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Re: Idiot Parts Guys (kinda lengthy, sorry)

To: rick_gregory@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: Idiot Parts Guys (kinda lengthy, sorry)
From: "Andrew E. Henderson" <aeh53@juno.com>
Date: Fri, 5 Feb 1999 10:01:01 -0600
Rick
Doesn't suprise me a bit.  I went looking for wheels once, & the
manufacturers rep (not even a clerk with a terminal) was absolutely
convinced that (a) Triumph was a model by Chrysler, & (b) that it was
front wheel drive ("all small cars that have 13" wheels are").  At least
he wasn't a surgeon.  I can see it now.  "Oh, all of the inside organs
are the same.  Just take out whatever is easiest to get to!"

Semi-patiently awaiting Spring,
Andy H.
On Thu, 4 Feb 1999 16:31:52 -0800 (PST) Rick Gregory
<rick_gregory@yahoo.com> writes:
>Hi All!
>
>I don't mean to vent but I just got back from my neighborhood 
>Discount
>Auto Store and I just have to share this. I swear everything you 
>about
>to read is totally the truth, this is not made up! It is not even
>exaggerated. It just happened minutes ago.
>
>Sometimes I cringe these days when I try to find Triumph parts
>locally. This exemplifies why. (I guess it could be argued I brought
>this on myself by going there)
>
>Several days ago I purchased a distributor cap and rotor for my '77
>spit 1500. This weekend I'm planning on trying to start my newly
>rebuilt engine so I decided to pick-up a new set of points/condenser.
>Discount had the cap and rotor, sounds to reason they would probably
>have the points, right?
>
>I walk back to the counter. "May I help you"... "yes, I'd like a
>points/condenser assembly for a '77 triumph". "Okay sir, who makes
>your Triumph?", I'm asked. (I already know I'm in trouble). "Triumph
>is the manufacturer", I replied. "No Really. I'm not that 
>stupid...who
>makes your Triumph?" 
>
>I swear those were his exact words! ... Guess what I'm thinking.....
><"OH YES YOU ARE!"> -- I tell him again, "Triumph is the maker, they
>stopped making cars in the early 80s" ... He absolutely refused to
>believe me. Finally, patience running thin, I reach across the damn
>keyboard myself, hit the DOWN ARROW key and scroll down to the T's 
>and
>select "Triumph". His eyes almost bulged out. 
>
>"Ok Wow I guess your right". "What model?" he asked. I said "'77
>Spitfire 1500. Lucas Distributor". He selected "Spitfire" on his
>screen then it happened again... "Is that with electronic ignition?"
>he asked ... <?>
>
>"Now, what did I say I wanted? I said I wanted a set of points and a
>condensor". Afterwards he rolled his eyes and told me "We don't carry
>points for the Locus Distributor". 
>
>Now annoyed, I corrected him one final time: "A locus is a bug that
>looks like a grasshopper and eats crops. Lucas makes the
>distributer... llluuuucccaaasss think 'Luke Skywalker'". He then left
>the counter to work the cashier up front as other customers were
>getting restless in line. 
>
>I still don't know if he even knows what points are. And all this
>hassle for nothing. 
>
>And we are not talking about some 18 year old kid here either. This
>guy had to be in his mid-30's. Now I'm 29 and I heard of Triumph long
>before I ever started my restoration project. And I don't work in the
>automotive field, I just dabble for fun. Why is a guy like this 
>behind
>the counter?
>
>
>--Rick
>
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