Oh, we don't get everything back, had just had one try to return a battery stating that he had blown it up and didn't need it any more. They usually try to claim the part is defective, but some actually tell us that they don't need them any more. But one call to corporate, (Autozone) and we get reamed for not returning it, but some we just have to refuse... I turned them down on the battery, but they do try to return them. I just told them that we don't rent out batteries, it is his unless it is defective. Our lifetime parts are covered for as long as they own the vehicle, not so much the life of the part. Swap out worn brake pads almost daily.
__________________
the workhorse:86 F250 4x4 6.9 Diesel 4-spd, 4.10 axles, holley red electric pump
the other workhorse 92 F350 2wd crew cab, 4.10 rear axle, 92 6bt Cummins, NV4500 with Gear Vendors overdrive
the project: 77 F250 Camper special 400 4 speed Iowa Chapter leader
Come on down and join us in the Iowa chapter, or your own local chapter!!
My favourite encounter with a parts guy: I needed replacement wiper blades for my pickup. Normally they'd have them out on the shelves, right? Well, this time they did'nt, so I asked the guy at the counter.
Me: "I need some wiper blades."
Guy: "Okay, what's the vehicle?"
Me: "Ford Ranger"
Guy, typing on the computer by now: "What year?"
Me: "1994"
Guy, typing away at a pretty good rate now: "Regular or extended cab?"
Me, a bit confused about what cab length has to do with windshield wipers: "Regular."
Guy, typing away and never looking up at me: "And what size engine?"
At this point I told him to forget about it and decided I better get outta there before my IQ got so low I would'nt be able to remember how to get home.
If you sticked around another 5 seconds, you would have had your wiper size. The counter guy was not being stupid but his computer is setup with a series of cascade questions that have to be answer no matter what the part you were wanting.
Now if you had gotten your wiper size and then asked for a starter for your truck, he would have been 1 second away from looking that up as you had already given all the cascade questions. All the chain parts houses are setup this way.
People seem to remember the "good ole days" with nostalgia but I can remember the parts guys screwing up royally with the old catalogs by getting one line off with their sausage links for fingers and getting the wrong part pulled for you.
__________________ 2005 F250 SD CC 4X4 FX4 5.4L V8
I understand your frustration, but...this is a case I wouldn't have a problem with. Why? Those who can memorize thousands upon thousands of part numbers are a rare breed. The rest have to rely on the computer system, which is not necessarily optimized--meaning it narrows down the vehicle BEFORE selecting the type of part, instead of asking for the type of part, then narrowing down the range of vehicles with questions on body style and equipment.
However, sometimes the computer is not always right. When the tranny in my '96 Grand Caravan grenaded (first year of that era of body style), I started by doing a fluid and filter change to see if that would fix it. So I walk out with the filter and gasket kit. When I get back to my friend's garage, it's obvious it's the wrong kit, so I take it back, no problem, stuff happens. Unfortunately, the girl at the counter starts arguing with me that it's the right one because that's what the computer said. Knowing what tranny I had, I figured the kit was for the 31TH tranny (3-speed, hydraulic, no OD), when my tranny was the 41TE (3+1, electronic). Finally, I convinced her that there was no way in Hades that gasket was going on the pan I had, so I got her to look up the kit for the same minivan in a '97--this time it was correct.
Now, I wouldn't have minded so much, except that I've turned my own wrenches quite a bit. I'm no mechanic, mind you--I still have a lot to learn, but usually I know when parts aren't right, especially gaskets. So I get a little frustrated when a pimply teenager parts-store clerk starts to tell me I have the right part when I know I don't.
Thankfully, we have a CarQuest here with a bunch of former mechanics working the counter, and a machine shop in the back. The times I don't go there are when they're closed--they have "Mom&Pop" type hours.
Jason
I don't remember all the different part numbers, I have been installing them more than looking them up over the years... I argue with our computers all the time though, because the data entry people got it all wrong. Used to be that our system didn't list a 400 past 1980. I left them a nice little note telling them to get that fixed... by golly, it is correct now. The thing that bugs me sometimes is that many do not realize we can shortcut past the stuff that doesn't matter, like engine size or cab configuration when dealing with parts like wipers. I know our system will let us short cut, but it isn't much of a shortcut, since we seem to still have to make up for the lost clicks... I tend to get irritated with how the system is set up, and grab the books. Half the time I can't find what I want in the silly computer, so to the hard copy I go... Half year changes wreak havoc on us though, as there is no way any of us can know absolute what the customer has, and perhaps that there was a change. I always try to listen to the customer to be sure I have the right piece. Had a guy come in needing a carb kit for a Motorcraft carb, 4 barrel, but had the accelerator pump like a Holley. Wasn't finding what I wanted in the year he stated, or those near it, I want to say 76 FE was the motor. Kept snooping around, found one like he had in the 64-66 timeframe, from a car... no way the computer could have predicted something like that. Dodge really drives me crazy with the Caravans though, since 91 had both body styles, and little transfers in regards to the chassis... brake hoses, calipers, struts, all different. Learned that one through problems. Had a customer come in for brake hoses, and what we found for a 91 was just not right. They happened to have it there, and I looked out at it, and saw that it was like the older body, so looked it up like a 90, and was able to get the right parts they needed. A co worker was dealing with a customer I had already talked to, might have been this same one, don't recall, but he was trying to argue with them that they needed the one that went to the 91-95 body, when I had already determined they needed it for the older ones. I was practically yelling at him trying to get his attention to tell him that, but he just apparently has tunnel vision and hears nothing but the rocks in his head... I finally just looked it up quick, went back and got the hose, set it in front of the customer he was dealing with, and the customer said "Yep, that's the one I need..."
__________________
the workhorse:86 F250 4x4 6.9 Diesel 4-spd, 4.10 axles, holley red electric pump
the other workhorse 92 F350 2wd crew cab, 4.10 rear axle, 92 6bt Cummins, NV4500 with Gear Vendors overdrive
the project: 77 F250 Camper special 400 4 speed Iowa Chapter leader
Come on down and join us in the Iowa chapter, or your own local chapter!!
The frustration I felt about getting wipers stemmed from the fact wipers are not specific parts to any one make or model of car or truck. Every package of them that I've ever seen listed their length, and had the attachments for fitting them to different wiper arms. I realize that memorizing part numbers is most likely a dead art, but with something this simple, it should'nt take all the hassle and attitude that I was shown, not just with the wiper story above, but on several other occasions at several different parts stores, and not all of them automotive. It's across the board, really. It sometimes seems like you can't buy anything, mechanical-related or not, without giving up every bit of infomation, and a lot of times, the guy behind the counter will dispute that information.
For example: One time, I went to a parts store to get an oil filter and case of oil. It was for a truck that I'd driven for the better part of a decade, had done every oil change myself since I'd gotten it, and knew exactly what I wanted. Fram PH-8A & Kendall 10W-30. Picked them up myself, carried them to the counter, and had cash to pay for them. And I still had to go through the whole "What make? What model? What engine?" ballet. I patiently answered every question, only to have the guy tell me that I had the wrong filter, because the computer showed a different number. (It turned out that he had put the wrong information in about what engine I had, which led to the wrong part number.) I stood my ground, told him that I had what I wanted and would be paying cash. He tried to argue the point with me, but in the end, after telling me again that I was "wrong about this whole deal" and would probably end up with all my oil blowing out because the filter would'nt seal against the block, he went through the whole ballet again.
I have no problem with giving out info to a parts counter guy for parts that are specific to my vehicles, but for things like wipers and oil, or things that I KNOW are correct and find myself on the shelf, why should I have to? And why should I have to put up with their attitude if I don't?
There are good people at parts counters (I'm looking in your direction, Roger). The ones I've met know that the computer is not always right. Trouble is, it's the ones that DON'T think that way stick out in a fella's memory.
__________________ The American Farmer Feeds The World
We NEVER ask about info unless they want us to look something up. For them to grill you like that is nearly condescending, like they have to double check you. No need in that kind of bs... The wipers can be somewhat tricky in that so many vehicles have different sizes between just the driver's side and passenger side. Most don't take the time to look anything up, they just come to us... but as I said before, we don't have to go all the way through on our new system, but the one we use for commercial, you do have to jump through all the hoops to get ANY part...
Of course, I always love the ones that come in wanting a starter or alternator, or spark plugs, and don't even know what size motor it is. They act like we are retarded or something, because "they are all the same".
__________________
the workhorse:86 F250 4x4 6.9 Diesel 4-spd, 4.10 axles, holley red electric pump
the other workhorse 92 F350 2wd crew cab, 4.10 rear axle, 92 6bt Cummins, NV4500 with Gear Vendors overdrive
the project: 77 F250 Camper special 400 4 speed Iowa Chapter leader
Come on down and join us in the Iowa chapter, or your own local chapter!!
Oh, we don't get everything back, had just had one try to return a battery stating that he had blown it up and didn't need it any more. They usually try to claim the part is defective, but some actually tell us that they don't need them any more. But one call to corporate, (Autozone) and we get reamed for not returning it, but some we just have to refuse... I turned them down on the battery, but they do try to return them. I just told them that we don't rent out batteries, it is his unless it is defective. Our lifetime parts are covered for as long as they own the vehicle, not so much the life of the part. Swap out worn brake pads almost daily.
You guys must really hate the numbnuts who call up and ask 1000 stupid questions.I hate it when I'm waiting in line and the poor counter guy who has to be polite has to listen to some idiots babbling on and on and on about stupid stuff. The auto parts people should be able to cut them off after they quote the price and tell them if they have it in stock.
__________________
Bill Lloyd
1981 Ford F250 4 x 4 351M & 4 speed
1982 Ford Econoline 300 six
What, you haven't seen our ads? We are supposed to know every detail about every car... I actually don't mind answering tech questions as long as the caller is willing to listen rather than argue with me... but we get plenty of calls about the cost of brake pads, or wipers, or some other simple thing. Spark plugs too... It amazes me the number of people that have no clue, but are determined to do it, even though they still have no clue after trying to explain it. I do realize everyone has to learn sometime, but that's the thing, they need to learn how, not expect it to fix itself. I have all the patience in the world for someone that wants to learn it, and will explain it 5 ways to Sunday to help them understand, but don't give me attitude... (no one in particular, just some experiences...)
__________________
the workhorse:86 F250 4x4 6.9 Diesel 4-spd, 4.10 axles, holley red electric pump
the other workhorse 92 F350 2wd crew cab, 4.10 rear axle, 92 6bt Cummins, NV4500 with Gear Vendors overdrive
the project: 77 F250 Camper special 400 4 speed Iowa Chapter leader
Come on down and join us in the Iowa chapter, or your own local chapter!!
There Computers are way wrong...
Me: I need a Brake Cylinder.
Parts Person on Computer: What year?
Me: 1976
Parts Person on Computer: What Make?
Me: Ford
Parts Person on Computer: Model?
Me: F-350
Parts Person on Computer: Two-Wheel Drive or Four-Wheel Drive?
Me: Ford Didn't make F-350 4x4s until 1979.
Then want to try to argue with me...
I wouldn't trust that computer hardware...
Here's another good one. I went to the local parts store for an intake gasket for my truck, a 1989 Chevrolet C1500 5.7L. The person behind the counter asks me is it 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive? 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, or 1 ton? Uh, does C1500 not mean anything to you....
__________________
1995 Ford E-350 7.3L DI Turbo, E4OD, 4.10 posi, single rear wheels, ambulance prep-package, Wheeled Coach box.
Guy walks up to the counter, says he needs a roof side emblem for an LTD, I ask him the year, he says they're all the same.
So I walked to the bin, grabbed the first one I saw and sold it to him.
The next day he's back saying "you sold me the wrong part."
I said, "No I didn't, I sold you EXACTLY what you asked for, you said the emblems are all the same." He thought about it.,..then admitted that they were not all the same!
Guy walks up to the counter, wants 302 engine mounts for a 1963 Econoline. I tell him, "no 302's in Econolines till 1969, which is a completely different style."
He said..."I read in a magazine that someone put one in theirs, so you MUST have the mounts!"
It works BOTH ways. As stupid and clueless as some parts personnel is, the customers are just as stupid and clueless.
fellro86: There is no such thing as a Motorcraft 4V carb factory installed on any 1963/64 Ford, you wanna know why?
Because...there was no such thing as Motorcraft prior to 1972!
Fellow members, y'all don't have to look very far to see clueless people, just look right here on FTE.
EVERY DAY, members ask all sorts of questions .. WITHOUT GIVING A SHRED OF EVIDENCE .. on what the hell they are working on.
NO year, NO clue as to what the vehicle is, NO engine size, NO trans ID...NO nothing!
__________________ Bill / Retired Ford Partsman 1962-1997 / Ford Historian / SoCal Chapter Member.
Part Number Research: Trucks: 1928/2002 / Cars: 1928/1979
1963 Galaxie 500XL / 1965 F100 Styleside Pickup ~ Original Owner / 2008 Fusion S / 2008 Edge SEL
I found the kits in the books, not the computer. Not sure what the carb was, but it was a 4100 series, so maybe it was more of a holley, I only had what the customer had told me to go on there. Never claimed to be an expert in any sense... I do know that everything I found in the range he gave me was wrong, they were removable fuel bowls, and the one he wanted did not have removable bowls.
__________________
the workhorse:86 F250 4x4 6.9 Diesel 4-spd, 4.10 axles, holley red electric pump
the other workhorse 92 F350 2wd crew cab, 4.10 rear axle, 92 6bt Cummins, NV4500 with Gear Vendors overdrive
the project: 77 F250 Camper special 400 4 speed Iowa Chapter leader
Come on down and join us in the Iowa chapter, or your own local chapter!!
Guy walks up to the counter, says he needs a roof side emblem for an LTD, I ask him the year, he says they're all the same.
So I walked to the bin, grabbed the first one I saw and sold it to him.
The next day he's back saying "you sold me the wrong part."
I said, "No I didn't, I sold you EXACTLY what you asked for, you said the emblems are all the same." He thought about it.,..then admitted that they were not all the same!
Guy walks up to the counter, wants 302 engine mounts for a 1963 Econoline. I tell him, "no 302's in Econolines till 1969, which is a completely different style."
He said..."I read in a magazine that someone put one in theirs, so you MUST have the mounts!"
It works BOTH ways. As stupid and clueless as some parts personnel is, the customers are just as stupid and clueless.
fellro86: There is no such thing as a Motorcraft 4V carb factory installed on any 1963/64 Ford, you wanna know why?
Because...there was no such thing as Motorcraft prior to 1972!
Fellow members, y'all don't have to look very far to see clueless people, just look right here on FTE.
EVERY DAY, members ask all sorts of questions .. WITHOUT GIVING A SHRED OF EVIDENCE .. on what the hell they are working on.
NO year, NO clue as to what the vehicle is, NO engine size, NO trans ID...NO nothing!
As Larry the Cable Guy would say " I don't care who you are that's funny right there. "
On a further note where do people come up with thinking their stock 302 2V is a Boss 302 ? That was common in the 70s and 80s.
__________________
Bill Lloyd
1981 Ford F250 4 x 4 351M & 4 speed
1982 Ford Econoline 300 six
Sold a guy a set of spark plugs yesterday and when I handed them to him, he took one of its box and said "hmm, so thats what these things look like!" I asked him if he was changing them himself, he told me he was and then asked me if there was a special tool or procedure to "unscrew them" from the engine and if i could sell him that tool. He seemed a little miffed when i politely told him that my shop does not sell or loan out tools, or tell people how to fix things themselves!
As a joke I called Kragens and asked for a timing chain for a 1982 Mazda RX7. He said he had one in stock and it was 99.00. There is no such thing as a timing chain on a rotary motor.
I once put a 1965 289 in a 1982 ford f-100. I removed all of the electronic ignition and ran the point distributor from the 289. I walked into a NAPA store and asked them for points for my truck. When I stated the year he kindly told me points were not installed in my truck. I appologized for the year that I gave him and explained the story to him. He then had an attitude when I asked him for points for a 1965 Mustang and told me to make up my mind on what I wanted. I finally got the points from one of his older co-workers.
I used to work in a parts store and I found it takes a lot of patience to deal with the public but it is a great way to start an awesome relationship of trust when they see you really care about serving them. I did not like the computer for looking up parts. The books were 99% correct, however most parts houses only have the computers now.
__________________
Humble yourself and give thanks to GOD.
<>< Family of 7 saved by Grace <>< 95 CC Dually 3inch downpipe no muffler/cat Edge Programmer, 6637 MOD 2000 Ranger 4X4 No MODS, yet!
As a joke I called Kragens and asked for a timing chain for a 1982 Mazda RX7. He said he had one in stock and it was 99.00. There is no such thing as a timing chain on a rotary motor.
I once put a 1965 289 in a 1982 ford f-100. I removed all of the electronic ignition and ran the point distributor from the 289. I walked into a NAPA store and asked them for points for my truck. When I stated the year he kindly told me points were not installed in my truck. I appologized for the year that I gave him and explained the story to him. He then had an attitude when I asked him for points for a 1965 Mustang and told me to make up my mind on what I wanted. I finally got the points from one of his older co-workers.
I used to work in a parts store and I found it takes a lot of patience to deal with the public but it is a great way to start an awesome relationship of trust when they see you really care about serving them. I did not like the computer for looking up parts. The books were 99% correct, however most parts houses only have the computers now.
Reminds me of a similar joke, before the new Beetle came out , you'd call up and ask for a radiator hose for a VW Beetle or Squareback.
Or, even an oil filter
__________________
Bill Lloyd
1981 Ford F250 4 x 4 351M & 4 speed
1982 Ford Econoline 300 six
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I tend to get irritated with how the system is set up, and grab the books. Half the time I can't find what I want in the silly computer, so to the hard copy I go... Half year changes wreak havoc on us though, as there is no way any of us can know absolute what the customer has, and perhaps that there was a change. I always try to listen to the customer to be sure I have the right piece. Had a guy come in needing a carb kit for a Motorcraft carb, 4 barrel, but had the accelerator pump like a Holley. Wasn't finding what I wanted in the year he stated, or those near it, I want to say 76 FE was the motor. Kept snooping around, found one like he had in the 64-66 timeframe, from a car... no way the computer could have predicted something like that. Dodge really drives me crazy with the Caravans though, since 91 had both body styles, and little transfers in regards to the chassis... brake hoses, calipers, struts, all different. Learned that one through problems. Had a customer come in for brake hoses, and what we found for a 91 was just not right. They happened to have it there, and I looked out at it, and saw that it was like the older body, so looked it up like a 90, and was able to get the right parts they needed. A co worker was dealing with a customer I had already talked to, might have been this same one, don't recall, but he was trying to argue with them that they needed the one that went to the 91-95 body, when I had already determined they needed it for the older ones. I was practically yelling at him trying to get his attention to tell him that, but he just apparently has tunnel vision and hears nothing but the rocks in his head... I finally just looked it up quick, went back and got the hose, set it in front of the customer he was dealing with, and the customer said "Yep, that's the one I need..."
I actually don't mind answering tech questions as long as the caller is willing to listen rather than argue with me... but we get plenty of calls about the cost of brake pads, or wipers, or some other simple thing. Spark plugs too... It amazes me the number of people that have no clue, but are determined to do it, even though they still have no clue after trying to explain it. I do realize everyone has to learn sometime, but that's the thing, they need to learn how, not expect it to fix itself. I have all the patience in the world for someone that wants to learn it, and will explain it 5 ways to Sunday to help them understand, but don't give me attitude... (no one in particular, just some experiences...)
/ 2008 Fusion S / 2008 Edge SEL
