Owners of Big Sandy NAPA l to r: Bob and Sandy Wilson and son William.
In case you haven't noticed there are big things going on at the former NAPA Auto Parts Store in downtown Big Sandy.
The popular auto parts store has new owners, a new name and even a new location.
Owned by Bob and Sandy Wilson, the store changed hands in December and is now located in the old Q Café on the Judith Road and Highway 87 Junction which provides for plenty of parking for even the largest grain trucks needing a special part.
Even though the business is not new, the name is. Now called North Central Auto Parts or just Big Sandy NAPA, the firm specializes in having even hard to get parts in stock and for those parts just not available in Big Sandy, it is usually overnight delivery and the farmer or rancher is back in business.
The business in Big Sandy is managed by Bob and Sandy's son, William. Bob and Sandy themselves own and manage NAPA in Havre. The Wilson's have a daughter, Katy in Havre and a five year old grandson.
The couple has lived in Havre since 1975 and for a time Sandy was the elementary Indian Education Coordinator in the Havre Public Schools.
Once the Wilson family bought NAPA in Havre they knew they wanted more than one store.
"We always wanted to expand," added Sandy. "We tried to buy the NAPA store in Big Sandy a couple of years ago but the owners did not want to sell. Something must have happened and they changed their minds and sold the store to us."
As to moving to the old Q Café, Sandy is very happy about that move.
"The location is much better because of parking and the visibility of the store is great," said Sandy.
Wilson's are planning on painting the building and making it look very nice sitting on its corner location.
Sandy emphasized that Big Sandy NAPA is a heavy duty store. If they don't have what you need, they will get it quickly.
Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 to 5 and Saturday from 8 to 12. The store has a new phone number as well. Call them at 378-2280.
Sandy said that even though son William is running the store by himself right now, they will be looking for help later this spring.
The Big Sandy community welcomes this new family and old business but with new wrappings into our midst and hopes for huge success in the auto parts business in this part of Montana!
