Autozone is evil and part of whats wrong with this country.... mom and pop all the way if i can....
CK5
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wheelstuds . reaL autopart's store vs the chain stores
- Thread starter boggerless
- Start date
andyblack
Registered Loser
I think part of the reason the chains are so popular and the mom and pops' are getting fewer is just because most people can't tell the difference and go to the cheapest place. I must admit I've gone to the chains to save money before. Also the fact that they stay open until 10 and are open all day on Saturday and Sunday just gets them that much more business. I go to NAPA when it's open though.
The difference in Auto Parts stores is that the corporate owned AutoZone’s, Pep Boys, and Checkers (now O'reily) are the "quickie marts" of auto parts. These stores are great if you are replacing high wear parts such as hoses, belts, and brakes...you cannot beat their prices
But the independently owned NAPA's and the CARQUEST’s are "old school" parts places. These are the places you want to get your parts when you are doing something that the typical "shade tree" mechanic does not do, such as an axle seal.
But the independently owned NAPA's and the CARQUEST’s are "old school" parts places. These are the places you want to get your parts when you are doing something that the typical "shade tree" mechanic does not do, such as an axle seal.
I've Been in retail/wholsesale parts for 6+ years now and I couldnt agree more with you guys. I worked for 2 small chains back on the east coast. (Bond Auto parts and C.A.P. Consumer auto parts) Really enjoyed my job(s) there. Co-workers were great, we had the availability to get the odd stuff, we were all Knowledgeable, you were a real person working there. Not just a number. Now that I'm out in colorado and all of my customer base is gone, I had to start from scratch. So here I am at Advance auto parts. WHAT A JOKE! Thank god I work on the commercial side, dealing with guys who at least have a clue what they're talking about. We have 2 other employees that have a clue. Niether of which is a manager. My manager came from staples! Its a frustrating job to have to babysit all the other employees and not be recognized for knowing shat or going above and beyond! never mind no room for advancement.... [/rant off]
The guys at the Oriellys store down the road from me are really good i think. There are several guys there that really know what they are doing and they know me by name im in there so much.
I put in an application there at the end of the school year but didnt get hired because they didnt need anyone at that time and it might of been because im 17 and the manager figured i didnt know jack about automobiles.
(like a good % of the people my age) Im not sayin im a genious but im gettin the basics down.
I put in an application there at the end of the school year but didnt get hired because they didnt need anyone at that time and it might of been because im 17 and the manager figured i didnt know jack about automobiles.
(like a good % of the people my age) Im not sayin im a genious but im gettin the basics down.
Sometimes we don't realize it when we have it good.
I grew up with an outfit called Central Electronics in town.
It was run by a guy named Durham Tucker. I think he was on a first name basis with every part in the place.
He was an old time ham, and really knew his stuff.
The two other guys there were good too.
It was not only an electronics parts house, it was the hangout for all the techs in the area.
Chief engineers of the local TV stations, radio stations, all the others would drop in from time to time.
It was also open to the public. People would come in needing batteries, tubes, needles for the phonograph, whatever.
Lots of times people would think it was a repair shop and bring in stuff.
Often if it needed batteries, they could fix it.
Other times, well you just had to be there.
If a tech was standing at the counter, and someone came in with something, often they would volunteer.
Especially if it was a kid, or someone that looked down on their luck.
I once stood there and watched while at least $1000 per hour's worth of technicians rebuilt a kid's tube type phonograph from scratch with Tucker handing them tools and parts.
Then I went to school in Orlando.
Space Coast!
High Tech everywhere!
I wanted to build a car alarm because there had been some break-ins where I was staying.
Went into the largest electronics store in the area.
Hammond's Electronics.
The space in front of their counter was almost as large as Central's whole store.
12 counter guys.
Walked in, told the guy I wanted an SCR, about 200 volts, 5 amps.
He asked me for a part number.
I pointed to an ECG parts catalog hanging up behind the counter. Told him to hand me the book, and I would give him one.
He informed me that that book was proprietary and he was not allowed to let anyone see it.
When the new ones came in at Central, Tucker would hang one up, and put a stack on the counter for everybody to update their library.
Figured I must have a FNG, so I asked if I could get an SCR from anybody there.
No one knew what I was talking about. One of them asked if it went in a CB radio.
I went out to the car, opened the trunk, and got my copy of the ECG catalog out, which was newer than their's.
Slammed it down on the counter, turned to the SCR section, found what I needed, and gave them a part number.
Bought the part, started out the door. The manager stopped me at the door and told me he was not sure he could let me leave with that book.
I told him I was damn well sure he did not want to try to stop me.
From then on, I had to get all my parts from Radio Shak. They had the best selection and most knowledgeable staff.
Went back home on a holiday, walked into Central, it was like Norm walking into Cheers.
Went straight behind the counter and shook hands with Tucker and told him I had never appreciated him before.
Now Tuckers dead, Centrals gone, and I am back to either ordering parts or Radio Shak.
If you have a good parts store or mechanic treasure them, you will miss them when they are gone.
BTW SCR=Silicon Controlled Rectifier. Think of it as an electronic switch or relay.
J.
I grew up with an outfit called Central Electronics in town.
It was run by a guy named Durham Tucker. I think he was on a first name basis with every part in the place.
He was an old time ham, and really knew his stuff.
The two other guys there were good too.
It was not only an electronics parts house, it was the hangout for all the techs in the area.
Chief engineers of the local TV stations, radio stations, all the others would drop in from time to time.
It was also open to the public. People would come in needing batteries, tubes, needles for the phonograph, whatever.
Lots of times people would think it was a repair shop and bring in stuff.
Often if it needed batteries, they could fix it.
Other times, well you just had to be there.
If a tech was standing at the counter, and someone came in with something, often they would volunteer.
Especially if it was a kid, or someone that looked down on their luck.
I once stood there and watched while at least $1000 per hour's worth of technicians rebuilt a kid's tube type phonograph from scratch with Tucker handing them tools and parts.
Then I went to school in Orlando.
Space Coast!
High Tech everywhere!
I wanted to build a car alarm because there had been some break-ins where I was staying.
Went into the largest electronics store in the area.
Hammond's Electronics.
The space in front of their counter was almost as large as Central's whole store.
12 counter guys.
Walked in, told the guy I wanted an SCR, about 200 volts, 5 amps.
He asked me for a part number.
I pointed to an ECG parts catalog hanging up behind the counter. Told him to hand me the book, and I would give him one.
He informed me that that book was proprietary and he was not allowed to let anyone see it.
When the new ones came in at Central, Tucker would hang one up, and put a stack on the counter for everybody to update their library.
Figured I must have a FNG, so I asked if I could get an SCR from anybody there.
No one knew what I was talking about. One of them asked if it went in a CB radio.
I went out to the car, opened the trunk, and got my copy of the ECG catalog out, which was newer than their's.
Slammed it down on the counter, turned to the SCR section, found what I needed, and gave them a part number.
Bought the part, started out the door. The manager stopped me at the door and told me he was not sure he could let me leave with that book.
I told him I was damn well sure he did not want to try to stop me.
From then on, I had to get all my parts from Radio Shak. They had the best selection and most knowledgeable staff.
Went back home on a holiday, walked into Central, it was like Norm walking into Cheers.
Went straight behind the counter and shook hands with Tucker and told him I had never appreciated him before.
Now Tuckers dead, Centrals gone, and I am back to either ordering parts or Radio Shak.
If you have a good parts store or mechanic treasure them, you will miss them when they are gone.
BTW SCR=Silicon Controlled Rectifier. Think of it as an electronic switch or relay.
J.
andyblack
Registered Loser
I went to Radio Shack looking for an SCR and they knew what it was but couldn't get one like I needed. They'd never heard of a triac though.
You are all right about the old time parts places/shops though. The other day a guy I've been friends with my whole life had his battery die on him and asked me to come jump him off. Now this guy has zero automotive knowledge. He didn't know where the remote jumpstart termimnal was on his Lumina or even what a remote teriminal was. After I jumped him off I told him his battery was probably not holding a charge anymore since he couldn't remember when he put that battery in there . His car didn't have a volmeter or ammeter so I couldn't tell what the alternator was doing. I didn't have a screwdriver with me to do the old magnet test at the back of it where the end of the armature is either. He asked me if I would follow him to O'Reilly to get a new battery in case his car died again on the way over there. I told him about this great old starter and alternator shop on one of the backstreets where I get reconditioned Optima Red Tops for $30 that last forever and how they always have the right alternator you need and will rebuild your starter while you wait, etc. He said he would still rather go to O'Reilly because they would swap the battery out for free. I told him the guys at the old shop would too if you ask them, but he said he would rather just go to O'Reilly. So I followed him over there and got out and looked at the batteries they had. What he ended up with was a store brand battery that cost him $105 dollars. Then he probably had to pay a disposal fee (not sure) and part of that $105 was probably for extended coverage, three years I think. I tried to tell him that the old school place may not have a written warranty on a computer, but they would work with him. I got a reconditioned Red Top from them once and the + terminal swole up and the battery quit holding a charge one day when it was snowing and after some winching the day before. I took it back to them and they gave me what looked like a brand new Optima to replace it. Would O'Reilly do that? They've probably never heard of an Optima!
You are all right about the old time parts places/shops though. The other day a guy I've been friends with my whole life had his battery die on him and asked me to come jump him off. Now this guy has zero automotive knowledge. He didn't know where the remote jumpstart termimnal was on his Lumina or even what a remote teriminal was. After I jumped him off I told him his battery was probably not holding a charge anymore since he couldn't remember when he put that battery in there . His car didn't have a volmeter or ammeter so I couldn't tell what the alternator was doing. I didn't have a screwdriver with me to do the old magnet test at the back of it where the end of the armature is either. He asked me if I would follow him to O'Reilly to get a new battery in case his car died again on the way over there. I told him about this great old starter and alternator shop on one of the backstreets where I get reconditioned Optima Red Tops for $30 that last forever and how they always have the right alternator you need and will rebuild your starter while you wait, etc. He said he would still rather go to O'Reilly because they would swap the battery out for free. I told him the guys at the old shop would too if you ask them, but he said he would rather just go to O'Reilly. So I followed him over there and got out and looked at the batteries they had. What he ended up with was a store brand battery that cost him $105 dollars. Then he probably had to pay a disposal fee (not sure) and part of that $105 was probably for extended coverage, three years I think. I tried to tell him that the old school place may not have a written warranty on a computer, but they would work with him. I got a reconditioned Red Top from them once and the + terminal swole up and the battery quit holding a charge one day when it was snowing and after some winching the day before. I took it back to them and they gave me what looked like a brand new Optima to replace it. Would O'Reilly do that? They've probably never heard of an Optima!
I worked in auto parts stores for 20+ years in MA..never had a lot of pleasure doing it,but it was a job,a steady paycheck..I always hated mixing auto paints though,that sucked..I think the fumes and washing my hands off with thinner for years is what led to me getting testicular cancer..
I got along well with MOST of my co-workers,but each of the 5 stores I worked at had one "dink" at the least who was surly or a egotistical know it all who usually became manager instantly,and delighted in bossing you around or belittling you in front of others,should you make a mistake..
I hated one guy in particular ,who walked in one day off the street,was hired,and because he was a brown-noser,became the boss and his wife's "pet" and within 2 months was the "manager",and several of us who'd been there 5+ years were totally disgusted to be under his thumb one minite--then have to help him look up a part or tell him where we could order it,etc..
...there was another guy just as bad at another store too,he spent most of the day "hiding" in the warehouse ,or talking on the phone with his girlfriend in another part of the store that catered to semi-trucks,and the boss always ignored it--..if I was constipated and spent more than 5 minutes in the crapper and the phone tang more than 5 times,he'd bang on the door and yell "I'm not paying you to hide in the bathroom and play with yourself" or something to that effect,loud enough for ciustomers and co-workers to hear..
..I never minded the "job" part,every day was a challenge,never the same thing,but being imprisoned in a store 8 hours a day never was my favorite thing either..nor was having to "babysit" new employees or break in new ones,like you said,who often were being hired for more $$$ than YOU were getting after 5 years of being there!.
..I tired of answering phones 1000 times dailywhile trying to help walk in customers at the same time,and trotting hundreds of feet to gather parts up in the warehouse 50 times an hour,and have the boss whine every time the phone rang more than 5 times when I was way out in the rear of the stock area getting an order made up..
The most I ever made after 20 years was 8 bucks an hour!..always had to work 53-60 hours weekly,and on Saturdays,which I hated with a passion,all the goofballs who shouldn't be allowed to touch a car or open a hood came swaggering in acting like they knew what they were doing--the same ones who returned on Sunday mornings demanding refunds for "wrong" parts that had been installed,when we were foolish enough to open on Sundays at one store!--thank God my boss finally tired of seeing more cash flow OUT of the register than IN on Sundays..otherwise he'd have had us chained to the counter 24/7!..
I am pretty sure I could walk in another store and get hired,I have had a few offers..but my health is such,that I do not think I'd be reliable ,my back and stomach have both gone south in recent years,so has my eyesight...I dont think I'd last long in one of the newer "box store" type of auto parts chains,having always worked in the old "mom & pop" or jobber type stores where things were done differently..
One thing I always hated was being "rushed" to get as many customers in and out or phone orders sent out,when you were trying to help someone who had a difficult part to find or look up..(like those of us assembling old trucks from several donors!)..
Those people might not have been our biggest spenders,but they DID always come back,and didn't mind paying 2.99 for a quart of oil that cost 99 cents elsewhere because they were loyal to us ,because the other stores had a "we dont stock that,get lost" kind of attitude..a few of the customers like these I waited on left in disgust,when my boss told me to tell the customer he'd have to either WAIT until we got less busy,or to simply "go away,we cant help you,if your assembling a "abortion" of parts from 20 different vehicles"..I can see the boss's point of veiw,but a sale is still a sale too--.
Yes,the "old school" stores are slowly dying,and the ones still remaining are forced to charge higher prices due to fewer sales,and even they dont always have knowledgeable counter people--or they have surly,old burned out ones like me,with a poor attitude,because they are sick of doing it and for the same pay they got 15 years ago still!..
..better support them while you can,the computer and "box store" parts chains will eventually be their fate..
well I guess part of my not liking my job right now, is the whole corperate thing.... no pay etc... I loved my last job back in VT. I was just a counter guy for a small family owned chain. I was appreciated! Not to mention the $50k/yr salary + bonus
But I shouldnt B*tch.... I left to follow the wife out here........
But I shouldnt B*tch.... I left to follow the wife out here........
Stomis
Professional Amateur
In reference to the original post I cant openly say that your critique of quality isnt exactly on point. If you really think about it the oreilly stud on the bottom is a stronger stud as long as they are both similar materials.
The fully splined stud is sacrificing surface area to make machining easier. Sure the full splined one might be alot hard to strip but the "cheap" one as long as the small splined patch is adequate to prevent slippage is stronger due to more surface area,
The fully splined stud is sacrificing surface area to make machining easier. Sure the full splined one might be alot hard to strip but the "cheap" one as long as the small splined patch is adequate to prevent slippage is stronger due to more surface area,
Yeah, we're losing all the good places around here.
When I was growing up, if you needed electronics parts, you went to Central.
Radiator problems, you went to Coopers. He would pull it out, flush it, re-solder it, or replace or repair the core or tanks.
Starter, generator, cranking problems, you went to Panama Generator.
They built the first winch starter that actually worked back when we were building winches.
Lots of people would have custom alternators built for their truck when they added equipment.
Of all the bunch, only Panama Generator still survives.
I got a leak in the top tank seam of my big 100KW genset. Took two of us to lift it out, but once I got it in my truck, I went to where I had always taken radiators.
Closed.
Went to Miller's radiator.
Closed.
Finally wound up going almost 60 miles to find a shop still in business.
They did a good job, but how can a city this size not have a radiator shop anymore?
J.
When I was growing up, if you needed electronics parts, you went to Central.
Radiator problems, you went to Coopers. He would pull it out, flush it, re-solder it, or replace or repair the core or tanks.
Starter, generator, cranking problems, you went to Panama Generator.
They built the first winch starter that actually worked back when we were building winches.
Lots of people would have custom alternators built for their truck when they added equipment.
Of all the bunch, only Panama Generator still survives.
I got a leak in the top tank seam of my big 100KW genset. Took two of us to lift it out, but once I got it in my truck, I went to where I had always taken radiators.
Closed.
Went to Miller's radiator.
Closed.
Finally wound up going almost 60 miles to find a shop still in business.
They did a good job, but how can a city this size not have a radiator shop anymore?
J.
andyblack
Registered Loser
andyblack
Registered Loser
All the radiator shops in my town have closed up too over the past couple of years. I guess the radiators in new cars are basically just remove and replace items (that don't go bad that often). Radiator shops are like TV shops. You don't see them anymore because it's often cheaper to replace the whole thing than pay to have it worked on.
Are you in Panama City?
Stomis
Professional Amateur
Stomis, you must work for O'Rielly.
Ugh nope. Does that mean you think I'm wrong or just because of the way I said it?
andyblack
Registered Loser
It was just the way you said it. I agree with you about the stud. I love how everyone on this site can go off on a tangent about stuff. In fact, I forgot we were even talking about the wheel stud to start with.
Stomis
Professional Amateur
Lol I dont even bother reading certain things when it goes off topic. I started reading a couple posts down and went "hmmm I have a comment about the original post, eh what ever I'll interrupt them all
"Born and raised there.
Still my official home, but I'm not there as often as I used to be.
You familiar with the Redneck Riviera?
J.
andyblack
Registered Loser
My in-laws love PC. They've always had condos or mobile homes or something there. I think they're going to move there when they retire. They host my wife and I every year for a few days there. I'm not a hot weather person, so I don't really enjoy it.
It's a popular destination though, that's for sure.
Unless you buy a wheel-stud from ARP, or some company like it for racing purposes, it does not matter which auto part store, or what name is on the package the wheel-stud comes in, they are all the same "made in China" wheel stud from the Dorman Company.
gotblazers
1/2 ton status
my auto parts store is older than my 73 and 76 k5 blazer and they've never not had a part i need and ive asked for some pretty random **** .
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7ACAW_enUS358US358&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=a+%26+m+motor+supply&fb=1&gl=us&hq=a+%26+m+motor+supply&hnear=San+Jose,+CA&cid=14216195217308246336
little word of mouth advertising
.http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7ACAW_enUS358US358&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=a+%26+m+motor+supply&fb=1&gl=us&hq=a+%26+m+motor+supply&hnear=San+Jose,+CA&cid=14216195217308246336
little word of mouth advertising
