Sorry if I opened up a can-o-worms with this thread, but it has been an extraordinarily excellent collection of experiences and insight into the dealers life and business.
It's very clear to me, my experience and problem is specific to this dealer, and I don't blame anyone. I was frustrated due to my lack of patience, but I understand all sides and I don't have any issues. It's obvious I'm being more of a burden to his lifestyle than anything else. As far as I know he is simply an hourly employee and his passion is in repairs and there could be zero incentive in selling parts for him. I have spent over $1300 at this store between wood stove and saw parts, but it doesn't all go through this repair section and reading between the lines, it's not something he's interested in.
I brought in my list of parts I was hoping to order and havn't heard back to pay for the order after day one. They typically would want me to pay up front so it appears I'm being put aside until he has more parts to order. I think I will call tomorrow and cancel and move on to another dealer. I "Was" going to order/buy a bunch of bars and chains for my rebuilds, but it looks as the other dealer in my town will become my next attempt at building a relationship.
BTW, I did contact Baileys and they said they can order OEM parts, but you must call in the numbers. Anything they don't have in stock will take 3 weeks tops to get in. So that's always another option.
I'll be taking the "Keep it local" for this one more dealer and cross my fingers he's willing to work with me.
Martin, I'd like to see a pic of that saw in your avatar. It look really nice.
Sure, here is my 066. I pretty much finished it, but decided I want to replace the crank bearings and seals. Not so much because I think there is a problem there, but I bought the bearing and seals and have them on hand. After rebuilding the bottom end on my 044, I'm convinced I would like to do the same for my 066. While I'm at it, I'm going to repaint the white pieces with OEM stihl paint, I just don't like the bright white I used and now I know better.
In the mean time I got wrapped up in rebuilding and converting an 044 to an 046BB, here is my work in progress on that one
These are the two saws I've been working on and getting really close to finishing both. The 044 has had the case all split and everything rebuilt short of the recoil/carb. The 066 just needs the case split and crank bearings/seals replaced, then I'll have two new soldiers ready for this coming season..
Thanks all for the great tips, story, and information. It was all extremely informative and I really appreciate the sharing knowledge..