Finding the right part for a car that’s seen better days shouldn't feel like a heist. You’re usually stressed, your wallet is already feeling the pinch, and the last thing you need is a "mechanic" who talks in riddles. If you’ve been scouring the Greater Hartford area, specifically the Robertson neighborhood, you’ve likely bumped into Parker Street Used Auto Parts Manchester CT.
It’s one of those local landmarks that's basically been there forever. Since 1954, actually. That is a massive amount of time in the car world. Think about it: they were pulling parts when the Chevy Bel Air was the newest thing on the road.
Why Parker Street Used Auto Parts Manchester CT Still Matters
Most people think salvage yards are just piles of rust. Honestly, that’s just not how modern recycling works. This spot at 775 Parker St is more like a massive organ donor facility for vehicles. They specialize in "Quality Recycled Original Equipment Parts." That’s a fancy way of saying they take the good stuff out of cars that can’t run anymore so your car can keep going without you paying the "new part" tax at a dealership.
The business is run by Fred Johnson, and it’s a Corporation that’s been officially on the books since the mid-70s. It’s a staple. You’ve got the big corporate chains like Pull-A-Part or Chuck and Eddies, but Parker Street has that old-school Manchester grit.
The Real Deal on Inventory
You can’t just walk in and expect a boutique experience. It’s a yard. It’s greasy. It’s perfect.
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They handle everything from your standard junk cars to specific used automotive parts. If you’re looking for a mirror for an old Altima or a starter for a Ford F-150, this is the kind of place where you might actually find it. They’ve even got a presence on eBay—operating under the name PARKER STREET USED AUTO PARTS—where they’ve sold hundreds of items with a 100% positive feedback rating.
That’s actually a huge deal. It means when they ship a part, it actually works. In the world of used car parts, a 100% rating is basically a unicorn.
Money and Scrap
People also come here for the cash. If your car is sitting in the driveway looking like a lawn ornament, they buy junk cars. The prices usually range anywhere from $50 to $1200, depending on what’s under the hood and the current price of scrap metal.
They aren’t the only ones on the block, though. Ostrinsky Scrap is literally right down the road at 731 Parker St. While Ostrinsky is more of a "bring us your copper and aluminum" type of place, Parker Street is the place for actual parts.
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The Logistics: Getting There and Paying
They are located at 775 Parker St, Manchester, CT 06042. If you’re coming from Hartford, it’s a quick hop off the highway.
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (usually, though some reports say they close or have limited hours)
- Sunday: Closed (let the guys rest)
One thing that’s surprisingly modern about them? They take basically every form of payment. Amex, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and even Diners Club. You don't see that often at a local yard. It makes the transaction a lot smoother if you’re trying to use a business card or just don't carry a wad of cash.
What Most People Get Wrong About Salvage Yards
A lot of folks are scared they’ll buy a "dud." Here’s the reality: Parker Street has been around since the Eisenhower administration. You don't stay in business that long by selling junk that doesn't work. They are members of the Connecticut Auto Recyclers Association (CAR), which means they follow certain standards for how they pull and sell parts.
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Another misconception is that it’s cheaper to buy "new" aftermarket parts online. Sure, a $20 door handle from a random site might look shiny, but it’s often cheap plastic that breaks in a month. Getting an Original Equipment (OE) part from a yard like Parker Street means you’re getting the part the manufacturer actually built for the car. It fits better. It lasts longer.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re heading down to Parker Street Used Auto Parts Manchester CT, don’t just wing it.
- Call ahead: Use their local number (860-649-3391) or their toll-free line (800-247-6761). Ask if they have the specific year, make, and model in the yard.
- Know your codes: If you’re looking for a transmission or an engine control module, have your VIN or the specific part code ready. "The blue one" doesn't help them find it in the stacks.
- Bring tools (maybe): While many of these parts are already pulled and sitting on a shelf, sometimes you might need to check a specific fitment. Always ask if it’s a "pull-it-yourself" day or if they do the heavy lifting.
- Check the eBay store: If you don't feel like driving down, see if they’ve already listed the part online. It’s a great way to verify they actually have the inventory.
If you have a non-running car, don't just let it sit. Prices for scrap fluctuate, but having a local spot like Parker Street means you can usually get a fair quote without a middleman taking a cut. Just make sure you have the title—it makes the process ten times faster.
Dealing with car trouble is a headache. But honestly, walking into a place that knows cars inside and out is better than gambling on a random internet seller. Go see Fred and the crew, get your part, and get back on the road.