Re: [ihc] 1010 Travelall 2wd idler arm, front wheel bearings, musings

["Allan Ericson" <lowvolt@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Mark-
[soapbox mode]
The definition of a counter clown is a guy selling parts that has no
business doing so. I own a lot of vehicles. I go to parts stores a lot. The
industry has a lot of people in it that are pretty useless to people who own
classic vehicles such as ours. When I find a clerk who knows his stuff, I'm
ecstatic. I usually do the research before I go to the store, and I ask for
a part number or equivalent. I shouldn't have to, but I do. It gripes me to
be told that my 72 1110 doesn't have a 392 because the computer knows more
about travelalls than me, and always by somebody who doesn't even know what
a travelall is.

I'm the first person I ever heard use the term, posting it on binderbulletin
several years ago. I can't say for sure that I coined the phrase, since it's
such an obvious slam, but it's possible. I wasn't thinking of you, or
anybody like you, when I first used it.

You don't fit the description. It's partly an attitude.  In my industry,
people who sell alarm systems via the ADT or Brinks type marketing programs
(the majority, but not all of the salesmen that sell under these programs)
are called "trunk slammers." It's also the name for a small company, such as
the one I started from scratch 8 years ago, with no office. I used to fit
the description. No matter, I built the company up so that it no longer
fits. The company is nearly self sustaining, and I've managed to raise 4
kids, but I still work out of my home, and my office is a cell phone and a
67 1200B pickup truck. No trunk, but you get the picture.

Please, do not make the mistake of assuming all auto parts professionals are
lumped into that category. Some people find a way to do a good job no matter
what the system allows. Some people are fortunate enough to have been
trained in a professional manner, and are allowed by the system to use that
training. Nearly all of us can tell the difference in a hurry.

Unfortunately, that's no longer the rule, but the exception. The industry
changed, and not for the better. The books are wrong, the computers are
wrong, and the newest members of the trade think both were given to Moses
before the parts stores got them.

[/soapbox mode]


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "mark stegmann" <truckdriver_1977@domain.elided>
To: "IHdigest" <ihc@domain.elided>
Sent: Saturday, November 22, 2003 9:28 PM
Subject: Re: [ihc] 1010 Travelall 2wd idler arm, front wheel bearings,
musings


> Considering how sick I am hearing people calling us
> Counter clowns & such, I'm not sure why I'm answering
> this.
> Mike, It's not that Moog is the definitive source for
> chassis parts, but they are the laregest by far. Rare
> Parts is pricey, but their stuff is good. Just
> remember, the stuff by Rare parts is made in a pretty
> limited quantity. Not much call so they don't make a
> lot.
>
> Mark over 5& 1/2 years at a parts store. Whatcha want?
> I'll sell ya the whole damn place!
>
>
> --- DeepSouthScouts@domain.elided wrote:
> > Digesters,
> > Im a good bit poorer, and a good bit safer today. I
> > put new brakes/brake
> > hoses all the way around on my 73 1010 2wd
> > Travelall. New front bearings/seals
> > were the reason for the last minute run to the parts
> > store for the day. Bearings
> > appeared OK, but were caked with hardened grease,
> > and would have taken time to
> > clean, so I replaced them.
> > I checked the steering out as I was down there
> > anyway :-) and found the idler
> > arm a bit worn and loose. It was easy for me to call
> > all the local parts
> > houses to find another, but not so easy to hear that
> > nobody listed such a part,
> > "not even Moog", (spoken by at least 2 counter
> > clowns today, as if "Moog" were
> > the god of all things steering and if "Moog" didnt
> > make it it doesnt exist).
> > I got online to check Napa, Advance, Autozoo,
> > rockauto.com, no go.
> > I finally found one at rareparts.com, but I dont
> > know if I want such a fancy
> > one. It must be made of gold, or at least chromed,
> > or even installed, for
> > $106.00 plus shipping.
> > Upon hearing the price, my wife observed " Well, you
> > wanted another old
> > truck".
> > Indeed I did.
> > 73 1010 Travelall 2wd Fr disc Brk
> > Idler arm, rare parts # 20237- $106.00
> > Inner whl bearing, Carquest # A5 - $7.42 (x2)
> > Outer whl bearing, Carquest # A3 - $6.97 (x2)
> > Inner oil seal, Carquest # 203006 - $9.87 (x2)
> > And Im not done yet.
> > Looked under the truck real good today, still cant
> > find any rust through.
> > Small patch here and there of surface stuff where
> > the factory undercoating has
> > worn off. It will be treated and painted soon.
> > I gotta figure a way to get all the leaves/twigs out
> > of the cowl. Guess Ill
> > have to pull the fenders huh?
> > Found the line setting ticket taped to the back of
> > the glove box.
> > Highlights,
> > Increased cooling             PK           127400337
> > Undercoating              PNL/TA          105440001
> > Eaton Modulated Fan                       127380001
> > Frt Susp w/sway bar
> > 020090007
> > 2600# spgs lieu of 2400#                   030820001
> > 61 amp alt 10si int reg       PK           081320002
> > 95-2640 aux oil clr f/at
> > 137120002
> > Tinted glass trvlal w/tg        PK
> > 166580003
> > Etc,
> > Bought new from Doyle Motor Co, San Antonio, TX,
> > shipped by rail.
> > Pulled in to a local store last night with it. I
> > parked next to a new H2. As
> > I got out I heard somebody exclaim, "Cool, what year
> > is it?". I thought they
> > were talking to the H2 owner, but as I looked
> > around, the guy was talking to
> > me.
> > Made my day.
> > Mike Toney
>
>
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