Thursday, September 23, 2010

From Soccer Mom SUVs To The Streets Of North Minneapolis...


Photos and blog post by John Hoff

About a month ago, I purchased "new to me" tires at Rusty's Tire, 2401 West Broadway. The tires cost 30-something dollars each, which included the installation. Where, I wondered, does Rusty's get such affordable tires?

One of the guys at the shop told me how the owner goes to...

...scrapyards and finds the vehicles with decent tires, which he purchases and resells at the shops. But scrapyards are probably not the only source of re-salable tires. A friend of mine related what she was told about the source of Rusty's wares: out in the affluent suburbs, "soccer mom" car owners purchase new tires yearly. But their old tires are still relatively decent, suitable for resale in our happy (rapidly revitalizing!) hood. Thus the tires make their way down the socio-economic food chain. Everybody wins, including the earth, since re-using tires is better for the environment than creating new tires. (Though riding a bike and using mass transit is, of course, even better)

I must say that, for a long time, I hesitated to do business with Rusty's. It was only due to the repeated enthusiastic recommendations of my friends (click for only one example, already published on this blog) that I ventured into their humble shop on West Broadway. Now I'm a fan of Rusty's and I will be buying all my "next to new" tires there.

7 comments:

Hans said...

Hey that's good to know about. I can't remember how many times I've hunted all over the metro to find used tires in a pinch.

Can you post an address for Rusty's?

Patrick said...

Rusty's is great. I buy all my tires used and from the big R.

Anonymous said...

2401 W Broadway Ave

NoMi Passenger said...

Hans, it's on the south side of Broadway, between Penn and 26th. I recommend going to 26th/Broadway (near CVS) turn LEFT onto Broadway, then go slow in right lane to be prepared to turn right into the garage entrance of Rusty's.

boathead said...

Rustys Tires has been in North Minneapolis for as long as i can remember.The 4th precinct used to be next door and the fine officers of that precinct nowadays are keeping up the tradition of being involved with the community as they did then. I have heard stories through the years about the great people that have worked there and i am sure the same holds true now.I do not own an automobile but if i were to receive the same treatment at A LOCAL BIKE SHOP i'm sure i would be satisfied. I think it is extremely important that we utilize any business possible that may be located in North Minneapolis before we look outside of the community.Neighborhoods across the entire spectrum of this area have to invest and put back in to their respective areas. Peruse all local publications and truly try to buy products from local hardware,grocery,and other retail and privately owned enterprises.Patience and perseverance along with the beautiful diversity this area brings is very special so let's work together and make it happen. Thank you,Rustys, and all other businesses that have stuck it out here through the good and the bad and,honestly, we should have some kind of longevity award for businesses like Rustys that have been here a long,long time.They obviously have what it takes.Bon Soir.

Ingrid said...

We live in NoMi and love Rusty's Tires! Highly recommend it to anyone.

James Nelson said...

When I'm low on cash but need 'new' tires: Rusty's has the best. Thanks for helpin' out when cash is tight Rusty's.