About Us

Some shops are just a place to get your vehicle fixed. Coastal Automotive Repair has been part of Southport's story for nearly four decades, and the people behind it are your neighbors. Here's a little about who we are and how we got here.

Our Story


In 1987, Billy and Sam took the reins of Coastal Automotive Repair. They built it into a cornerstone of quality automotive service in the community, and their dedication to excellence and customer care has earned the shop its reputation over the years. Today, that same spirit guides everything we do at 929 N Howe St.

Meet Billy


Billy is the backbone of Coastal Automotive Repair, and he manages the repair side of the shop. With over 40 years of experience in the automotive industry, his journey began right here in Southport. After graduating from South Brunswick, he started out as a gas station attendant and worked his way into the trade he's now spent a career in. That experience shows in the way the repair side runs. Billy knows that every vehicle in our bays belongs to someone in the community around Southport, and that their trust matters as much as the work itself.

Meet Rodney


Rodney Melton joined the Coastal Automotive team in 2014, bringing fresh perspectives and a shared dedication to exceptional service. In 2021, he purchased Sam's portion of the business and became Billy's partner. Today, he takes charge of our tires and inspections.


Rodney was born and raised in Southport, and his family roots in Brunswick County date back to 1760. He cherishes family values and community spirit, and it's a big part of why customer service comes first at Coastal Automotive Repair.

Excellent Tires and Auto Repair in Southport



Tires are our specialty, and we're an authorized Kenda, Firestone, and Bridgestone tire dealer. We also handle a wide range of auto repairs, from brake service to A/C repair, along with North Carolina state inspections. We work on most makes and models, domestic, European, and Asian imports alike. Every person who walks in is treated like a friend or a neighbor, because in a town like Southport, that's exactly what they are.


We also want your visit to be easy, which is why the following amenities are included:


  • An inviting waiting room with free Wi-Fi
  • After-hours drop-off 
  • FREE tire rotations with full set tire purchases
  • Straight answers and honesty from a caring team


Whether you need new tires, a car repair, or your annual North Carolina inspection, we'd love to see you. Stop by Coastal Automotive Repair at 929 N Howe St in Southport, NC, and meet the people who've been taking care of this community's vehicles since 1987.