Parts people

[Archive]

Well I went to the local auto parts store today looking for the K&N Filters for the Scotty air set-up. What a nightmare.

After being unable to find it on the shelf, I made the mistake of asking the counter person. Transcript follows:

Me: Hi Im looking for K&N Airfilter number... (interrupted)
Parts guy: What year is your truck sir?
Me: Its a 2000 but the filter is universal
Parts guy: Make and model?
Me: I have the part number, its re-0880
Parts guy: Ok I need the make and model
Me: (getting annoyed) Dodge Ram
Parts guy: is that a 1500 or a 2500?
Me: 2500, the part number is Re-0880
Parts guy: What engine?
Me: 5. 9 Cummins
Parts guy: Ah little V-8 eh?
Me: No, Its a Diesel
Parts guy: Diesel?
Me: Can ya just check the part number
(a couple minutes go by)
Parts guy: Only K&N listed is #2046 for the diesel
Me: Thats not what I want, try #Re-0880
Parts guy: Thats not listed for your application
(At this point I want to cry)
Me: I know! do you have it?
Parts guy: not in stock, but I can get it, 64. 97.
Me: See ya

Totally ridiculous. I went home and ordered it and the pre-cleaner from Carparts.com for 50 bucks and that included shipping. I sure miss the old Hot Rod shops and mom n pop auto parts places. Geeezzzz.

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Driftwood Y2K QC SB SLT 2500 4X2, CUMMINS! Auto, 3. 55 LSD, TT & CamperPkg.
Silencer ring removed.

 

[Archive]

demodogg,

I doubt that a transcript of a conversation between me and that parts twit would have been approved for family viewing!

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Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,Torque plate,BD valve body,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver

 

[Archive]

I know what you guys mean. To me, a REAL auto parts store is the kind where the counter is a piece of battered stainless steel, there are old pistons turned upside down for ashtrays and business card holders, the place smells of carburetor dip, and the man answers the phone with one word, "Parts. . ", oh, and don't forget the girlie calendar on the wall and the sleepy old hound dog that you have to step over as you walk in.
Andy

 

[Archive]

That's a good one Andy! Most of those Auto Parts stores and Speed Shops are long gone. It's too bad too as the people that worked there really knew there stuff. They weren't just selling parts, they were selling their expertise and wisdom. Just like Archie Bunker said, those were the days...

 

[Archive]

demodogg. . i know what u mean. . i would go to the local store and want... . lets say a set of brake pads ... they would ask the silliest questons. . it would get so bad we would make jokes... brake pads eh? ... parts guy... whats your radio stationed tuned too... or . . whats the axle ratio... lol anyway. . i bought my from Jegs... they had to special order but i got good service and the biggest plus... no interaction with morons... . John

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99 Quad,Long bed 4x4 SLT Auto

 

[Archive]

And they wonder why internet shopping is putting them out of business... Nothin worse than some "Know-it-all" behind the desk telling you what you want..... I thought we were the customer???????

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Jason's Lil' Mack - 89 D250LE 2WD 5Spd 3. 55 Reg Cab. K&N,"tweaked pump", 3. 5" Exst straight,E&M Custom seats. Bosch H4, PIAA 80W/80W HdLites. Bosch 100W Driving. Bosch 55W Fogs.
218,000 miles (355,000 Kms)
7450 Hrs.

 

[Archive]

You ought to try buying parts for an '82 Imperial. There was only one body style and only two options: sun roof and radio type. I always have to give them the whole nine yards of description anyway. I can tell them that there was only one kind, but I gave up on that and just recite the whole thing. I can understand it when I buy something for the truck. I always tell them that it's green and pointed north. Just trying to help out.

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Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,Torque plate,BD valve body,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver

 

[Archive]

#ad
This shows you how trained to computers we've become. Being a parts mgr. myself, I'm probably jumping into the shark tank here, but I can tell you exactly why they do that. Simply, the computer asks the same questions no matter what, whether it's rod bearings or wiper blades. A real parts man just doesn't relay the stupid questions to the customer, he just makes up an answer and moves on because he knows it doesn't matter which motor you have for looking up wiper blades. Oh well, if it makes you feel better, I spent a combined time today of about an hour trying to tell a guy how to wire up a simple electric brake setup---"for the 27th time, THERE'S ONLY 2 WIRES! ONE IS HOT, THE OTHER IS GROUND!!!!!" #ad


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95 2500 SLT Laramie 3. 54, automatic,Herculiner bed liner, JVC cd out of factory infinity system, southwest grill gaurd (a favorite amongst the deer population), K&N, AFC adjusted, dual straight exhaust out of "gutless" cat everything else stock--don't wanna trash the transmission

 

[Archive]

Or how about off-road trucks and I mean trucks that are really used off-road. Over the years we end up with parts from a number of different manufacturers and models because that's what worked. I personally have had to educate myself as to where the parts came from. One example on my '94 GMC Sonoma is that GM in it "infinate" wisdom put the oil filter at the front bottom of the truck underneath the radiator. The problem is when off-roading you can easily nose over (just a bit) and hit the "skid plate" (actually just a plastic cover) and push the oil filter assembly up into the radiator fan. I personally witnessed 6 people destroy their engines in one single weekend at the Silver Lake sand dunes because of this flaw (they weren't smart enough to shut down fast)! What happens is the fan cuts through the input line to the filter adapter and dumps all of the oil. When it happened to me (that same weekend, btw) I went to the part store and got a remote oil filter assembly (for dune buggys), plus some line, adapters, etc, plus an oil filter for a ford small block (Valvoline VO-1). The reason for the ford filter is that GM puts it's bypass in the filter adapter and ford puts theirs in the filter. The remote filter adapters don't have a bypass - hence the need for the Ford type filter. Ever since that time I had to argue with every oil change place & parts store to get the proper filter. With the parts stores I just told them a '94 F150 small block and left it at that! I really yearn for the days of the old parts guys -now I have to do their job for them!

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-Steve St. Laurent - President of the Great Lakes TDR, Chapter Forums Moderator
'98 Quad Cab Long Bed (CMNSPWR), 4x4, ISB, 5sp, 4. 10 LSD, Prime-loc remote fuel filter, boost & pyro gauges, TST Powermax, muffler eliminator, 5" chrome tip, BD Exhaust Brake, Isspro turbo temp monitor, Permatech spray in liner, Grizzly stainless nerf bars, Stull SS grill & bumper inserts, Front Draw-Tite receiver, BFG 285/75R16 AT KO's

 

[Archive]

danandme,

I wonder about the menus the parts guy sees. I've worked as a program and systems guy for 35 years now and I would expect that the menu for a car like the '82 Imperial would not have a choice like 4dr on the model menu. In fact, it should have only one choice there since there is only one model. So how come all the 20 question BS? Even then when I tell him that there was only one model made in that year why continue the interogation? He should just be able to skip it all. I can understand wanting the number on the side of the transmission to make sure that the part is correct. But spark plugs??? #ad
The old guy who ran the NAPA store retired a few years ago and I've been irked ever since.

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Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,Torque plate,BD valve body,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver

 

[Archive]

I've been helping my dad fininsh up a 37 Chevy Sedan for my mom to drive to cruise nights around Dallas. We needed some short 7/16 lug nuts to clear the center caps on the new wheels we bought. I went down to the closest autopart store that was still open, Autozone. I went in and told the guy I needed 20 of the shortest 7/16 lug nuts he had. He asked me for what type of vehicle. Like it mattered. I told him they were for a 37 Chevy. He pulled up some info. on his computer and proceeded to tell me that 7/16 was not the correct size for that vehicle (his computer actually went back that far). I had to spend the next ten minutes explaining to him that the car no longer had the original front clip or rearend and that 7/16 is indeed the size required.

I had problem ordering a K&N RE-0880 from another Autozone in a different city. Had to order it three time over the course of a month before I gave up and got my money back. Ordered it from a speed shop that I do a lot of business with. Had it in three days and for almost half the price.

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98. 5 3500 QC 4x4
Driftwood/ Grey Int.
5 spd, 3. 54
PowerMax2, Dual Designs
Ranchhand bumbers, headache rack and toolbox
custom 4" chrome sidepipes are gone (too loud), dual 3" with 5" tips back on, "Scotty Air System", Centerforce Dual Friction clutch, Autometer Gauges, Cobra CB, Sony CD player

 

[Archive]

I've been on both sides of this fence. With my 71 Camaro I'd have to ask for belt for a 74 Caprice w/454, since that's where the brackets came from. It did annoy me to no end explaining why I needed belts for a Caprice when I drove up in a Camaro. Then I worked part-time for a NAPA store (I learned lots about parts ) Our computers would only tell us if we had the part on the shelf, yup we had to search the parts books to find the part #. What stinks being on the "other" side of the counter are those "gifted" people that have no clue what engine/year/model of vehicle they are driving. Remember, Crack doesn't smoke itself

Al

 

[Archive]

Joe, can't speak for the other guy's computers, but the Napa computers don't ask how many doors, but if you need wipers, it WILL ask what motor you have. Like I said, the parts guy should just have enough sense to know you don't have to really ask the customer that. As far as why they do still ask those stupid questions? His last job was probably at 7 eleven, he probably drives a Gremlin #ad
and can't even change his own oil. They just hired him and told him, "Don't worry, the computer will do all the work for you. "
Another parts person favorite. I had a guy eat my *** out the other day because the belts I sold him for his '74 Ford didn't fit. He called back later and admitted it was an '84. The only reason he called and admitted it was he was afraid the water pump he installed wouldn't work.
Can't resist one more. This is NO JOKE. Had a guy come in with 2 Walmart sacks. He proceeds to dump the contents on the counter, plugs, filters, etc. , and wants me to tell him if he bought the right items.

 

[Archive]

Yeah, I've stood behind geniuses like that at the parts store. Sometimes wonder why the parts guy doesn't loose his temper with them.
Ok, how about this one. I go into the NAPA store with the little tag off the carb. I say I need a kit for this carb and show him the tag. I say it's off a Chrysler and tell the brand of the carb. Next question is what model, etc etc... Then he says "I'm going to need the tag off the carb". I show it to him again. He looks it up by the number on the tag.

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Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,Torque plate,BD valve body,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver

 

[Archive]

I had almost the same thing happen to me today, ordered some parts a month and a half ago and called to check on the status.

Me: I'm calling to check on my parts order, etc.
Parts guy: Yeah here it is, it was canceled.
Me: What do you mean, I didn't cancel it?
Parts guy: We canceled it because the order was so old. We have since received the parts, do you want me to reopen your order?
Me: Yes that would be swell.
Parts guy: That will take to weeks to ship to you.
Me: I don't understand, don't you ship daily?
Parts guy: Yes, but it will take two weeks for the parts to get here via ship.
Me: I thought you just said you received my parts.
Parts guy: We did, but they were sold to someone else.

etc etc, no I am not making this up, I was on the phone today, I couldn't help but laugh when I hung up. It's a good thing I wasn't ordering a part for a kidney machine.

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'99 QC 2500, LWB, 3. 54 LSD, Auto, 4x4, Prime-Loc Filter Kit, Electric Bed Cover, Banks 24v Stinger Plus, Goodyear 305/70-16 ATS, Mickey Thompson Challenger Wheels

 

[Archive]

I got another one for ya, this is going on for a few weeks.

My Banks computer died so I sent it back "carefully" listening to the RMA this lady "Connie" gave me over the phone and making sure it was on the box etc.

4 days later
Me: just calling to see if you have looked at my Stinger plus computer etc.
Connie: we just received it today.
Me: according to my shipper it was received by L. Ortega on your dock 3 days ago at 9:30am.
Connie: Well, we just got it.
Two days later:
Me: Did you test me computer yet?
Connie: you put the wrong RMA # on the box so we can't test it. We looked everywhere and can't find the right RMA number.
Me: Well, can you create a new RMA number to match the box I sent you?
Connie: Well I guess I can do that. Your unit will be tested today.
Next Day I have my secretary call to check on the status.
Connie: we just received the unit yesterday . etc etc.
A day later...
Me: did you test the unit yet?
Connie: we are not setup to test those, we will ship you a new unit today.
Three days later...
Me: I have not received my unit back.
Connie: You are on credit hold and we will not ship you the unit until you pay a deposit to make sure you return the defective unit.
Me: Ummm if you recall the jest of our five conversations, I sent you the unit in the first place, you probably have it in your hand...
Connie: Oh, ok I'll make sure it gets shipped.
Two days later...
(bear in mind that I have been nice as pie the whole time and this Connie broad has been a real BiT@%)
Me: I calling to see if my unit has been shipped back to me.
David: puts me on hold for a long time... I'll make sure it ships today.
Me: I've been told that many times already. . etc
David: Don't worry, I'll make sure it happens.
Me: how are you going to ship it?
David: UPS Ground
Me: Can you ship it overnight?
David: Not unless you pay extra.
Me: OK, ship it ground. By the way, Connie seems like a real bitc#, does she have perpetual PMS or something, I have been very nice to her.
David: Uh, I'm sorry I can't really comment on that.

They were supposed to ship my unit back yesterday via ground, wonder if I will have it by next week! meanwhile I feel like I am driving a powerchoke!


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'99 QC 2500, LWB, 3. 54 LSD, Auto, 4x4, Prime-Loc Filter Kit, Electric Bed Cover, Banks 24v Stinger Plus, Goodyear 305/70-16 ATS, Mickey Thompson Challenger Wheels

 

[Archive]

Hey Fitz, Your bringing back memories now. In the early 70s my Mom was on home dialysis and my Dad had built a dialysis machine. (under doc and tech supervision) We were improving design on another one. Alot of parts were standard. He would send me to auto parts stores and lumber yards to to get items, and when they asked what it was for I had to tell em a dialysis machine, that doesent exist yet. You shoulda seen the looks I got.

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99,2500,QC,6speed,3. 54 LSD,long bed,Line-X
A-Pillar Isspro Boost and Pyro Gauges, VA box

 

[Archive]

LOU, your mother's health isn't a laughing matter... but that's a good one. #ad


I thought I was the only one that had problems with parts guys! This is like a therapy session at a support group. I feel better already. #ad
#ad
#ad
#ad


My story... Bought a set of Blazer brand foglights from Wal-Mart. Like a real dumb--- I drop one and break the lense before I even get a chance to install it. I noticed at Autozone they had some replacement lenses for Blazer foglights, just not my model. I go home, get my model number, and return. This is what follows. #ad


Me: I need a replacement lense for a Blazer brand foglight model #such and such
AZguy: What year is your Blazer?
Me: (oh boy here we go!) It's not for a Chevy Blazer. It is an aftermarket foglight, Blazer brand name, that I bought at Wal-Mart.
AZguy: Well, what's it go on?
Me: It's universal. It doesn't matter what it's on. I saw in the aisle back here you have lenses for other Blazer products. Can't you order me one for mine?
AZguy: I need to know what vehichle it's on.

At this point I'm fuming. I go back to the aisle where the other lenses are and bring one up to him and try to explain what I need. He then goes to his boss and says I need some help. The boss is busy but has caught the jist of conversation and tells him to look in the catalogs. This guy then tells me that, if they could get it, it would be in the catalogs and motions toward them at the end of the counter.

Me: You're the one getting paid to find the parts. You look through the catalogs.

Needless to say he looked for about 10 seconds and gave up. Sad part is, I couldn't find any mention of Balzer myself and still have a broken foglight that has never been mounted. #ad


Also remember the guy that tried to tell me my '87 T-Bird Turbo Coupe didn't have rear disk brakes.

Me: I need a set of rear brake pads for an '87 Turbo Coupe.
Him: You mean brake shoes (note of condesention in his voice).
Me: No. Brake pads.
Him: That things got drum brakes. You need shoes.
Me: No it's got disk brakes.
Him: Computer shows they all got drum. Can't help ya.
Me: Your computer is wrong. Give me a set for a Mustang SVO.
Him: OK. But I don't think that's what you need.

I get PO'd when stuff like this happens, but I try to realize that we are pretty much experts on the ONE vehichle we drive and these parts guys are expected to know ALOT about EVERY vehicle on the road. I try to be understanding... sometimes I suceed. #ad




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Chris
95 3500 CC SLT Cummins auto
TST 230hp kit, TC lockup switch, TransGo.
Isspro EGT, trans/rearend temp, boost gauges
A-Pillar Mounted
Scotty Air System, Factory Cat-Delete Pipe

 

[Archive]

My most memorable visit to a local Advance Auto store no kidding:

Me: I need a clutch disk for a 65 Mustang 4spd.
Them: What Engine Size?
Me: 289
Them: Auto or Manual Transmission?
ME: Uhh, Auto (Being the smart a$$ that I am)
Them (After a few moments): I don't show that we carry the clutch disk for you vehicle sir, you should try the dealer.
Me (Being a smart A$$ again): Maybe its a manual, I'm not sure how do you tell?

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01 2500 QC LB ETH DEE 4x4 3. 54 LSD SLT TOW Fog

 

[Archive]

There was a man reading ads on a bulletin board in a doctor's waiting room. One of the ads read as follows:
Brain Transplants:
Doctors... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . $1000/lb
Dentists... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... $1200/lb
Parts Dept. Managers... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..... $15,000/lb

The man asks the receptionist "Why so much for Parts Dept. Managers?" The receptionist replies "Do you have any idea how many Parts Dept. Managers it takes to get a pound of brains?" #ad
#ad
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99,2500,ISB,QC,6sp,3. 54,4x4, turbo silencer ring removed, Scotty System, B&W Turnover Ball Gooseneck Hitch, Amsoil Bypass Oil Filter System/Amsoil 3000 Oil. Apprentice member of BOMB.