ever going to know.

Dave

 

[DPelletier]

I always use the term "witchcraft"

 

[Jeff Clark]

I love going into an auto parts store to find parts for my 32 Ford. It has a Ford 9" in the rear and all GM components up front. I have no idea what year the motor is. I want to be able to ask for spark plugs for a small block Chevy and have the guy run to the back and bring them to me without having to play 20 questions. Right now I need a lower radiator hose 'cause the fan ate into it. I going to have a heck of a time having a parts guy dig through all the hoses in the back trying to find one with the right bend so I can cut it off and make it fit.

 

[big jake 1]

Originally posted by 24V-DSL

I have very low expectations at the Autozones of the world, and only go there for service within those very low expectations.



I don't expect to find ... HVAC behind the counter.

looks like you have never been to the Autozone in Half Moon Bay... ... ...













big jake



THE FORD GUY Oo. Oo. Oo.

 

[klenger]

I went to the AuroZone to get a wipper blade for the wife's Saturn. He quickly got me the correct part, I installed it on the car, and it was fixed. The spark plug thing was just a side show.

 

[NC_Mog]

My biggest irritation is that they can only look up by make and model. When trying to find a part for a "what-the-heck-is that" vehicle, you have to guess as to another make/model that MIGHT be right. No more looking up in a catalog, spinning it around so the customer can look for himself. I had to struggle with an idiot just to get an alternator. He couldn't believe that there were vehicles made that weren't in the computer. Finally he produced a catalog page (must have blown the dust off of it) and I pointed to one that looked similar.

 

[baby.driver]

I have not tried the Autozone up here yet but in my old home town, Santa Maria, CA, the Autozone in the north end of town had the U-joints for the front axle in stock.

Took the parts guy three tries to find 'em, but they were there.

Nobody else had them.

 

[Dane]

You guys need to start getting your parts at NAPA and stop messin with those kids Gonna give em a complex or sumpthin

 

[Camara]

I feel like I've got to put in my 2 cents. I've dealt with Autozone, Pepboys, Allied Auto, and others. The kids behind the counter, either don't speak english or incorrect english and their hats are on sideways, the gold chains around their necks and the pants that are 6 feet too long and 10 sizes too big and they still got their butts hanging out because their belt is around their ankles. When you need help it's like you have interupted their nap and now they have an attitude. And to top it off if it's not one of those manhole cover scraping Hondas they don't want to be bothered with you. As much as I don't like WalMart sometimes I feel as though I'm better off walking their isles with the rest of the nationalities. There are only 2 local (an hour away) places that I deal with now because they are 3rd generation owners and for the most part can do things over the phone and actually get it right.