Format Field In Make Table Query

DB Setup:
Table1: I have a table (Vendor) that has 2 fields (# & Name) with # being an AutoNumber. So only Name is being input via a form. I have formatted the autonumber field as 000;(000).
Table2: A table that is populated via form with invoice info etc and vendor number is added through a drop down combo box (which also has the above format on it)
Table3: Similar to table2, with slightly diff info but still vendor #

Query1: Is a make table that consolidates table 1 & 2 via union on like fields (ie vendor #) This make table also has the format from above in its properties field, although when i open the table it makes (Table4) the vendor field is not formatted as i need it. So 3 appears as 3 not 003.

Query2: takes table4 adds some extra info and exports file (as txt or xls)using outputTo & TransferText macro so that it can be loaded into a Hyperion Essbase system

My problem is that although the field value is formatted as 003 in appearance, when i take it to excel it changes back to 3 when i need it to stay as 003. I would like the make table query to also format the tables field as 000. Is the problem with the autonumber in the orig table or is it simply excel being stubborn when i take it there. If i changed the vendor field to text string in the make table would i still be able to link it back to the orig vendor table to get the names etc (ie number field linked to text field??)
Thanks in advance