Is it just me? Or is a DYWFWYP Auto Parts store in our future??

[Benson]

Lately when I go to Auto parts store they need to know the make, year and model for ANYTHING I order ...

1. even an Ignition Point file

AND they do not stock them either!!

For a long time I told them that it for a 1908 Ford Model S ...

Clerk: "They did not even make cars in 1908!"

Today I answered their question with "1908 Model S Ford". Damned if that car is not in the NAPA Online data base !!




"DYWFWYP" ......

"Do You want fries with your parts?"

[40 Deluxe]

But do they stock any parts for it?

[1930-Pickup]

Maybe you should go back in time a little further. 1906 Model R?
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/ws...009558802.html

[Art Newland]

I went into an orielly's the other day and asked for a "generic" in-line fuel filter 1/4 in and out, they asked for what make and model...

[marty in Ohio]

When the new Autozone opened in town I went in for oil. The new clerk, eager to please and full of energy, asked how he could help. I asked for 4 quarts of oil. He said "you'll need a filter too." Told him "just the oil." He gave me the pitch how you should ALWAYS change the filter with the oil. He asked what kind car. I told him "Ford." He put that in his computer. He then asked "what year." I told him "1930." He turned to his computer again and after a puzzled look said "Oh, four quarts of oil."
I'll bet he never forgot that one.
Marty

[MikeK]

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Now, why are we all giving those guys such a hard time? We all know they weren't exactly the brightest bulbs in school. That poor kid is working hard to move up to a job that has pictures of the product on the register keys.

[1930-Pickup]

Originally Posted by MikeK

Now, why are we all giving those guys such a hard time? We all know they weren't exactly the brightest bulbs in school. That poor kid is working hard to move up to a job that has pictures of the product on the register keys.

They're doing what they are told to do by their boss. One of my kids worked in a similar crappy job for enough years to earn a double Master's degree. Think once or twice before putting someone down for doing exactly what they have to do to keep their job.

[harleytoprock]

The best parts guys are retired mechanics. They know their stuff and have my full respect!

[Mitch//pa]

I am online with all my shop parts jobbers. I look up and order my own stuff and minutes later its walking in the door. The days of picking up the phone and talking to the counterman are ending. Plus i get the right parts more often
Price matching and checking stock is also nice

[Mikeinnj]

Originally Posted by 1930-Pickup

They're doing what they are told to do by their boss. One of my kids worked in a similar crappy job for enough years to earn a double Master's degree. Think once or twice before putting someone down for doing exactly what they have to do to keep their job.

I think you are missing the message in Bensons comment.

Most of the kids who drop out of school or do poorly end up in these kind of jobs. It is admirable that your son put himself through school as did my daughter also. If anything, that type of "crappy" job makes the person well aware that without higher education they would be stuck at that level of employment.

However.....When a clerk in an auto supply store asks you "what year and model car is that for" when you want to purchase a 9/16 inch socket wrench, he is in the wrong field and /or needs a whole lot more training.

[BillLee/Chandler, TX]

Had a clerk in the O'Reilly look at me with the "deer in the headlights" look when I asked home where I could find the cotter pins. "What's a cotter pin?"

Recently.

Like a week ago!

[cpf240]

My family and I made a long drive to visit relatives in my '84 Blazer. The Blazer started to run hot as we arrived. Turns out it has a weeping freeze plug. To 'make do' until all the freeze plugs could be changed, we decided to use a radiator cap with a lower pressure rating.

We wound up going to 3 different auto parts stores before we found one with an old hand behind the counter who knew how to find a radiator cap that would fit and had a lower pressure rating. At all 3 stores, the young guns behind the counter either couldn't understand what we wanted, or had no idea how to find a part that wasn't in their computer for that year/make/model vehicle. It may have also helped that the final store was a Mom & Pop, and not a chain.

I hate to admit it, but I still haven't gotten around to changing those freeze plugs...

[Mark W.]

If I have to drive miles out of my way to use a NAPA then I will, AutoZone and The others are only good for a quick shelf item like Gumout because of the reasons stated above. And don't even bother asking about plastigauge or anything similar.

[JaxFLG8r]

Back in the day, experience and the parts book was what you needed to work a parts counter. I remember in my early days being asked about "muffler bearings" and volkswagen bug water pumps, to gauge experience.

Now days, the main "tool" of the counter person is the computer.

The big box stores train their parts counter workers to use the computer to locate parts quickly, to get to the next customer.

These folks do not know that the late '31 Model A has the fuel shutoff under the hood, versus in the cab. They do not know that there is no fuel pump, because there isn't a need to know 99% percent of the time.

They are there to sell oil, oil filters, antifreeze, windshield wipers, batteries, starters, water pumps, alternators, and belts, for cars that are 5-25 years old. That is their core business and market share.

Sometimes you will get an "experienced" counter person who knows their stuff, but for the most part, know who you are dealing with, know how they have been trained, and know that if you try to explain to them that the standard electrical set-up is a positive ground, 6 volt system, that their minds will be blown. Ed Williamson

[SeaSlugs]

Originally Posted by cpf240

My family and I made a long drive to visit relatives in my '84 Blazer. The Blazer started to run hot as we arrived. Turns out it has a weeping freeze plug. To 'make do' until all the freeze plugs could be changed, we decided to use a radiator cap with a lower pressure rating.

We wound up going to 3 different auto parts stores before we found one with an old hand behind the counter who knew how to find a radiator cap that would fit and had a lower pressure rating. At all 3 stores, the young guns behind the counter either couldn't understand what we wanted, or had no idea how to find a part that wasn't in their computer for that year/make/model vehicle. It may have also helped that the final store was a Mom & Pop, and not a chain.

I hate to admit it, but I still haven't gotten around to changing those freeze plugs...

my s10 has been doing the same thing - been like that for over 120K miles...just drilled 2 holes in the inner pressure side of the radiator cap so its a non pressurized system. no overheats runs great no leaks....

[SeaSlugs]

Originally Posted by Mark W.

If I have to drive miles out of my way to use a NAPA then I will, AutoZone and The others are only good for a quick shelf item like Gumout because of the reasons stated above. And don't even bother asking about plastigauge or anything similar.

Ironically I usually avoid Napas... weirdest hours (only open from 8-12 on Saturday... then close at 6 on weekdays... REALLY convenient there...) the few we have usually has the old guy behind the counter but thinks all young people dont know anything about cars and is usually an a**. Then the prices for the same aftermarket brands seems to be 25% higher at napa...Only times I go there are for the oddball parts (they do stock some of the weirdest stuff).

[TinCup]

Their inventory systems are all based off of Make,Model,Year. They are not trying to remember 10,000 SKU's. Take a look at the age of these guys most are under 30 and most are not wrench turners. There is one NAPA store here in town where I can walk in and ask for parts and not have to rely on these parameters.

[Benson]

Sorry to bitch about this ... but the local Alameda Auto Parts was bought out recently and after 45 years of dealing with the "Mom and Pop" OLD guys who knew how to use the catalogs in the steel "fan" racks on the counter ... I really miss their help!

Bob could find ANYTHING I needed ... except for a 1908 Model S Ford ...

Actually they had computers for quite a while but kept the paper catalogs for backup!

This was also Paul Garrigan aka Rumble Seat 's favorite parts store ...

There was one store 3 blocks from my house and one 3 blocks from Paul's house.

[tim54889]

I ask at the local grocery store, where are the prunes? I was asked "The dried ones?"

[Seth Swoboda]

I'm into the flathead V8's mostly these days and while I was working on my 1939 Ford pickup I would visit the local NAPA on occasion for parts. The guys working there are all about my age (36) or younger. They always asked me what make and model I was needing parts for. The first time I told them I got that "what the hell is a flathead V8" look. They are nice guys and I enjoy ribbing them about their lack of flathead V8 knowledge. When I had the truck project complete, I drove it to the store to show them what the legendary Ford V8 was. They were impressed. It was a learning experience for them and I enjoyed the lesson. They'll now forever know what a flathead V8 engine is.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

I TOTALLY AGREE with post#17.
Bill W.

[Tom Wesenberg]

What does DYWFWYP stand for?

About 10 years ago while on tour with our Model A club, we were stopped at a small town with an auto parts store. I went in and found a girl about 11 years old manning the store while her father was at lunch. I asked her for two strips of 1 to 3 plasti-gauge. No questions asked, she went to the second floor and came back with just what I needed. She was a good worker and knew more than lots of older guys.

[California Travieso]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

I am online with all my shop parts jobbers. I look up and order my own stuff and minutes later its walking in the door. The days of picking up the phone and talking to the counterman are ending. Plus i get the right parts more often
Price matching and checking stock is also nice

Same thing with me. When ordering parts for my wife Lexus, used to drive 15 miles one way to be told they had to get it from the warehouse. Had to drive back the next day or two to pick it up. Now I can chat on-line with parts guy, order the part and go in the next day or two to pick it up. Way better than hanging on the phone or waiting for them to call back. Wish they all did that.

David Serrano

[DougVieyra]

Benson, post # 1: ". . . . "They did not even make cars in 1908!" .
---------------------------

Please don't be too harsh with the young man. As some of you know, the automobile marque that had the shortest run was the now little known automobile "They" - which stood for Tom, Henry, Ely, & Yancy - the four founders of the "THEY' Automobile Company. They were in production for only 8 months before they were bought out by the Shadow Shoe-String Company.

As some of you know, the THEY Automobile Company did not begin production until 1909. So the young man behind the Auto Parts counter was indeed quite right in saying "They did not even make cars in 1908".

[Seth Swoboda]

Originally Posted by DougVieyra

Benson, post # 1: ". . . . "They did not even make cars in 1908!" .
---------------------------

Please don't be too harsh with the young man. As some of you know, the automobile marque that had the shortest run was the now little known automobile "They" - which stood for Tom, Henry, Ely, & Yancy - the four founders of the "THEY' Automobile Company. They were in production for only 8 months before they were bought out by the Shadow Shoe-String Company.

As some of you know, the THEY Automobile Company did not begin production until 1909. So the young man behind the Auto Parts counter was indeed quite right in saying "They did not even make cars in 1908".

You got em on a technicality!

[CarlG]

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Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

What does DYWFWYP stand for? ...

Originally Posted by Benson

...
"DYWFWYP" ......

"Do You want fries with your parts?"

...

[5window]

Oh, lord, these stupid threads pop up from time to time. Auto parts houses are in business to sell auto parts and supplies. That means 99.99% of their sales will be for vehicles built in the last 10 years. Add to that that many cars and trucks have mods made during the production run, sometimes monthly. Add to that that the pay scale for counter people is below the poverty level and you have a common scenario where no one wants, or needs, to know what radiator cap your 85 year old dinosaur needs.

The problem is not only the modern auto parts store, it's you/us and our old, obsolete beasts. For that, you need a specialty store and,fortunately they exist.

[DougVieyra]

5Window - Well said. And it needed saying. Thank you.

[cradlescyth]

Went to local NAPA dealer and asked for a coil for a 1930 pos. grd.

car. He had it in stock. Came with dust and all.

[big job]

Originally Posted by cradlescyth

Went to local NAPA dealer and asked for a coil for a 1930 pos. grd.

car. He had it in stock. Came with dust and all.

You must be talking to Steve at Napa- he don't need no computor. Just
remember Steve started off at Harolds Auto remember Nasty Harold?

sam

N Dighton

[Mark W.]

Our local NAPA carries (in stock 99% of the time) Champion spark plugs for both Model A and the 1/2" pipe thread Model T cars! Thankfully it is because of being right down the road from th Owls Head Transportation Museum but I rarely get any hassle when I ask about them... other than one good friend who asks if I'm still driving that old bucket of bolts.

[mshmodela]

In one word:

Amazon.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by mshmodela

In one word:

Amazon.

I've only gone to Amazon a couple times, because I still associate them with only selling books.
At one time, wasn't that the case?

[SeaSlugs]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

I've only gone to Amazon a couple times, because I still associate them with only selling books.
At one time, wasn't that the case?

Yes thats how they got their start(i think we all wish we would have bought thier stock at that time haha)

amazon is hit or miss for car parts - sometimes you can find a fair deal, other times its not so it still pays to shop around! I have amazon prime so free 2 day shipping (sometimes sunday delivery) so that plays a factor in costs as well.

Its deffinately my goto first place when buying anything.

[H. L. Chauvin]

One way to look at it:

Older farmers who plowed with mules had the same problems with young clerks while ordering individual harness items at farm supply stores after tractors became popular.

Many elderly people no doubt became frustrated when young hardware store clerks knew nothing about hinges and door pulls for non-electric ice boxes ....... or even wicks for kerosene stoves.

Young gun store clerks had the same look when some old fart in the 1930's asked for black powder and percussion caps.

As we discuss how these young store auto parts store clerks are so dumb, just imagine what they say about us ... and laugh ..... after we leave their stores?

[leo]

Old Fart! Hey, I resemble that remark!

[larrys40]

Originally Posted by 5window

Oh, lord, these stupid threads pop up from time to time. Auto parts houses are in business to sell auto parts and supplies. That means 99.99% of their sales will be for vehicles built in the last 10 years. Add to that that many cars and trucks have mods made during the production run, sometimes monthly. Add to that that the pay scale for counter people is below the poverty level and you have a common scenario where no one wants, or needs, to know what radiator cap your 85 year old dinosaur needs.

The problem is not only the modern auto parts store, it's you/us and our old, obsolete beasts. For that, you need a specialty store and,fortunately they exist.

Agreed. Let's face it.. they can't stay in business selling old parts to few people like us. We know where to get parts if we need them.. albeit, it's nice to have your local source be able to get something now and then. I had my local O rielly get a generator for my 56 t bird which was rebuilt... it was much cheaper and no shipping unlike the Bird sources....
I think they all try to their best degree but they have to cater to the market for which we live in and they can survice in. If the old auto parts stores were doing so well selling parts to us for our antique vehicles they would still be in business! I wish they were but unfortunately we're not in the same world as 1950 , 1960 , or even 1970 .
Larry

[noboD]

Originally Posted by 5window

Oh, lord, these stupid threads pop up from time to time. Auto parts houses are in business to sell auto parts and supplies. That means 99.99% of their sales will be for vehicles built in the last 10 years. Add to that that many cars and trucks have mods made during the production run, sometimes monthly. Add to that that the pay scale for counter people is below the poverty level and you have a common scenario where no one wants, or needs, to know what radiator cap your 85 year old dinosaur needs.

The problem is not only the modern auto parts store, it's you/us and our old, obsolete beasts. For that, you need a specialty store and,fortunately they exist.

Amen. I think a much bigger problem then a parts guy trying to help with the method that finds parts for 99% of his customers are the stupid store requirements that need a birth date to buy certain items. Tractor Supply and K Mart think they need a birth date for things like inner tube glue or spray paint. I tell them to guess, and if that doesn't work I simply walk out and go to a store I know will sell me the item.

[H. L. Chauvin]

About (68) years ago, someone probably realized how many back then were always frustrated and complaining about seemingly Nothing ..... and decided to write a song with the title:

"Enjoy Yourself ..... It's Later Than You Think!"

[30 Tudor]

Originally Posted by cpf240

Turns out it has a weeping freeze plug. To 'make do' until all the freeze plugs could be changed, we decided to use a radiator cap with a lower pressure rating.



I hate to admit it, but I still haven't gotten around to changing those freeze plugs...

A great trick for the road is cayenne pepper, I always carry it on a trip.
Once a fan in a radiator along an interstate, folded over tubes, cayenne,
no leak for years,,no joke. leaking plugs on a Chrysler on back of block,
next to trans, stupid place for a casting plug,, cayenne pepper, no leak.
Pencil sized hole in center tube on radiator, can't reach it, cayenne, no leak, still there after 4 years, drive to Tucson and beyond, no problem.
It will flush out without clogging things up.
Tip# 4729-3

WARNING! It looks nasty

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by mshmodela

In one word:

Amazon.

I have been an Amazon Prime member for as long as they have offered Prime.

However, I have just about quit using Amazon, due to their increasing policy restricting shipment of items to Alaska. Even had one "customer service" rep tell me that it was against the law to ship car parts to Alaska.

[Ed H.]

I am well know at the local NAPA store. New kid behind the counter, seemed nice, the store owner whispered to me "be nice to him Ed, he is new" ok no problem.

I ordered a set of pads for my pick up. Once he had them I said I need a set of rotors also, he said same truck, nope 30 Ford model A. I bet he spent 1/2 hr looking for those rotors. Looked in the computer, no listing. So I said check the older books. Finally I said I gotta go, when you get them give me a call. Never did hear from him.

[ursus]

At the local Autozone it seems like the DIY customers are mostly all Hispanic, probably because where they come from that is the only way things get fixed. If I have a technical question, the counter guys pass me off to the one guy that can answer the question, and he happens to be Hispanic. Fortunately, he speaks English.

[Ted Duke]

It all depends on the local story IMHO. NAPA is great, but nothing is priced and as a walk-in my priority to be helped is low and their prices are high. Fisher Auto (local to Virginia and surrounding is good most of the time. Advance Auto in the three nearest stores to me have employees who can use the computer, or their brains, and are very helpful. Some of the other chains, not so much.
My son swears by Rock Auto, but I haven't tried them yet.

[ken will]

[wmws]

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About 20 years ago I walked into a John Deere store and asked if they had a lens for the headlight on a 1930 John Deere Model A. The guy said let me look on the computer. He says yes the computer shows we have one. He goes to look for it on the shelf and comes back with an old moldy box. Sure enough it was the right lens. I asked how much and he said $2.50. It was probably worth 20-30 dollars but 2.50 was the original price and that was what he sold it to me for.

[JBill]

The modules, sensors, and other stuff on modern engines are likely a mystery to most of us old timers.