Old time counter guys...
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
How it used to be many a good working mechanic "retired" to the parts counter after working 20-30 years on cars. So, they knew their stuff.
Since Ford has been losing mechanics because they do not pay them correctly and dealerships are not willing to pay more then $15 an hour for any type of help, all you get behind the counter many times are high school kids that work there for the hourly wage, not because they are gear heads or see a future.
You talk to kids going to tech school or college for automotive degrees and it is all imports, very few want anything to do with the big three, almost a distaste bordering on lame when they considering working at their dealerships.
Since Ford has been losing mechanics because they do not pay them correctly and dealerships are not willing to pay more then $15 an hour for any type of help, all you get behind the counter many times are high school kids that work there for the hourly wage, not because they are gear heads or see a future.
You talk to kids going to tech school or college for automotive degrees and it is all imports, very few want anything to do with the big three, almost a distaste bordering on lame when they considering working at their dealerships.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 678
Likes: 0
From: Central, MA
What the hell happend to all those old timers behind the counter at the parts store, they knew everything, not only did they sell parts but they also gave sage advise and were willing to impart their years of wisdom with you, they worked there for like 30-40 years and didn't need a computer, they knew your 390 needed Autolite 45's, all these places today are staffed with kids that know nothing other then stereos and rims......
You'll be surprised how many have trouble opening their hood or don't own any mechanic's tools.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 26
"You talk to kids going to tech school or college for automotive degrees and it is all imports, very few want anything to do with the big three, almost a distaste bordering on lame when they considering working at their dealerships."
The purpose of a job is to get paid. I'd work on vehicles that I disliked if it paid suitably. I'd shovel horse manure if it paid suitably, but I wouldn't be fond of it.
"You'll be surprised how many have trouble opening their hood or don't own any mechanic's tools."
I wouldn't. Mechanically inclined kids with clues were not all that common in my generation, (I'm ancient, born in 1959) and less common ever since. More money for those who do learn to wrench, which is fine with me.
"We have an entire generation of young people who can barely do an oil change."
We have an entire generation of young people who don't need to do their own oil changes. Quick lube places, however evil, are cheap and...quick.
The purpose of a job is to get paid. I'd work on vehicles that I disliked if it paid suitably. I'd shovel horse manure if it paid suitably, but I wouldn't be fond of it.
"You'll be surprised how many have trouble opening their hood or don't own any mechanic's tools."
I wouldn't. Mechanically inclined kids with clues were not all that common in my generation, (I'm ancient, born in 1959) and less common ever since. More money for those who do learn to wrench, which is fine with me.
"We have an entire generation of young people who can barely do an oil change."
We have an entire generation of young people who don't need to do their own oil changes. Quick lube places, however evil, are cheap and...quick.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
One of the biggest problems with parts houses is the pay. Autozone in Troy, AL paid $9/hour. And that was for a manager. Even McDonald's pays more than that. So if you knew your stuff that well, why in the world would you even consider working at one of these places? I worked there for close to a year (recently quit to go build helicopters) while I was going to A&P school and I can tell you that the likelyhood of you getting your part depended on 2 things: the information you brought with you, and the attitude you came in with. To people who showed some patience while I had a crowded store and 2 new guys, I would bend over backwards to help them get their part. The people who came in pissed off at me because their car broke so they slam their parts down on my counter I would expend no extra effort on. On a few occasions I have even refused service because they were making a scene.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,776
Likes: 2
From: springfield il
well fellas .... all them tuner punks manning the counters and even my go to guy's failed big time today . needed ten lug studs for my 53 a 1/4 of an inch longer than stock . no one had 'em and no one could get 'em or in many cases the celebrated deer in the headlight look .. " you have what and need what ???? you mean they actually made trucks then ??????????? " . welp i remembered the carquest on the other side of town . older employees and the main counter help there is a major motorhead . to what i understand even built some race motors , dont know for sure though . i sent the wife over and she calls and i tell this person what i need . oh in about 5 minutes , " yep got 'em how many do you need ?? " all the men folk who work the parts counters here should take lessons from HER , SHE knows her stuff .
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,946
Likes: 62
From: in the woods of MA
We still have some of those super- knowledgeable behind the counter parts type guys... but unfortunately they don't do auto parts. But if you need to know anything about parts for David Brown, Case, Ford tractors, New Holland or Kuhn hay equipment, and *most* anything about any other ag equipment, go see Doug or John at Frost Farm Service, Greenville NH! 
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