Why does this keep popping up?

[41/53dodges]

why is it that most auto parts stores wont say anything about 1953 B4 trucks except:

DU

DUF

DUL

DULF

EUL

WHY DONT EITHER ONE OF MY TRUCKS EXIST TO THE F***ING PARTS STORES??

[JBNeal]

if you're going to an auto parts store that uses a computer to look up its parts inventory, you will be continuously disappointed. Auto parts stores are getting to where they maintain their databases going back 30 years or less. There isn't much profit in catering to less than 10% of their business, so they opt to focus on volume sales. The people who work there, more often than not, are not familiar with anything other than what they can look up in their computer system. One of the reasons I decided to sell my Diplomat was the blank stares I got when I told them "I need a [blank] for my Diplomat" without saying DODGE.

Recently, I've had trouble locating parts for vehicles that are less than 20 yrs old. Just last week, I was told by the local Dodge dealer that the (leaking) sliding rear window on my '02 Ram is listed as 'vintage' in his computer database. The only reason he was able to locate the part at all was that I was able to find a part number through on-line research, which clued him into what database he needed to search rather than the database he normally searches.

My suggestion is to have as much information as possible to bring to a good auto parts store. Using on-line resources and factory parts manuals, it's possible to cross the old part numbers to the new manufacturers. It's more time consuming, but when you go to the store, you will come away empty-handed far fewer times. And the store employees are more helpful if you have done most of their job for them.

[moparmonkey]

why is it that most auto parts stores wont say anything about 1953 B4 trucks except:

DU

DUF

DUL

DULF

EUL

WHY DONT EITHER ONE OF MY TRUCKS EXIST TO THE F***ING PARTS STORES??

I noticed that when I went onto Rock Auto. The only thing they list for a B4B is a manual. But they list all kinds of stuff for the D series trucks. And yet they list parts for 218-6 equipped cars.

Not sure what the solution is at the parts store other than going to one where they know how to look for old parts (my local Riebes is great, the parts people actually know how to find stuff). Online I just look for similarly equipped vehicles. The flathead 6's were around until 1960, so that may help for engine parts.

[ggdad1951]

why is it that most auto parts stores wont say anything about 1953 B4 trucks except:

DU

DUF

DUL

DULF

EUL

WHY DONT EITHER ONE OF MY TRUCKS EXIST TO THE F***ING PARTS STORES??

IMO that's why this place exists! I've gotten more help here than at ANY store I've walked into! A pleasant phone call to Roberts, Bernbaum's and VPW has also gotten me lots of help!

[HanksB3B]

like good hardware stores are becoming less and less common.

Hank

[greg g]

It helps to be familiar with the interchange of these parts. They might not have the thing for your truck but will have it listed for a 58 Belvedere. Since many of the items are mechanically identical, calling it by its other name sometimes helps.

[tysouthwick]

I have had the same problem even at napa! does any one have the part numbers for anything engine related for a 218 at napa?

[41/53dodges]

the worst part, though, is this is from rareparts.com!

[Young Ed]

I have had the same problem even at napa! does any one have the part numbers for anything engine related for a 218 at napa?

If you do an advanced search through napaonline.com you can find a ton of stuff. They have internal engine parts plus most of the external stuff.

[TodFitch]

If you do an advanced search through napaonline.com you can find a ton of stuff. They have internal engine parts plus most of the external stuff.

But it the searches that work best, at least for me, are the interchange from original manufacturer. So having a copy of the factory parts book for your truck is absolutely required.

That is also the reason that I have been building up a database of interchange information for years not. Unfortunately for you, I am focused on the car side so I don't have truck listings (except for the few years there were Plymouth branded trucks in the 1930s).

http://www.ply33.com/Parts/numeric

[tysouthwick]

If you do an advanced search through napaonline.com you can find a ton of stuff. They have internal engine parts plus most of the external stuff.

There we go! I found the parts that I need!

[John Mathias]

The Hollander Parts Interchange Manuals are also a godsend when it comes to all things old. I have the 3 early versions that cover 1917 thru 1966. If anybody needs some info, just let me know.