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BritishCarMan

BritishCarMan

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I found a local parts store that can get a carb rebuild kit for my ZS carb. It only cost a little more then $16.00. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Not bad for a national chain. I also ordered a fuel pump from a mail order company. I should have both parts by the middle of next week. By next weekend Judas should be purring like a kitten. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif
 
My guess is O'Reillys, thats where I get mine.
 
There are many national vendors that can supply parts for our restorations, just check out their websites. I have found parts at advancedauto.com, napa and rockauto.com, often for much less than our specialty vendors.
 
I've been buying some parts for my TR3 from Advance Auto. At quite a savings. And if I'm ready to do a little fitting, like a foot dimmer switch, I saved a bundle.
 
The one exception to this is Auto Zone. They are the WalMart of auto parts vendors. I use them as a last resort.

Bill
 
[ QUOTE ]
The one exception to this is Auto Zone. They are the WalMart of auto parts vendors. I use them as a last resort.


[/ QUOTE ]

Man I couldn't agree with that more. Autozone is crap plain and simple, at least the ones by me are. I've been hitting Pep Boys lately and they've been decent. I can order basic stuff for the Triumph there, like valve cover gaskets, basic engine and some drivetrain parts.
 
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gifAuto Zone is really lame. I keep expecting to Jessy James working behind the counter when I go in there...
Advanced is pretty good over by me. They didn't however have the "spin on" oil filter for my one Spit, but then again, nobody did. @#$#@ goofy adapter... I was impessed by the fact that not only did they have front brake calipers for my 'vette, but they were about 1/3 the price of mail order!
 
Scott, where is this mythic Pep Boys you go to? Whenever I go to Pep Boys, it's just for consumables... Brake Fluid, etc.

I went to the local Pep Boys for spark plugs, and the girl(!) behind the counter said the only foreign car in their database for 1960 was a Volkswagen! "What's a Triumph?"

I'm more than happy to visit my local independent FLAPS where the guys know what a Triumph is, and ask "What size engine?"!

Best, Kevin Browne '59TR3A #58370
 
Kevin, maybe Pep Boys here in the north east have something up on the west coast stores /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif I've had decent luck there lately but haven't tried asking for anything to challenging yet.

I had a nearly identicle experience as the one you just described at autozone. Not only had they never heard of Triumph but they couldn't even give me the right brake pads for my wifes 2002 Jeep, hardly an uncommon application. I got tired of dealing with the high school girls behind the counter who were more interested in talking with similarly aged guys who came in driving fart can equipped Hondas (or guys behind the counter talking to the girls). Around here it seems that it's the "in thing" for young girls to get jobs after school at auto parts stores or in gas stations.
 
Well mrv8q, it isn't any mystery getting spark plugs out of Pep Boys you pose to know the plug type and vendor you want before you open the door.---Keoke /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif
 
Proves nothing but I have had a good AutoZone experience. When the alternator on my 23 year-old VW camper died in New Mexico I replaced it in the AutoZone parking lot. Had the part I needed, good price, lifetime guarantee. They even lent me the use of their impact wrench and access to the back room.

I wouldn't rely on them for information or expertise but they do have parts & tools and can be cajoled into being helpful when necessary.
 
A couple of things...

I went to Pepboys to buy some brake pads for my daily driver, and the kid behind the counter told me that I should go to Autozone because I could get the same pads cheaper. He went on to tell me that he bought all of his parts at Autozone.

Regarding Autozone, I love pulling into the parking lot and seeing that each and every parking spot has various types of oil spill stains. (You would think that LBCs would fit right in.) Someone said they are the Walmart of auto part stores - this is true if you look at its history on its website. They both started in small towns in Arkansas and grew large enough to be on the NYSE taking over other chains in the process. Soon there will be many vacant AZ buildings littering the country side. Also, I reside in Little Rock which is equadistant from the AZ headquarters in Memphis and Walmart headquarters in Bentonville - OH MY GOD I'M SURROUNDED.

I digress...
 
I too will try & find the generic basic parts local, because of ease & price. <u>HOWEVER, let's not forget that we need to keep the big 3 LBC vendors in Buisiness as they are the ones doing the R&D and ordering the obscure parts that the mfg might otherwise cease producing.</u> <font color="red"> </font> <font color="red"> </font> <font color="red"> </font> Perfect example is Rovers North in Vt. When I started in the Rover thing in the early 90's the parts were very difficult to get. The dealers, few that there were back then didn't even list stuff for my '73 Series 3. Even when I bought my '88 Range Rover Rovers North was a much better supplier for me.

Not a rant, just want to be sure we support those that will go to bat for us. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
While I like a bargain I couldn't agree more. The specialty vendors are providing a major service to the LBC owners so lets keep them in business.
 
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