[special-K]

I've always used the best application that works for my vehicle and do swaps like HEI, etc. I have GM parts books and with internet can find part#s to go in with. Now that most parts people are program searchers and not parts specialists I make sure I know an application that my parts are for. When I need brake hoses for my K2500 with 4" lift I tell them I have an '86 C20, when I need plug wires for the HEI with headers I ask for '76 Vette, and on like that.

The biggest hangup I have is with the rear shoes on the same truck w/Dana60. In this era a Chevy got the Corporate rear we call HO52 and GM listed as w/o Dana. I know all this and I have yet to find a parts program that does. I remember going round and round with wrong shoes last time I did my rear brakes and it's time to do them again. Last time I had to bring them in to measure and the new NAPA manager, who got off on the wrong foot with me thinking I'd be aggravated although I wasn't (come to expect such things), was trying to measure diameter by measuring one end of shoe to the other. I was calmly saying "That won't work. You need to lay both down and space them so you get the same number all around", but he kept trying his way. I told him "You have to figure you have a wheel cyl up top and adjuster at bottom", still flustered. I told him the drum has "max dia 12 1/8" stamped on the edge, probably means 12" brakes, right? In one ear and out the other. I was calm, just wanted to leave with the right shoes this time or at least has the right ones transferred in. finally, the experienced guy goes in the back, grabs the BOOK with pictures and measurements and IDs my shoes!

Ok, I have a memory and would like to not go through all this again. I know I should pull the shoes and bring them in, but attempted to buy them in advance at another GOOD parts place. I told the guy there would be two options for '72 3/4t GM Trucks, GMC used Dana and Chevy used corporate. In one ear and out the other because he knows everything. I remember buying engine parts for a rebuild, and using their machine shop in the '80s and he's still there... no greenhorn! But since he's so good he uses his own devices and not listen to the customer. I let people do their job, only offer info that will help. Told him they should be 12" by that stamping. The ear thing, he's going by his program. He says "These should be it". I left with shoes I figured were for a 14-bolt that I'd have to return once I got to the brakes. But at least the money was spent and I'd be able to do the job even if I was broke. When it got to be a while and no time to get into it, I took them back so I wouldn't get stuck with parts for someone else's truck. I was just looking at my wheel cyl boxes the other day, which reminded me I better get the truck up on stands and carry my shoes in so I can have this done for when I get back on the road in spring.

Computers don't know everything and these parts guys rely on them. What a wonderfully better world we live in, thanks to modern technology... NOT! I learned a lot about parts applications and such when I was young from countermen because they were an amazing source of information. Boy, have we degenerated, in my eyes.