www.chirpthird.com: Sign of the times ......

This is topic Sign of the times ...... in forum SSOA: "Back Porch" at www.chirpthird.com.

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Posted by JohnS (Member # 1073) on :

I knew this was going to happen. I just didn't know when. [Frown]

I took my SS to the local Chevy dealer for its bi-annual emissions test (it passed with flying colors). While I was there, I thought I'd get a new serpentine belt, as mine was starting to show some wear. After checking the parts department, the service rep said that he was sorry, but they no longer stock the belt, but would order one for overnight delivery. As I ordered the belt, I mentioned that I was surprised they didn't stock the belt as I thought it would be a relatively common replacement part. The rep said that they are not servicing many Camaros any more and as a result were not stocking Camaro specific parts after each item in stock is depleted. [Eek!]

Unfortunately this means that whenever I want a genuine GM Camaro part for a repair, it'll take at least two days to get it. I guess gone are the days when I could walk to the dealer's parts department and get my parts right away over the counter. [Frown]

Posted by OBSSD (Member # 1258) on :

sad sad sad

Posted by RagSS (Member # 1127) on :

John,
By any chance did you (or could you) get the GM part# for the belt? ...maybe the rest of us should consider ordering one...

Thanks,
Kevin

Posted by SSHEETS (Member # 1989) on :

Distribution will still stock them right? Most os the parts I get from my dealer take a day to show up [Frown]

Posted by Bill Mason (Member # 1807) on :

Hhhhmmm....I have always found that GM dealers carry very minimal stock for Camaro/firebird parts....even when they were in production. Even brake pads were an order item.

BTW, you should see what it is like getting parts for a '94 Vette (recall that model was made until '96). Everything is a back order to the US. The only question has become how far back into the supply chain before the part is stocked. Typical delivery is 3-4 days, with several weeks not being out of ordinary.

Posted by KurtK (Member # 1779) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Bill Mason:

BTW, you should see what it is like getting parts for a '94 Vette (recall that model was made until '96). Everything is a back order to the US. The only question has become how far back into the supply chain before the part is stocked. Typical delivery is 3-4 days, with several weeks not being out of ordinary.

I am well acquainted with issues regarding parts for a 94 Vette... [Roll Eyes]

The last serpentine belt for the Vette came from a local parts store and was made by Goodyear.

I usually only get the 'uncommon' items from Chevy, such as the formed vacuum hoses, special coolant hoses, valve cover o-rings, etc.

It's not that surprising to find out that the Camaro parts hard to find- the production numbers were closing the Corvette's than Malibu's, Cavalier's, trucks........

Posted by el ess1 (Member # 1544) on :

Original part number has been changed. It WAS 12562626. However, there is a new number and that is....

GM PART # 12569527
CATEGORY: Belts, Engine Drive
PACK QTY: 1
GM LIST: $33.46
OUR PRICE: $16.73 - or $24.68 with shipping included.

gmpartsdirect.com pricing above.

Posted by JohnS (Member # 1073) on :

quote:
Originally posted by SSHEETS:
Distribution will still stock them right?

Yes.

Posted by vyto2 (Member # 2265) on :

I would have thought they would have them just because the recent vette uses the LS1 engine too... or are the belts different? [Confused]

Posted by ReBop (Member # 1871) on :

You may find yourself double charged for that belt. I found that if the dealer orders the part AND replaces it, they pass it over the service department who charge YOU a substantial markup.

Next time consider ordering parts yourself and then take them to the dealer if he is to perform the work. Save money !

Posted by el ess1 (Member # 1544) on :

quote:
Originally posted by ReBop:
You may find yourself double charged for that belt. I found that if the dealer orders the part AND replaces it, they pass it over the service department who charge YOU a substantial markup.

Depends on the dealer, then. My dealership charges me my cost regardless if I order the part or the service department does. It pays to get chummy with the parts department. [Wink]

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