By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer
MarlboroughPost Road Used Auto Parts has been selling automobile parts at its Route 20 location almost as long as there have been automobiles.
The business is celebrating its 75th anniversary. It dates back to 1940, a year when the U.S. produced 4,680,000 cars just before automobile production shut down so the factories could be used for military equipment for World War II.
Jean Rabelo’s father bought Post Road Used Auto Parts in 1986, and she worked for him before she and her husband, Julio Rabelo, bought the business from him in 1996.
The business has changed dramatically in those years, she noted. For starts, the staff no longer has to check what parts are available in huge books taking up whole counters.
“The parts business is now a nationwide business, with access to a nationwide network of dealers online,” she said. Customers can go to Post Road’s website, www.postroadusedautoparts.com, and check the availability of parts for hundreds of brands and models of cars. The Marlborough store itself ships parts all over the country.
Post Road is proud to point out it is a member of the Automobile Recyclers Association.
“We reuse everything in a car, and we do it right,” Rabelo said. “We handle all the fluids and hazardous materials professionally and responsibly. There are a huge number of regulations on our business and lots of people keeping an eye on us.
“It’s important to have a place like ours where people can get rid of unwanted cars in a responsible way, not abandoning them or leaving them to rust in the yard.”
Post Road Used Auto Parts will buy those unwanted cars and tow them, and can also arrange for people to donate their cars to a wide variety of charities. Those interested in selling or donating a car can get a price quote on the company’s website. The business also buys automobiles damaged in accidents at online auctions that are held almost daily around the country.
In addition to using the cars it buys for parts, “we sell cars at very good prices,” she said. “We sell cars as repairable if someone wants to do the repairs themselves. If someone needs a cheap car to get to work or for a child to drive, they should take a look at what we have.” Cars recently available at the store included a 2008 Ford Escape, 2005 Honda Civic and 2004 Ford Explorer.
Post Road can get parts for most cars, particularly later models, usually within a day, and supplies many of the area’s mechanics and repair shops. “Sometimes people like to buy the part from us and take it to their mechanic,” Rabello said.
The business does not install parts, but can recommend shops it has found to be reliable.
The Marlborough store does do service work, including mounting and balancing, on tires and rims. It sells both new and used tires, and can match the level of tread wear for a replacement tire with the remaining tires. It will also arrange installation of windshields purchased from the store.
“With all the potholes, it’s been a busy winter replacing tires, rims and hubcaps,” Rabelo said. “And there’s been a big demand for taillights with all the fender-benders on slick roads.”
Post Road Used Auto Parts is located at 785 Boston Post Rd. (Rt. 20) in Marlborough. To check the availability or order a part, call 508-485-1414 or 800-649-9332, or visit the website, www.postroadusedautoparts.com.
“We are the place to go for parts, cheap cars and good tire service,” Rabelo said.