Convert Auto Number to Text?

Is there a way to convert an auto-number sequence to text?

I was given a parts list numbered with a chapter number, a fig. number and then an auto Item number. Example: (8-3-1, 8-3-2, 8-3-3, etc.) the next parts fig. numbering would be (8-4-1, 8-4-2, 8-4-3, etc.).

When I try to copy and paste into excel I lose the numbering.

I can cut/paste into Word and then it will convert the auto number to text, but it doesn't understand the sequence and restarts every new parts list at 8-1-1.

What I need to do is delete everything but the part numbers and the item numbers and then sort by the part numbers for a locator table.

I presume that if I do a sort in frame by the part number, Frame will renumber the item numbers to the new sort?

Is there a way to turn off the auto numbering without losing the numbers before doing the sort?

Thanks in advance

Chris