Junkyards. The name is kinda funny, because to a gearhead, they are anything but. Original parts, brackets or bolts, still in their original setting so that you can see how a certain part was held together. It may look like a piece of junk to some ... but to someone who is trying to put something back together, it’s priceless. If you are lucky enough to be restoring (or building) a early Mustang, Camaro, GTO, or tri-five Chevy parts are not that big of a problem, as long as you have a credit card and a phone.
However, if you have chose a different route, something rare or unique, the story changes. Here is where Junkyards have always come into play. Unfortunately, due to the rising cost of scrap metal, environmental problems and of course the retiring or dying off of those yard owners who knew something about what was worth saving, junkyards are disappearing as quickly as our W.W.II Veterans.
Big John with his ‘55 Ford Victoria
~ circa 1970
Growing up in Northwestern New Jersey (Sussex County) I was on a first name basis with every junkyard owner in the area. My ‘58 Vette came out of Oak Ridge Auto Wreckers and my ‘55 Ford Victoria came out of Bryrum Wreckers, both cars were put back on the road and ... I am still driving the Vette.
So we, Still Runnin Magazine, would like your help to list any yards in your area that still have any old inventory left. E-mail us with name, location, (phone or e-mail if you have it) and we will compile a state by state listing.
Also listen up ... if you have a old car that you are going to scrap because it hasn’t sold or you have to remove it from your property for whatever reason, Still Runnin will list it for free in one issue. Include pictures and description, include both phone and e-mail contact info. Lets give our fellow gearheads the opportunity to save them from the crusher. I’m relatively sure that the car community will give you what the scrap man is offering! Let’s see if together we can save them, one by one !!
Maybe that part or piece of chrome trim you have not been able to find anywhere, is closer than you think. And God knows what else you might stumble on while you’re looking for it.
PS. If you find that part you have been looking for forever and the price is anywhere near reasonable ... remember how long you have been searching for it. I have spoke to many yard owners and private owners who had 2 to 10 cars that said, they were tired of dealing with people who said they couldn’t find a certain part anywhere ... then wanted it for next to nothing. “The crusher don’t argue with me about price”, is the quote I remember best.
Keep ‘em Runnin
Together we can save them, One by One from the Crusher! Help Still Runnin build a Junkyard listing for fellow gearheads to find the hidden treasures they have been hunting for.
Submit the whereabouts of the Junkyards in your area!
Email us anytime: