<VV> auto parts

[NicolCS at aol.com]

As frustrating as the cascade of questions might be, from the perspective  of 
the counterman and to the benefit of the purchaser, it is a very direct and  
positive approach. 
 
When I did my time as a Chevy counterman (paper books), we had to know  
(memorize) which book to look in for each model and know (memorize) the group  
number for each and every part. It took years to get good. Once at the proper  
group, one then sifted through lists of applications, many of which  were of the 
"except" category.  Negative applications are not fun and  frequently 
contradict one another.
 
Here's an example:
This is ONE of the seven carburetors listed in the '73 book.  Of  course you 
just automatically KNEW to go to the Group 3.725 for carburetors.  Each 
carburetor has a similar list that the counterman had to weed through. And  usually, 
a counterman would have to suffer through at least half of the listings  
before he was sure of the proper application.
Bear in mind that the following applications are all for just  ONE carbuetor 
part number!
 
P/N 7036365
62-63 Corvair, F.C. (Exc. H/Per)
64 Corvair w/oil bath
64-65 Corvair w/H/Per. (exc. C.A.C)
64-65 Corvair, F. C. w/C.A.C
65-67 Corvair w/P.G. (exc. H/Per, Air Cond., A.I.R.)
65-66 Corvair w/4/1BC (exc. CORSA, A.I.R.)
64 Corvair (exc. H/per, C.A.C.)
65 Corvair (exc. H/Per, Turbo, 4/1BC, C.A.C.)
65 CORSA (exc. turbo)
66-67 Corvair (exc. Corsa, P.G., A.I.R.)
66 CORSA (exc. Turbo, A.I.R.)
68 Corvair
69 Corvair w/2/1BC
 
The counterman was expected to sort through these listings each and every  
time and make a decision despite the inconsistencies and changes in  
nomenclature. Note that it specifies that this carb is both "for" and "not for"  65 140s 
.   Meanwhile, the customer is drumming his fingers on  the counter and saying 
"can't you just get me a simple carburetor for a '65  Corvair?"  The 
ubiquitous software interface we face today is vastly  superior to these paper-book 
chicken scratchings!
Craig Nicol