If you want cheap auto parts for your Chevrolet, then a Chevy salvage yard is the best place. Most car junk yards are going to have a section dedicated to this classic American auto brand, but a place that exclusively deals in Chevy is a goldmine. In this post I’ll talk about the Chevy salvage yards near me, where to find yours, tips on how to junk your Chevrolet for cash, and share some info about used auto parts.
Map of Chevy Salvage Yards Near Me
For “Chevy Junk Yards Near Me” or “Chevy Salvage Yards Near Me”, see the map below..
If the map above doesn’t show an exclusive Chevy salvo, there is likely not one near you. You can widen the search range or check out one of the local auto salvo lots that likely has a large Chevy section. If you have an older Chevy you may want to look at antique car salvos and muscle car salvos as well.
Explore Chevy Salvage Yards for Quality Parts, Great Prices, and Fast Shipping!
When in search of classic Chevy car parts, opting for Chevy salvage yards can be a savvy choice for enthusiasts and restoration projects alike. These salvage yards offer a treasure trove of used Chevy auto parts, particularly for old cars like the iconic Bel Air. The allure lies not only in the nostalgia of restoring vintage vehicles but also in the practical benefits.
Salvage yards often provide fast shipping, ensuring that your project doesn’t face unnecessary delays. Moreover, the parts you find are not only cost-effective but also of high quality, making them a reliable choice for refurbishing your classic Chevy. Whether you’re in need of engines or other components, the great price and abundant selection at these salvage yards make them a go-to resource for those seeking to revive the glory of their classic Chevy rides.
How Does a Chevrolet Salvage Yard Operate
Chevy scrap yards are run like any local business. The Chevy salvage yards near me do both buying cars, trucks, and vans as well as selling them (or selling them for parts).
How Do Chevy Vehicles Get in the Yard
All vehicle junkers have slightly different policies, but for the most part, they get inventory the same. The two primary sources for junked cars are people who junk their cars for cash or insurance companies who sell a wrecked car after an accident. Some junkers will even come in through various auctions.
Many people who junk their car for cash have either tried to fix it and couldn’t or decided the cost of repair was more costly than the vehicle is worth. Insurance companies will sell a wrecked car to an auto salvo to help recoup the cost of paying out an insurance claim.
How Chevy Junkyards Process Their Vehicles
Before a Chevy is ready to be picked apart, it needs to go through a few standard processes when it comes into the yard. Most yards follow these steps…
Drain the anti-freeze and wiper fluids and repackage them for sale to the public. Siphon the gas and store it in a container tank for resale. Drain all the motor oil for recycling according to the laws of the state.
Some places will pull the battery and recharge it, then sell it. Additionally, the engine might be pulled, rebuilt, and sold with a warranty.
How a Chevy Junk Yard is Arranged
The Chevy salvage yards near me are arranged by model and year. Organized yards make a huge difference in finding what you need and saving you time. If you go to a specialized yard, like a Corvette salvage yard, you will see much tighter groupings and arrangements.
Often the most popular models are towards the entrance of the yard. It’s possible to find antique Chevy’s on these yards, but they are often pretty picked apart. Likely though any mid-size size t large auto salvo should have plenty of Chevrolet’s for you to pick through. Here are some of the models you will likely find near you:
- Corvette
- Blazer
- Colorado
- Volt
- Suburban
- Tahoe
- Equinox
- Express
- Camaro
- Corsica
- SS
- Traverse
- Trailblazer
- Bolt
- Cruz
- Sonic
- Spark
- Astro
- Avalanche
- Aveo
- Beratta
- Caprice
- Opel Antara
- Cavalier
- Cobalt
- Lumina
- Malibu
- Metro
- Monte Carlo
- Prizm
- Tracker
- Uplander
- Venture
- Silverado
- Impala
- Chevelle
- Chevette
Finding old classic Chevys like a 64 Impala, a 65 Corvette Sting Ray, or a 70 Camaro still in good shape for parts picking is pretty rare. I’m not saying you can’t find these, but pickin’s are slim unless you happen upon some fresh inventory.
Most good auto salvo’s maintain an online database which can help you shave time off wandering around the lot. If the Chevrolet salvage yard near you doesn’t try giving them a call and asking for what you specifically want. You can ask questions like: “Do you have a Timing chain for a 2008 Malibu”?, “Do you have any Silverado trucks on hand and if so, what models and years are they”?, “Do you have a soft top for a 66 Corvette and what shape is it in”?
If you aren’t finding what you need You can also look for other GM salvages as an alternative.
What Kind of Used Chevy Parts Can You Find at a Junk Yard?
If you have a Chevy that needs some parts, then the auto salvo is the best place to save money. You can find a treasure trove of values like panels, axles, pistons, intakes, doors, mirrors, and more. It’s even plausible that you may find brand-new parts. This happens when someone tries to fix their own vehicle and can’t get it to operate correctly, pass inspection, or run. These fools add parts and then junk the vehicle and don’t take off the brand-new parts they added.
What Happens After a Chevrolet Gets Junked?
Any well-maintained junk yard will sell off a stripped-down vehicle for scrap metal. This serves two purposes for the salvage yard. First, it means they can squeeze a little more cash out of a vehicle after it’s stripped. Second, by taking the car out of the yard they make room for more inventory.
Of course, not all yards are well maintained. Some of these places leave the autos to rust on the lot.
Buying Used Chevy Parts at a Salvage Yard
Pros of Buying Used Chevy Parts at a Salvage Yard
It’s hard not to save money at a junk yard. you can often find items super cheap like a driver-side front door for $60, a side view mirror for $12, or a recharged battery for $13. In fact, you can even buy used auto parts cheaply and then sell them for a profit on Craigslist or Ebay. It’s a nice way to turn your junk yard trip into a profit.
If you need to get a part that is expensive, you should consider getting a warranty on it. This will run you between $10 and $15 depending on the business and the part. Most places won’t give you cash back, but you can take the part home and return it within 30 days if it doesn’t work.
While getting used parts comes with some acceptable risk, it’s possible you may even get manufacturer-assembled parts. This is ideal if you are doing a restoration and trying to stay authentic.
Cons of Buying Used Chevy Parts Cheap
Used parts obviously aren’t always reliable. You have no idea what some fool did to it before you. You can examine the part, look at the odometer, and take a best guess, but actually knowing if the part has reached its end of life is often hard to determine. Again, this is why I endorse a warranty if the part is expensive.
The Auto Salvo can also be a huge time waste if the yard is managed well. You can spend hours wandering around looking for used Chevrolet parts that they don’t even have. This is why calling ahead is helpful. Even if they don’t know if they have your part, they may at least be able to tell you how the yard is arranged.
Also, it’s a salvage yard, so remember not all parts are worth buying. For a list of parts not to buy, click here.
Tips For Selling Your Chevrolet to an Auto Salvage
Time to junk your Chevy for cash?…before you negotiate with the junk yard consider doing these:
- Siphon the gas
- Empty your glove box, trunk, center console, and anywhere else you may have personal items
- Cancel the insurance, registration, and plates (Don’t ask them to do…it will cost you)
- Know the value of your Chevrolet before you sell it.
Additionally you should be aware of a few backhanded tactics they may use when buying your Chevrolet. Read our article on scams and tricks junkyards use when negotiating prices.
Resources for Chevy Vehicles
- Chevrolet Homepage
- Chevy Wiki
- Reddit r/Chevrolet
- Reddit r/Chevy
- The Official Chevy Forum
- The Chevy Club
Chevy Salvage Yards Near Me – Wrap-Up
Chevy junkyards, scrap yards, and auto salvages are the best ways to save money on the parts you need. Even if there isn’t a salvage yard specific to Chevy nearby, your local yard should still be able to provide you with savings and most of what you need.
It’s important to know that if you are selling your Chevy, not all places behave fairly…know the tactics. Most places do good honest business, but always be on the lookout. That’s what I’ve learned from the Chevy salvage yards near me.
FAQs – Chevy Salvage Yards Near Me
What is a Chevy salvage yard?
A Chevy salvage yard, also known as an auto salvage yard or junkyard, is a place where damaged or decommissioned Chevrolet vehicles are collected, disassembled, and their usable parts are salvaged for resale.
What types of Chevy vehicles can I find in a salvage yard?
Chevy salvage yards typically have a variety of Chevrolet vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and sometimes even vintage or classic models.
Are the parts from a Chevy salvage yard reliable?
The reliability of parts from a Chevy salvage yard depends on the yard’s reputation and quality control standards. Reputable salvage yards thoroughly inspect and test parts to ensure they are in good working condition.
Can I sell my old Chevy vehicle to a salvage yard?
Yes, many Chevy salvage yards purchase old, damaged, or non-functional vehicles. Contact the salvage yard beforehand to get a quote and inquire about their specific requirements for purchasing vehicles.
What documents do I need to sell my Chevy vehicle to a salvage yard?
Typically, you will need the vehicle title, a valid ID, and any other relevant paperwork proving ownership. Check with the salvage yard in advance to confirm their specific documentation requirements.
Can I pull my own parts from a Chevy salvage yard?
Some salvage yards allow customers to pull their own parts, while others may have staff assist with the extraction. Confirm the yard’s policies regarding customer involvement in the salvaging process.
Are there warranties on parts purchased from a Chevy salvage yard?
It varies from yard to yard. Some offer limited warranties on parts, while others may sell parts “as-is.” Always inquire about warranties or return policies before making a purchase.
Can I find rare or vintage Chevy parts in a salvage yard?
Yes, some salvage yards specialize in vintage or classic cars, and you may find rare Chevy parts in these yards. However, availability may vary, so it’s advisable to call ahead and inquire.
