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Thursday, November 24, 2011

Junkyard tour: Classic cars at Junkyard USA in French Lake, Minnesota


Chasing classic cars in junkyards. Junkyardlife's new best friend in Minnesota is 21-year-old Joe Marano of Ham Lake. Marano recently turned his hobby into a full-time business he calls Junkers Towed by Joe. He hauls junk cars, sells parts, cars and is accumulating a fleet of desirable restoration projects along the way. Marano provided photos from a trip to Junkyard USA, a giant 100-acre yard specializing in older vehicles.



1958 Chevy Impala at French Lake Auto Parts.



French Lake Auto Parts 
Located in Minnesota 60 miles West of Minneapolis/St. Paul, ‘JunkTown USA’ is a monolith of car recycling in the Midwestern United States. Family-owned since 1956, these owners know better than to crush the old stuff. They have a section of 1970s and older vehicles waiting for eager parts pullers. You may want to take extra cash if you go. “They want a lot for their part,” said Marano. “But they have a lot of good stuff.” Vintage Mopars, Chevys and Fords are spread out in rows and stacks behind the main building past the school buses. 


DETAILS
What  - French Lake Auto Parts
Where - Located 60 miles West of Minneapolis/St. Paul in French Lake, Minnesota.

 3531 County Road 3 NW, Annandale, MN 55302
Hours - Tues-Fri 8-5 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 
Website: FrenchLakeAutoParts.com




100s of cars from the 1950s-1970s are stashed at French Lake.


Most junkyards scrapped older models during lean economic times.


1969 Dodge Super Bee in the French Lake junkyard. 


1968 Dodge Monaco 500 at FLAP’s junkyard.

This junked 1964 Chevy Impala looks almost ready for the cruise-in.

1962 Chevy Impala at the junkyard in Minnesota.

Do you see Mopars at French Lake?

If you get lost in FLAP’s junkyard look for landmarks such as the 1971 Chevy El Camino in the sky.

Searching for just one part? It may take you more than a day to see all of French Lake’s junkyard.

1968-74 Chevy Nova in a field at French Lake Auto Parts.

Like most yards you have to get the parts you want ASAP.

1968-72 Chevelle parts are plentiful at French Lake.

Is that a Firebird behind the Chevelle?

More to come from Minnesota
I will have more cool cars from Joe Marano soon. This enterprising gear head, car crafter has a barn find 1969 Dodge Charger and built a super slick 1968 Nova. Marano is chasing his dream, combining a business with his passion for old cars. If you need his services at Junkers Towed by Joe, you can reach him at mnmusclecarguy@hotmail.com


– Jody Potter, junkyardlife.com


Know of a junkyard I need to visit or want to send me photos and info about a junkyard? Send emails to junkyardbull@gmail.com.

6 comments:

Maxr said...

I live a few miles away from F.L.A.P it jyst gets bigger and bigger quite organized too. Great people and Floyd(founder) is there as much as possible, if you ever get a chance to go take it!

Anonymous said...

is it me or do I see alot of GM A-bodies? my dad would jump for joy if he saw those at our local yard.

alfredbaca81@gmail.com said...

Looking for trunk lid 65 dodge monaca two door hard top coupe

Unknown said...

Do you currently have any 68 Dodge charger RTS for parts need a full car body

Unknown said...

Looking for late 60's f250 or f100 whole truck

Anonymous said...

I'm looking for a 74 Delta 88 for parts or a whole floor pan front to back