Staff Writer
MAPLETON – Whether your car needs a tune-up or your farm truck needs a paint job, Aroostook Custom Trucks is open and ready to serve your automotive needs.
Owner James Henthorn, along with his son, Gerald Bubar, takes pride in announcing the opening of his business, also known as ACT, at 1645 Parsons Road in Mapleton.
STEPPING UP to the task of prepping a farm truck’s bulk body for painting, Jim Henthorn, owner of Aroostook Custom Trucks, grips the ladder with one hand while wielding a sander with the other. Henthorn’s Parsons Road business performs commercial and auto body repairs and more for everything from personal vehicles to larger machines, including farm equipment.
“I’ve wanted to operate my own business for a number of years. I’m looking forward to serving customers from the surrounding communities,” said Henthorn.
A mechanic by trade, Henthorn has been doing such work since his military days.
“I started when I went in the Army in 1979. I did hydraulic repairs – basically kept the Army running,” said Henthorn, with a laugh.
While he doesn’t do major overhauls of motors or transmissions, Henthorn said he does just about everything else.
“We don’t do overhauls but we can do replacements. We also do a various maintenance jobs, as well as painting and body work,” he said.
Work isn’t limited to personal vehicles.
“Our garage is large enough to accommodate large trucks – farm trucks, over-the-road tractor-trailer units and heavy equipment,” said Henthorn of his approximately 60-foot-deep facility.
Henthorn’s dream of owning his own place was delayed following a fire at his Washburn residence almost two years ago in which he lost all of his tools. He thanks a Washburn business owner for giving him a chance to get back on his feet.
“Andy White gave me a job at his garage in Washburn, let me use his tools. I’d really like to thank him for giving me a way to provide for my family. I’d been laid off from the Maine Military Authority, so when the fire occurred, I wasn’t sure how I’d support my family. I was pretty depressed and unsure of our future until Andy made me an offer,” said Henthorn.
Henthorn and Bubar also do specialty projects for customers.
“We can customize a person’s vehicle. They tell us what they’re interested in and we work with their ideas. We’ll modify vehicles like older trucks, the classics – extend the chassis and such,” said Henthorn.
Although Henthorn and Bubar are the only two on staff, Henthorn said he’s also received assistance from Easler Trucking.
“Easler Trucking moves trailers around – help out from time to time like that,” said Henthorn. “They allow me to use their equipment.”
Henthorn hasn’t been able to replace many of his tools lost in the fire, since he’s still waiting to settle with his insurance company. But that hasn’t kept him from following his dream.
“I decided I was going to do whatever it take. You do what you have to do to make dreams come true,” said Henthorn. “I appreciate Andy giving me a job through the down times and hardships.”
Now located at the former site of what he called the old Bugbee shop, Henthorn is ready to begin the next chapter in his life and looks forward to serving the many needs of his customers.
“We’ve been cleaning the place up – plan to fence an area off. We take pride in our work,” said Henthorn.
Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, contact 764-3804.
Henthorn is looking to a brighter future, now that he has a garage of his own.
“I purchased this place with the intent of having a one-stop shop. We do it all, from maintenance to painting and autobody work. Whether it’s a fender repair, paint job or tune-up, we do it all,” said Henthorn. “Whether you’re from Presque Isle, Houlton or Limestone, we’re ready to serve the needs of Aroostook County – motorists, truckers, farmers and more.”
OPEN FOR BUSINESS – Gerald Bubar, at left, assists his father, Jim Henthorn, at their Parsons Road shop located in Mapleton. Henthorn’s business, Aroostook Custom Trucks – or ACT – specializes in commercial and auto body, with Bubar and Henthorn ready to repair whatever you have, be it a family car or an 18-wheeler.
