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| Matatk | Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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This is my rant. I wanted a new thermostat today so I stopped by O'Reillys (my first mistake). Here's the conversation:
Stupid Parts Counter Guy: "Hi, what do you need" Me: "Thermostat" SPCG: "What for?" Me: "1989 Chevy Corvette. The stock is 195* but I want a 180*" SPCG: "Computer says OEM is 195*" Me: "I know, that's what I just said. But I want a 180*" SPCG: "But OEM is 195*" Me: "I KNOW. But I want a 180*" SPCG "Well, the computer doesn't show that. It won't tell us anything but OEM." Me: "It's not that hard, just get me a 180*" SPCG: "Well, do you know another car I can look under?" Me: "How about any chevy small block built since 1955" SPCG: "[dumb look on face] Huh? {DPCG then looks some more in the computer and can't find one, so they must not have it!!!]" Me: "[Disgusted sigh] Ok, thanks anyway...." I got one at Autozone. Matthew |
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Posted on: 2010/7/2 3:24
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| bogus | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah
 
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they hire them because they are cheap, not because they know anything about car parts.
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Posted on: 2010/7/2 5:13
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| BillH | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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The Stig Moderator
 
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Never go into a parts store and say "I want a xxx part for a xxx. Ya just can't do this anymore.
Spend the 3 minutes on the web and walk into O'Reillys with their part number. It saves you so much grief. I don't go into any parts store, stealership, even Summit without the part number. Even something as simple as a SBC 180 thermostat (which the parts guys 15 years ago could pull out by memory). Even a freekin' oil filter. |
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Posted on: 2010/7/2 13:24
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| Aboatguy | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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I agree I never go into a parts store without the PN and checking if they have it in stock....(half the time they can't locate it even when the computer says they have it.) However, I disagree with 15 years ago comment...back in the early 80s I used to comment on how dumb most parts guys were...and used to spend time looking at the microfiche or parts book IOT find the part that the counter guy couldn't... Mike |
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Posted on: 2010/7/2 13:50
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| BillH | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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The Stig Moderator
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Ya know, that's probably correct,Mike. But back then there were at least a few that were good. I do remember a few. But, today........................ |
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Posted on: 2010/7/2 14:03
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| SpectatorRacing | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Elite Guru
 
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Matthew, correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the the stock thermostat on an '89 is a 195*?
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Posted on: 2010/7/2 14:21
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| CentralCoaster | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Senior Guru
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I've learned to not care about stupid clerks.
Smart clerks cost more, and they'll still never know more about my car than I do. And the payrate gets factored into parts prices. So I walk in with part numbers. If it's something generic that they struggle to find, I kindly ask if I can go behind the counter and find it myself. If a place doesn't have a website showing inventory and part numbers, I don't go there. My Corvette is a different year depending on what part I need. The best was when it was a "69 Ford Ranchero with a 5.8L and automatic", just to get a transmission filter. If I walk in there with greasy hands and a carburetor or header, they start running and hiding. |
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Posted on: 2010/7/2 19:33
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| Aboatguy | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Senior Guru
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The clerks at NAPA seem to be/have alway been ...better than the other chain stores.... Now back in the day when there were still some independently owned parts stores...the counter guys at the independant shops seemed to care and know about cars.... Mike |
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Posted on: 2010/7/2 19:43
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| BillH | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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The Stig Moderator
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The NAPAs here are definately better but, I still have their p/n in hand. In the early 80's I was the service director for a stealership. My parts manager could spit out 100s of part numbers off the top of his head, so could his assistant. Both were car guys. But them times are gone. The independant shops were great. The "Speed Shops" were awesome. |
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Posted on: 2010/7/2 20:03
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| tjpreul | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Elite Guru
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I use Wix filter which they keep in the back. My truck and car use the same filter. Last time they tried to give me one for a 2wd. I told him it wasn't correct. He said the threads are the same. Then I asked for one for my car. It was correct, so I handed the smaller filter back to him. I think he was puzzled, because he asked if I wanted a Wix for the car too.
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Posted on: 2010/7/2 20:07
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Vegas wasn't built on winners. '92 auto, MSD, Banski, Taylor wires, SS lines, C5 rims, 3.07 gears, white gauges, seats from a '96. Motor: Forged rotating assy, Probe pistons, CC valvetrain, AFR heads, Procharger P1SC |
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| BrianCunningham | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Senior Guru
 
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summer is going to be worse
HS kids that don't know any better, but think they do. |
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Posted on: 2010/7/2 20:26
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Polo Green 95 LT1 6-spd http://mysite.verizon.net/vzevcp74/ 383 LT1/Vortech Supercharger/AFR heads/Rod end suspension/Penske-Hardbar dual rate coilovers/Wilwood 6pot brakes NCCC Governor: http://BayStateCorvetteClub.com |
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| 383tpimachine | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Master Guru
 
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I worked at Autozone for 3 weeks. Left due to lack of hours and boredom.
Out of the 100 customers I helped 4 knew what they actually wanted. I remember exactly what they drove even. 1. was a guy in a 99 WS6 needing a code scan and 2 O2 sensors. 2. was a lady need windshield wipers for her 04 tahoe 3. was a kid needing spark plug wires for his 1970 sbc 350 SS clone (black on red) chevelle. Very nice car. 4. was my most regular customer. He was in 3 to 4 times a week with a list of parts for his sbc into a 89 rx7. He came with PN and it made my life so much easier. |
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Posted on: 2010/7/2 22:57
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| WW7 | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Senior Guru
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All the kids behind the counters today drive Ricers, how in the world would they know what fits a Vette. Or even care..WW
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Posted on: 2010/7/2 23:10
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| 383tpimachine | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Master Guru
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This was last year when I was in highschool. Drove the vette everyday to work. Thats how I met alot of the local forum names.
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Posted on: 2010/7/3 0:30
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| CentralCoaster | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Senior Guru
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I'm still laughing about the clerk I had looking for my Mazda Corvette in the computer.
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Posted on: 2010/7/3 1:24
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| TommyT-Bone | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Chair-man of the bored
 
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The computers are supposed to know it all and the store is supposed to be able to run with trained monkeys. That's modern thinking for you. The big corporations dropped the human element in favor of profits. If you agree with me press 1 now. If you don't, press 2. If you need to speak with an operator please call back during normal business hours between 02:00AM and 02:01AM. All others please stay on the line.
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Posted on: 2010/7/3 1:42
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| Ultraman | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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2015 Memorial Day Car Show Winner!
 
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I'm agreeing with Mike on the NAPA parts guys. We have one or two that have been there a long time and they can find stuff. If they are busy when I get there I will just wait until they are free. If I need some WD 40 or some wax I will go to O'Reillys just because they are down the street.
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Posted on: 2010/7/3 2:21
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| CentralCoaster | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Senior Guru
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I used to find that to be the case. But the Napa guys at the warehouse store here are horrible. The more they know, the slower they work. And some of them are older, so you assume they're seasoned pros. When in fact, they're just idiots that didn't plan their retirement well.
They are so slow that you literally take a number and wait. |
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Posted on: 2010/7/3 2:47
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| flyboy | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Elite Guru
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There was an independent one man store 1 block from my house. Don was an ex(health issues)mechanic. He couldn't stock every part for every car, but for service, convenience or to just pull up a stool and pass some time he couldn't be beat. He got swallowed by the Wal-marts of the auto parts business.
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Posted on: 2010/7/3 3:02
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| patgizz | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Senior Guru
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15 years ago you walk into parts store and pull a 180 stat off the shelf in a package that says "fits chevy, gmc, amc v8 1955-present" yourself and it's right in between 160 and 195 ones for the same application, and the gaskets are right there as well.
ah those were the days. |
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Posted on: 2010/7/4 15:19
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| CentralCoaster | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Senior Guru
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Don't those fit some Fords also?
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Posted on: 2010/7/5 6:48
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| Calm | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Senior Guru
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Way back in the early 80's I was a counter parts-man (kid).
It was in the farm equiptment field. Being a gear-head I took the job very seriousely (but secretely wanted to work in the performance field), thus, I was taught that my catalogues were like bibles. Perusing them, I initially scoffed at them being....like....1947 copyright. But my parts-guru clearly explained that I should never discard the older parts menus because many of them are out of "print" and resourses can often be forgotten and lost forever. I learned from that. For instance a typical farmer would come in with a bearing from...say.... a 1942 PTO outlet bearing for a Farmall tractor: My "parts Catalogue" would show no such thing. MY job was to supply him that bearing. So I'd mic it and search the books. Normally, I would find that bearing, only based upon the specs recorded in those 'old' 1947 (or other)books. That was my JOB! To MY mind, THAT is what a parts-man DOES. |
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Posted on: 2010/7/5 7:47
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| RickAnthony | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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ASE Master Certified
 
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Talking about CJC right? too bad it's a flower shop now, I rememmber walking down there to pick up parts from time to time since they were so close.. Times have changed, in the 10 years I've been a technician... funny thing is it's not just the younger kids that are clueless, but there are alot of older guys working at the parts stores, and they are still trying to figure things out... every store is different though not to say they all "suck" but it seems harder and harder to find a parts store where the guys are knowledgeable... -=Rick |
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Posted on: 2010/7/5 12:22
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| Vetron87 | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Elite Guru
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Autozone or Advanced auto all run by high school kids. Always a comment.. you should get rid of the Vette and get something quick like my Honda Civic. Hey dude nice 55 is that a straight six in it! Yo partner whats up my man ready to buy some off shore crap for your chebee truck?
Ya know man my parole officer had Chevy s10 4x4 and it was a POS. Ya know gringo that carb cleaner is some bitchin shit man get you all fu*&ed up with one huff. I just smile pay the money and usually get the wrong change back in my favor. I figure its a nuisance fee for putting up with their bs. |
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Posted on: 2010/7/5 22:24
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| BrianCunningham | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Senior Guru
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I found the answer
I was at the parts store today. the clerk was in his car out in the parking lot humm. WITH his girlfriend yes, right in broad daylight. |
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Posted on: 2010/7/7 1:02
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Polo Green 95 LT1 6-spd http://mysite.verizon.net/vzevcp74/ 383 LT1/Vortech Supercharger/AFR heads/Rod end suspension/Penske-Hardbar dual rate coilovers/Wilwood 6pot brakes NCCC Governor: http://BayStateCorvetteClub.com |
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| CentralCoaster | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Senior Guru
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Hmmm..... make out with 18 yr old girlfriend or sell parts to persnickity Brian Cunningham... Hmmm...tough choice.
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Posted on: 2010/7/7 1:12
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| BrianCunningham | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Senior Guru
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they were doing more than making out
the springs were getting a workout LOL |
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Posted on: 2010/7/7 1:14
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Polo Green 95 LT1 6-spd http://mysite.verizon.net/vzevcp74/ 383 LT1/Vortech Supercharger/AFR heads/Rod end suspension/Penske-Hardbar dual rate coilovers/Wilwood 6pot brakes NCCC Governor: http://BayStateCorvetteClub.com |
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| Vetron87 | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Elite Guru
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If the cars a rockin don't come a knockin. Hope the kid washed his hands before handling your car parts!
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Posted on: 2010/7/7 2:01
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| Matatk | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Webmaster
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Eh, KY....grease...they serve the same purpose. |
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Posted on: 2010/7/7 2:15
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| flyboy | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Elite Guru
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"ALCO Auto Parts" was the name, started by Al, sold to Don. CJC is the repair shop kittycorner. Out of about 10 or so parts stores within a 5 mile radius, it's easy to pick and choose. Napa, was "Downers Grove Auto Parts" and "Car Quest" have been around for a while, and the youngsters at "Advance" take pretty good care of me. I generally avoid those where English is the second language. |
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Posted on: 2010/7/7 3:08
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| CentralCoaster | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Senior Guru
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The local Carquest and Napa near my house both closed shop.
Adapt or die. |
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Posted on: 2010/7/7 3:29
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| Fluff | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Senior Guru
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Out of curiousity, has anyone ever found a decent C4 parts catalogue on CD? |
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Posted on: 2010/7/7 11:50
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| BillH | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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The Stig Moderator
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Do a search on Ebay, they are less than $10. |
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Posted on: 2010/7/7 12:29
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| RickAnthony | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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ASE Master Certified
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That's L&J alco turned into CJC before the parts store closed.. |
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Posted on: 2010/7/7 12:31
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| Fluff | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Senior Guru
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Yep, I've seen them Bill, but as you say for $10, I was wondering if anyone had come across a 'decent' version... I've tried one in the past (not vette) and it wasn't very good. |
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Posted on: 2010/7/7 12:39
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| BillH | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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The Stig Moderator
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Guess ya get what you pay for, I haven't tried one. |
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Posted on: 2010/7/7 12:49
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| Matatk | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Webmaster
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I have it and it's pretty good. It's a scan of the GM parts catalog from about 2000. Almost 99.9 percent legible from when I've used it. Matthew |
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Posted on: 2010/7/7 20:16
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| CentralCoaster | Re: Stupid parts counter people.... | ||
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Senior Guru
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More like 91% legible. I wish there were links in it.
You CAN type the page numbers, ie: 1-A-15 into the search box and it will pull up the particular page though. I don't like how it's organized. |
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Posted on: 2010/7/7 20:43
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