Funny Stories From the Road

Eddie was driving down the road and a met a car coming the other way. Although there was room to pass easily, Eddie forced the oncoming car to slow down and wound down his window and shouted 'Pig'. The other driver looked in his rear view mirror and swore at Eddie. Then his car hit the pig.

Chuck's wife borrowed his car and parked in the supermarket car park. Just as she came out laden with shopping, she saw a young lad break into the car, hot wire it and drive off. Naturally she reported the matter to the police.' What did he look like?, the sergeant asked. 'I don't know she replied, but I got the licence plate'.

A traffic cop pulled alongside a speeding car on the motorway. Glancing into the car, he was astounded to see that the young lady, who was driving, was knitting. Realising that she was oblivious to his flashing lights and siren, the policeman wound down his window, turned on his loudspeaker and yelled, 'PULL OVER!' 'NO', the young lady yelled back, 'IT's A SCARF!'

Eddie's wife, Edwina was driving her Chevrolet Vega home in New Mexico when she saw an elderly Apache woman walking along the side of the road. She stopped the car and asked the woman if she would like a lift? With a silent nod, the woman climbed into the car. Edwina tried in vain to make conversation with the Apache woman. The old Apache looked closely at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a red gift bag on the seat next to Edwina. 'What's in the bag?' asked the old woman. 'It's a bottle of whisky that I got for my husband.' The Apache woman was silent for another minute or two. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said, 'Good trade.'

A man goes to a party and has too much to drink. His friends plead with him to let them take him home. He says no - he only lives a mile away. About five blocks from the party the police pull him over for weaving all over the road, ask him to get out of the car and take the breathalyser test. Just as he is about to blow into the bag, the police radio informs the policemen of a robbery taking place in a house a short distance away. The police tell the partygoer to remain where he is, they will be right back; and they run down the street to the robbery. The guy waits and waits and finally decides to drive home. When he gets there, he tells his wife he is going to bed, and to tell anyone who might come looking for him that he has 'flu and has been in bed all day.They insist on seeing his car, so she takes them to the garage and opens the door where they find the police car, lights still flashing. A few hours later the police knock on the door. They ask if Mr. X lives there and his wife says yes. They ask to see him and she replies that he is in bed with 'flu and has been there all day. However, the police have his driver's license. They ask to see his car, and she asks why. They insist on seeing his car, so she takes them to the garage and opens the door where they find the police car, lights still flashing.


Do you have a funny story to share? We'd love to hear it. Just email it to us at: Editor@chuckandeddies.com

Are You Sure You're A DIYer?

So you think you can replace that defective car part yourself even though you don't have any prior experience or training in car repair. Sure. You just look at how the broken part is installed and you'll put the replacement in the same way.

Although that seems like a logical approach, this kind of thinking often has an unfavorable outcome. A good rule to follow is if you haven't done car repairs before...LEAVE IT TO A PROFESSIONAL.

Of course, you can still play a part in your vehicle's repair. Find out from the mechanic just what parts you need, then place your order with Chuck and Eddie's. Once the parts arrive at your door, bring them to the mechanic for a proper installation.

We can't count how many times a novice has not only broken a part, but damaged their car in the process of trying to facilitate a repair. A large number of broken parts come back to us with the customer's claim that it "arrived that way".

We know we're not perfect, and we know that every so often a defective part will slip through our intensive inspection process, but we can also tell when a part has been damaged as a result of an improper install.

Used parts are the answer to keep your car running longer and better for a fraction of the cost of the alternative, but ONLY when the parts are installed correctly. A proven method for finding a good local mechanic is word of mouth. Ask neighbors, friends, co-works and the like to recommend a reliable and reasonably priced auto professional.

With a good mechanic and Chuck and Eddie's Used Auto Parts behind you, your vehicle will last for many years to come at a cost you can afford.

Parts That Require More Than A Quick Install

Did you know there are some auto parts that just won't work after installing them in your vehicle? It's true. Electronics such as ECU's usually require reprogramming before they'll work in your vehicle. Many times, purchasers of used ECUs will complain that the part is defective when in fact, the part just needed a quick reprogramming.

Reprogramming the ECU takes little time and isn't all that costly. We've seen prices anywhere from around $49 to as much as $98. Dealers prices generally are on the higher end of this range.

Another thing to consider when purchasing a used ECU is its function. There are many ECUs in the average vehicle. Some control engine function while others are specifically designed for things such as navigation, seat position, climate control, keyless entry control...you name it. There's an ECU installed in your vehicle for just about every function your car performs. It's important to know WHICH ECU you're buying before you buy. If you're buying online and can't tell for sure from the item's online description, call the seller and confirm that the unit you're considering is the right part for your application.


Other parts that will require reprogramming after install include all types of audio equipment. Stereos and the likes have built-in antitheft systems which prevent the part from working if it is removed from the original vehicle. The only way to get the part to work again is to have a dealer reprogram it.

There may be other items that require more than a quick install to operate after being removed from one vehicle and placed in another. If you're not sure about a part, do some research before you buy. Smart buyers are informed buyers.

Chuck and Eddie's Offers Online Repair and Diagnostic Info

Chuck and Eddies has partnered with ALLDATA, the industry leader in providing factory repair information utilized by more than 70,000 shops. ALLDATAdiy.com is a single vehicle access of this same information including all the diagrams, repair information, and detailed technical service bulletins/recalls for your vehicle. Every bit of information is available at the click of your mouse!


ALLDATAdiy.com is easy to use and contains all of the original manufacturers’s repair, diagnostic and repair procedures. Easy to use navigation and search tools allow you to quickly get to the info you need to do the job. Hyperlinks insure that you can get to related info immediately on your computer.
  
 Information is taken directly from Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) service manuals. 
  
  
ALLDATA provides the most current Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and Recalls for your vehicle.
  
  
 Access to up-to-date Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) definitions and Resolutions.
  
  
 Access online from any computer at any location.
  
  
 Information is specific to your year, make, model and engine type.
  
  
 Regularly updated to meet changing Factory Service and Repair information – ALLDATAdiy.com is updated four times a year
  
  
 Accurate OE factory wiring diagrams with wire splice and ground locations.
  
  
 Access to Factory Part Numbers and Labor Times. 
  
  
    
Types of information available include: Component Locations, Service and Repair, Expoloded Diagrams,  Component Locations, Service and Repair Information, Exploded Diagrams, Wiring Diagrams.
 
   Comprehensive illustrations show you exactly where parts are located in your vehicle.   Service and Repair sections provide information to specific component repairs using OEM procedures and diagrams.     Simple drawings provide not only the picture of a part, but how to repair or replace it. Detailed information including connector and splice locations. Follow circuit paths that allows you to view from either the system or component level.  
  
 Step by step procedures for testing and repairing hard to determine issues. These charts provide simple and concise information to isolate the issue through elimination. Included are Diagnostic Trouble Codes where applicable.     Each year, manufacturers publish tens of thousands of service bulletins about possible problems after the car was manufactured.     Click on your vehicle’s mileage and view the complete set of factory recommended service to insure long life of your vehicle.     We offer Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Definitions which include drivetrain definitions. 

If you repair vehicles, you need this service! 

Used Parts Take the Edge Off High Auto Repair Costs

Car acting up but can't handle a huge repair bill?   Consider used auto parts!  

Of course, we'd all prefer to go out and purchase a nice brand new car when our old clunker starts acting up, but for many of us, these difficult economic times just don't allow for such an expensive purchase.   It's not just the cost of the new car, but increased insurance costs, interest on a car loan...the list goes on. 

It's hard to justify spending several thousands of dollars on a new engine or transmission on a car that's ten or more years old.   But a good, tested USED motor or tranny is certainly an option that can cost as little as a few hundred dollars.   Have a small, local repair shop do the install and you've saved yourself a bucket load of money!

The savings doesn't stop there.  You can find jsut about any part you need from your used parts dealer. Things like oil pans can start leaking for a number of reasons.  A new oil pan can run upwards of $500.00 if installed by a dealer.     A neighborhood mechanic, on the other hand can pick up a good used pan for as little as $30 and installed for, in some cases around $70.  Talk about saving money!

Make sure you buy GUARANTEED used parts.  Here at Chuck and Eddie's, parts are guaranteed for a full six months.  If you happen to get a part with "issues", you can get a free replacement or refund.   If you don't know much about car parts, have your mechanic order them for you.   Just specify that you want to replace your parts with guaranteed used components. 

So if your car starts giving you trouble, don't risk a breakdown.  Call your local mechanic for an appointment and tell him "used replacement parts please". Of all the options available to you,  installing used parts makes the most sense economically speaking.   You'll be helping local businesses stay in business while you're saving a good amount of money you can use for other things...like maybe a weekend road trip in your newly repaired vehicle!

Hey! What's With The Dog?

Lots of our customers have asked.   Especially since we've been including "Gus" in our email promotions.   

Chuck and Eddie's logo has the image of a bulldog peering out from a tire with, of all things, a car in his mouth.   I guess we get an A+ for thinking outside the box on that one!   If you're on our email list (if you're not, you're missing out on some great deals), you'll recall that we've been including photos of a real bulldog.  That's Gus.  He's a regular here at Chuck and Eddie's.  He's actually the Boss's pet so he gets quite a bit of attention around here.

Gus really likes to come to work.  He supervises the shipping department, keeps a watchful eye over the parts counter and keeps us office staff on our toes.  And of course, lunch time is nap time for Gus.   All hard workin' dogs need their rest.  

You'll be seeing a lot more of Gus.  We've decided that he should appear in all of our promos and he'll be a celebrity guest at our up-coming Anniversary Celebration in September.   We hope you'll be able to visit us then.  Meet Gus, have some food, and get some free stuff.   Details of this event can be found by clicking the banner on our homepage.

Oh...before you go, CLICK HERE to get on our email list. You don't want to miss any more of our great deals!

Perfect Parts? Not Always

Purchasing used auto parts makes sense now more than ever.   Not only do you save a trunk-load of money due to the low cost of used parts verses new, but you also help the environment by recycling a part that might otherwise end up in a place it doesn't belong.  

Most of the time, used parts work just fine, but every once in a while a customer will complain of receiving a part that just plain doesn't work. 

Sadly, it's virtually impossible to test every single part we sell but we do inspect each part for wear and look for signs that the part might not be in operating condition.   Most of the time we're able to weed out parts that might not be reliable, but every so often one will get past us and end up with a customer.

We understand that even though we take the defective part back and issue a full refund that it's still very inconvenient for our customers.   The parts team at Chuck and Eddies Used Auto Parts makes every effort to deliver a part that not only is in working order but one that will last for a long, long time.

To the few of you who may have received a less-than-perfect part, we sincerely apologize.  We also encourange you to continue to purchase from us.   Be it people or parts....nothing's perfect!