Jewels in the Junkyard - Self-serve

Hunting Trip
First you will need tools. Bring whatever is needed to pull the part, plus some hand cleaner, work gloves and a rag or two. Be prepared to discover attaching bolts that are rounded off and screws stripped out (a pair of small vise-grips can work wonders).


Prepare for a worst-case scenario and you will seldom be disappointed. Bring your tools in a carrying box, and be aware that you may not be allowed to bring your old parts into the yard (since the lot personnel have no way of telling your old part from their newer one). Leave it in your car to compare before you leave.


At the yard office you may be required to sign a release before going into the yard (more a big-city lawyer-esque thing), and there may be a small charge for yard entry. Once in the yard start looking for cars like yours. Most yards sort cars by make or function (Detroit iron, imports, mini pickups, sports cars) and pile them together. However, don't assume that every car is in the correct location, so snoop around. Plus, if you are looking for something generic like a sound system or some chrome trim for a custom, you are going to have to peer into every hull in the lot.

Safety First
Safety is an important aspect of yard hunting. Some lots stack cars in piles, which can make part retrieval hazardous. Cars on top may topple and ones on the bottom may collapse, so carefully evaluate the situation before you climb inside. And bang on hoods and trunks before opening. Listen for the buzz that would indicate a nest of angry yellow jackets and be prepared to run!


Newer self-service lots go out of their way to make it easy for you to remove parts. The cars are not stacked, and they are often set on old wheels and tires to make it easier to crawl underneath. Some have gravel lots to provide drainage and to give a safer base for jacks to work on. Most have "cherry picker" lifts for pulling engines (they will do this after you have loosened everything up).