Posted by Joe Lorenzino on Saturday, May 08, 2004 at 2:37AM :
In Reply to: Young mechanics.... posted by Jonas on Friday, May 07, 2004 at 0:32AM :
A couple of my experiences with local parts people.
I bought a Dodge Dana 60 front end from a wrecker out of a truck that was totaled. The brake hose on one side had been torn off, so I went with the ends down to the local Chrysler dealership. To the new guys credit, he did spend a bit of time looking, but since I didn't know the year or model, he was pretty much lost. I asked him when "Jimmy" (the semi-retired parts guy with the hearing aids) was going to be back in. He only filled in on Saturday mornings. That Saturday, I go back and drop the hose ends on the parts counter. Jimmy takes a long glance at them, asks "left or right?", then walks to the back and picks the correct one off the shelf. No books, no microfiche, and no computer until he has to make the bill out.
One Sunday morning, I needed a couple of 3/4" ID tapered roller bearings to fix a small gearbox. The only place open was the local Canadian Tire Autoparts dept. I go in and ask the kid for a couple of 3/4 bearings, and get the usual dumb stare. "we don't have those here." After telling him that they I was sure they did, I asked how far back the computer went. I then had him look up the front outer wheel bearing for a 1973 Chevy Nova. After the usual pointless; engine size, # of doors, AC, etc, etc. questions, he came up with a part #. Yes, they had 2 in stock. Well go get them then!! The look of surprise on his face when I showed him that the actual # on the bearing off the shelf was identical to the one I brought in almost made the wait worthwhile.
I always thought that the best parts guys and mechanics were the ones who started working there sothat they could get the employee discount on the parts for their own project vehicles.
J.V.L.