laughed at

[68chrgrwife]

Ok so we went to like four different auto parts stores looking for a few charger parts and seriously got laughed at when we asked if they had this stuff...Ok, ok so I know we have an old car and whatnot, but some of that technology is still around..like the rear drum brake hardware kit, cummon, there are still SOME cars out there with drum brakes, right?  Man I hate going to the auto parts store......

[Arigmaster]

I ran into that allot! It seems that anything older than 1975 can only be found at Performance parts stores where they cost twice as much. Pittyful...

[Shakey]

Save yourself a lot of driving around and make the phone calls first.

I bought all of my stuff at Car Quest.  If they didn't have it in stock, which they usually don't, they'd order it and have it there the next day.

[moparguy01]

You guys got really crappy parts stores. I can go to the local Checker auto parts and order anything I need. When i call the guys I talk to, (I will only talk with 2 people who work there, a assistant manager, and one of the other parts guys, everyone else isnt worth talking to)

most everything is still made, you just have to find a parts guy who can read a book, cause they dont have it in the computers.....

[bull]

Yea, I don't know why they are laughing. It's not like you can get a Charger dash bezel at Napa but much of the mechanical stuff is still available. I've recently purchased lots of brake parts from two or three different places for cars between the years of '68 and '71. They sometimes have to order the stuff but for the most part you can find much of what you need.

[TruckDriver]

I go to the local Advance Auto here. And they never have laughed at me. And they 95% of the time have what I need. I like the place.

[moparguy01]

exactly, I didnt have any luck finding brake parts for my 1949 International i had in high school though....imagine that. haha

[CharlieCharger]

I've had some really good luck with car quest myself...

[pettyfan43]

We have an O'Relly parts store here and there have been several things I thought would be order only at best, but they had it in store and their prices are really good.

[greatwn73]

I call on jobber (parts stores) for a living and also suggest inventories for the product lines that I represent. No where do I recommend a part  thats unique to a  30-40 year old car.The jobber will carry inventory that turns over a certain number times per year to be cost effective. Parts like starters and alternators that are still popular today most likely would be stocked. Most manufacturers would still make items like chassis and brake parts that could be usually shipped overnight.


   PS the hold down kit for 11'' and 10x2 1/2 is part #H4030  and 10x1 3/4 is # H4049

[deputycrawford]

    I use Auto Zone, Murray's , and Napa. I can find most of the mechanical parts in stock, or over night. Much of the technology used in Chrysler products was the same into the early 80's. I have gotten rear brake hardware in stock at any Auto Zone I go to. Make some calls. Someone will have them somewhere.

[timmy]

MEGA PARTS  find alot of sh-t there 

[71ChallengeHer]

I live next door to American Speed Center. Tony can usually have anything I need in a day. Plus he gives me a garage cost.

[CharlieCharger]

I live next door to American Speed Center. Tony can usually have anything I need in a day. Plus he gives me a garage cost.

I would be giving discounts to any woman who drives a Mopar too..I kid I kid 

[Brock Samson]

... no you don't.

[CharlieCharger]

... no you don't.

I swear! 

[moparguy01]

... no you don't.

I swear! 

you shouldnt. its not nice. and theres a lady present. 

[71ChallengeHer]

Thanks for calling me a lady.l

[Arigmaster]

You guys got really crappy parts stores. I can go to the local Checker auto parts and order anything I need. When i call the guys I talk to, (I will only talk with 2 people who work there, a assistant manager, and one of the other parts guys, everyone else isnt worth talking to)

most everything is still made, you just have to find a parts guy who can read a book, cause they dont have it in the computers.....

I can find most of what I need at Napa or Advanced but I usually have to go away from the area near me... They got plenty of things for the Chevy and Ford cars but they definatley lack on "In stock" parts for me. They always seem to have it at one of their "other" locations. (Usually somewhere outside of Milwaukee County)

However, When I go to a performance store or speed shop a few blocks away...they always have it. It costs a bit more so depending on how much, and where the available part is through another store helps me decide if it's worth the trip.

[moparguy01]

nobody really stocks mopar parts. the checker started stocking things because I kept going in and asking for parts. and this summer we're working on 3 mopars they just ask us what we want them to stock.

[69Coronet]

Weaver Auto Parts is a great place (at least the one i go to).  Dont know if there are any outside WI though

[dpm68]

There's  a NAPA on S. Federal Blvd. here in the good 'ol mile high that has everything I have ever asked for, and if they can't get it, I work at a speed shop owned by a complete card-carrying Mopar freak. 

[Steve P.]

The problem is NOT that they don't have or can't get it. The problem is that these kids in the parts stores today are not properly trained to find the parts in the catalogs. Another big part of the problem is that these chains really only want to cater to the 5 to 10 year old cars and trucks.

I managed a Rose Auto store and I am telling you this from my experience. We had 184 stores in the chain. A commonly heard phrase around work was (1-800-call-Steve).. After a few months they could call anyone that worked for me.. I was tough on the guys to learn the books..  Today most of the people I see working the counters are retired dog catchers and collage drop outs that are too ashamed to go back to flipping burgers at Mc Donalds.. It makes me sick..  Even NAPA by me sucks..

[moparguy01]

exactly what i was saying steve. The problem is they dont know how to look in a book to find a part number!! its not in the computer so it doesnt exist.

[Recharger]

It all comes down to the employee behind the counter, and most of them that I've met (near me) are idiots.  I know what you mean about getting laughed at, 68chrgrwife.  Or scoffed at, as the case may be, as In "why the F would we ever have that part"?  I've got 5 parts stores within 3 blocks of my house, and of the dozen or so counter guys that I've dealt with, I'd say one of them has better than a 2 digit IQ.  If it doesn't come up on the computer, then obviously I'm wrong about something.  And god forbid you should suggest that a part may interchange from a different vehicle.  If the mere idea doesn't break their feeble little brains, they'll tell you "it's against store policy to sell a part for a different application."  No kiddin.  Heard it twice.  And match a part by size & specs?     As Steve P said, a lot of these guys are just one interview away from flipping burgers.  Once you find a knowledgable parts guy, just keep using him.  It'll save you time and stress.