Auto Parts Stores and Auto Parts Clerks…Are there any good ones left?

I remember when you could go into a auto parts store and the clerks knew something about cars.

When I was a kid (back in the early 1970’s) my Dad owned a body shop. I’d work there on weekends (for …”the roof over you head”) and summers.  I learned a lot about cars and enjoyed it (most of it).  One of the coolest things was heading over the automotive parts and paint places.  So much cool stuff to look at, paint books with paint chips in them, tools and gadgets. You could talk for an hour about the cars you were working on.  If you asked a question they normally had a useful answer. If you wanted advice you would get some, sometime even if you did ask there was a good chance you’d get some.  NAPA was big back then and had paint as well.

Those places are long gone now, mostly.  Now no one has the parts in stock and worse most of the clerks have no idea about car parts (insert Rock Auto theme song) and there is nearly 100% reliance on a computer. There is just no way a parts clerk should utter the phrase “I can order it.” Oh and talk about your car project?…’fer getta bou it’!

This whine is was brought about by my recent purchase of a fuel pump for #ProjectSportsRoof (my 1973 351 Cleveland powered Mustang). 

Normally, I don’t use names of companies but I’m going to now.

I purchased the Speedmaster  fuel pump from Summit Racing Equipment.  Speedmaster also has their own site where they sell these as well.

Specs:

Brand: Speedmaster

Manufacturer’s Part Number: PCE146-1014

Part Type: Fuel Pumps

Product Line: Procomp Electronics High-Volume Mechanical Fuel Pumps

Summit Racing Part Number: SDM-PCE146-1014

UPC: 840136507376

Fuel Pump Type: Mechanical

Flow Rate: 115 gph/435 lph

Fuel Pressure (psi): 6 psi

Fuel Pressure Regulator Included: No

Sending Unit Included: No

Inlet Size: 1/4 in. NPT  —not

Inlet Quantity: One

Inlet Attachment: Female threads

Outlet Size: 1/4 in. NPT —not

Outlet Quantity: One

Outlet Attachment: Female threads

Gasket Included: No    -actually yes 2 gaskets

Wiring Harness Included: No

Mounting Bracket Included: No

Mounting Hardware Included: No

Pulley Included: No

The pump is designed to be configurable to give the best fit possible.  The pump showed up with no fittings – which I guess it normal now days.  It also showed up with no instructions.  Just the pump in the box and two gasket stuck under the bottom box flap.  Instruction would have been nice if I need to swivel the IN/OUT.

I didn’t think the hardware would be a problem I could use the male end from the old pump and pick up the other at a local parts store.  I figured that I’d double check their site for instructions just in case I need anything different, after all this pump pushed a bunch more fuel then the OEM version.

I went to Speedmaster’s web site and looked up the pump and clicked the instructions link.  Nothing happened.  I called the company to see if they could email me instructions.  The ‘clerk’ said “We don’t have any instruction, but I do have diagram.”  I prompt him with, “You don’t have instruction?”  He confirmed.  I said O.K. , send me the diagram, thinking to myself, that will have some information.  Here is what I got:

Lets compare:

This is my ome pump

This is the Speedmaster pump.

Not seeing it!!!

So I called up Summit Racing Equipment and spend 1 hour 22 minutes on hold (I was editing video during that time).  I was then requested to leave my number and a tech could text me back.    5 hours later….I get a text.  I asked the question about instructions.    The next day I get a text that says “It’s a pretty straight forward installation.”  So I called. Summit again.  I was on hold for 45 minutes and finally got someone to answer my question which was – what size it the OUT thread so I can get a fitting.  (originally I thought I’d get the proper fitting for the flared steel line).  Summit told me I shouldn’t use the steel line and to just get the  male to 3/8 barb.   I asked again what size threads?  He said 3/4″ to 3/8″ barb.   I ran to 3 Auto Parts stores and no one had this fitting. (That is the short version – most didn’t even know what I was talking about, much less knew if they had anything like that.)  I order some from Amazon and they next day delivery with my Prime membership! They didn’t fit.  So I found Speedmaster on Facebook and asked the question.  Here is how that 3 day conversation went:

Speedmaster Automotive Parts Store
Tue 6:43 PM———————————————————–Note the time.
I purchased this: Brand: Speedmaster

Manufacturer’s Part Number: PCE146-1014

Part Type: Fuel Pumps

What size male fitting do I need from your pump to a 3/8 barb?
Tue 11:07 PM——————————————————————–Note the time
3/8 npt—————————————————————————Response
Wed 2:29 PM——————————————————————-Note time
38 npt to 38 barb?
3/8 npt to 3/8 barb (my correction)

No response
?

No response

(I called the Speedmaster again then Facebook messaged them)
Wed 4:12 PM————————————————————————Note time
I’m confused. Summit says 3/4 to 3/8 barb. I just talked to someone at your
location via phone they said 3/4npt. But 3/4 npt does not fit. If I didn’t already
have the pump in the car I’d return it and buy something that there with clear
instruction and well informed support. ….🙁
I’ll have to pick up both sizes tomorrow and I’ll get back to you on the actual size!

—————————————————————————————-NOTE LACK OF RESPONSE.

(My follow up to the chat)
Thursday 1:13 PM
Here is exactly what fitting is needed.

805NSED – 3/8 barb X 5/16 npt Hose Barb X Inverted Flare

Something you SHOULD know but
no one did. Don’t feel do bad even Summit, where I purchased it got it wrong.

#MissingTheGoodOldDays

Thanks for letting me whine!!!

 

Tim