what is a Pump Mounted Drive ??

well- I had to ask that question --if you knew -- are you smart or lucky :-)

See image - click to enlarge

DOR 904-104 -- just released --so we have to wait and see how long it takes to get written up and into system - typically it would be several months to go thru the steps

OEM # is 12562836. The salesmen have some MS Word attachments on different issues these GM Diesels have ...here is part ...

"Dorman® OE Solutions™ is proud to release its new Pump Mounted Driver (PMD) also sometimes refer to as a Fuel Solenoid Driver "FSD" to the aftermarket. This part is basically a computer module that controls the high pressure diesel fuel injector pump that fits 1994 to 2004 GM diesels with 6.5L engines. The Dorman PMD (part # 904-104) mounts directly to the high pressure diesel fuel pump, controlling its function. The OE PMD for this application has a nearly 100% failure rate, caused by underrated materials that are unable to handle the high underhood temperatures that the PMD is exposed to. Typical GM dealers are selling 60-80 units per year (including second and third time replacements).

Dorman’s PMD is the first replacement part available that FIXES the original cause for frequent OE failures, prolonging the life of the part. Dorman’s PMD is engineered to include higher rated electronics; vibration absorbent potting materials, solid mounted transistors, and a new fiberglass silicon heat transfer pad making the 904-104 PMD the superior choice for technicians seeking a more durable replacement for these failed OE units.

There is a remanufactured version of this same part available in the market. The remanufactured unit does not address any improvements to the part itself. In addition, the remanufactured unit is generally not readily available and usually supplied on a “return & repair” basis. Dorman’s NEW reengineered part is available August 1st, it addresses known problems with the OE unit and is priced competitively with a remanufactured unit."


************** U P D A T E -- D E C 3 0 - 2 0 0 8 ***************
guess what --part still not added to Toronto DC warehouse system --while the USA warehouses have it -- we need an account with the USA warehouses .... what lack of fundamentals ......

defective ratio's

We calculated the rough defective ratio's for the period Jan 1 thru July 17 for all customers. This is something that isn't very easy to do ( ok -- why NOT !! mister software guy ).

Questions ... Here are the actual ratio's of defects to sales for out top charge customers -- how HI is too hi?
-0.6%
-5.2%
-1.1%
-9.7%
-5.0%
-1.9%
-0.6%
-3.2%
-0.3%
-2.1%
-3.3%
-5.2%
-4.7%

ps- the highest trade account was over 12% ( ouch )
What do we do to promote common sense in defects? What does CARQUEST do to inform us on our defect ratio's ( well - you know that answer ) Defects cost everyone - too bad this isn't a profit sharing idea from CARQUEST to share the benefits from better management of this issue?

Want to know how we did it --see our sister blog ( links on the side ) and see the J-Con blog

Payroll

I will be doing payroll on Tuesday, July 29th. Please make sure all timesheets and vacation/sicks days are reported before then.

Thanks.

missing blue ceramic pads

Bob Miller from Walker Rd ( Windsor) tells is that there are MANY vehicle applications MISSING the BLUE CERAMIC applications - especially on import (both Jap & Euro)

PLEASE -- tell your key customers who use web-link that more pads may be available than show --this problem is supposed to be fixed by July 25 ... but ...

Bob was unsure how it impacted Red Ceramic sku's

area tool shows this week

you might see some extra tool reps in this week - as they pass by to do the Amhurstberg and Windsor tool show at local CARQUEST jobbers

KYB combo spring & strut

The long awaited combo KYB spring & strut assembly is coming -- but will be some time ... just to bring you up to speed ... see image .... the e-cat data is there --the parts are in the MIF -- just waiting for stock ...

what kind of RUST paint do we have ?

With EXTEND from Permatex gone --what is available ?? Lenwood from Raleigh reminds us that SEM RUST MORT is one option. Toronto stocks the qts and pints ( and with LOTS of sales from us -- we could get the Gal to be stocked )

SEM 69508 pint
SEM 69504 quart
SEM 69501 gal

click on image to see more detail. The Rust Seal is also available but is more than double the price ... ? and is special order for now.

Land n Sea Marine Parts

The Line Code LNS is ready - but not yet in our system - we have requested it be added today - should be in for start of next week.

Then we will see the sub-lines and stock level settings you see in the 2-19 report.

Toronto is stocking 72 of the most popular parts - we have a list coming.

Keystone parts in warehouse

From the start any part stocked in the warehouse didn't have the Keystone prefix ... well ...that is changing. As new parts are added to the stocking list -their prefix is being kept.

Let us know what E-CAT data you would like to see updated as a result of this-- we have requested K&N Filter as a the first update.

Your feedback is important & appreciated - call Greg H

NGK Canada is changing part numbers ?

NGK Canada is stopping it's policy of separate part numbers for popular plugs and adopting the USA stock part #.

Here are some examples so far

Line Part # >>> replaced by
NGK 1166 !NGK 5129
NGK 1176 !NGK 7022
NGK 1294 !NGK 3522
NGK 2246 !NGK 4722
NGK 2373 !NGK 4626
NGK 2823 !NGK 2923
NGK 2982 !NGK 7823
NGK 3977 !NGK 4122
NGK 4035 !NGK 4322
NGK 4044 !NGK 2023
NGK 4576 !NGK 6028
NGK 5032 !NGK 6422
NGK 5083 !NGK 4929
NGK 5210 !NGK 5110
NGK 5222 !NGK 5122
NGK 5450 !NGK 7321
NGK 5699 !NGK 3459
NGK 6078 !NGK 4177
NGK 6121 !NGK 5921
NGK 6435 !NGK 7421
NGK 6782 !NGK 6726

From Ken Niefer

ABS Sensors for Cavalier / Sunfire

Both e-cat and paper catalogues have wrong information for abs sensors for these cars. Right and left are transposed. So if someone orders a left...send them a right. Got a call this morning from Mark (I think) in Raleigh. I had submitted a feedback form about this listing and he called to let me know that they are aware of the problem and that it will take about 60 - 90 days to get it corrected.

KN

internet reading options

The art was trying to get the USA trade magazine to send us a copy and NOT charge us. Examples of success had been Aftermarket Business - but all good things come to an end. For a while we also had MOTOR (there was a Cdn Motor - not as good as the USA nameplate )

Now - you can sign up for reading thru the internet. When the current version is out you get an e-mail and a link. Not perfect BUT much better than nothing

Click on the image here to make it LARGER -do you agree on the issue of GM truck fuel pumps? There is a lot of good info out there to make us better parts people - are you doing what you need to -- to get better? Be the best you can be (to steal a slogan from someone else)

Care to share the GREAT magazines you like to read thru the internet??

click here for subscription to Aftermarket Business

what is MHSW ....

MHSW seems to creep up on us at amazing speed - by the time we heard something about it was in May and the tax starts in July - not much time. In fact an e-mail we sent to AIA in May about this was just replied to on 6-18-08 and we are using some of their links below

MHSW = Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste (MHSW) Program

Companies at the START ( like importers or manufacturers ) are required to PAY the fee - they in turn charge the next company in line - and so on - until the end consumer finally pays.

This fee is set in the 3-18 as field 18 ( see J-Con image. We will have to set the fee for any X line. All CARQUEST lines will have this set and updated from Toronto.

This fee is shown as a separate line on the invoice. The example is a Quebec invoice -- on ours it will show "SOGHU / EHC" to cover both provinces name for the similar enviro fee

Here is a summary of what is effected ....
AUTOMOTIVE FILTERS:
LESS THAN 203MM (8") $.50 per Filter
GEATER THAN 203MM (8") $1.00 per Filter

MOTOR OIL CONTAINERS: $.045/ per LITRE

SOLVENTS CONTAINERS $.196/ per LITRE

ANTIFREEZE CONTAINERS $.073/ per LITRE

PRESSURIZED CONTAINERS:
NON-REFILLABLE $.334/ per UNIT
REFILLABLE $.366/ per UNIT

SINGLE USE DRY CELL BATTERIES $.125/KG

Here are links to AIA web site for more info --- click on links to open


What YOU Need to Know about the MHSW Program
Waste Diversion Program Comes into Effect July 1st, 2008
Stewardship Ontario - Auto Sector FAQ's

We will try to find out how our customers systems need to be changed ( Mitchell1 and Lankar ) and post that on the CTI site

Tuthill Fill-Rite transfer pumps

Tuthill pumps ( they have the brand name of Fill-Rite ) offer an interesting selection of products that are well suited for our customer base.

The problem is --- we are TERRIBLE at selling this line --so how do we get better ??

Issue #1 -- the store manager should ask for ONE volunteer to learn the line - go thru the web site and pick up useful product knowledge tips ... if this gets done = tell me

Issue #2 -- click on the web site below

click here for product info sheets based upon model #

Click on the image -- from Page 19 of our current tool & equipment catalog - so you can see the links on the web site for the FR4200C series and the 1200C series pumps -- can anyone find the brochure for the hand help portable pump # FR1604 that is also on page 19 ?? If you can -- leave a comment

Christmas Party 2008

I know it seems early but we need to think about planning the Christmas Party for this year. If there are no objections I am considering booking again at Colasantis. If anyone else has a better idea or would like to give me a break this year and plan it, let me know.

Pig Money

I still have not received pig money from the following people. Please note that you are no longer egilible for the discount, you now owe $12.00.

Brian Iles
AJ
Mandy

Andrew
Jake

Greg Guyitt
Jason
Steve M

Adam
Ric

POS

There are POS calendars for the months of June and July in the managers mail slots here at D&T. Please follow these calendars for month end and the upcoming holiday.

Thanks.

Who says there is no such thing???

Hey Everyone

So I have some exciting news, please do not bring a lunch tomorrow. D & T Auto parts has won a free lunch from Quiznos thanks to 92.7 (the country radio station) Lunch will be here at 11:30 I hope everyone enjoys the food.

Thanks

Sydney

Payroll

I will be doing payroll on Wednesday, June 25th. Please make sure timesheets(filled out to the end of month) and vacation/sick days are sent in before that. Thank-you.

Land n Sea Marine Parts

Just a reminder - there is approx 12% price difference on Land n Sea between our CARQUEST and Direct accounts - so on larger items you may want to use the DIRECT account

On the other hand --for smaller items - remember the $7.50 min order charge is WAIVED on the CARQUEST account for order less than $100 ... so use CARQUEST on smaller orders.

Barry has noticed some price differences when Land n Sea sub up to Quick Silver Mercury parts --as compared to Sierra parts from CC Marine -- appreciate hearing more details from other staff ( we have asked Land n Sea for their opinion on this issue )

Seal-All Glue - why do we like you ?

Seall-All glue has been a consistent good seller for many years --and when we came ot CARQUEST in 2004 we were surprised they didn't offer it.

So -in 2007 when we found that New Castle warehouse had it in hte CHM marine line --- we where happy

Then we where sad -- as the 'crew' in Toronto has we can;t have it ... and many other items in the CHM line ( see the 2007 post - click here )

So we found it in Auto Sense warehouse --and we will buy it from them - oh Seal-All --you are one great glue ... the cheapest way to seal a gas tank leak that we know of ....
line # part #
XAS - 156 380034 BPS SMALL ADHESIVE BLISTER
XAS - 156 380133 BPL 2 OZ. ADHESIVE BLISTER

the XAS is our line code
156 is Auto Senses line code

Too bad the 'boyz' in Toronto are limiting what we can sell

FRICTION ALERT

want an easy way to PAD your count on feedback forms you send to CARQUEST?

Look up any vehicle -and do a comparison on the number of pads shown --versus the ACTUAL number of pad types available.

Mike Washington reports a 2007 Hyndai Elantra missed the BCD type (which was the one he stocked and lost the sale even though the pads were on the shelf - but didn't show in e-cat )

Bob Miller reports a 2003 Dodge mini-van doesn't show the BCD type pad ...

How many examples can you find and really pad your FEEDBACK scores ....

Here are the Month to date #'s as of Thur at 10:30 am
Joe Brown - 2
Abe Enns - 2
Barry Davidson - 1
Ryan Sheeler - 1


So you other guys ( and gals ) with NO feedback so far this month --hear is an easy way to get your name on the list.

Feedback works --

web-link routing diagram for serp belts

Did you know that customers can get serp belt routing diagrams in web-link?? See images You double click on the BLUE part # and the diagram pops up in a separate window -- PLEASEZZZE make sure our Web-link customers know this ....

compare WorldPac to CARQUEST in listings ?

Take this challenge -- look up any vehicle (unfair to make a north american -- but try it a few times )

I compared 2005 Honda Odyssey Mini Van that I drive for brakes & chassis
Brakes Chassis
WPC 39 42 skus
CQ 21* 39 skus (ignoring wheel studs & nuts )

Try the challenge and see results --let me know

WGT Euro weight series

a new thinner Euro style wheel weight is now available - typical part #'s like WGT CP010C thru ... ? With the 10 indicating the weight of the weight.

This was found on the USA Link -- hmm ... wonder why we don't get these announcements on the Cdn Link.

Numbers are in the system,

Cabin Air Filters

OK --so who has tried to find and change their cabin air filter in ANY car or truck? I tried on the 2005 Honda Mini-Van yesterday.

First step - where is it .... I googled the info and found a message board where respondents said it was on the fire wall AND/OR thru the glove box - a quick check said it can't be on the firewall

Second Step - look up the filter and see the instructions in the box ... gee - the part about removing the support arm could be bigger (old tired eyes?) .... but there are still TWO support stops on either side that are NOT mentioned on the instructions...

Third Step - ask Matt ... Matt likes the www.hastingsfilter.com web site for instructions - you need to look up their filter part # and then we found it thru google not thru their links -- but they don;t show the tabs removal. But Matt figures out the squeeze and push technique and the glove box is now hanging down out of the way

I sent a note to Dan Lewis (product manager at New Castle for cabin air filters) to suggest their improve the paper instructions and throw yet another hint at my love of WIKI's so we could have a counterman help page that key people could make suggestions and improvements ( some day I will get it --if you have never tried a WIKI -- go try wikipedia.org and google the term WIKI ).

So - lets hear about your experiences in finding and replacing cabin air filters --some are downright hard to change.

Freon Jug Cores

Sometimes even the simplest things are complicated ... take AFR R134a Freon jugs. There is a core charge on the jugs ...did you know that the core last year was $50 and this year it is $80 ?? I didn't !! Somewhere it might have been a good thing if the Toronto DC had told us to watch for this difference ... eh?

How can you tell what core is what? Read the core sticker on the jig --see the image posted with this blog entry ..it is a silver tag that identifies the core value ... Thanks to Adrian from Woodstock for sharing this with us.

There is MUCH confusion as people are crediting $80 but ONLY getting $50 from the DC ... ouch --that hurts ... be smart --avoid the pain. Sure wish we had been told in clear language before this ...

FEEDBACK RESULTS for May

How to get staff to use the feedback forms?

Auto Barn had 5 posts for the month of MAY
Petes had 1 post ( just one ??? )
D&T Auto had 19 posts for MAY ....click on images for more details

I have seen a number of e-mails going back and forth from the 'group of 19' jobbers trying to improve change -- but in this case both stores ( err... one is in Windsor and one in Woodstock -- no names to protect the guilty ...:-) both stores are weak in feedabck usage

ONE BIG issue --is the ability to get ALL STAFF to have a CQ-link sign in ...like we have done for our staff --that way you can track what staff are NOT submitting feedback data.... ( hint - if you need extra staff sign in's -- see AL HAINES ...so it would be"al dot haines at gpi dot com" ...I can;t use the actual e-mail or he might get too much spam -- or you can call the help desk 1-866 number and ask for the PC help desk ( ignore the pay stub staff number )

I have been talking with several hi ranking staff members in Raleigh --they are SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED the way they handle feedback requests ... the funny thing is --they are being swamped by feedback requests -- from across North America --but from what I see -they haven;t seen anything yet --once they get more exposure to feedback forms --they will be TRUELY SWAMPED .... there is lots of room for improvement for all the Ontario stores ( I called several and asked for their manager user log-in to see how many their stores where doing ...)

I have challenged all stores in the group of 19 -- our stores will beat your stores in feedback for JUNE -- lets see what happens

Cheat Sheet for ATF Fluids

I called all three stores and no one remembers the CHEAT SHEET for the variety of ATF fluids out on the market ... each store has one in plastic I would like to have posted ont he retail area ... PLEASEEZZZEEEE

Hybrid Car oil --- 0W-20 oil

Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic technology in a 0W20 grade for hybrid cars. Meets Japaneese service-fill recommendations for Honda, Toyota and Nissan where this grade is recommended --this is the FIRST part in Pennzoil to be stocked by Toronto DC

PZO 5062673 --all levels set for stores in Leamington & Essex

QSO 5076886

mistake made on pricing for QSO 5076886 --- watch for correction asap from Toronto

Thanks to all who gave feedback

nearly bullet proof gloves

A while back Ron Powell from Hamilton saw some black safety gloves at the BIG SHOW in Vegas and bought a bunch to sell -- we ordered some to try out and mentioned them to Kevin Morandi-Bonner in Toronto DC ...well --they have been added and are on page 39 of the new tool & equipment catalogue.

SRM 66517 ( med )
SRM 66518 ( large )
SRM 66519 ( x-large)

I have set the levels for ALL STORES for the large to try and test --set additional levels as required

Knowledge is power ... where do you stand in this battle ???

next gen cat feedback required

Any feedback on the recent improvements on Worldpac's Next Gen e-cat would be appreciated.

click here -- and give your user name and password to gain access to the thread on new e-cat

This is part of the sparsely read Jobber Message Board by Worldpac .... why poorly read -- no one promotes it -and it is on an extremely narrow focus

What do you think of the next gen e-cat .. ?

oil analysis sample bottle

well- mark this as a great secret finally exposed ... CFI 89077 ... is a Wear Check (now merging with LubriGard) bottle and mailer box -- the cost includes the lab cost to analysis and reply.

I have asked Ken at D&T to order one as a sample - your store may want to order one as a sample as well.

The Plaxo multi-store address book is updated to include this address.

This was posted ont he Cdn CARQUEST Link (original post written by Kevin Morandi-Bonner)

This is part of sub line #3 - wonder what else is in this sub line ???

New Parts -- it is like an Easter Egg hunt ---

Sometimes new parts from CARQUEST are like an easter egg hunt -- you never know where or when you will find then. Why they have so many holes in their process to inform us - well - who knows -- we have mentioned it ...and yet the process is still like swiss cheese.

For example - a good idea is to every month check the Activant Message Board in J-Con -- using 8-12 then the #8 for message board and you will see the enclosed image (click to enlarge)

So --who knows ANYTHING about the Dorman ABS wire harnesses ? or the MUCH REQUESTED oil drain plugs (in poly bags -- the wheel studs could come in poly bags and use a 'dot ONE ... .1 sufffix ---what do oil drain plugs use ??

The Akebono pads we heard about -- has anyone seen one yet ??

Keep the eyes peeled for 'hints' of new part numbers -- they don't make it easy -- appreciate you feedback.

Oh yeh- Ryan has noticed we LODST the Caliper listing in e-cat -- we have a note on the feedback -- but he is also writing Brian Wiggs directly to see if we can get the fix applied to our stores asap ..... oh boy ... this is usually a problem with the MCL file -the file that controls the lines that show and in what order. At one point we controled our MCL -- but their lack of ability to relay info on new lines forced us to let CARQUEST control the MCL.

crimp AC fittings

Dorman has their AC crimp type air conditioning line repair kit out -- # DOR 800-600. Blair from Toronto DC assures me that the individual parts for re-ordering will be in the system soon .... As usual Toronto doesn't have the part but Montreal does ( but I am trying to pressure Abe at Petes to get that item for their stock - Abe was nice enough to do some price comparisons for me from other sources and the CARQUEST price was more than competitive ... kind of scary -- but we expect the other warehouses to realize this is a commodity item for the first 6 months as jobbers try it and promo it

click here f=or a flash 'video?' of the crimper -- caution -- was very slow to load and play - go get a coffee and come back

We also urge you to look at the FMSI crimp package ( FMSI 0379M master aluminum tube repair - part # courtesy of Deb at Petes - we have asked Petes to add the part into the X line data )

The 2nd image is clickable for the parts contained in the kit ,,, We have been working for a while to get these in the system ...

common sense gas saving tips - time for a review

Perhaps some of the common sense tips to save gas -- we could us a quick review and see which ones we have become sloppy on ...?

click here to try the challenge

Payroll

I will be doing payroll on Wednesday, May 28th. Make sure all timesheets and vacation/sick days are sent in before that.

Anti-Virus

Is your Anti-virus up to date? Rhonda tells me that AVG has a new 'free' 8.0 edition that is available only for a limited time. After May 31st you can no longer download it. Click the link below to download.

http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html?tag=lst-2&cdlPid=10834624

Getting to CQ-U almost needs a university degree in itself

To say it is just a little awkward to get into CARQUEST University is understating the issue -- you need to bookmark this ... click here to go to the page

See the attached image -- click on the bottom and get your stores user name and password from you store manager. They do NOT have individual account s- just store accounts (so far ?? )

Try a course --they are a bit on the light & punitive side - would rather have more in depth knowledge --and when you do get a wrong answer -- let it go -- have me understand why I got it wrong and MOVE ON -- the last thing I want to do is to ahve take the whole test over ( that is the punitive side )

This site i s up -then down for re-writing -then up again -then down ...and ... you get the story -- try it --it is not perfect - but it is something

Pig Money

I still need pig money from the following people, please bring it with you to the May 12th staff meeting.

Brian Iles
AJ
Mandy
Sydney

Andrew
Jake

Greg Guyitt
Steve M
Jason

Adam
Ric

Land and Sea

When you are dealing with Land and sea on their web ordering if you are using any catalogue other than their own catalogue you must enter the part number,and include any dashes,spaces or double spaces. You must also include a 3 digit code that repesents the vender. The example shows (710-)which is the code for mercruiser,then
27-805215 1,notice the other dash plus the space between 5 1. If you use their published cat then you do not need a 3 digit code

Reminder

Just a quick reminder that rsvp's are due for summer party by May 24th so i can get food ordered and such.
Thank-you
Mandy

Internal Audits

I do on occasion check the mileage consumption for the vehicles. Please make sure all information is recorded on the credit card slips before you send them to me. I also ask that you not fill up at Johnny's gas bar as the receipt does not show the number of litres put in. Make sure you tell everyone about this. I will have an update on the mileage for the May staff meeting.

Roadmaster --coming soon ( well- sort of soon ?)

Roadmaster leaf spring suspension helpers are coming soon (not tomorrow -- but some time in the future -- so in the meantime we can get ready and understand what they are and how they work


Click here to see the USA web site --there are some video's

There is a Cdn agent and importer (that CARQUEST is bypassing as a house account status ) - he has a web site as www.activesuspension.ca and I have asked if we can use him for special orders to save time - otherwise special orders come from CPI warehouse in New Castle, IN.

This is under CCH line and is in sub line 10 - we will try to see how long it will take to get the numbers in the system and to see when they start showing up in e-cat.

Coincidentally --this is part of the NEW trailer & towing catalog that Peter Marki-Zay mentioned to me earlier ...that we knew nothing about ... it turns out that Peter McNally is HOLDING this catalog (for whatever reason - we have asked why ) ... just like a good soap opera .. . drama ... intrigue ...

brake rust remover from wheel studs & rotors

Got a good idea ( brillo pad type discs that quickly remove rust and crude from surfaces ... then someone gets the idea to make the center HOLLOW so it goes over wheel studs --and ....tad daaaaa -- a new product is born

The biggest problem is getting the part numbers added in a TIMELY MANNER --- the salesmen have a flyer (another sore point) that we had to make here -- since CARQUEST feels they are too busy or ??? to help with small salesman aids ....

Good selling .... which one is better ?? OTC or 3M --the battle is on !

NUTS to Nuts

Ken at D&T is telling us he has a lot of resistance to customers objecting to paying for TOO MANY nuts and bolts when they only want one ( or a few ). Greg Guyitt at the Auto Barn had a GREAT reply --if we had single bolts & nuts --we would give every one away --and we just can;t afford that.

To supplement the Handi-Pacs we sell in the $2.99 range we have added as a test a limited number of sku's in the 001 thru 005 series

We called Bill W. at the Toronto DCV and have arranged to have all the OLD style packs REMOVED and credited - so we should ONLY get the new style pac -- if you do get the old ones-- return them for credit att: Bill W at the DC.

See the image for the most popular sku's in bolts -- I have the complete card for all sku's - drop me an e-mail if you want a copy.

We are offering a special IN STORE ONLY price for pick up ( no delivery ) sales only --see Ken N for details

everything you wanted to know about oil dry but didn't know who to ask...

check out this web site --the new supplier for oil dry to CARQUEST

MOLTAN OIL DRY

The older clay CARQUEST was sourcing had some filler that made it look like it absorbed faster - in fact this filler made the final product mushy -- then CARQUEST went to MOLTAN - but sourced the cheapest version in clay ...whoops ... mistake -- they quickly upgraded it to a better grade .... and with NO FILLER

The new OD 8818 that no one wants to try ... hmmm ... actually sucks up way more than the clay --- a 15 kg bag of clay absorbs 5.4 liters of oil .... the 15 # bag of OD 8818 absorbs 10.5 liters of oil ..... why are we fearful of OD 8818 ?????

Payroll

I will be doing payroll on Monday, April 28th. Please make sure time sheets and vacation/sick days are sent in before then.

want to grab an image off your screen ?

So - you have a customer who wants to see an image of a part that you have up on your screen ( actually happened just now with Ken at D&T Auto Parts using Speedial ) and he wanted to know how to capture the image and e-mail

On the Mac's it is built in and is an EXTREMELY handy feature -- but as far as I know on Windows there is nothing that allows you to select a specific part of the screen you wnat to GET ...a part from this ...... gadwin print screen - free utility

Update ---don't forget to set your preference to rectangle ( and not full screen ) -so you can select the size of the image you will grab and ignore the rest .... you draw this rectangle by clicking and dragging your mouse - see the size of the file you get ... you can also down size with a zoom option when saving --it takes some time to play and understand the option.

Warranty info updated on CQ-Link

take a minute right now --and load up your CARQUEST-LINK and look at the warranty info by any specific line - this is an improvement over what they have had - and better matches what is available to the USA Jobber

Comments??

click the image to see a sample for air compressors. A prize to the first person who finds a 1-800 number that is NOT set up to work from Canada ( yep - it does happen --nothing we can't get fixed, though )

We spotted this on the USA site ...see original link from Sept 2007 - click here

Acetylene - major changes

This is a late breaking news -- there will be more info to follow - stay tuned .... Acetylene (click here for the tech stuff)production is being halted on April 30th. Just ONE company in Canada seemed to be the main producer (Petromont in Quebec) and was using a petro base to make.

So -- what's next -- the acetylene will be TRUCKED into Canada from various states (eg Penn ). These plants typically use a calcium carbide (also sued for making bombs --so don't buy a house next to this plant ... they are also very DIRTY plants --and oh yeh --calcium carbide catches fire if you truck it in the rain ...this just gets worse )

Our Linde rep - Tim will be by to explain the options and a polypropylene based product called HandiGasPro and what adjustments are required for best use in cutting & welding.

Stay tuned

Special Orders

If you need broken qty's of products that are normally 10pacs,12 pacs etc try Windsor first,If that does not work you can have Elsa check other company stores.A good example is wheel studs when a customer does not need 10.We end up eating a half box of that we will never sell and lose return rights for broken package.It takes 2 days as she has to have them pulled back to warehouse.The number I was looking for they had 7 different stores with partial box.I also had her check for a caliper that Cardone did not have and got the Georgetown store to cardinal to me overnight.Use this service and avoid dead inventory(dead $$$$$$$$$$)

Jay - new sales rep

I would like to announce the hiring of Jay Christie in the position of Account Executive for our independent stores in South Western Ontario. Jay joined CARQUEST on March 31, 2008. Jay has over 13 years of experience in the automotive industry. His most recent work experience placed him in the position of Mechanical Business Development Manager for Tirecraft in South
Western Ontario. Jay brings a great amount of experience and knowledge that will be an asset to our independent store group.

signed -- Doug McIntosh

ps---we have been asked by CARQUEST to remove the photo - until they give permission to post - OK -- will re-post once ( if ? ) permission given

Last tech course for the year --make it a GREAT ONE

Hello

--this post is in the CTI Blog --- have YOU attended a CTI course this year -- why not come sit in on this one ??

Well--the last tech course for the 2007-08 is coming this April ( 23 & 24 ) .... with only a shop management course to round out the year. We thank you for your co-operation and attendance and hope that you have found these courses helpful in making you a better tech ....

ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGE 2 nights Apr- 23,24

This course will challenge you to apply the skills you have learned or the processes you currently use to solve case
studies of documented broken vehicles. CTI MINDS-ON TRAINING techniques will be used to display the data from each
vehicle so all students have access to the information needed to solve each problem. By practicing problem solving in the
classroom, the technician is better able to recognize the patterns in data when faced with a similar problem in their bay.

Mark your calendar

better than OEM

the Dodge mini van 'better than OEM' serp belt fix -- just a reminder

# TEN 38342K and TEN 38379K

They take a special replacement belt ( that is not really well marked in e-cat ) DK series

Grab a kit and have a look-- covers 96 thru 2000 , 3.0 - 3.3 & 3.8 engines --these kits are listed in BELTS --not in TENSIONERS. I learned the hard way.

fuel filters with brackets

It is our understanding that BOTH our RED and top quality BLUE line of fuel filters have OEM fit form & function --including all BRACKETS. Other fuel filter lines do NOT have - in an attempt to make one sku fit more than one application.

Appreciate any feedback on this - how can this help our sales ?

staff meeting changed

we will delay the staff meeting ONE WEEK to Monday April 21st ...there is a conflict as Monday 14th has a evening meeting or store managers and salesmen in London

THANK YOU for you effort to make things better

Yep - you bet -- a big fat THANK YOU for all the people who have taken the time to report known problems ( or even possible problems ) in pricing , supply, quality or what-ever ...

Click on the images to see it in more detail

We have a couple of staff we would be more appreciative if they could spot the problems as well- then take the time to write them up. I think the biggest skill is knowing when you SPOT a possible problem --once you have that skill-- it is just making a note and writing it up when you have a chance. You can do all the writing you want-- but if you can't spot the problems you lack at special skill.

Thanks to all who help make CARQUEST a better place.

ps- note every single note will produce a victory in the battle for change -- sometimes it takes more than one BULLET to gett heir attention. Winners never quit -- quitters never win.

Work Party Summer 08

Our staff summer party has been booked for Saturday June 14th @ the Cottam Hall so keep your schedule open. Just wanted to give everyone a heads up, i'll send out all the details closer to the date.

Mandy

TLR --almost here

If you look up Oct 18, 2007 -- you will see this post ... boy ...do some things take longer than others to get done -- well - after numerous phone calls--the data is in the Toronto DC --w e will get it on our next Parts Source update disc and there will be a rolling change

BX = item in BOX
B = item in blister pac --=- these are suffix's

Here is re-print ....


Morco trailer parts ( line TLR ) has blister pac's --the part number is the same - add a B to the suffix ( end ) of the part #.

We are awaiting Majid in Toronto to finish up and add the parts - we are told within a month ( we won't tell you how long they have been to get to this point ....but ... )

Soon -- we will look at updating our stock to the blister numbers.

Sample part # 1550135 -- shackle nut & Bolt
new # 1550135B --- is 6 bolts and nuts --the amount required for typical application. There is NO surcharge for the blister ( which is nice - as many companies have a 10 to 30% surcharge for the convenience and that inflates the price too hi )

ANOTHER CHANGE will be for items TOO BIG to fit into a blister pac ... eg. 1050025 single hanger kit ...the new part # will be 1050025 BX ...this is the same -- but with a customer friendly label with three languages and a bar code .... these extra labels will be available if we want to change from the old part to the new part. TLR 1050025 becomes 1050025BX

What's new in the Bahama's

Besides $10.00 Pina Coladas and $7.00 beers heres a rundown of what is coming from Carquest and a few hightlights from the meetings.
Day 1
Trade show with Carquest nascar driver Kasey Mears signing autographs.A lot of lines that are available in the US but not in Canada.Akebono was on hand and are going to be our new brake supplier for Gold pads.This is another move to get OEM stuff in a Carquest box.I also heard rumblings of consolidation of blue and reds to eliminate rmd and bmd???????????.
Day 2
Meeting
Use more product feedback,they claim someone looks at every one now.
Carquest is wanting us to push our cutomers to use voice of the customer
Rick Hendrick(owner of Hendrick racing 5,24,48,88 Nascar)spoke about teamwork.He also owns 68 car dealerships
Exploris and worldpac should be linked in 2008
Exploris version 46 next quarter
Version 47 (with multi store fourth quarter)
Heard many complaints regarding exploris.
New Carquest produced catalogue to be tested 2nd and 3rd quarter
Weblink two to be released in 2008
Platinum rewards available probably 2009 to all trade customers
Day 3
Meeting was a lot of motivational type speakers as well as Temple Sloan III.Carquest USA has a bunch of new National accounts not in Canada as well as some that are not in our areas.
All in all it was a pretty hectic few days as the Hotel was very large and the meetings were at opposite ends from where we slept.
Day 4
A little relax time,a $100.00 breakfast,a $60.00 pizza and a couple of those $10.00 pina coladas

ROL in Bankruptcy Protection

ROL Mfg is in the Cdn equiv. of Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

TO BE SAFE -- you might want to double line some of the most sensitive items in flange kist where you might only keep ROL ... until the dust settles

Just what did Greg do ??

A few of you asked what did I REALLY do at the 'racing school' -- they call it more an 'advanced driving school'

Photo #1 is SKID CAR where they can adjust the amount of traction to the front or rear wheels - causing UNDERSTEER
or OVERSTEER
- really an eye opener. Another safety item that I didn't get a photo of was the WET BRAKING area - how to control in wet conditions with & w/o ABS - also a tremendous exercise

Photo #2 is exercise to get you to LOOK AROUND - not just thru the front window -- you will see the sun screen is up - so no front view --we are doing wide S turns forcing us to look sideways when going straight. Another exercise was to make us run the race track backwards ( no - not in reverse ) - after multiple times thru the course on a clockwise they reverse --so all the entry points for the turns are NEW - really makes to LOOK AROUND for the next turn - this was really hard.

Photo #3 is typical race track - they had standard 400-430 HP C6's, Z06's - they have a handful of these extra go-fast cars and one Calloway supercharged vet - that was awesome in the straights - the supercharger whine is intense. The 2nd car (red) is the Callaway.

The hardest part --the 'heel-toe' downshifting - by far

All three days are a real test for your heart.

Payroll

I will be doing payroll on Thursday, March 20th. Please make sure that all time sheets and vacation/sick days are sent to me by Wednesday. Please fill out your timesheets right to March 31st. If any adjustments need to be made I will make them on the April payroll. The cheques will be dated for March 27th.

BRG hub bearings - missing in action

A while back another jobber mentioned that the second ( RED line ) BRG hub bearings were missing from e-cat. My first thought w as the MCL file - the file that tells what lines are turned on and off ( and in what order they display ) was accidentially set to not show == so we tried to contact Brian Wiggs who controls this -- and we called and called.

Today I received a reply back from Doug McIntosh saying that the entire data file for BRG was accidentally erased from our Feb copy of the e-cat -- hmm ... when we get our new March CD/DVD we will have our data back.

If managers want to do an INTERIM patch -- we can add the @BRG 12345 to the BGS parts ... today I wrote an update in the J-Con tips blog -- click on the J-Con link on the left if you would like to see it ....

what's hidden at CARQUEST

All stores in our group now have a handful of the banned 2007 New Castle Service Line Parts catalog ... have a look and see what is new that we can sell ... . - for example ...click here ...---

Now -- you can't judge sales from the Toronto DC --as who knows this stuff even exists ... USA Jobbers know --as they can get the catalog ... but most Cdn Jobbers have NO IDEA this is in stock --or if not in stock --is available and can be stocked.

What else do you see that you like. And --should the pricing be a little hi --you are encouraged to do a feedback form with Peter McNally's name in it --asking for FAIRER Cdn pricing given the stronger Cdn dollar .... Peter .... stop keeping too much -- give us the fair price....

Idea's ?

EVAP course -- March 2008

This a copy of post on CTI BLOG --every once in a while you should see what is posted on the CTI blog .... hint .... the CTI blog is on the LINKs at the LEFT HAND side of this page ....oh ...yeh .... gee ....



With EVAP course coming soon-- time to dust off your ALLDATA or Mitchell1 or in this case the CARQUESTDIRECTHIT (powered by Identifix ) and try some cars that have caused you a problem -- to see how these internet based help tools can save you time and trouble.

If you would like a demo on DIRECT HIT - click here and - or call call 866-698-1976 and ask for Jeff Meyer - the guy who is responsible for Ontario -- he has hosted a few clinics in the area with the most recent at the Harrow Transportation Museum on Feb 25 -the shops whom attended had a good time. Jeff does an excellent phone demo to give you an idea of how this ( or similar systems ) can save you LOTS of time in finding that problem --- how much is your time worth ?

Click on the image to make larger

http://www.carquestdirecthit.com/Corp/try_direct.asp

Jobber News

We have an author among us. Greg Guyitt wrote a letter to the editor of Jobber News and it was published in the February 2008 edition, see page 9.

Time Change

Don't forget to spring forward this weekend. Turn your clocks ahead one hour.

see CTI blog on Platinum

see the CTI blog for post on Platinum prices

Cat Back promo ? - who is up to speed?

Walker has a promo for cat back ( pipes starting from the Cat Converter and back to end - hence the term Cat Back ) .... but how do we know what assemblies fit this criteria???? Any feedback to other staff & stores appreciated --there was very little detail on the link ---starts NOW thru end of April