As the winds blow cold in northern Indiana and the 'Low Coolant' beacon glows brightly in the dash under overcast clouds, the parts procurement for
a water pump change has commenced.

I had a goal for myself, to obtain 4 parts at the local auto parts places.  A lofty goal I admit, but I'm no stranger to the "Out of stock" response that I've heard rehashed a thousand times over the years. The key to this is one's attitude--Instead of feeling bad you can't find parts, feel good in the fact that you have stumped the entire staff behind a counter at a parts place.

The journey begins on a crisp Saturday morning at the local Ford dealer. Impression: Bring the Vaseline.

I must have awoken an employee as he stumbled out of a closet and tried to focus his eyes on Microfiche.

"I need a front main oil seal for a blah blah blah."
"Sorry, not in stock.  I'll check other store.  Nope, they don't have it
either."
"That's too bad."
"Try Napa.  The engine isn't much different from a regular Taurus."
"OK."

Due to mitigating circumstances, I had to postpone the rest of my search until Monday evening with the spouse.

First stop: Advance Auto (newly opened)
Impression: Looks like Parts America and Autozone stores mated and had offspring

Water pump: Don't carry
Timing belt: Don't carry
Oil seal: Don't carry
CPS: Don't carry

The young lad felt bad.  I felt good, I broke his spirit.  Now every time he punches keys on the terminal he'll remember me and will hold his breath when
the parts listing comes up for every customer.

Next stop: Autozone (Visited frequently)
Impression: Easy to find.  Look for an old Ford LTD with it's hood up in the parking lot.

Timing belt: Don't carry
Water pump: Don't carry
At this point the counter drone looked like a deer in headlights.  He asked me if I was sure I had a SHO.
I said, "Yeah, thanks anyways."
I thought, "Well let me beat you with the DOHC heads and shove them in an orifice on your body, then you tell me."

Third stop: Pep boys
Impression: Everything but gas. Multicolored Cutlass and rusted Pinto littering the parking lot.

Timing belt: Yes
Water pump: Special order, will have in 1-2 days
Front seal: Nope
CPS: Normally in stock, but none on hand.

Took belt, ordered water pump.

Fourth stop: Napa
Impression: Usually a little more expensive, but they have rarely let me down. A last resort.

Counter guy looked up my parts in catalogs. He talked about how his dad had a SHO and how much he loved it. Will have to order parts, but will be here in 1 day.

At this point, one would breath easy and feel success.  However, it's just half the battle.  I will be impressed if everything I get will actually be
right.

Moral of the story:  Working on a SHO ain't bad, but getting the parts is.