About Us
A Legacy Built on Trust Since 1939
Founded in 1939...
...in downtown Los Angeles by Jimmy Crain, Crain Auto Electric began as a small yet specialized automotive electrical repair and rebuilding shop. Known for craftsmanship, attention to detail, and customer-first service, the shop quickly earned a reputation among technicians and fleet operators alike.
Quality
Over time, that commitment to quality became the cornerstone of our business.
1960’s
After Jimmy Crain’s retirement in the late 1960s, Crain Auto Electric transitioned to new ownership and expanded into a full-service automotive parts distributor.
Our Focus
Our focus sharpened around starting and charging systems, allowing us to build deep technical expertise while forging partnerships with industry-leading manufacturers like CE Niehoff, Prestolite, and Ametek.
Growth
What started as a local repair shop is now a trusted national supplier to commercial fleets, municipalities, and industrial operations.
Driven by Reliability, Powered by People
Today, we continue to honor our legacy by combining the best of both worlds—old-school reliability and modern, high-performance automotive electrical components. Family-owned and operated, we bring a personal level of care to every customer interaction, whether you’re managing a fleet of heavy trucks or servicing emergency vehicles. At Crain Auto Electric, we’re more than a parts distributor—we’re a dependable partner with over 80 years of experience helping our customers keep their vehicles running strong.