a while ago i got a posi for my car, realised the axle was bad, but didn't have anythign to replace it with, so i just put it back in "temporarly". about 6 months after i got a new axle i decided i might want to get it in. i go to autozone, car quest, advanced, all thoes places looking for some axle studs, no one has them. fineally i decide to bite the bullet and go to napa, they have everything, at double the price. i ended up getting a set of studs for a 7.5" rear end, even though i specifically asked the guy to make sure he entered the right engine in the computer, but he insisted he had it right, he said that the computer said they all use the same bolts. today i head over there to take them back, and theres no line, the one thing i love about napa. i tell the new guy i have the wrong bolts, and bring my axle in with me to make sure the new ones fit. so i ask him to do a search for a regal with the turbo engine (why don't they have the gn on the list), he gets the part number and comes back with the exact studs i tryed to return. he then went on to tell me that the axle i had wasn't out of a regal, or "this grand national car your talking about". I am no parts expert, and i don't know what else used an 8.5" rear end, so i ask him to do a search on a 1/2 ton truck and a z28 camero, figuring one of thoes 2 should have the same rear end( i thought they might anyways). about this time the guy who sold me the first bolts comes out and askes me whats wrong with them (nice guy) and tryes to help, then goes and looks in some boks trying to find the right bolts for me. the new guy comes back with 2 boxes of bolts, neither fit. then i think he said, "you obviously don't know what kind of car this came out of, so i can't help you" its times like this i wais i had a mustang, everyone knows about them.... then he askes me what its for again (by this time i'm not very happy, but i see a lot of humor in it that this guy doesnt' get that his computer doesnt' have all the answers) the manager who helped me the first time came over, measured the hole, and found the right bolts for me, as hes going that this other guy tells him that i drilled the holes out, so after about 20 minutes i fineally get the right bolts, and this new guy and the manager arguing. just sharing my day with all of you.
a car no one knows about is great, but...
- Thread starter denn454
- Start date
Welcome!
By registering with us, you'll be able to discuss, share and private message with other members of our community.
LMFAO
Try going in and telling them you have a V6 Trans Am, depending on where it is, sometimes it is located under Firebird, other times under Trans Am and occasionally it is actually there under Firebird Trans Am GTA SE. When you tell them it is an '89 with a 3.8L they usually tell you that is a 2.8L then you tell them it has a Turbo and they tell you it didn't come stock like that and you added it, then depending on what part it is, you just tell them it is a Regal with Vin code 7 and they really look at you funny. Sad thing is I have gone through this so many times that I know the problems with each aprts store.
The best one was trying to get a serpentine belt for the TTA, they gave me the exact same one that was being replaced because it was too long, when I asked for one that was 1/2" shorter they told me that I couldn't have one, went across the street for one and never even told them what car, just the size.
Try going in and telling them you have a V6 Trans Am, depending on where it is, sometimes it is located under Firebird, other times under Trans Am and occasionally it is actually there under Firebird Trans Am GTA SE. When you tell them it is an '89 with a 3.8L they usually tell you that is a 2.8L then you tell them it has a Turbo and they tell you it didn't come stock like that and you added it, then depending on what part it is, you just tell them it is a Regal with Vin code 7 and they really look at you funny. Sad thing is I have gone through this so many times that I know the problems with each aprts store.
The best one was trying to get a serpentine belt for the TTA, they gave me the exact same one that was being replaced because it was too long, when I asked for one that was 1/2" shorter they told me that I couldn't have one, went across the street for one and never even told them what car, just the size.
GN One Day...
Senior Member
- Joined
- May 28, 2001
- Messages
- 1,686
Believe me, it's not just GN's that have that trouble. I can hardly buy a set of plugs for my SC or Amigo. I'm sure there are some people at parts stores that know what they're doing, but I think the bulk of them couldn't change a tire.
My favorite time was when I needed a coolant temperature sensor for the Buick. Now, unlike your experience, this young man was able to find my car. Because I don't say Buick Grand National.. I tell the Buick Regal 3.8 V6 Turbo. Of course, after I say that, they always click on V6 then ask if it's turbo. But this kid found my car. Then he starts looking for coolant temperature sensor. He found the switch for the idiot light but couldn't find the sensor. Proceded to tell me my car didn't have a coolant temperature sensor. So, turned the screen towards me some... told him to back up... pointed on the screen and told him to look under EMISSIONS. Sure enough, this kid followed my finger on the screen and low and behold... just in case all you turbo Buick owners didn't know... OUR CAR HAS A COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR!! AMAZING!!
Usually I'll let them hunt around until they find the part, instead of making them feel bad, but I just had to show this kid how to do his own job. *sigh*
Oh, BTW. This is not meant as a flame for any and all parts guys on the board. Back in the days when I had people who worked in the Buick dealership parts department, that was the COMPLETE opposite. Those guys could find virtually anything on that car and a few things that I didn't know were on that car!!
Usually I'll let them hunt around until they find the part, instead of making them feel bad, but I just had to show this kid how to do his own job. *sigh*
Oh, BTW. This is not meant as a flame for any and all parts guys on the board. Back in the days when I had people who worked in the Buick dealership parts department, that was the COMPLETE opposite. Those guys could find virtually anything on that car and a few things that I didn't know were on that car!!
John Larkin
Sublime Master of Turbology
- Joined
- May 25, 2001
- Messages
- 5,013
I used to get upset when things like this happen but I took a reality check. 17-21 year old cars that were never in the mainstream: how much can you really expect a parts store clerk to commit to memory? Not all car people are into every single performance car out there. Just work with them. The bubba that brings in the crusty brake rotor and then needs detailed installation instructions is more needy than you. Or the old guy/shop gopher who has an air filter that he has no idea what it came from but will hang at the counter for 15 minutes until they measure it 4 times and find him a replacement.
Same thing happens when I try to buy parts for the syclone.. Anymore when the ppl at the local chain auto parts store see me come in they just tell me to grab a computer and find what I need/want. I know prolly 2/3 of their passswords so I dont even have to bother them to log on.
Ive even looked up parts/info for other customers when they are really busy just to help out as they dont mind me rummaging through their stock of fittings, hoses, or what have you when Im working on a project. Kinda a nice trade IMO.
Ive even looked up parts/info for other customers when they are really busy just to help out as they dont mind me rummaging through their stock of fittings, hoses, or what have you when Im working on a project. Kinda a nice trade IMO.
Vendor Defendor
Out the window
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2002
- Messages
- 3,537
man what i love, is when you give them the part number, and they give you the wrong one.. then come up with some BS excuse, then they look it up on there computer and are like, see told you, i got you the right part.. turn the computer around and it says "'87 Buick Regal 5.0L V8"
salvageV6
Daily Driver
- Joined
- May 25, 2001
- Messages
- 20,993
You have to train them well. 
The two NAPA guys here know cars and both my cars well.
They know where LVD is and most events there. They usually find everything quickly for me and haven't missed yet.
At Pep Boys I usually try to angle for a good look at the 'puter screen and then make sure the kid tells me all the choices so I can pick one to move to the next screen correctly.
Bringing the parts in works well usually too when possible.
Most of NAPA parts are high quality as well. They even sell a MAF that works most of the time.
The two NAPA guys here know cars and both my cars well.
They know where LVD is and most events there. They usually find everything quickly for me and haven't missed yet.
At Pep Boys I usually try to angle for a good look at the 'puter screen and then make sure the kid tells me all the choices so I can pick one to move to the next screen correctly.
Bringing the parts in works well usually too when possible.
Most of NAPA parts are high quality as well. They even sell a MAF that works most of the time.
GN One Day...
Senior Member
- Joined
- May 28, 2001
- Messages
- 1,686
Oh, I LOVE that bit. I have learned to look the part number up on their websites before hand, compare to info on a forum, and write it down on a cheat sheet to be sure I get the right part.
thats pretty good. i was in at autozone one day looking for a gasket i think. the guy at the counter saw me pull in and started to talk to me about my car. then i told him i wanted a whatever i needed for a gn, figuring he he probably knew what it was. so he types like mad into the coumputer runs off and comes back with a v8 gasket. he just assumed it was a v8, when i told him it was only a v6, he said theres no way its a v6, he heard it before, and its as quiet as they get! then he was thinking, crapy little v6... so on my way out i burned off a little rubber off in the parking lot
would have loved to see the look on his face. dude, some little v6 jus did dat
SilverSleeper
Senior Member
- Joined
- May 24, 2001
- Messages
- 1,248
I went to get plugs once at Advance Auto. There was some new kid there working the counter. He wanted to get a look at my car.
Now, keep in mind, I just bought 6 spark plugs...
He comes out, wants me to pop the hood. I do, and he acts all surprised, and asks me where I got the turbo kit for my 350..????
I said it came that way, and its a V6. He stands there and counts the plug wires...and says, "Oh, Okay...but why did you get rid of the 350? I mean, a V8s gotta be faster than that thing?"
I came back into the place a few weeks later, he sees me coming. He starts joking about my car, and how he would race me and beat me with his (whatever it was he had at the time). I walk to the counter (he isnt the one behind the computer) and ask for an O2 sensor. He butts in and asks me when Im gonna get a real motor in my car. I ask the guy behind the counter for a V6, Turbo O2 sensor. The guy thats looking up my part just looked at his co-worker and told him "Hey___! Youre an idiot. This car has that Grand National motor. He would kick your rear!"
Clueless guy no longer works there!
Now, keep in mind, I just bought 6 spark plugs...
He comes out, wants me to pop the hood. I do, and he acts all surprised, and asks me where I got the turbo kit for my 350..????
I said it came that way, and its a V6. He stands there and counts the plug wires...and says, "Oh, Okay...but why did you get rid of the 350? I mean, a V8s gotta be faster than that thing?"
I came back into the place a few weeks later, he sees me coming. He starts joking about my car, and how he would race me and beat me with his (whatever it was he had at the time). I walk to the counter (he isnt the one behind the computer) and ask for an O2 sensor. He butts in and asks me when Im gonna get a real motor in my car. I ask the guy behind the counter for a V6, Turbo O2 sensor. The guy thats looking up my part just looked at his co-worker and told him "Hey___! Youre an idiot. This car has that Grand National motor. He would kick your rear!"
Clueless guy no longer works there!
scojack_2001
Livin' Like A Refugee
- Joined
- May 24, 2001
- Messages
- 1,392
the guys at my local AutoZone are pretty good. Most are young kids, but know what they are doing. Some of the oddball parts can present a problem though. I was going to put gears and a posi in my car and asked for axle bearings. They couldn't find them. Oh well. Just my .02
Scott
Mr.UPS
Scott
Mr.UPS
Hmm, I dont think there is a difference in the wheel studs. I think you got a defective axle. GN, Rehal, Grand Prix, Cutlass..whatever use 12x1.50 studs. Theyre all the same on G bodies. We keep them in stock and havent had to get "special" studs for anything. Well no, there was this International rollback once...but thats different
I gope theyr the same anyway, cuz the brake rotors for a TR and NA G-body are the same, and I got 20 long studs to put in. So if all 20 studs are the same, and they fit the rotors, then they better fit the axles
turbojimmy
Supporting Member
- Joined
- May 26, 2001
- Messages
- 5,560
Usually the "VIN 7" thing clears it up for me. They look at you funny until they look it up in the book and it says "All except VIN 7" or something like that. I've been buying stuff from the same guy for 20 years so he knows I've owned some weird stuff (try getting parts for a Typhoon, or an MGB).
If I do wind up with the wrong stuff they take it back, no questions asked. The last one was a harmonic balancer. I suspected the book was wrong. He called the manufacturer who assured him it was for a VIN 7 car. It wasn't. Upper radiator hose, too.
Ditto with the local dealer. The parts guy has been there a while and is a gearhead himself - he knows not to question my knowledge of these things.
It comes down to the people behind the counter. It is entirely possible, and often the case, that their computer or book has the wrong parts listed. They need to keep an open mind about it and not cop an attitude. I have zero tolerance for people that think they know more about my car than I do.
Jim
If I do wind up with the wrong stuff they take it back, no questions asked. The last one was a harmonic balancer. I suspected the book was wrong. He called the manufacturer who assured him it was for a VIN 7 car. It wasn't. Upper radiator hose, too.
Ditto with the local dealer. The parts guy has been there a while and is a gearhead himself - he knows not to question my knowledge of these things.
It comes down to the people behind the counter. It is entirely possible, and often the case, that their computer or book has the wrong parts listed. They need to keep an open mind about it and not cop an attitude. I have zero tolerance for people that think they know more about my car than I do.
Jim
Red Regal T
Senior Member
- Joined
- May 24, 2001
- Messages
- 19,243
Re: Re: a car no one knows about is great, but...
Not only are Gbody studs all the same, but I've gotten studs off plenty of different front drive, medium and full size GM cars which use the same stud. What's the mystery? I'm using oversized length stock 2" studs on my car that I got at Advanced/Discount auto parts. However, I've run into parts store geniuses having trouble finding these parts.
Originally posted by TurboJim
Hmm, I dont think there is a difference in the wheel studs. I think you got a defective axle. GN, Rehal, Grand Prix, Cutlass..whatever use 12x1.50 studs. Theyre all the same on G bodies. We keep them in stock and havent had to get "special" studs for anything. Well no, there was this International rollback once...but thats different
I gope theyr the same anyway, cuz the brake rotors for a TR and NA G-body are the same, and I got 20 long studs to put in. So if all 20 studs are the same, and they fit the rotors, then they better fit the axles
Not only are Gbody studs all the same, but I've gotten studs off plenty of different front drive, medium and full size GM cars which use the same stud. What's the mystery? I'm using oversized length stock 2" studs on my car that I got at Advanced/Discount auto parts. However, I've run into parts store geniuses having trouble finding these parts.
"you obviously don't know what kind of car this came out of, so i can't help you"
Yeah, I would have been over the counter before he finished that sentence....
I work in the customer service industry, and I'm very touchy about how I get treated as a customer. A statement like that would have had me screaming for the manager REAL quick.
I am very fortunate that not only does my roommate manage a shop, but he owns a T-Type as well. So any parts I need are right the first time
Yeah, I would have been over the counter before he finished that sentence....
I work in the customer service industry, and I'm very touchy about how I get treated as a customer. A statement like that would have had me screaming for the manager REAL quick.
I am very fortunate that not only does my roommate manage a shop, but he owns a T-Type as well. So any parts I need are right the first time
I worked for Discount Auto Parts (now Advance Auto Parts) for 6 years. Some of my illustrious coworkers would do the "Duuuuhhhhh...." thing. Most of the hot rodders knew to come in looking for me or one of the other guys (had a blown Cobra). But what can you expect for $8 an hour, right?
Originally posted by TransAm WS6 420
"you obviously don't know what kind of car this came out of, so i can't help you"
Yeah, I would have been over the counter before he finished that sentence....
Over the counter? How old are you 15? No offense but that is just retarded. Going over the counter is a great way to leave in cuffs if you ask me.
Actually, I'm 24.
Perhaps I should introduce you to a new word:
embellishment
n 1: a superfluous ornament 2: the act of adding extraneous decorations to something
I am not going to LITERALLY leap over the counter after a clerk simply because they told me I didn't know what I was talking about. I used the hypothetical act in an exaggerative manner to express the amount of offense I would take to such a comment, coming from someone whose sole purpose in his business enviornment is to serve my needs.
Wait, let me use smaller words for you:
I'm not really going to kill the kid. I was kidding.
