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Originally Posted by firebirdcrazy1959
Back before both of the big guys came to town,NAPA was THE store to get parts here and they had a smokin machine shop business.They had 8 counter guys who all knew cars and parts and it was always packed.Now it's just the owner,Mike,Dave the counter guy who has been there for ever,Jim the machinist and a counter girl and Mike the delivery guy who i went to HS with.
I get my machine work done there because Jim knows his stuff and knows Pontiacs.When i need a part for a Pontiac i go to them,if i need fluids i go to Advanced Auto.The Auto Zone here really sucks big time.
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That's what I grew up with, we had several good parts stores with in house machine shops, 3 Anderson Brothers stores, 2 Kauffmans, all had machine shops, first name basis with most of them and that was just on my side of town and a couple more really good parts stores, the key for these is that were all family owned. No corporate ownerships. Once those started moving in the old guard started closing or selling out.
Can't really blame them, someone offers you enough to retire your family with.
What's really odd is there are so many more cars on the road than 30 years ago but fewer good parts stores. They're almost like Wal-marts now.
We still have a few hold outs but they're a dying breed. Even the buildings are not being kept up, guess they can't afford it and compete.