[dfwright]

nobody wants to call and talk to Gramps about the good old days.

You might not, others of us do. Especially when there's any hiccup with the parts, or you need some technically challenging questions answered before or after ordering the parts. I appreciate gramps experience and insight, and recommendations, things you don't get with the big box store.

Having personal service, a proprietor who takes pride in doing a good job, who will listen and offer advice and guidance, and will work with you to do what is right is worth dealing with all the other minor quibbles mentioned.

I don't mind paying extra for good service.

I understand that a real "car guy" may not be an excellent web designer or graphics artist, or be able to afford to hire one.

I appreciate that they may not be able to give away shipping because they don't do multi-millions in sales each day, and have special arrangements with shipping companies.

I still prefer to do business with them because they have things that are important to me that a big box can't provide.

To each his own, as they say.