Old time counter guys...
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
Old time counter guys...
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, they only know what their computer tells them, they ask if you have a/c or 4wd when all you want to do is buy spark plugs, rant over.
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
One of them is here - NumberDummy! (a knowledgeable parts pro)
He can get you PNs for Fords up to 2002.
There are some great parts people out there, but I agree the older ones have way more knowledge.
I want to a local NAPA and an elderly women helped my find a relay, she knew what I needed and found that part in the back in seconds flat.
BTW, the relay works perfectly.
He can get you PNs for Fords up to 2002.
There are some great parts people out there, but I agree the older ones have way more knowledge.
I want to a local NAPA and an elderly women helped my find a relay, she knew what I needed and found that part in the back in seconds flat.
BTW, the relay works perfectly.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 868
Likes: 3
From: New Glasgow, Nova Scotia
I hear ya, same around here. Got into an arguement with a parts geek after he told me that a 460 did not come in a 150 in 79, when I told him it was original he said it was put in by the previous owner, I replied with telling him the only reason I bought the truck was because it was an original 460 Lariat, he tells me again I'm wrong. Now I'm mad, so I tell him that the last year Ford offered a 460 in a 150 was 79, in 1980 you had to go to a HD 250 to get one. Again he tells me I'm wrong, so I leave , go to another parts store, guy tells me computers are only good till 1980, so he'll have to go to the book ( no sh**), orders me the part at 1/2 the price. The worst was the day before I went to the same parts that the geek works store at, a woman was working the counter that eve. who really knew her stuff. Ordered the part for my 79 with a 460 without effort, next day I got the GEEK.
There's no point in asking a kid who was not born till 1990 about a part for a 79, NON-FUEL INJECTED vehicle.
NEXT STORY:
There's no point in asking a kid who was not born till 1990 about a part for a 79, NON-FUEL INJECTED vehicle.
NEXT STORY:
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
Ford partsmen knew your 352/360/390's needed Motorcraft ASF42's / BF42's / BRF42's or in some cases for hotter plugs: BF82's or BRF82's.
Ford's didn't install Auto-Lite spark plugs in anything after 1972. There was no such thing as Auto-Lite 45's listed in Ford parts catalogs for FE engines, prior to 1972.
Auto-Lite 45's: That's what "gypo" parts stores sold.
The US Gov't said Ford had cornered the market (had a monopoly) with Auto-Lite, and forced Ford to sell Auto-Lite in late 1971. Ford then started Motorcraft.
Of course, GM had owned Delco (Dayton Electric Laboratory, Co.) since circa 1910, but the Gov't didn't go after GM.
460: First offered in 1973 on F100/350's. Available on all 1973/79's except for 1977/79 F100/150's sold new in CA, due to the strict CA emission laws.
Ford sold Auto-Lite, but transfered all the part numbers over to Motorcraft. So Auto-Lite BF42's became Motorcraft BF42's.
Ford's didn't install Auto-Lite spark plugs in anything after 1972. There was no such thing as Auto-Lite 45's listed in Ford parts catalogs for FE engines, prior to 1972.
Auto-Lite 45's: That's what "gypo" parts stores sold.
The US Gov't said Ford had cornered the market (had a monopoly) with Auto-Lite, and forced Ford to sell Auto-Lite in late 1971. Ford then started Motorcraft.
Of course, GM had owned Delco (Dayton Electric Laboratory, Co.) since circa 1910, but the Gov't didn't go after GM.
460: First offered in 1973 on F100/350's. Available on all 1973/79's except for 1977/79 F100/150's sold new in CA, due to the strict CA emission laws.
Ford sold Auto-Lite, but transfered all the part numbers over to Motorcraft. So Auto-Lite BF42's became Motorcraft BF42's.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
Ford partsmen knew your 352/360/390's needed Motorcraft ASF42's / BF42's / BRF42's or in some cases for hotter plugs: BF82's or BRF82's.
Ford's didn't install Auto-Lite spark plugs in anything after 1972. There was no such thing as Auto-Lite 45's listed in Ford parts catalogs for FE engines, prior to 1972.
Auto-Lite 45's: That's what "gypo" parts stores sold.
The US Gov't said Ford had cornered the market (had a monopoly) with Auto-Lite, and forced Ford to sell Auto-Lite in late 1971. Ford then started Motorcraft.
Of course, GM had owned Delco (Dayton Electric Laboratory, Co.) since the 19teens, but the Gov't didn't go after GM.
460: First offered in 1973 on F100/350's. Available on all 1973/79's except for 1977/79 F100/150's sold new in CA, due to the strict CA emission laws.
Ford sold Auto-Lite, but transfered all the part numbers over to Motorcraft. So Auto-Lite BF42's became Motorcraft BF42's.
Ford's didn't install Auto-Lite spark plugs in anything after 1972. There was no such thing as Auto-Lite 45's listed in Ford parts catalogs for FE engines, prior to 1972.
Auto-Lite 45's: That's what "gypo" parts stores sold.
The US Gov't said Ford had cornered the market (had a monopoly) with Auto-Lite, and forced Ford to sell Auto-Lite in late 1971. Ford then started Motorcraft.
Of course, GM had owned Delco (Dayton Electric Laboratory, Co.) since the 19teens, but the Gov't didn't go after GM.
460: First offered in 1973 on F100/350's. Available on all 1973/79's except for 1977/79 F100/150's sold new in CA, due to the strict CA emission laws.
Ford sold Auto-Lite, but transfered all the part numbers over to Motorcraft. So Auto-Lite BF42's became Motorcraft BF42's.
I wasn't refering to Ford dealers, i was refering to the aftermarket, NAPA, Autozone, etc. and Autolite 45's (which were a good plug btw) are the only thing available unless you go to dealer or order motorcraft plugs, but it's a moot point now because Autolites are junk, "made in china" look at the box next time you buy em.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
I wasn't refering to Ford dealers, i was refering to the aftermarket, NAPA, Autozone, etc. and Autolite 45's (which were a good plug btw) are the only thing available unless you go to dealer or order motorcraft plugs, but it's a moot point now because Autolites are junk, "made in china" look at the box next time you buy em.
I even have a few boxes of 1960's Auto-Lite plugs...no they are NOT for sale.
I try and avoid buying anything made in China, not an EZ thing to do today.
Did'ja know that obsolete Ford parts seller greensalescompany.com has cases of Motorcraft TFK-1's?
Their price for that kit is less than 8 gypo spark plugs (around 10 bucks as I recall).
Besides 8 Motorcraft BF42 plugs, the kit comes with the points, condenser and rotor which fit all the FE's & the 221/260/289/302/351C/351W/429/460's thru 1975.
Senior User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
From: Clearfield, PA
I thought those days were gone too, but I actually found a rare jem this morning when I went to a parts store I've never been too before. That is where I'll go from now on though!
The parts store I used to go to when I was always working on my Early Bronco closed a couple years ago, and I sold the Bronco, so I haven't been going to parts stores much--especially since the Jolly Green hasn't given me many problems until my axel dicided it wanted to fall out a couple days ago. (see other thread)
Anyway, the store I went to this morning was just great. A guy, prolly in his 50's (not real old) knew everything I needed and where it was without so much as looking at a book. He did that closing his eyes thing where you know he's actually picturing my rear dif as I'm talking to him. Then, when he realized he didn't have enough of the washers I needed, he openly recomended a competing shop where I could get them. Nice guy..and I actually just sat on the bar stool at the counter and bs'd for a while.
There was a kid that worked there too--but even the kid knew his stuff. Of course, he drives a '68 F250!
The parts store I used to go to when I was always working on my Early Bronco closed a couple years ago, and I sold the Bronco, so I haven't been going to parts stores much--especially since the Jolly Green hasn't given me many problems until my axel dicided it wanted to fall out a couple days ago. (see other thread)
Anyway, the store I went to this morning was just great. A guy, prolly in his 50's (not real old) knew everything I needed and where it was without so much as looking at a book. He did that closing his eyes thing where you know he's actually picturing my rear dif as I'm talking to him. Then, when he realized he didn't have enough of the washers I needed, he openly recomended a competing shop where I could get them. Nice guy..and I actually just sat on the bar stool at the counter and bs'd for a while.
There was a kid that worked there too--but even the kid knew his stuff. Of course, he drives a '68 F250!
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Spring Hill, TN
I hate it when you give the part number of what you want and they still want to know what truck.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
I wanted a pinion seal for a Ford 9" rear end. Asked for such. Parts guy wanted year, make model, engine, transmission, then asks me what size ring gear it had.
Um, 9"...
Um, 9"...
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 868
Likes: 3
From: New Glasgow, Nova Scotia
I brought a fan belt into the parts store and asked for a new belt the same size as the one I had. Then the question game started, even after I told him I put the motor in the car, I removed a 4 cyl inj and put in a 351W so the computer would't help him find the belt and he still wanted to ask the promted questions and sell me the wrong belt.
We need an auto parts chain that will only hire certified gearheads with at least 20yrs experience building cars. Today kids can only build a car if it's to play a video game on the computer.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
E2TZ-4676-B .. 9" Pinion Seal / Fits: 1957/87.
Replaces: D1UZ-4676-A / C2AZ-4676-B / B8A-4676-B / B7A-4676-A
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 566
Likes: 2
From: Mobile, Alabama
Guys, I feel your pain! Today I walked into the local Autozone and the only "Counterperson" there was a 20 yr old female with manicured French Nails, hair perfect and all the makeup, you know the type, she obviously was unhappy about coming to work and I layed two 3/16" brake lines on the counter (they were measured and and marked accordingly) and told her I wanted to replace them.
She gave me that "Deer in the Headlights Look" and said "I'm not sure we have these". I assured her that they were pretty common and she says "I'll go look and see". After about five minutes she comes out with about six lines in her hand and says "see if any of these will work".I sorted through and finally came up with what I needed and paid and left.
It's a new world guys and I really miss the days when the people like Number Dummy was behind the counter and had most of the information in their heads instead of a computer. Oh well, got my brakes fixed so I'm happy.
She gave me that "Deer in the Headlights Look" and said "I'm not sure we have these". I assured her that they were pretty common and she says "I'll go look and see". After about five minutes she comes out with about six lines in her hand and says "see if any of these will work".I sorted through and finally came up with what I needed and paid and left.
It's a new world guys and I really miss the days when the people like Number Dummy was behind the counter and had most of the information in their heads instead of a computer. Oh well, got my brakes fixed so I'm happy.
Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
Guys, I feel your pain! Today I walked into the local Autozone and the only "Counterperson" there was a 20 yr old female with manicured French Nails, hair perfect and all the makeup, you know the type, she obviously was unhappy about coming to work and I layed two 3/16" brake lines on the counter (they were measured and and marked accordingly) and told her I wanted to replace them.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,511
Likes: 0
From: Marion, VA
But we have alternatives with trucks and cars. My local John Deere dealer has hired a young blond bimbo for their parts department and transferred the good parts man to sales. She has to be a close relative of or sleeping with the boss. I needed a simple spring that John Deere has used for the last 25 or 30 years for one of my tractors. The old parts guy would go and get it and didn't even need to look it up. This bimbo couldn't find in on the computer until I guided her to it. Then, she said it was not in stock and they would have to order it. I declined because I'm sure she would have ordered the wrong one.
With our cars and trucks, we can go down the street to get our parts. I have to drive over an hour to the next nearest John Deere dealer.
With our cars and trucks, we can go down the street to get our parts. I have to drive over an hour to the next nearest John Deere dealer.