I just started a rehab on a 82 GL500 Interstate. Since the bike has been out of production for almost 3 decades there are minimal parts available. But the GL forum is almost as good as this one for finding current parts that will work in the old bike.
This lead me to the Advance Auto closest to me to pick up some things for the bike. The exchange with the younger counter help went something like this
Me: I need 2 NGK DR8ES-L or D8EA plugs
Counter guy: What vehicle?
Me: 82 GL500
CG: (tap tap on the computer) uuhhhh there is no GL500 in the computer only a GL500 Silverwing
Me: yes that is the bike
CG: oh well you need the NGK DR8ES-L plugs
Me: yes I know
CG: (gets the plugs)
Me: I need a CH6007 oil filter
CG: If they aren't on the shelf we sold them all, anything else?
Me: I need 1 foot of 1inch rad hose
CG: for the same bike?
Me: yes, but just cut me a length from the 1 inch bulk you have
CG: We don't carry radiator hoses for that bike
Me: I know just cut me a length of bulk
CG: we don't carry hose for that bike.
Me: fine, I need a thermostat
CG : for the same bike?
Me: yes, but I have the Stat part# just look up the part and see if it is in inventory.
CG: (tap tap on the computer) We don't carry thermostats for that bike
Me: will you check this part#
CG: We don't carry anything but plugs for that bike.
Me: never mind I'll just take the plugs.
I leave and go to another Advance store that is not so convenient to go to. I walk up to the counter and this time the guy at the counter is about my age.
Me: I need 1 foot 1 inch rad hose.
Older Counter Guy: We have that in bulk, you want 1 or 2 feet?
Me: give me a couple, I also need an oil filter
OCG: Looks like we are sold out, but the warehouse has them and it will be here first thing in the morning
Me: that's fine, can you cross check a thermostat number for me to see if you have it
OCG: no problem,
Me: I have AZ, Napa and Stat numbers which do you want?
OCG: we carry Stat brand
Me: here's the number
OCG: that's a regular stock part
I walked out of the second store with everything that I was after, except the filter which will be there in the AM.
I have been in and out of auto stores for years, but lately it seems that much of the counter help that is working has no idea how to just go and get the parts that you ask for without checking if it is okay to do so from the almighty computer.