I really enjoyed getting ready for our move and proudly displayed all the boxes I packed up and filled with my stuff in one corner of the garage. I thought my parents would be thrilled with my efforts, but they were more concerned about getting rid of all the ‘good junk’ that had been brought to us over the years. Moving day was approaching and it was crunch time. After packing up all of the stuff we were taking with us, we brain-stormed on how to get rid of the rest. That would not be an easy task because my grandparents would be around and wonder why we were not taking all their wonderful finds with us.
Well, if this doesn’t work you will have to go by word of mouth. Go seek the information from historical societies or auto mechanics. They may know someone that either now were a salvage WWII vehicle is or have first hand knowledge themselves.
As with everything, there imitation companies. They will copy the product so perfectly that to the untrained eye, it looks the same. However, to the one who knows about car parts, the difference is obvious. Imitation car parts are not made with the same level of quality goods as the original. At the start, it may seem all fine, and good, however after a while, it will noticeable that it does not function as properly, and will wear away faster.
Owning a classic car is a great investment for car enthusiasts. The price value appreciates as it ages. The only problem or challenge most collectors encounter is when they need to change some car parts and accessories. The classic car parts are not usually available in typical automobile shops.
Cash and Carry: Make everything cash and carry. People will always try to get more for their money by feigning an inability to carry off an item after they bought it. They’ll ask you for an additional discount for having to haul it away or try to scam you into a free delivery. Never offer to deliver anything or accept less for a large item just to have a buyer ‘take it off your hands.” Do not offer cash back just because a buyer suddenly realizes they cannot fit the item they bought into their vehicle. You can always offer to hold it for them a day or two until someone can pick it up for them, but this is generally unwise.
Did you know that, on average, three quarters of an inoperable car’s parts can be reused because they are still in working condition? An 2001 dodge ram 3500 yard could have just the pieces you’re looking for! Even small, locally owned salvage yards can have a few thousand cars’ worth of parts on hand. That’s over a million parts! And not only is it likely that they’ll have the parts you need, but some places will also install the parts for you on-site. Some salvage yards also encourage you to call ahead with the description of the part you need so that they can pull it from the yard and have it ready for you when you arrive. This saves you time AND money!
The best way to find the part you need is to call the junk yard first. Ask them if they have the part and give them an opportunity to look. If they do have it, they will tell you. They assess vehicles when they receive them to see what parts are in good shape and which ones are not. They will collect both the internal and external parts that are in great shape. They will even collect tires that can go a while longer. Whatever it is you need, just ask.
Be Buyer Friendly and Sale Smart: Greet your buyers, act friendly (avoid foul language at all costs and keep friends or relatives with potty mouths away for the day). Have one area where buyers can test electric or electronic items (don’t stretch electric extension cords everywhere so that people can trip and fall over them). Maintain eye contact with buyers and never agree or disagree with anything they say about your items.
What about a loved one who is living with a hoarding problem? We have all seen that home. For a while it’s not a big deal and no one says anything. Neighbors may get put off and perhaps the town points out an ordinance your loved one is breaking. They may go so far as to ask that your loved one begin junk removal immediately. While this was probably a long time coming it’s going to be a long time cleaning. In this case, it might also be best to call a removal company.