As the title says "Interesting day at wrecking yard" I managed to find parts I needed and then some. I can't believe the number of people who go to yards and don't have tools to pull the parts off with. I was asked at least four times if "Can I borrow this and that" The answer is No!! I don't lend my tools out. At that point I'm an ***$%#&.
So be it. But I'm an ***$%#& with tools
I have learned a lot at wrecking yards but peoples behavior I have'nt learned. Hey do you got a cigarette? Can I borrow a tool I'm right over there. (three rows away) I'm prepared to be there a few hours so I bring what I need. I work alone so I have to watch everything and everybody.
Then there's the few that are there to walk away with your tools while your not watching. Yes those people are also there.
I love going to wrecking yards that's how I learned to strip an entire truck by myself. And rebuild it properly. I've also learned that a lot of previous owners had no clue on how to maintain there vehicles. I've found household wire connectors, bailing wire, string/rope not to mention house electrical switches. Scary thought that these (previous owners) actually drove these trucks that way.
Sorry for this thread I just needed to vent.

 

Man, I am right there with you on the tool lending thing. I bought a 110 piece Kobalt tool set from Lowe's with a blowmold case. If something is missing I will know right away. This set has a hammer, dykes, pliers, channel locks, crescent wrench, and a ton of sockets and bits. I strap it to my dolly with pneumatic tires and go to town. The dolly is so much easier than those wore out wheelbarrows.

I can not believe how many people go to the yard with no tools. I have lent them before, but it is a pain since I am not going to be where the guy originally borrowed my tools. I will take the "what a butthole" look from now on. I never have been able to understand the mentality of people.

I have also noticed that when I am getting stuff off of a car, some people will come up and start removing items from the same car. I always try to respect the guy who is getting his stuff from a car until he leaves, or ask if they are going to be taking a part I am wanting. We should start a junkyard manners form to give to are local yards.

 

I agree with you guys comments; but I also have gone to a salavage yard with only a leatherman; and walk out with numerous parts. Especially I love to fine where folks have hidden a better than average tailgate under rubble in a bed of a truck.
Its like easter egg hunting!!!

Mitch

 

wish that there were boneyards with trucks older than 1980s. Up here in the rust belt , they then crush whatever is left.

Mitch, I hope all is well your way with all the flooding.

 

So true, I usually walk the row's making a mental note as to what's there. If I find what I'm looking for great if not the "Easter egg hunt" is on. I remember once looking at a 65-66 (upper valance was still on) wishing the grill was still on it, when I looked in the bed there was a perfect 65 aluminum grill just sitting there. Wow!!! I've come across trucks with the grill almost off and just left because the person did not know how to get it off so they left it. I also caught one guy deliberately destroying the grill and core support with a sawsall just so he could get the engine out. It was a 66 f100 pefect core support and aluminum grill, was...
Wrecking yard horror stories, should be the title of this post.

 

When I go junking I usually bring along my Radio Flyer wagon to haul my tool box in. It is also handy for hauling out parts that are small enough to fit in the wagon.

 

Another interesting quote. I've seen some contraptions built by the seasoned wrecking yard shoppers that would blow your mind. Some designed for glass, doors and tires. One guy I see regularly has a hand truck laid down a hitch welded on it a handle of sorts and he can haul tires and a motor with it. He's at the yards everyday.

 

YAY...This gonna be a fun thread..well, Ive been on both...err three sides of this topic...customer in need of help with tools...and helping others with their part...AND when I was alot younger, when I helped out...First..as a customer, when I have gone to a place to get a specific piece or look over a given type of rig I usually find the choice stuff...when I dont have tools and the yard is a couple hundred miles away. When I have gone with tools Ive gotten lucky as well. As for helping peeps pull a part or two...thats simple karma...and it has come around on several occasions all for the good. Loaning tools..usually not done...I have 2 sets of the basics...the good home set and the el cheapo or beat to pee set...a pretty coat of pink or something like that is a heckuva a good way of marking whats yours.
But the thing Ive learned...and benefitted from the most was when I was helping as a kid...I learned ALOT...about interchange and people skills...and how to drive a Bobcat ..Ahh the memories..They had about 5 or so pair of doors from our trucks...and some had pouches...ALL in the ultimate end 20 or so years after ...they went to scrap...the yards long gone. Anyway, I learned alot...made some great friends I have to this day too..dont ever think that that kid you give crap to doesnt respect or appreciate what they are being taught...I did and its paid off bigtime.
The one thing, as a helper I fully know is they cannot stand it when the customer hovers over them as they pull a part...depending on what it is, I advise them how to pull it...so as not to ruin it...as Ive seen that done too. If you get a good yardman though who helps you...definately give them props and a thank you...remember...karma...it DOES pay off...
The sad stories...hacked dashes for a part...ruined doors for a 2 cent part...but worst of all...taking a complete or mostly complete rig, popping the tank, pulling the wheels, draining oils and putting in the crusher pile...heck I've got a perfectly usable turn signal lense from a crushed 58 Edsel...a cars never done offering parts till its on the belt to the shredder...

Can ya tell I love wrecking yards?? I do...except what I call crush happy ones..ESPECIALLY with the old stuff.....That makes me wanna scream !


- cs65

 

There's a the long time truck dismantlers yard (since 1929) here in LA LA Land that you don't need tools, cuz the yard took everything off the vehicles, then stacked the parts up in specific sections.

Like the 1961/66 4WD fenders that have been hanging in racks prolly since the vehicles were nearly new.

"Squire" Don (camperspecial65) found these and pointed them out. I kinda knew they were there, but here in LA LA Land, the demand for rust free sheetmetal is slim & none...so no one gives a damn.

I have to hand it to Robert (Gangstakr), as his climbing ability is unmatched. He found a NOS chrome 1960 truck grille above the mezzanine.

I've been hittin' this yard since 1967, had no clue it was there.

 

i'm doing well; had about 250 (+) homes damaged & 200 (+) Business in my town.
School out for all last week; and the town / county below us in worst shape (Cheatham County).
Several FTE members homes damage as well.

God is good all is well!

Thanks for asking.

Mitch

 

Something too add; I met a nice local gentlemen who makes his living thru ebay / salavage yards; he takes a car charger / jumper (everstart) with him into the local yards and test radios on the spot as well as all electrical components like power windows prior to pulling them.

Just thought I throw that out for your thinking pleasure!

Mitch

 

I can sure relate to the loaning tools bit.My folks had a yard at one point,and we used to buy those cheapo tool sets to hand out for small stuff.Just the cost of doin biz we reckoned.

 

I have people asking to borrow tools every time I go yarding. I politely tell them I am a professional and my tools are my living. I do not lend them but I would be happy to pull any part for them at $20-$30 an hour 1 hour minimum, after I get what I've come for. I've gotten a few side jobs installing the parts I've pulled for others.
I was amused by all the heads that popped up the first time I took my cordless impact to the yard.

 

Don't get me wrong, I'd be glad to help out those who need it, but then the ones who come in with a tire iron expecting to pull out a dash or headlights now those are the ones I have to say no to. Like most people who need certain parts for their personal vehicle, they know what tools to bring. I pull parts to supplement my income and use any extra money for my truck. In the past two years I have been fortunate enough to get most of my interior and paint job done without touching household money.
(household money = anything associated with home ie: bills, home repair typical maintenance around the house) I pull parts from a lot of different vehicles. I have a small customer base who email me their requests for certain parts, if I find what they want I get it. I normally drive at least 400 miles a weekend searching for parts. (Yes a weekend) So loaning tools is not going to happen. I do know most of the regular guys and they look out for me as to what I need. via cell phone. I hit the yards during the week after work Tues. Thurs. and Fridays. During summer, yards are open until 6:00 or 6:30 I get off at 4:30 closest yard from job 30 miles.
I've said to much for now.

 

I just got back from getting a set of gt40p heads for my dads truck. I brought my sawzall and 2 extra blades. While I was cutting on the exhaust the blade bound and snapped. A person of non english speaking came up asking in broken english to use my saw. I explained that I was not done cutting stuff and not sure how much battery I would need or blades I would go through. He was not happy with me.

I feel a little bad, but I brought those things for my needs, not every person in the yard. They do not want to wait to borrow your stuff either. They want it right away while you wait.