I wanted to get the last little bits done on the rear axle for the Indy car replica. The axle came out of a 1928 Studebaker model GB sedan, was missing one of the 1/4 x 1/4 x 3 inch long keys for the tapered shafts to engage the hubs. Lots of cars had tapered axles, and I think many trucks still have them. So, during my Saturday afternoon errands run, I stopped at the local Auto Zone store and asked the young woman behind the counter for an axle key. Looking a little mystified, she started typing into the store computer's Search function: "axel key". Of course THAT didn't turn up anything, so I suggested she try "axle key" instead. Still no luck. Just then a 20-something know-it-all male counter clerk, asked what I was looking for, so I told him. "Axle key? No, never heard of that", he said dismissively, as if no such thing could possibly exist and that I was the stupid one. Sigh!
It seems the only thing that the chain auto parts store clerks know is to look parts up by a specific make/model/year. Asking for a generic part is asking for an exercise in frustration. I'd already been through that looking for 1/2-20 lug nuts with 3/4" hex, finally had to say 1960 Buick LeSabre, since that's what my rear brake backing plates came from. Fortunately, there are still a few old-time parts stores with old-time guys in them near my house. I just need to go there on a week day morning.
I left the store, would have gone to a REAL auto parts store but it was too late in the afternoon, went to Lowe's in hopes of a miracle. They didn't have any square key stock, but I did find 1/4 x 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch long keys in one of the Hillman drawers in the nuts and bolts section, so I bought two and called it a day.
It seems the only thing that the chain auto parts store clerks know is to look parts up by a specific make/model/year. Asking for a generic part is asking for an exercise in frustration. I'd already been through that looking for 1/2-20 lug nuts with 3/4" hex, finally had to say 1960 Buick LeSabre, since that's what my rear brake backing plates came from. Fortunately, there are still a few old-time parts stores with old-time guys in them near my house. I just need to go there on a week day morning.
I left the store, would have gone to a REAL auto parts store but it was too late in the afternoon, went to Lowe's in hopes of a miracle. They didn't have any square key stock, but I did find 1/4 x 1/4 x 1-1/2 inch long keys in one of the Hillman drawers in the nuts and bolts section, so I bought two and called it a day.
if i need a "real" part, not oil/filter, etc. from the Autozone or Advance nearby, i go on their website at home to see if they have the part listed and if it is in stock. if it is, i write down the part number and price. the counter help(?) still need to know the specific make/model as apparently a part # can't be searched for on its own - or they don't know how to do so...
'63 Avanti R-1384. sold 12/10.
Comment