Cabin Filter

[proscroby]

I need help in changing the cabin filter on my 1998GP GT with the 3800 engine.

[emt1134]

I don't think you have one.

[BNaylor]

It doesn't make any difference if he has one or not. It has the provisions for one and what is important is he can install one from a similar year Buick Regal. Fits perfectly. I have one in installed my GTP as do many owners. However, it is true '97-'03 Grand Prixs did not have them installed from the factory.

All you have to do is remove the passenger side plastic intake cowling which only has a few fasteners and drop-in the cabin air filter. The best one to use is the AC Delco one but it is expensive compared to the aftermarket brands. The Bosch filters work fine and run around $11.00 at places like Autozone.

[blackblazer24]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

It doesn't make any difference if he has one or not. It has the provisions for one and what is important is he can install one from a similar year Buick Regal. Fits perfectly. I have one in installed my GTP as do many owners. However, it is true '97-'03 Grand Prixs did not have them installed from the factory.

All you have to do is remove the passenger side plastic intake cowling which only has a few fasteners and drop-in the cabin air filter. The best one to use is the AC Delco one but it is expensive compared to the aftermarket brands. The Bosch filters work fine and run around $11.00 at places like Autozone.

Are you saying you need a special part from a regal & an air filter or just the filter?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by blackblazer24

Are you saying you need a special part from a regal & an air filter or just the filter?

The part is question is solely the "cabin air filter".

What you tell the parts monkey is I need a "cabin air filter" for a '97-'04 Buick Regal since the computer will show the '97-'03 Grand Prix does not have one listed.

[richtazz]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

The part is question is solely the "cabin air filter".

What you tell the parts monkey is I need a "cabin air filter" for a '97-'04 Buick Regal since the computer will show the '97-'03 Grand Prix does not have one listed.

Bob, I'm honored, you're using one of my terms!!!!! GO ME!!

I just recently installed one in my 99GT. I had it for a while because I was told the wiper arms had to come off so I was procrastinating. Bob told me I was given bad info, and the wiper arms don't need to be removed. He was right of course, and it's a simple job that only took a few minutes.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by richtazz

Bob, I'm honored, you're using one of my terms!!!!! GO ME!!

Yeah Rich I recall that was one of your pet peeves and I did pick up the term from you. It sort of grows on you.

['97ventureowner]

Too bad we don't have a "parts monkey" emoticon we can use here. Hmmm. Maybe Dave can get one for us.
Going off topic for a second, a local Chevy dealer has a gimmick in their commercials called the "Trunk Monkey". I tried to see if any of the commercials were archived on the web, but came up with this:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkZcG_pgp0Q . Our commercials are different but with the same idea. I really don't know how effective the commercials are in selling their vehicles.

Going back on topic, one "downfall" to having cabin filters in your vehicle is they tend to be favored by mice. I live in a somewhat rural area, and every single vehicle I've had that has had cabin filters in them have been eaten into by mice. It might be a good idea to periodically check them between changings,(i.e.Fall and Spring when they tend to seek shelter or after Winter.)

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by '97ventureowner

Going off topic for a second, a local Chevy dealer has a gimmick in their commercials called the "Trunk Monkey". I tried to see if any of the commercials were archived on the web, but came up with this:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkZcG_pgp0Q . Our commercials are different but with the same idea. I really don't know how effective the commercials are in selling their vehicles.

Yeah I saw that several months ago. I think we had it posted at GP O/T.

This one reminds me of one of the times I went to Autozone to get a cabin air filter and other parts.

Rich and the Parts Monkey

Originally Posted by richtazz

here it is, I hope you guys enjoy it.

This is for all of us that have had to deal with a moronic parts guy.

Rich: "I need two AIMCO #5492 Hub and Rotor assemblies"

Parts Monkey: "What type of vehicle"

Rich: "It's the large box on the third shelf, I can see it right there, you have two in stock (pointing)"

Parts Monkey: "What year"

Rich: hanging head in disgust: "'77 Ford, F-150, 4wd, 2bbl 351M V8, automatic, power steering, power brakes, no A/C"

Parts Monkey: "77?"

Rich: "Yes"

Parts Monkey: "Ford Truck?"

Rich: "uh-huh"

Parts Monkey: "F-250?"

Rich, laying head on counter: "F-150"

Parts Monkey: "2-wheel or 4-wheel?"

Rich, banging head on counter: "4 wheel drive"

Parts Monkey: "front or rear rotor?"

Rich: "Front hub and rotor assembly, AIMCO #5492, third line down"

Parts Monkey: "Locking hub?"

Rich: "NO! HUB AND ROTOR ASSEMBLY, RIGHT HERE" (grabbing monitor and turning it while pointing at the screen)

Parts Monkey: "Oh, with splined drive hub?"

Rich, laying on floor, covering face: "No, the line under that one, F5"

Parts Monkey: "We show two in stock, you wanted one?"

Rich: "No, two."

Parts Monkey: "Okay, let me get them"

Rich: "There in the next isle to your right"

Parts Monkey: "yeah"

Rich: "Your other right"

Parts Monkey: "yeah"

Rich: "a little farther down"

Rich: "a little more"

Rich: "too far"

Rich: "look up"

Rich: "right there"

Parts Monkey: "okay"

Parts Monkey: "there you go, anything else for you today"

Rich: "yes, I need TWO of them"

Parts Monkey: "oh, okay"

Parts Monkey: "will that be all today?"

Rich: "yes"

Parts Monkey: "phone number"

Rich: "810-238-3242"

Parts Monkey: "huh?"

Rich: "area code 810....238........32......42."

Parts Monkey: "oh"

Parts Monkey: "Rich?"

Rich: "Yup, that's me"

Parts Monkey: "What type of vehicle?"

Rich: "huh? why?"

Parts Monkey: "Warranty"

Rich, smiling: "'91 Chevy Cavalier"

Parts Monkey: "uh..."

Rich: "Never mind, '77 Ford F-150"

Parts Monkey: "That comes to $84.79"

Parts Monkey: "Out of $100?"

Rich: "no, wait, I've got some change (handing Monkey $0.80)

Parts Monkey: "Okay, $25.00 is your change"

Rich: "Fifteen"

Parts Monkey: "huh"

Rich: "Fifteen dollars is my change"

Parts Monkey: "uh...hey Karl, how do I void this transaction?"

Karl (shouting from the back): "F5"

Parts Monkey: "phone number?"

Rich, slapping $5 on the counter and taking $20 bill off counter: "810-238....oh whatever, you're an idiot" (turning and walking out the door)

Parts Monkey: "sir...you forgot your change....sir...sir?"

Rich, as the door shuts behind him: "Keep it......a tip for your fine service"

[richtazz]

I was thinking about searching for that and re-posting it, but you beat me to it Bob. I still laugh when I read it, as I believe anyone that has ever shopped at A-Z (or Advance, CSK, etc...) has had an experience close to it.

['97ventureowner]

They just HATE when you come in with all the info on what you need including the part number(s). But I've been on the other side years ago, and as a courtesy re-looked up the info in the catalogs.(Note I said catalogs and not computers, that tells you how long ago I actually had my own personal rack of catalogs at home for reference.) There were a number of occasions where the customer had the wrong info, or the part number was superceded with something new/better.Sometimes it doesn't hurt to double check.
Many years ago we used to play a joke on the counterguys at the local Chevy dealers and other parts places by calling and asking how much a cap and rotor was for a 1988 2.5 l Chevy Celebrity. Some took the bait and attempted to look it up while others knew right off the bat what was going on.

[richtazz]

My favorites are asking the parts monkeys for 1983 Corvette parts (they didn't make a Corvette in 83) and a thermostat for a 65 Corvair . I once asked for piston return springs for a Ford 289 Cobra Jet. I made sure I mentioned it was a hi-performance engine that required them to prevent "piston float" at hi revs, and the "manager" got on the phone and told me that they were factory only . He suggested I try Carroll Shelby Inc as they may not be Ford Factory parts, but something added on .

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by richtazz

My favorites are asking the parts monkeys for 1983 Corvette parts (they didn't make a Corvette in 83) and a thermostat for a 65 Corvair .

What about those catalogs ( J.C. Whitney comes to mind first,) that are notorious for continuing a model beyond it's production run in their listings for parts. For example a 70 to 89 Monte Carlo, 71 to 77 Vega, 68 to 80 Ford Torino, 85 to 99 Chevy Caprice. That further confuses the 'average Joe' consumer.