Advaned Auto parts GENIUSES!!

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You OBVIOUSLY talk to the wrong people in the store.

What store do you go to? I would LOVE to call their regional manager and let him know. :)

I would love for you to call their regional manager too.

AutoZone
Store Number 509
1007 E 6th Ave Stillwater, OK 74074
(405) 743-1044

I am not talking about retrofit parts here either when I tell you they can't even match a part laying on the counter. I am talking common parts used on a 1996 Ford Taurus OHV EFI (Vulcan engine) VIN U, 1997 C-1500 5.7 VIN R 2 wheel drive and such cars. On one occasion they gave out a big bolt rotor for 2005 Malibu Classic because they looked up a New style 2005 Malibu and once again the old rotor was in front of their face on the counter. There were two decent parts people there when I quit using them, Mike and Taco but the rest I dealt with were horrible. I do buy quite a few parts and their total take in the last year plus has been a quart of oil for my lawnmower. Anyone can make a mistake and I accept that but our AutoZone is way past over the top when making mistakes.
 
try getting brake disc brake parts for a 70 340 a-body k/h disc brake they don't exist. seems any 68-72 a body never had disc brakes from the factory. autozone will tell you the same thing
 
try getting brake disc brake parts for a 70 340 a-body k/h disc brake they don't exist. seems any 68-72 a body never had disc brakes from the factory. autozone will tell you the same thing
I like to tell them what I want, then they ask me what car it`s for, what engine ,what my phone # is, etc., I tell them it`s for a 505" 68 barracuda, that really messes them up! :walk::walk:--------bob
 
Like rocky said 9/10 I look up the part number and just give it to them. When they ask what is is for I tell them dont bother just get me the part Ive asked for.
 
Now that is weak depending on what you were looking for. pads, rotors. h-ware -sure. It is in AZ system under a 70 dodge dart online I just looked them up took a whole minute.
But outside of pads and rotors maybe. I wouldn't get'em from them. And doubt they had them in-stock anyhow.
Personally I would out-buy them from fast under car as I did mine. They are lots cheaper in centric but centric can be risky in some stuff. But then again I have been doing this for nearly 40 years.
pads D11
duralast calipers, C174 - C175
rotors d-last 5384
hoses 88438

Got a complaint easiest to do online. Why? it goes across many desks starting with a Divisional VP there are 6 of them, and then goes to Regional, District who then calls the Store manager. I bet you will have a phone call from at least 2 people in less than a couple hours.
https://www.autozone.com/autozone/c...geCategory=inOurStores&title=customer+service




try getting brake disc brake parts for a 70 340 a-body k/h disc brake they don't exist. seems any 68-72 a body never had disc brakes from the factory. autozone will tell you the same thing
 
Worked at Advanced Auto Parts for over 5 years as a commercial pro, I could tell you it was an experience, our store manager had no automotive experience, he came from Radio Shack, another manager came from Circuit City. The kids on the front counter had no experience, other then know how to operate a computer. Some of the mechanics in the area shops were no better, most are just part changers, they would order a part,try it, return it if it did not work, some of the scammers would try to clean up the old part put it in the box and return it. We had a real expert ( over 40 years parts experience) in our commercial department who could basically solve any problem and get any part. The upper mgmt were always on his case to increase sales. The man dropped dead of a heart attack. God Bless you Kevin , you were the best parts guy ever.
 
On my retro fit, I did tell him what I needed and what car they were off of. But he INSISTED I tell him what the car was. That's why i got pissed off and what started the whole saga. I have dealt with many great counter people who are willing to go the extra mile and take the time to help. They will let you go in the back and search through radiator hoses to find the right one for a special situation where the correct application doesn't work. Or let you go through the parts books - if they still carry them. It's just the ones that won't listen to some "old dumb ***" who doesn't know what he's talking about. I went in one time looking for some stainless capped bumper bolts and the kid had no idea what I was talking about. Worst part was, they had them. Luckily, a parts runner (aka - old guy) came out from the back and found them.
 
Always use the KISS method when speaking to these folks. KISS = keep it simple stupid. If not, you might confuse them =).
Guess my point and used what you said as just an example, not to pick, of what gets thrown at them a hundred times a day plus all the demands the company puts on their shoulders.

These aren't the old days that is for sure. Now everyone who enters the store is pissed off, car broke down, no money to fix, late or missed work, don't know what they need, don't know how to fix it. cant afford to pay someone to fix it.... guess who bears the brunt of their anger ALL DAY LONG? The stupid kid behind the counter who is likely untrained, under paid and over worked with little to no back up. God forbid there is a line of impatient people talking smack, groaning etc etc. Yes it is frustrating, it is on both sides. I groan when I leave one of those stores. I am happy at Oreilly they want you selling parts not dusting shelves or selling a packet of this or a bottle of that or you will get your arse chewed.
The old parts guys, seems, they cant keep up with the pace and hate today's retail. When at CQ a customer would walk in and they would turn and ignore them. That surely is real helpful?! And these guys were paid and paid well. I know you've seen that too,
If you want to pay someone to look up a simple part for you go to NAPA or CQ and pay 20 for 10 brake pads. I spend a minute and save the 10. I will also know if they have it or not, as to not waste my time driving there.

There are good stores and bad I /we have seen it first hand believe me.
 
'Tell ya. In the 15-17 years I sold parts, and by the way I knew what the hell I was doin' I ran into PLENTY of idiot customers, too.

One was a "hot rod shop" guy here in Coeur d Alene, a real self worshipper.

"Morning, Greg. What can I get you?"

"Need a clutch and disk for an early Ford."

"Early Ford? What are you working on?"

"I just told you. Early Ford."

Ok, so I don't have any idea what Greg-the-mental-self-worshipper's idea of "early" IS

32? 41? 51? 61? (This was about 1980, so.............)
 
I need valve covers for a small block Chevy.
Ok, what year or gen?
It doesn't matter they are all the same.
No - they are not.
Dumb ***, yes they are, just send them.
Ok, (thinking) you get center bolt.

30 min later, phone rings...
what the hell are these? You guys are dumb asses.
What you asked for. SBC valve cover gaskets, they are all the same, right?

Care to start again?
 
I need valve covers for a small block Chevy.
Ok, what year or gen?
It doesn't matter they are all the same.
No - they are not.

Yeh....heh. and let's not forget the 55-59 Chevs with the top two bolts canted in from the bottoms, which is why most gaskets have 4 holes in the tops

1.jpg
 
I need valve covers for a small block Chevy.
Ok, what year or gen?
It doesn't matter they are all the same.
No - they are not.
Dumb ***, yes they are, just send them.
Ok, (thinking) you get center bolt.

30 min later, phone rings...
what the hell are these? You guys are dumb asses.
What you asked for. SBC valve cover gaskets, they are all the same, right?

Care to start again?

Nailed it right on the head!!! I run into this SO much in Oklahoma. Mopars aren't so often here.
 
I would love for you to call their regional manager too.

AutoZone
Store Number 509
1007 E 6th Ave Stillwater, OK 74074
(405) 743-1044

I am not talking about retrofit parts here either when I tell you they can't even match a part laying on the counter. I am talking common parts used on a 1996 Ford Taurus OHV EFI (Vulcan engine) VIN U, 1997 C-1500 5.7 VIN R 2 wheel drive and such cars. On one occasion they gave out a big bolt rotor for 2005 Malibu Classic because they looked up a New style 2005 Malibu and once again the old rotor was in front of their face on the counter. There were two decent parts people there when I quit using them, Mike and Taco but the rest I dealt with were horrible. I do buy quite a few parts and their total take in the last year plus has been a quart of oil for my lawnmower. Anyone can make a mistake and I accept that but our AutoZone is way past over the top when making mistakes.

Funny you should mention stillwater. I was at that that store about 2 weeks ago doing inventory. You're right, alot of the "red shirts" there don't know their belly buttons from their assholes.

I'll be giving Mr. Tod Sittig a call today. That is their regional manager. When you want to get something done, you call the RM not the District Manager.
 
I like to tell them what I want, then they ask me what car it`s for, what engine ,what my phone # is, etc., I tell them it`s for a 505" 68 barracuda, that really messes them up! :walk::walk:--------bob

Where are you at in Oklahoma? This sounds like something I would do. ^
 
I work in a prison hospital. My 'customers' are murders, junkies, and pedophiles...and it's still better than working retail.
 
(This WAS true, LOL)

Well, it's a 62 FJ-40 Landcruiser, with a 71 Dodge 340, 4 speed, and Jeep straight through transfer case out of a 63 Wagoneer. Bronco driveshafts, Pontiac brake booster, and Chevy power steering. One wiper motor is still original.

"Everything that moves" makes noise, and "everything" moves.
 
(This WAS true, LOL)

Well, it's a 62 FJ-40 Landcruiser, with a 71 Dodge 340, 4 speed, and Jeep straight through transfer case out of a 63 Wagoneer. Bronco driveshafts, Pontiac brake booster, and Chevy power steering. One wiper motor is still original.

"Everything that moves" makes noise, and "everything" moves.

So it has a Thermoquad, NP435, Dana 20, 760X series U-joints, Delco-Moraine master cylinder (2 bolt mount, left side lines), and Saginaw steering... I'll assume a transfer case mounted brake which would be typical of OHC230 powered Jeeps and consistent with every FJ-40 made. So, what do you need?
 
Don't really care to go to most parts stores for the reason if they cannot look it up in the computer they cannot find it.

Had a 83 elCamino that the turn signal mounted dimmer switch went bad, instead of replacing it I wanted to install a floor mounted dimmer switch.

Went in and asked for a floor dimmer switch. They wanted to know what for. Told them I didn't care just wanted a floor mounted dimmer switch. They had to know what for. I told them a 1983 Chevy elCamino, they looked it up and said, they don't show one. So I told them again. I know it doesn't have one but I'm going to put one in and Need a floor mounted dimmer switch, don't care what it is for.

I finally got what I wanted.

My dart. It is a 1967, with a 1971 340, A 833 4 speed, 8 3/4 out of 71 demon. So most the time depending on what I need tell them it is a 1971 dodge Dart, Demon, it saves a lot of time. But if you have a good parts guy they understand. But most computer operator that cannot count change back because they don't know how, not because it is policy.

I have been surprised by a few women that are working at the parts stores that do seem to know what they have in the store, most are mid age.

Well, cannot please everyone. I hate to work on new cars since I don't know what to call most the crap they put on the car, give me my old cars that parts are what they are, car parts, not computer controlled crap sensors
 
I guess I've been lucky, I just picked up a set of plugs for my 67 from Advanced Auto. I explained it has a 70 318 and he had a set on the counter in seconds. I usually deal with a local independent and he'll search for any parts I ask for. NAPA let me down only once and it was a brake pro hotline who swore all master cylinders were the same in 67.
 
So it has a Thermoquad, NP435, Dana 20, 760X series U-joints, Delco-Moraine master cylinder (2 bolt mount, left side lines), and Saginaw steering... I'll assume a transfer case mounted brake which would be typical of OHC230 powered Jeeps and consistent with every FJ-40 made. So, what do you need?

Hilarious, Chief.
:coffee2:
 
Tough to get good parts people for 9 bucks an hour.
 
So it has a Thermoquad, NP435, Dana 20, 760X series U-joints, Delco-Moraine master cylinder (2 bolt mount, left side lines), and Saginaw steering... I'll assume a transfer case mounted brake which would be typical of OHC230 powered Jeeps and consistent with every FJ-40 made. So, what do you need?

Let's see, LOL

The engine was built with a TQ, but the one on it gave some trouble, and this variously had everything from a Q jet to a Holley SB to an AFB

I don't speak "Spicer," but it used 369 Precision joints at the transfer, and factory LC joints at the axles

Don't remember the details on the master anymore

Saginaw box out of a Chev Impala, I think

Now if the TC had a driveline emergency brake, and I think not, it got removed. The Wagoneer was a Jeep 327 I actually !!!!OMFG!!! never had an emergency brake after the swap, except for both a Line Loc and a (got back from Google) Mico Lever Lock lever operated valve which acts same as a Line Loc

During the large amount of time that I had that thing in runnable shape, I was myself a parts guy, so I didn't need to worry too much about parts.

Damn thing was about half dangerous. With Desert Dogs or BF Goodrich All Terrains, 70 mph was about 3K as I recall.

But yaknow that's the thing -- nowadays if you go in with something like this, these guys simply don't comprehend. Part if it is that they aren't mechanics, part is they don't care, part is the computer crap they use is a mess, and part is that there simply does not seem to be in existance the kind of numerical/ pictorial / and cross references that we used to have.

We used to have Bendix, Wagner, and Raybestos master catalogs. Not only could you look up something like a master cylinder kit from a casting number, but it gave you part numbers for every piece IN the cylinder---the piston, the cups, the etc etc.

We used to have TONS of books and cross references that amaze me yet today. Some of this is because we hoarded old catalogs.

And of course in many cases the product lines don't put this info out, nor make those parts available.

I recently went through FOUR NAPA brush sets for the "squareback" alternators. At least two had DIFFERENT parts in them than the other two, all four same part no. I finally was able to make ONE good brush set out of two or three brush sets, (which had been sealed in plastic) and finally just turned the rest in as "defective--boxed wrong."
 
67,as a parts putz , I grew up the same way. I hoard old speed catalogs,parts house catalogs.In my 40's now. I refuse to trust 3rd world tech lines,and crappy websites. Still reach for cataloging. Like the 340 Landcruiser,that sounds like a hot rod(i.e.:make it work......).
 
Like the 340 Landcruiser,that sounds like a hot rod(i.e.:make it work......).

Well like most thing's I've done it's all low buck. I've never been rollin' in money.

Hell the 67's a complete Craigslist project

The car itself came from there, the engine(s) ---(cheap 360 developed knock, now a nice 318, --- couple of Ed intakes and carbs, the Holley injection, seats, tach, air filter, GPS (speedo), the wire harness and Voyager relay box. A-727 in the car came with original 360, and shifter (BM) and manual valve body from Craigs. Rear axle (Versailles 9") came from here, but 3 third members came from Craigs. Two junker Demon/ Dusters for parts from Craigs, and another 360 core engine, and a core torqueflite

"Interim" LOL rear tires and wheels came from Craigs, as did a nice set of old ET slots and ET spokers, yet to see use by me. Tomorrow morning I'm gonna go look at some 'Stang 17 inchers. ---Craigs, LOL

More parts (Craigs) came from a nice straight 67 body, which had a late K a nd huge T bars. That's under the driver now.

The money adds up, but all of this stuff was found after days, weeks, on Craigs, and I have few regrets about most all of it.
 
I'm a Scotch Buy(remember that?),kinda guy myself. I pull the trigger on good heads,cams,and converters. After that,my wallet squeaks.
 
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