Napa-Kragens-Auto Zone

[Black340]

With no more factory original parts those stores are the only choise here in Cali, like to know you opinion on how reliable are their parts, specially on brakes components such as master cylinders and brake boosters ..any preference on any particular store

[loco340cuda]

I have bought parts from all three and I have always had the best luck with NAPA.  They seem to have the parts that match or closely match what was orginally on the car.  They are usually a little more expensive but IMO worth the extra money. 

A specific experience that I have had was with a master brake cylinder for a 70 Cuda with power brakes.  I first went to Auto Zone due to their master cylinder was half the price.  When I brought the part home it did not look like the master cylinder that was on the car (it was about half as tall).  I brought the part back and had them double check it and they confirmed it was the right part.  I put it on the car and had nothing but trouble.  After a few weeks I got tired of it and went to NAPA to buy the master cylinder from them.  The part was twice as expensive but when I got it home it matched up perfectly with the orginal master cylider that was on the car.  I put it on the car and never had any more problems.  So my vote and money goes to NAPA.

[ChallengerHK]

My experience is that just like I need to have a good relationship with a knowledgeable tech and a knowledgeable body guy, I also need a knowledgeable parts guy, wherever he works. I think that computerized databases are pretty much the end of the knowledgeable parts guys, sadly. That said, I tend to find the most knowledgeable guys at NAPA.

[LAA66]

 Bought a master cylinder and brake hoses from Napa and they were Great. Ordered a brake booster, it was an ugly, pitted, rebuilt unit. Told the guy I didn't like the finish so he charged me a 15% restocking fee for my trouble.

[wiging19]

   NAPA!!

[Black340]

Thank for the replays..I went on line to check the prices for a brake booster, I check Napa and Kragens ,the prices are very similar with in a few dollars , the curious thing is that when I check the pics both boosters look identical and the part numbers are the same (54-73705 ) also both stores told me that they have to order it and they can have it with couple hours.

Napa told me that the manufacturer was located few miles from the store..both Napa and Kragens are with in 2 to 3 mies from each other so apparently both are geting the booster from the same company .
Thinking about it make sense, how many manufacturers/rebuilders can be for the same item..so in the end is no choice

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Thinking about it make sense, how many manufacturers/rebuilders can be for the same item..so in the end is no choice

Depends on the part.  9 times out of ten tho ..... go with NAPA 

[72hemi]

Napa is usually pretty good. I have a rare Kragens that I love in Redding that is also a performance shop and the manager is in the same car club. Autozone is a joke. There parts are crap and their employees are typically a complete waste of space. My buddy at Kragens said that the local Autozones fight over the employees he fires to give you an idea on the quality of the Autozone employee.

[Rare_T_A]

I'm going with the rest of the fokes.  NAPA!!!   

[73Chally]

Stay away from Autozone.  Their parts are always the cheapest, in both price and quality, and the customer service is typically srud across the board.  I usually go to NAPA (even thought both AZ and O'Reillys are closer).  Like it's been said above, the price is usually more but you get what you pay for.  Pretty much every store bought part for my 440 and 4 speed swap was bought from NAPA.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Napa, Carquest for anything but oil, light bulbs and brake clean.

[Devil]

I work at NAPA, so I know what goes on behind the scenes.  If others are run like ours, I'd go to a NAPA anytime over the others.

Ryan

[Street_Challenged73]

I'd say it's a close fight between Napa and CSK (CarQuest isn't bad, either).  I worked for our local CSK back in high school and was always satisfied with the parts I purchased for my daily driver (never had any issues with quality).  So as strictly parts are concerned, I'd say Napa (premiums) then CSK.  As mentioned, there are many stores who hire under-qualified employees, so it's always hard figuring out who has the knowledge to help you (EI: our local Advanced Auto is HORRIBLE!! for service/response speed).

I can't remember all the parts companies we used to deal with, but I know suspension parts at CSK are McQuay-Norris and are priced well for their quality.  I'm not sure who actually produces Napa's Premium brand parts, but know their suspension quality is similar to Moog components.

[Top Banana]

Since my NAPA store owner is a lifelong friend, owns a very nicely restored 71 Hemi Cuda convertible, and is restoring a 71 440 Cuda coupe, you know where I'm going for my 70 Challenger 440 R/T convertible parts.