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Pick N Pulls- how much do you spend ussually $$?
- Thread starter samiam44
- Start date
Same here. Sometimes I find stuff like mirror boots and feel lucky to get out paying $1 each. Headlights I can handle for $40, tail lights $22, not bad. Other items like wiring harnesses are usually priced around $80 which I think is a bit steep. Some things like relays for $8, window regulators for $40, fuel injectors for $30ea (!!?!?) and coil packs for $40 make me think to myself I'm better off buying new. It takes gas, drive time, searching around the yard, and of course the work to pull parts. Then of course the part is used, and may not be good in the first place. It all adds up so it has to be a pretty good value to make it worth it.
Speaking of, I still haven't found your airbox mounts so if you'd like me to send off your harness bracket, just let me know.
Speaking of, I still haven't found your airbox mounts so if you'd like me to send off your harness bracket, just let me know.
I have gotten to the point of saying "no" and leaving stuff on the counter. My son and I buy a lot of modules and sell them on eBay. He likes the cash! And I like the hunt.
At the corporate junkyards, I am never successful in telling them they have picked the wrong price on the computer. But half the time it works to my benefit. Like when I got 10 various module for $5 each. Other times they want $25 - those I decline.
At the corporate junkyards, I am never successful in telling them they have picked the wrong price on the computer. But half the time it works to my benefit. Like when I got 10 various module for $5 each. Other times they want $25 - those I decline.
Same experience here. The last time I went was last December where I scored a set of aluminum oil tubes for $30. It took quite a bit of work to get them though because someone had stripped a couple of the valve cover bolt heads on each side. D'oh. I ended up having to break the valve covers (I felt bad) to get them off.
I wish I had time to go more often. The closest yards to me are only about 20 minutes away in Oceanside but they are small so often I don't find anything useful. The large yards are down south about 50 minutes away so it's quite a time commitment for me.
I wish I had time to go more often. The closest yards to me are only about 20 minutes away in Oceanside but they are small so often I don't find anything useful. The large yards are down south about 50 minutes away so it's quite a time commitment for me.
Glen, I seriously find stripped valve cover bolt 50% of the time I pull oil tubes. It helps to keep a set of torx bits (the kind you can attach to a 3/8" ratchet). They are staggered in sizes with Allen keys. The next size up can be hammered into the 5mm Allen head on the bolt and once it's deep enough, can be released just like any other bolt. Only once have I had to break a valve cover, and that was when the passenger rear bolt near the firewall was stripped.
Let me know when you plan a trip to one of these I'd love to go with you.
Will do!
I didn't think of that with modules- They have online price list- so I kinda can tell the guy hey that is a 94' headlight assy and it says here $34.99. I wonder too, if sometimes things are high because there is so much theft and I am paying too much for being honest.
I remember going with my stepdad down and grabbing a set of euro headlights/wiper assys for a W123. I think my father haggled a bit and he agreed that we would pull them for $50. I was quite happy and they sold instantly on a Mercedes board.
I do ask as the damper door vent was $4.99 or a fender liner rubber strip was $5.05. All good and much more new, but I guess for some of the very small odd-balls I expected them to just throw in.
Spent $24.
2 A-pillar trim for my dodge truck, 1 door jam trim, fender trim from a 320e, trunk vent, weather strip for fender liner...
I was considering cam magnets but that just depends on how they are priced. Above $5 each.. I'm not interested. I'd take a S500 or SL500 EZL as a spare- but for how much? I got a set of injectors and the guy helping couldn't believe I didn't just throw them over the fence...
Off to the other PnP tomorrow or Saturday morning. Need a left headlight assy for a 94'. Also, if I can find a cherry front bumper, it would be easier than working with what I have.. when they are only $40.
Michael
I remember going with my stepdad down and grabbing a set of euro headlights/wiper assys for a W123. I think my father haggled a bit and he agreed that we would pull them for $50. I was quite happy and they sold instantly on a Mercedes board.
I do ask as the damper door vent was $4.99 or a fender liner rubber strip was $5.05. All good and much more new, but I guess for some of the very small odd-balls I expected them to just throw in.
Spent $24.
2 A-pillar trim for my dodge truck, 1 door jam trim, fender trim from a 320e, trunk vent, weather strip for fender liner...
I was considering cam magnets but that just depends on how they are priced. Above $5 each.. I'm not interested. I'd take a S500 or SL500 EZL as a spare- but for how much? I got a set of injectors and the guy helping couldn't believe I didn't just throw them over the fence...
Off to the other PnP tomorrow or Saturday morning. Need a left headlight assy for a 94'. Also, if I can find a cherry front bumper, it would be easier than working with what I have.. when they are only $40.
Michael
At least respect me for my honesty...
The 10-2-1 Principle is an unwritten law…the understood silent Code of Junkyard Dog Conduct for which every $1 you spend, $10 worth (your estimate) of “junque” goes out with you. The Principle has been piously practiced for eons & legends have been built upon it.
Contrary to what some may think, the practice of the Principle is honorable only in its pure form (one’s own use), for the “junque” is being saved, given a new life, re-purposed to solve a problem, satisfy an automotive need that would otherwise possibly go unresolved if left to normal means & devices. It is also a form of salvation, for if the “junque” were to be left behind, it would be wasted, destroyed & lost forever thru the heinous Crusher…unresolved demand for the item the “junque” would have satisfied only creates more Systemic waste of precious resources that could otherwise be spent elsewhere to better humanity.
In essence, a Junkyard Dog is helping the World.
Violating the Code for profit is known as stealing.
Call me Jack Sparrow, but do I love opening my vault & running that precious OEM MB treasure thru my fingers!
The 10-2-1 Principle is an unwritten law…the understood silent Code of Junkyard Dog Conduct for which every $1 you spend, $10 worth (your estimate) of “junque” goes out with you. The Principle has been piously practiced for eons & legends have been built upon it.
Contrary to what some may think, the practice of the Principle is honorable only in its pure form (one’s own use), for the “junque” is being saved, given a new life, re-purposed to solve a problem, satisfy an automotive need that would otherwise possibly go unresolved if left to normal means & devices. It is also a form of salvation, for if the “junque” were to be left behind, it would be wasted, destroyed & lost forever thru the heinous Crusher…unresolved demand for the item the “junque” would have satisfied only creates more Systemic waste of precious resources that could otherwise be spent elsewhere to better humanity.
In essence, a Junkyard Dog is helping the World.
Violating the Code for profit is known as stealing.
Call me Jack Sparrow, but do I love opening my vault & running that precious OEM MB treasure thru my fingers!
From time to time I go to the southern San Diego junk yards. It's a hit and miss, but when you find something, it starts the day off on a good note. Who doesn't enjoy a good deal?
My last good find was a nice Kompressor steering wheel which looks to be the size of a sportline steering wheel.
Door cards are fairly inexpensive. Other nick knacks and trim pieces are fairly cheap.
I once went up to the window to buy some bolts, and the girl at the register just gave them to me.
My last good find was a nice Kompressor steering wheel which looks to be the size of a sportline steering wheel.
Door cards are fairly inexpensive. Other nick knacks and trim pieces are fairly cheap.
I once went up to the window to buy some bolts, and the girl at the register just gave them to me.
I have been frequenting a couple of yards in the Houston area for the past couple of years now. I try to go once a month or so, as they tend to flip the cars every 2-4 weeks at the PnP nearest my house. That said, there is usually a healthy supply of 124s and 126s to choose from. In the past year, I've actually seen two 400E/E420 cars and one E320 Sportline sedan go through the yard, so occasionally some interesting/rare stuff.
A word of caution: late last year, I started having fraud problems with a couple of my credit cards and my Wells Fargo debit card. Like two cards compromised twice in a matter of three months, as well as my debit card also being compromised twice. I was seriously scratching my head as I was patronizing just regular places locally, and doing a few on-line transactions with vendors I trust like AHAZ, parts.com and Amazon.com, and so forth.
Well, I received a replacement credit card after one fraud incident, and used it a total of two times immediately after receiving and activating it. The first time was at a local Advance Auto Parts store. The second time, the next day, was at my local LKQ PnP. And then I didn't use it. Literally two days later, fraudulent transactions started showing up on my card.
And that was the missing link ... I had used all three of my cards (two credit cards and my debit card) at my local LKQ North Houston PnP over the past year. The mamasita at the cashier's office in the yard was clearly "skimming" credit and debit cards and then providing the numbers and codes to the fraudsters.
Needless to say, a lesson was learned, and I only use cash at wrecking yards. And if an extra handful of bolts, or cam oiler tubes, or relay or EZL finds its way into the side pocket of my cargo shorts, and I accidentally forget to put it on the table among parts I've picked to show the cashier, well .... "oops!"
Cheers,
Gerry
A word of caution: late last year, I started having fraud problems with a couple of my credit cards and my Wells Fargo debit card. Like two cards compromised twice in a matter of three months, as well as my debit card also being compromised twice. I was seriously scratching my head as I was patronizing just regular places locally, and doing a few on-line transactions with vendors I trust like AHAZ, parts.com and Amazon.com, and so forth.
Well, I received a replacement credit card after one fraud incident, and used it a total of two times immediately after receiving and activating it. The first time was at a local Advance Auto Parts store. The second time, the next day, was at my local LKQ PnP. And then I didn't use it. Literally two days later, fraudulent transactions started showing up on my card.
And that was the missing link ... I had used all three of my cards (two credit cards and my debit card) at my local LKQ North Houston PnP over the past year. The mamasita at the cashier's office in the yard was clearly "skimming" credit and debit cards and then providing the numbers and codes to the fraudsters.
Needless to say, a lesson was learned, and I only use cash at wrecking yards. And if an extra handful of bolts, or cam oiler tubes, or relay or EZL finds its way into the side pocket of my cargo shorts, and I accidentally forget to put it on the table among parts I've picked to show the cashier, well .... "oops!"
Cheers,
Gerry
Thanks for all the details Gerry!!
I'm definitely going to go more regularly. I can see value in finding a replacement mirror(s) for my dodge truck- I may get a different door for my 500e if I can find one the right color etc. I was surprised to see how fast things come and go. It's a different world and it does mean I don't feel bad getting the chrome out of a trim strip for $2=0) Never seen a W124.034 or 036, Sl500 or even S500 yet. Would love to find an ezl spare cheap.
Someone mentioned buying modules to sell on ebay. What modules sell the best? Just curious- can you cut the harness and pull the whole CANS and call it a computer for $50?
Noted on not using my cc at the PnP. I will go to an ATM machine first.
Gerry- let me know next time you are in DFW!
Michael
I'm definitely going to go more regularly. I can see value in finding a replacement mirror(s) for my dodge truck- I may get a different door for my 500e if I can find one the right color etc. I was surprised to see how fast things come and go. It's a different world and it does mean I don't feel bad getting the chrome out of a trim strip for $2=0) Never seen a W124.034 or 036, Sl500 or even S500 yet. Would love to find an ezl spare cheap.
Someone mentioned buying modules to sell on ebay. What modules sell the best? Just curious- can you cut the harness and pull the whole CANS and call it a computer for $50?
Noted on not using my cc at the PnP. I will go to an ATM machine first.
Gerry- let me know next time you are in DFW!
Michael
Just FYI. A friend of my wife is a manager at a major bank. She recommended to never, ever use your debit card. Period. There is no safety net if your card info is compromised, your bank account can be emptied, you don't get it back. In some cases you may get funds back after a debit card fraud claim, but it can take months (this happened to my in-laws, before we told them to stop using their debit card). The risk level is just too high.
Use the credit card, those have fraud protection, and you won't be liable for unauthorized purchases. Skimmers are still a nuisance but at least you don't have to worry about losing serious $$$.
Use the credit card, those have fraud protection, and you won't be liable for unauthorized purchases. Skimmers are still a nuisance but at least you don't have to worry about losing serious $$$.
The first time my debit card was compromised, it was over the Christmas holiday last year. I had just transferred $1,200 into my checking account via ATM the day before I discovered that my account had been emptied. My bank for that debit card is Wells Fargo and I had a provisional credit for the full amount deposited into my checking account within 2 days, and the fraud investigation was completed in about 4-5 weeks, and the temporarily credited funds were then formally reimbursed to me at that time.
I have no complaints with Wells Fargo and how they handled this situation, whatsoever. The second time it happened, it was only $100-200 and basically the same procedure was followed, with the same satisfactory result.
Cheers,
Gerry
I have no complaints with Wells Fargo and how they handled this situation, whatsoever. The second time it happened, it was only $100-200 and basically the same procedure was followed, with the same satisfactory result.
Cheers,
Gerry
Very interesting, Gerrys acount was hacked for $1200 and that exactly what you spend
Coincidence? I think not...
At least that was my first thought, but I finally did get to actually meet and talk with Jono for a few hours just yesterday, and he seems like a fine young man, so I am going to bet that it was not his doing.
Jono's credit card hacking @ your service...
Worst my account ever go dinged was around 8K. That was a fun one to wake up to....
@ klink, it was a Pleasure Sir and Thank You for the kind words!!
Thanks for taking the time to chat, I look fwd to our next chance to hang out and pontificate...and please do stop by Any Time!!!!
jono
Worst my account ever go dinged was around 8K. That was a fun one to wake up to....
@ klink, it was a Pleasure Sir and Thank You for the kind words!!
Thanks for taking the time to chat, I look fwd to our next chance to hang out and pontificate...and please do stop by Any Time!!!!
jono
Just FYI. A friend of my wife is a manager at a major bank. She recommended to never, ever use your debit card. Period. There is no safety net if your card info is compromised, your bank account can be emptied, you don't get it back. In some cases you may get funds back after a debit card fraud claim, but it can take months (this happened to my in-laws, before we told them to stop using their debit card). The risk level is just too high.
Use the credit card, those have fraud protection, and you won't be liable for unauthorized purchases. Skimmers are still a nuisance but at least you don't have to worry about losing serious $$$.
Amen to that!
I know that the contracts say that they will refund missing money due to fraud, but there is a critical distinction when comparing these to "credit" cards. They are required to remove the fraudulently placed charges on a credit card by law, and the burden is mostly just your word. That is to say, it pretty much comes down to you saying "I didn't charge that", and unless they have pretty much ironclad evidence that you did, they must refund. No such requirement exists for "debit" cards. It is simply them saying "Hey, don't worry! If it's fraudulent, we'll take care of it for you!" It can, and often does take months because they don't have to take care of it.
YMMV indeed! They obviously knew that they were dealing with "The Honcho"! I'm not sure how well any of us humbles would have fared in a similar situation...
On a serious note, I've seen a few friends have really bad experiences after fraudulent debit card events, but none of them were Wells and none of them were within the last few years.
Meh ... my Honcho stick isn't THAT big, but trust me I'll be the first one in line to complain and get pissed if a situation warrants it.
It's really feeling like a trip to Atlanta is in my near future to hang with the likes of Jono, Sheward, and yourself. I need to visit the Klink Kastle to check out the bars and padded rooms....
It's really feeling like a trip to Atlanta is in my near future to hang with the likes of Jono, Sheward, and yourself. I need to visit the Klink Kastle to check out the bars and padded rooms....
Well there are no bars other than for "trinking", the kuhler is only for beer, and the padding is only cat hair, but it is true that No One escapes Stalag 13!
I wish we had Pick n pulls here but we don't. The yards all pull the parts themselves. Rarely have a 124. The best I did was a very small place that had a 124 as donor car, I had been looking for a sunroof wind deflector since mine had cracked at one of the arms. Pulled it myself, gave him $10 and was on my way. I am in search for an Alto Grey post facelift rear bumper but here that's a unicorn.
With enough advance notice, I would drive down to Atlanta (have friends and family there) to visit with the Honcho, Jono and the rest of the SE contingent. So keep us posted please!
The real issue is the PO used rattle can paint on a good piece of it. It's adds to the charm of the car but if I ever saw an Alto grey bumper I would get it assuming the price is right. I assume that would be cheaper than a repaint but maybe not.
Sadly, when it comes to old urethane bumpers the plastic often "rots" making it VERY hard to repair.... We're finding more and more bumpers from the 80's/90's just fall apart when You try to repair them in any substantial manner.. And if you Do manage to get them repaired the smallest of hits/bumps cracks them all to pieces again..
Jono
Jono
I don't know how you find the time to work, mind your family and house, run this board, work on your cars, take trips, etc... I'm starting to wonder if there are more than one of you. I hope you can make the time to come, as well as any of you others nearby. If it's in the cards, Gerry, dinner and drinks are on me.
drew
I don't think Gerry will have to buy much if any food or drink...
Hope So!
I'm in, whatever it is.
Looks like plane fares are cheap -- if folks vote that the weekend if 8/15-17 is good, then I'll make plans.
One teensy detail ... need to inform the wife.Given that I was just gone for 3 full weeks, NOT gonna go over well.....
Can't help you there, Honch. I hope that goes OK. I haven't left home for a minute regarding this board, and even I am starting to get an occasional remark about all the time I'm spending with "your new friends". That from the incredibly low-maintenance Klinkette, so I can just imagine your current situation regarding this matter...
Can't help you there, Honch. I hope that goes OK. I haven't left home for a minute regarding this board, and even I am starting to get an occasional remark about all the time I'm spending with "your new friends". That from the incredibly low-maintenance Klinkette, so I can just imagine your current situation regarding this matter...
klinkette....love it Colonel! Are the kids called Klinkers?
.....
Works for me.
Well they are now, Andy!
I am the former owner/operator of a 600+ vehicle yard. I used to treat people more than fair. As a result, I got A LOT of referal business, the result being that I made decent money. If not for the fact that my property turned out to have easement issues that had gone un-noticed since the 1930s, I'd still be operating today! Now being on the other side of the counter sucks, because NONE of the yards treat me like I used to treat my customers. I KNOW what a killing they are making! They don't pay squat for the cars, they don't pay their employees squat, it's no wonder big conglomerates are swooping in and gobbling these cash cows up all across the country! Now I'm paying through the nose for stuff that I used to practically give away! I just hate it! I resent the Hell out of it!
So your post strikes a cord with me. It resonates. My retaliation takes the form of a false bottom tool box that I constructed myself. Anybody here remember Johnny Cash's "One Piece At A Time"? Well, it's nothing like that, but I at least don't get nickle and dimed to death on the smaller items.
[youtube]5GhnV-6lqH8[/youtube]
Regards,
Eric
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