Mopar junkyards are like an elusive mythical creature, that only some are lucky enough to find. These amazing salvage yards house some of the best old Chryslers, Plymouths, and Dodges you can imagine. They are the perfect place to find your next project car. But where are they? Below I will discuss where to find them, some tips, and share my experience with the Mopar junkyards near me.
Map of Mopar Junkyards Near Me
For “Mopar Junkyards Near Me” or “Mopar Salvage Yards Near Me”, see the map below…
Other related searches people find helpful are for Chrysler junkyards and Dodge junkyards. You can typically find Mopar vehicles at your local auto salvage as well.
How To Do the Mopar Junkyards Near Me Operate
A Mopar junkyard operates like any other auto salvage. The only difference is, that these specialize in Mopar cars and parts. The word “Mopar” is a nickname by fans of Chrysler built vehicles to refer to anything built by the company. These junkyards work by buying junked vehicles and then selling them off for parts or as project cars.
How Do Mopar Salvage Yards Get Vehicles
Vehicles come in from different sources. Sometimes owners will sell a junked vehicle, some will come from insurance companies after an accident, and others will come from auction. The goal for any salvage yard is to get the vehicle for the least amount of money and sell it off as parts for a profit.
These Mopar salvages though only take in Chrysler, Plymouth, and Dodge manufactured vehicles.
How Mopar Junkyards Process Vehicles
When a new vehicle comes in it does not go straight out to the lot. There is processing that must be done first. The junkyard needs to meet state environmental regulations by draining the fluids. They also want to do some pre-stripping of parts so they can stop the corrosion process and ensure they get maximum value out of them.
Fluids that get drained are typically gas, oil, wiper fluid, anti-freeze, etc. Parts that get pre-pulled are often batteries, alternators, and sometimes the motor. If salvageable batteries get recharged the motor might even get rebuilt.
How the Mopar Junkyards Near Me are Structured
Now in an ideal world, a junkyard has some structure to it. In my experience with Mopar yards, they aren’t very organized. You will definitely find Chargers and Challengers in groups, but there won’t be any semblance of year. A-body and B-body will be mixed. You will find it through the likes of the Plymouth Barracuda, Plymouth Valiant, Dodge Dart, Duster, and other Mopar muscles.
These yards are typically best walked to discover what you need…which is also fun!
To be efficient though as a parts picker the best thing to do for these yards is to either check their website or call. These places are Mopar enthusiasts, they know EXACTLY what they have on their lot. Some places will have an inventory of parts or vehicles online. That makes it easier to search and see if they have what you need. If there is no website, just call. I will call these places and ask specific questions like “Do you have a hood for a 1970 Corboda and what condition is it in?”
What Kind of Used Mopar Parts Can You Find?
Literally, any parts you can imagine if you are willing to look and search hard enough. You can strip entire interiors out like seats, carpets, trim, gauges, dashboards, etc. You can pull exterior pieces like hoods, fenders, doors, mirrors, etc. Then of course there are the mechanical parts like the engine, exhaust, intake, and all their attached components.
The craziest thing is sometimes you can find brand-new parts. I’ve seen people try and do a restoration, throw parts at the car, give up, and then rejunk it. You can pull all the pieces someone else already salvaged for you!
Steve’s Performance Mopar only junkyard in Alabama
What Happens When the Vehicle is Stripped?
Most large auto salvage yards have a process for clearing inventory when cars are totally picked. The most common practice is to sell what remains of the frame as scrap metal. This practice allows junkyards to squeeze the last bit of value out of the vehicle.
Mopar junkyards though in my experience, let the frames sit and rust. I think there is something nostalgic about it. It becomes a final resting place for many Mopar classics and for the junkyard goes becomes a walk down history lane.
Buying Used Mopar Parts at a Junkyard
The Pros of Used Mopar Parts at a Junk Yard
There are a lot of advantages to getting your Mopar parts from a salvage, but here are my quick dirty pros…
- Saving Money: Getting parts cheaper than you can find anywhere else
- Reselling Other Parts You Find: Sometimes you find parts you don’t need but know have value. Pull and resell them yourself for a profit.
- Potential Warranty on Parts: Some junkyards offer a 30-day warranty. If your mechanical part doesn’t work you can return it for credit.
- Find Original Mopar Parts: You can pull factory-installed original parts right out of vehicles.
Cons of Cheap Mopar Parts
With the good comes, the bad, here are my quick dirty cons…
- Quality: Not all parts are high quality. You need to shop and pull parts carefully so you don’t waste time and money.
- Most Yards are Disorganized: Trying to find what you need by just walking around can result in endless walking and looking.
- Rust: Many yards leave the frames uncovered and rust and corrosion run deep ruining parts from ever being re-used.
One of the Best and Biggest Mopar Junk Yards You Gotta Visit…
My favorite Mopar junkyard is Steve’s Performance in Alabama. Not only is it one of the largest auto junkyards in the United States, it is Mopar only. This place is crawling with Detroit history and is the final resting place of infinite Chargers and Challengers. It has also been featured on car-hunting TV shows like Roadkill.
Why Go to a Mopar Salvage Instead of a Regular Auto Salvage
Look you’re gonna find some great Dodge, Chrysler, and Plymouth vehicles at your local auto salvage, but there are some drawbacks. Your local auto salvage doesn’t specialize. they don’t know the history of the vehicles and the nuances of the parts used in different years.
When you go to a Mopar junkyard the assistance you get is expert help from a Mopar gearhead. Additionally, your vehicle selection is very refined to strictly what you need. That means if you need parts for a specific car and it’s not on the lot, there are many compatible cars with parts you can pull from.
Resources for Mopar Vehicles
- Reddit r/Mopar
- Mopar Forums
- For B Bodies Only Forum
- For A Bodies Only Forum
- Modern Mopar Forum
- Steven’s Performance Mopar Junkyard
Mopar Junkyards Near Me – Wrap Up
Mopar junkyards are awesome places for all things Mopar and lots of Detroit muscle. These are the best spots to find project cars and parts for your restoration. You can of course find Mopar vehicles at your standard local junkyard, but the selection will be slim and the quality and expertise of the vehicles are just not there. This is what I have learned from the Mopar junkyards near me.
FAQ Section: Mopar Junkyards Near Me
What Auto Parts Can I Find in a Mopar Junkyard?
Mopar Junkyards offers a wide range of auto parts for various models, including those for B-Body and E-Body vehicles. Common parts include engines, transmissions, body panels, and more.
Do Mopar Junkyards Provide Services Like Installation or Repair?
While some Mopar junkyards may offer installation services, most focus on providing salvaged parts. It’s recommended to inquire about additional information when contacting a junkyard.
Do Mopar Junkyards Utilize Similar Technologies for Salvaging?
Mopar junkyards may use various technologies for setting up salvaging, recycling, and organizing inventory. This can include inventory management systems, eco-friendly disposal methods, and more.
Are There Ads for Mopar Junkyards Online?
Yes, you can find ads, videos, and relevant data, for Mopar junkyards on online platforms and Facebook groups, dedicated to auto parts and salvage yards. These ads often include details about available parts and contact information.
How Can I Protect Myself When Buying Parts from a Mopar Junkyard?
To protect yourself, carefully inspect parts before purchasing, ask about return policies, and get a receipt for any transactions. It’s also helpful to research and measure the reputation of the junkyard beforehand.
Are Mopar Junkyards Limited to Cars, or Do They Also Have Parts for Trucks?
Mopar junkyards often have parts for both cars and trucks. Inquire about the availability of truck parts if you’re specifically looking for components for a Mopar truck.
