Junkyard barn find: 1966 Mustang convertible

A red 1966 Ford Mustang convertible sits under decades of dust in a barn at King's Auto Parts in Birmingham, Alabama. Junkyard owner Lonnie King, opened the barn door to reveal a checkered flag waving ragtop with 54,000 miles on the odometer. A Dale Earnhardt poster, keeping with the racing theme, resting under a wiper blade. King says, “the ponycar is equipped with the 170-cubic inch, inline six cylinder and is backed by a 4-speed manual transmission.” 

Lonnie King surveys his 1966 Mustang convertible.

Ford built 607,568 Mustangs in 1966. Of those, 56,409 were convertibles. This barn find Mustang is mostly complete. The front bumper and the “F” emblem on the leading edge of the hood are a couple items you might want to search for in the junkyard. 


King has owned the Mustang for many years but would consider parting with it for $11,000. If your interested call him, 205-786-3256. 

Only 54,000 miles showing on this 1966 Mustang convertible.

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Cars in Yards: 1946 Ford Super Deluxe Tudor

1946 Ford Super Deluxe Tudor

“You gotta see this. Its right back here! Don’t it look like a gangster car?” My excited host was showing me what was hidden behind a fence near his west Alabama home. He didn’t want his name mentioned or photo taken, so details about him will remain sketchy. I’m not saying my tour guide was or wasn’t on ‘America’s Most Wanted’ or a member of Al Capone’s gang but he had enough nervous energy to make me hesitant to follow him into a secluded yard. I went anyway.

Gangster car?
I stumbled over some extraneous barb wire and scanned the yard for a non-existent Rottweiler as I proceeded. Seeing a 1946 Ford Super Deluxe was reward for my bravery. The black, rounded shape didn’t say gangster car to me. I think of 4-doors and running boards but it would still make a cool project car.

Seek and ye shall find
It’s not everyday you are treated to a tour of old cars in yards. This happened when I stopped to ask for directions to a nearby junkyard. I flashed my business card and unlocked a wealth of help from a stranger who told me about the cars he loves. Life is good.

Have you got a old car or junkyard story? Send them to junkyardlife.

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Cars in Yards: 1955 Chevy

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1955 Chevrolet 3100 pick-up truck, for sale in the rearview

For several years this 1955 Chevrolet truck was parked in front of a house along busy Highway 75 in Oneonta, Alabama. A faded for sale sign was leaned against the windshield. The bed was rotted out and it needed everything. It was one of the “second series” 1955 models. I passed on it because it looked too rough. That was 4 years ago. This 1955 Chevy 3100 disappeared not long after I took this photo. 


Today, I would buy that truck. Should have, could have. They always look better in the rearview mirror.


Have you got a old car or junkyard story? Send them to junkyardlife.

Harley Earl’s 1958 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight, king of chrome and junkyard rust

Automotive stylist, Harley Earl’s chrome-laden legacy achieved its peak during GM’s 1958 model year. One of his boldest creations, a 1958 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight, adorned in Festival Red awaits rescue at Jefferson County Auto Parts. The ’58 models, gaudy and overdone to some, would be Earl’s final designs after 30-plus years at GM. Ironically, Earl’s handiwork can be found in an Alabama junkyard more than 52 years later.

PHOTOS BY JODY POTTER/JUNKYARDLIFE.COM

1950s GM vehicles are unique, in that each model year was redesigned. Styling changes were made to lure customers into showrooms to buy the latest creations. Pound-for-pound, General Motors’ vehicles had more chrome and trim than any U.S automobile manufactured in 1958. Sheetmetal and trim pieces are highly prized on low-production vehicle years, like 1958. This rusty, mostly unmolested Oldsmobile provides a good starting point for a project or parts car. 

A quick investigation of this 1958 Olds revealed the original 371 cubic-inch, Rocket V8 engine. In my book, the styling alone out-shined dozens of weather-beaten classics rusting in this Alabama junkyard. The $850 asking price was tempting. Check out my earlier post if your tempted too.

Comment below or send your photos and stories to junkyardlife.com

Comment below or send your photos and stories to junkyardlife.com

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Junkyard find: 1941 Ford sedan delivery

This 1941 Ford sedan delivery is parked just inside the gate at Jefferson County Auto Parts in Alabama. You don’t find many 1940s era vehicles in junkyards these days. This sighting was noteworthy due to the fact that this ’41 Ford retains its original flathead V8. Traces of peeling, vintage, black paint and original hubcaps also remain. This Ford was probably parked when the drivetrain let go. Years of faithful service and decades avoiding would-be butchering by novice hot rodders have kept this pre-war Ford original.

If your interested the ’41 delivery can be bought for $2,000.

Got a cool ride or know of a junkyard I should see. Send info and/or pics to me at junkyardbull@gmail.com

Junkyard tour: Jefferson County Auto Parts

“Birdeye” Sims watches the wreckers roll in with new inventory.

The unusual is the usual at most junkyards. “Birdeye” Sims, owner of Jefferson County Auto Parts, works six days a week from the driver’s seat of a white Chevrolet Impala. Recently, “Birdeye’s” health has limited his mobility and confined his workspace to the Impala. He sits behind the wheel, keeping a sharp eye on a wrecker loading cars. Between draws from his cigarette, he answers a customer’s questions about parts, prices and the large collection of antique cars he has on the yard. When a phone call for a part comes in at the front counter, his daughter-in-law, Wendy relays the message to “Birdeye”. Quick as a blink, she gets an answer back. “Birdeye” tells her if they have the part, where it is, and the sale price. The battered air dam on the front of his Impala proves he knows the junkyard and its roads like the back of his hand.

Wendy Sims works the counter, answering calls to Jefferson County Auto Parts.

For more 35 years, Jefferson County Auto Parts has been the lifeblood of the Sims’ family. During that time, buying and selling cars and parts has turned into a family affair. His wife, son and daughter-in-law are all part of the day-to-day operation. His son, David Sims, has taken over most of the heavy lifting and his share of essential junkyard headaches. Daughter-in-law, Wendy Sims, is the energetic voice that answers the phone. She directs the customers questions to “Birdeye”, in the Impala. “Birdeye’s” wife, Brenda, can often be found behind the counter helping customers, too. On the day I visited, scrapping cars was the top order of business. A junkyard has to make money, even in tough economic times. Scrap prices were $11 per 100-pounds for cars. A 3,500-pound car would bring in $385 for the yard. Goodbye cars, hello money.

1958 Oldsmobile Eight-Eight, 2-door hard top at JeffCo Auto Parts. Was $850.

Believe it, or not. A 1941 Ford sedan delivery at Jefferson County Auto Parts.

Antiques or junk?

Most junkyards scrapped their 1940s and 1950s vehicles long ago. You don’t have to look far to find the old stuff at “Birdeye's” junkyard. A rare 1941 Ford sedan delivery sits beside the front gate. How often have you seen one of those? Need parts for a 1958 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight? How about your 1959 Pontiac Bonneville or 1951 Willys wagon? Most of the old stuff, 50 or more cars, is gathered to the left of the main building. Take a left, and the old car section, is on your right. If your willing to walk, you may discover more than a dozen jaw dropping classics. A 1951 Ford parked on a mound of red clay. A 1942 Chevrolet coupe with a slightly mashed roof waits for restoration. The old cars are worth the trip. Meeting “Birdeye,” priceless. 

Where is it? Hours?

Don't get lost, use the map. Remember the New in New Mulga Loop Rd. I got lost and found another junkyard that I will share with you soon.

Jefferson County Auto Parts

6340 New Mulga Loop Road

Birmingham, Alabama 35224

(205) 781-1370

Hours - Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

See map here

“Birdeye” Sims, also known as “Pop,” at work in the Impala.

Wendy Sims, the voice of Jefferson County Auto Parts.

Slightly wrinkled 1942 Chevrolet coupe at Jefferson County Auto Parts.

1950 Chevrolet sedan at Jefferson County Auto Parts.

1951 Ford at Jefferson County Auto Parts.

1951 Pontiac Chieftain, left, at Jefferson County Auto Parts.

1951 Willys wagon at Jefferson County Auto Parts. Was $500.

Found this classy 1959 Pontiac Bonneville door panel at the junkyard.

Not many 1959 Pontiacs look this good in a junkyard. Was $650.

1960 Dodge with push-button shift transmission.

Jefferson County Auto Parts owner, “Birdeye” Sims.

1960 Dodge at Jefferson County Auto Parts.

Looks like a 1936 Chevrolet hiding in the pines.

Know of a junkyard I need to visit? Send me an email here.

View Larger Map to Jefferson County Auto Parts

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Talladega infield bus, where the party never begins

Talladega weekend on top of this bus means work for these guys.

An tattered Blue Bird conversion bus caught my attention as I cruised through the infield area at Talladega Superspeedway. Rust and flaking paint are not uncommon on many of the recycled school buses that make the trek to Talladega for NASCAR races. This one was different because it lacked a colorful paint scheme to mimic the owners favorite driver. This Blue Bird has it's own colorful history. It hasn't moved from its location, near Turn 3 in years and was once owned by NASCAR president Mike Helton.

 

Looking for wrecks, checking for damage to wall

A trio of men were standing on its rooftop platform, sipping water and 7UP. All attentively watching the Nextel Cup practice. Not a beer in sight. These guys were working for Cheaha Construction, located in Munford, Alabama. I was invited to chat, up on the weathered platform. “On race weekend, it's our job to fix the speedway wall, should a car damage it in a collision,” said Ken Dymarski. Not long after he said that, Dale Earnhardt Jr. blew a tire and hit the wall in Turn 4. Armed with binoculars, the men assessed the damage to the wall. In some situations, these guys have to weld sections of steel back together. Two men in a red Dodge 4X4 pick-up truck, loaded with foam soft wall material were on standby. All clear. Earnhardt Jr.’s car didn’t damage the SAFER barrier or the retaining wall. No need for repairs this time.

NASCAR lineage

Home base for Cheaha Constructions track operations has been this old bus for the last twenty years. The owner of Cheaha Construction bought the bus from NASCAR president, Mike Helton, more than two decades ago. At one time the Blue Bird bus was a communications vehicle for NASCAR. I climbed down from the roof and took a peek at the interior. The retro vibe from the outside continues throughout the cabin area. Two Cheaha workmen were enjoying a break from the heat and watching TV. Vintage 1970s curtains block the light and colorful infield scenery.

Next time your at Talladega take look at this time capsule. Who knows how long this almost permanent fixture will remain?

Cheaha Construction workers take a break inside the Blue Bird bus.

Foam for the soft walls is ready if needed.

Windows up and A/C cranked, this Dodge waits for disaster.

 

The Cheaha Construction bus is a speck in the 212-acre Talladega infield.

The bus where the party never begins.

Got a cool old car, truck or bus? 
Send info and photos to junkyardlife here.

MORE STORIES and PHOTOS 

My test drive of a 1972 Formula Firebird here.

A Cadillac bought by Elvis sits on the side of the road. See it here.

Or find out if 1957 Chevy four-door are cool here.