Store owner Frank Romero, left, and Manager Tim Conduracki are ready to help people with their auto parts needs. (The Pilot/Ellen Babin).

By Ellen Babin

Pilot staff writer

Frank Romero knows his auto parts. He started learning about cars and what makes them run on '56 Chevys and '47 Dodges.

Now, as the new owner of NAPA Auto Parts in Brookings, he and his staff add up to more than 120 years experience with auto parts.

Romero bought the business at 1130 Chetco Ave. from NAPA's parent company earlier this month.

Hiring Tim Conduracki as manager and doubling the number of experienced counter personnel to four is part of Romero's plan to "make all functions (of the store) work better."

That goal also includes adding a half-time delivery person to the existing staff of one full-time person.

Opening the store on Sundays is in the works for after the first of the year, Romero said.

Romero moved to Brookings two years ago; choosing the area as a place to live when he stopped for lunch 12 years ago.

NAPA Auto Parts is open from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The phone number is (541) 469-5303.