Shop Tour: Gasoline Alley
Ken Houghton was given an opportunity to jump into an industry that he was passionate about during a snowy drive up the Coquihalla highway three years ago. As a lover of classic domestic muscle, it didn’t take the 15 year Maple Ridge businessman long to make the decision to take over the reigns at one of Western Canada’s most prolific classic auto parts shop – Gasoline Alley.
It’s no secret that 2009 was a particularly hard year for all concerned with the auto industry. Despite the hardships, Gasoline Alley was able to survive thanks to the dedication of their customers, and the need for Do-It-Yourself parts. Thats what Gasoline Alley is all about. Whether it be body parts, interior pieces, trim, or mechanical bits and pieces, Gasoline Alley stocks or has access to everything from that hard to find bolt, to entire frames for domestic vehicles built from 1947 to 2010. Top level customer service, industry experience, hardware knowledge and customers that have stayed true to the company have allowed Gasoline Alley to endure the hard times.
Along with Ken and his wife Colleen at the helm of the company, Terra Puffer and Bob Hayward who are working the counters, both extremely knowledgeable and helpful in getting you the parts you need. Terra has been with Gasoline for 8 years now, while Bob has been in the business for 30 years, with extensive knowledge of the parts he now recommends. That type of experience means you know you are in good hands, giving the customer confidence that Gasoline Alley have all the “latest and greatest” parts and techniques and can pass that knowledge on to you.
However, not everything is the same from a year ago. A new company strategy means that Ken and Colleen have moved the company in a new direction, starting most importantly with the shops location. Location, location, location is the chant of good business owners everywhere, and Gasoline Alley have now moved closer to their core customer market in the lower mainland. Situated in the industrial complex at the north end of the all-new Golden Ears bridge in Maple Ridge, Gasoline Alley is now easier to get to than ever before. Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford and Mission are all well known for housing the majority of classic domestic car owners. And if you still can’t get to them, they will ensure the parts get to you, even if they have to personally deliver them themselves. While the lower mainland makes up a large part of the business, Gasoline Alley also ships all over Canada.
Gasoline Alley isn’t just for car lovers, as an ever increasing portion of the business has been turning towards restoring and customizing trucks as well. As such Gasoline Alley can be just as helpful to the truck owner. But it’s not just the backyard mechanic that relies of Gasoline Alley, hot rod shops, body shops, insurance agencies and even the movie industry also works closely with the company. However, if you are a backyard mechanic in need of some new parts, Gasoline Alley will be celebrating their new home by offering up to 50% off almost all in stock items.
Whether you need to finish off your build with that hard to find piece of trim, replace a rusted out body panel or simply need some routine maintenance items, Gasoline Alley is your one stop shop for classic and American muscle parts. Check out their new location at #7-11720 Stewart Crescent Maple Ridge BC, or www.gasolinealleyclassiccarparts.com. Or you can contact the crew at, gasalley1@aol.com or give them a call at 604-460-2884, toll free at 1-800-663-8128.
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