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Old 01-11-2020, 06:12 PM   #1
Merc Cruzer
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Default It is getting harder to find basic parts at the auto parts stores anymore

I found myself in need of Brass Spark Plug Distributor Wire Terminal Ends. I went into the local O'Reilly's and showed them one, the counter people had no idea what it was. I then called: O’Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA Auto Parts, AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts. None of them carry the ends in the stores, they have to be ordered.
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Old 01-11-2020, 06:15 PM   #2
JSeery
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Default Re: It is getting harder to find basic parts at the auto parts stores anymore

Must not be a hot seller!
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Old 01-11-2020, 06:27 PM   #3
Andy
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Default Re: It is getting harder to find basic parts at the auto parts stores anymore

Some stores no longer carry heater hose in bulk. Most hoses now are preformed so no need for bulk.
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Old 01-11-2020, 06:28 PM   #4
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Default Re: It is getting harder to find basic parts at the auto parts stores anymore

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I found myself in need of Brass Spark Plug Distributor Wire Terminal Ends. I went into the local O'Reilly's and showed them one, the counter people had no idea what it was. I then called: O’Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA Auto Parts, AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts. None of them carry the ends in the stores, they have to be ordered.

I suppose they might think that "PACKARD 440" was some sort of old-timey, discontinued car. DD
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Old 01-11-2020, 06:33 PM   #5
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Default Re: It is getting harder to find basic parts at the auto parts stores anymore

If it doesn't "move", it isn't stocked.
Thank goodness for the internet.
http://www.taylorvertex.com/spark-pl...and-terminals/
and
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...ls&_sacat=6000
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Old 01-11-2020, 06:59 PM   #6
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Default Re: It is getting harder to find basic parts at the auto parts stores anymore

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Sometimes the parts are there, but the kid behind the counter has no idea what a 12volt externally resisted coil is, unless the computer shows him a part number.
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Old 01-11-2020, 07:02 PM   #7
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Default Re: It is getting harder to find basic parts at the auto parts stores anymore

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Sometimes the parts are there, but the kid behind the counter has no idea what a 12volt externally resisted coil is, unless the computer shows him a part number.

Yeah but first, does that car have AIR CONDITIONING? DD
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Old 01-11-2020, 07:05 PM   #8
Merc Cruzer
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Default Re: It is getting harder to find basic parts at the auto parts stores anymore

The local O'Reilly's carries at least one of the WIX cartridge filters for my 53' Merc most of the time, why not carry a few of these?

You are right, I can get 10 of them for $5.00 on e-bay and free shipping.
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Old 01-11-2020, 08:22 PM   #9
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Default Re: It is getting harder to find basic parts at the auto parts stores anymore

I do a lot of my car parts shopping over the internet ( a lot on ebay) because that is where the parts for sale are. You can't expect the parts store to stock parts for 50 year old cars where there is only one call for it every 5 years.
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Old 01-11-2020, 09:20 PM   #10
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Default Re: It is getting harder to find basic parts at the auto parts stores anymore

No termiinals needed. Strip ~1/2" insulator from end, bend wire or carbon fiber back up, and shove in the hole. Jack E/NJ
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Old 01-11-2020, 09:23 PM   #11
Merc Cruzer
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Default Re: It is getting harder to find basic parts at the auto parts stores anymore

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I do a lot of my car parts shopping over the internet ( a lot on ebay) because that is where the parts for sale are. You can't expect the parts store to stock parts for 50 year old cars where there is only one call for it every 5 years.
It just comes down to fewer choices locally, but that is the new reality.
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Old 01-11-2020, 09:30 PM   #12
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Default Re: It is getting harder to find basic parts at the auto parts stores anymore

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It just comes down to fewer choices locally, but that is the new reality.
Yep, on a lot of things! I like to support local, but end up buying more and more online.
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Old 01-11-2020, 10:49 PM   #13
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Default Re: It is getting harder to find basic parts at the auto parts stores anymore

Anymore, auto parts stores are a lot like drug stores - mostly chemicals...
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Old 01-11-2020, 11:34 PM   #14
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Default Re: It is getting harder to find basic parts at the auto parts stores anymore

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Yep, on a lot of things! I like to support local, but end up buying more and more online.
I used to buy a lot of stuff of ebay, but not anymore. I can usually find the same item for less cost, often from the same vendor. The "free" shipping is added to the price. And ebay automatically charges you sales tax. Case in point, I bought a set of tires from a vendor in a different state for $60 less than what they had them on ebay, including the shipping, and ebay would have charged me the sales tax. Do a little searching and you can save yourself some money.
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Old 01-11-2020, 11:41 PM   #15
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Default Re: It is getting harder to find basic parts at the auto parts stores anymore

Yreka Auto has them in Yreka California lol
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Old 01-12-2020, 12:20 AM   #16
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Default Re: It is getting harder to find basic parts at the auto parts stores anymore

Ebay usually has what I want but the shipping charges plus the difference in U.S.vs Cdn dollar can often double the price of some small items. I've had better luck at Rock Auto for most of my Mercury parts. I need some of those copper spark plug wire ends too.
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Old 01-12-2020, 06:52 AM   #17
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Default Re: It is getting harder to find basic parts at the auto parts stores anymore

It seems that all stores are only ordering the items that sell very rapidly. I think the days of large inventories are over for all products. You may be able to order your items from a store, but it will be easier to just search online.
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Old 01-12-2020, 08:37 AM   #18
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Default Re: It is getting harder to find basic parts at the auto parts stores anymore

It's bad enough in the auto parts stores, but try going to the Ford dealer.
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Old 01-12-2020, 08:52 AM   #19
Merc Cruzer
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Default Re: It is getting harder to find basic parts at the auto parts stores anymore

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Ebay usually has what I want but the shipping charges plus the difference in U.S.vs Cdn dollar can often double the price of some small items. I've had better luck at Rock Auto for most of my Mercury parts. I need some of those copper spark plug wire ends too.
E-bay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bag-of-25-B.../172925967739?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Pieces-B.../182696223541?
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Old 01-12-2020, 09:45 AM   #20
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Default Re: It is getting harder to find basic parts at the auto parts stores anymore

Few years ago I needed something at the Harley dealer so while I was there figured I'd get a piece of 1/4 inch fuel line for yhr lawn mower. Not an inch of the stuff in the place.
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